Of the three major benefits that credit cards confer on frequent flyers—earning mileage, getting free companion tickets, and providing a faster track to elite status—the last one is the least appreciated, even by many road warriors.
Last month I discussed in detail how to get up to 25% bonus miles—with 30+ carriers—as well as other criteria for deciding which credit card is right for earning you the most miles. This month I’m focusing on the faster track to elite status.
Key things to keep in mind
- Get an elite status fast-track card if you won’t reach elite status without it, or it can get you to a higher level. If you already earn elite status year in and year out, you don’t need the card. Stick with the best card for earning miles.
- Once you’ve netted elite status using the card, put it in your desk drawer for the rest of the year, and go back to using a card that earns you the most miles. (See July 2006 FCF for more on this strategy).
United’s Platinum Visa nets up to 15,000 EQMs
At first purchase: Earn 5,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs)Annual spend bonus: Earn another 5,000 EQMs when you spend $35,000 each year with the card
Purchase online: Earn up to another 5,000 EQMs for ticket purchases at united.com (1 mile per $1) each year
Redeemable miles sign-up bonus: Earn 15,000 redeemable bonus miles upon first use of the card—enough for a domestic one-way upgrade, or a one-way upgrade with B fares internationally! Annual fee: $140 Details: www.united.com/platinumvisa. (While not tied to a credit card, the airline offers another elite fast track offer through an Economy Plus Purchase promotion. Visit http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51328,00.html for details.)
US Airways 10,000 EQMs
The airline has two different cards that can net you the bonus, a Visa (usairwaysvisa.com) and a MasterCard (mostmiles.com)Annual spend bonus: Earn 10,000 EQMs when you spend $25,000 each year with either card
Redeemable miles sign-up bonus: Visa, 25,000; MasterCard, 20,000 Annual fee: Visa $90 / MasterCard $79
Delta Platinum Sky Miles Amex
At first purchase: Earn 15,000 bonus SkyMiles, 5,000 of which are Medallion Elite Qualification MilesDetails: https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/cda/dynamic.jsp?name=DeltaPlatinum_List&type=intBenefitList Annual fee: $135
Amex Centurion Card—the hard way
This card is in a category all its own. Spend $150,000 annually on an Amex card and you can be invited to get a Centurion card, which costs $2,500 annually. Card benefits are many and include three free elite cards, including Delta SkyMiles Gold Medallion, Continental OnePass Gold, and US Airways Gold.Of the three major benefits that credit cards confer on frequent flyers—earning mileage, getting free companion tickets, and providing a faster track to elite status—the last one is the least appreciated, even by many road warriors.
Last month I discussed in detail how to get up to 25% bonus miles—with 30+ carriers—as well as other criteria for deciding which credit card is right for earning you the most miles. This month I’m focusing on the faster track to elite status.
Key things to keep in mind
- Get an elite status fast-track card if you won’t reach elite status without it, or it can get you to a higher level. If you already earn elite status year in and year out, you don’t need the card. Stick with the best card for earning miles.
- Once you’ve netted elite status using the card, put it in your desk drawer for the rest of the year, and go back to using a card that earns you the most miles. (See July 2006 FCF for more on this strategy).
United’s Platinum Visa nets up to 15,000 EQMs
At first purchase: Earn 5,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs)Annual spend bonus: Earn another 5,000 EQMs when...