It’s been long overdue, but I finally got around to updating the Preparing for Miles page on the Frequent Miler blog. This is a permanent page that you can access at any time from the link named “Preparing for Miles” at the top of each Frequent Miler page, just below the banner.
This is the one page where I keep up to date credit card information and signup links. Unlike most other blogs that focus on the cards with the best signup bonuses, this page is focused on cards that will help you earn points and/or elite status by using and keeping them.
What has changed
More Ink
I’ve written a lot in the past about the Chase Ink Bold card and have shown ways to leverage its 5 points per dollar at office supply stores in ways never envisioned by Chase. But, did you know that Chase has two other cards that also offer 5 points per dollar at office supply stores? Both the Ink Classic and the Ink Cash have this benefit, and both with no annual fee!
SPG Added
Now that Starwood has significantly improved the value of Gold and Platinum status, it’s time to take another look at this perennially favorite card. The card gives you 5 elite nights / 2 stays per year towards elite status. If you get both the personal and the business version of this card you will get 10 nights and 4 stays. Plus, if you spend $30K per year on either card you will be given Gold status automatically.
Hilton Added
The Hilton HHonors and Hilton HHonors Surpass Amex cards both have amazingly generous bonus categories including 6 points per dollar at grocery stores. Both cards grant gold status for $20K of annual spend. The Surpass offers Diamond status for $40K of spend. Imagine using the Surpass to spend $40K per year at grocery stores (gift cards anyone?): you would earn Diamond status and 240,000 Hilton points!
Take a look
In addition to the new cards, the page has also been completely re-written and re-formatted to make information easier to find and to read. Please take a look: Preparing for Miles.
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For the Ink cards, is there a benefit to keeping the Bold over the Classic or Cash?
Are earning structures the only difference? Or are the UR points different, like Membership Rewards Express?
David: Yes, the Bold has much better travel redemption options for the UR points. But if you or a friend has the Bold or the Sapphire Preferred you can transfer points to one of those cards for free and then get the better redemptions.