All of our Sunday Success Stories serve as a living example that all of us average Americans can, indeed, see the world at prices we all can afford. We can do this by working together and sharing our stories. Send your story to me at rick@frugaltravelguy.com. Include your first name and last initial, along with your occupation and a photo, if you wish. - Rick
Hi Rick,
Here are the results of my recent applications:
- Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines: approval after a quick call
- Bank of America Virgin Atlantic: approval after a quick call
- Citi Hilton: Instant approval
These cards along with my Amex Hilton (not Surpass which I should have done) and BoA Hawaiian Air give me 328,000 points! Enough for 6 nights in Seychelles where rooms cost $1500 a night during peak times!
- Chase British Airways: Initially rejected as they said too many applications within the past 30 days. I don’t see how this is possible as I waited more than 90 days but my only guess is that I applied for the business card too. They shifted credit from my unused freedom card and approved me.
- Chase Ink Bold: Same as above and shifted from my Southwest Business card.
- Barclays US Air: Barclays is the new Capital One nemesis for me. They approved me for a whopping $1000 and I believe I got that premier card that allows for full redemption of the miles. I have heard others that apply for premier and are given the lower card. I think that may be worth mentioning as it is part of the T’s and C’s at Barclays where you can apply for the top card and get demoted to the secondary one with minimum points.
- Barclays US Air Business: Pending.
One question I did have is when I asked about closing my Southwest Card in order to get Ink Bold. She said that I would lose my SWA points. A discussion about closing cards before the annual fee is due again and policies would be helpful.
Overall, a great and, once again, thanks for all your help.
Best, Alex
Alex, thanks for sharing your success. It seems as though uneducated agents are sharing wrong information. While Chase does have a documented policy where signup bonus points may be forfeited if an account has been closed within 6 months (check the terms and conditions when you apply for a card!), it seems as though some agents may be spreading the info on all cards. Keep it in mind.
