Summer 2023 Credit Card Application Results
As usual, I took a big break from heavy points earning activity over the summer. The pause was a worthy one, as always. But that doesn’t mean my wife and I abstained from credit card applications over those few months. We’ve been active enough there, adding a few more solid products to our card portfolio. Here are our summer credit card application results, in no particular order.
American Express® Business Gold Card
While some continue to enjoy solid targeted offers for Amex Business Gold and Platinum cards, my options have dried up a bit the past few months. But I faced a dilemma where I actually had options for both simultaenously this summer, and I opted to apply for the Business Gold. Incorporating my costs and the welcome offers coming back to earth, the Business Platinum didn’t make sense at the time. (Alas, I can’t remember the exact Business Platinum offer I had. My recordkeeping took a break over the summer, too.) I took the easy 90k Membership Reward offer with $10k spend. I could’ve held out for more, but why? For years, I’ve found playing an active, high turnover game with Amex is the best move. Always be applying.
Outcome: Immediately Approved
Bank of America Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard
Some may think a record scratched just now. Yes, we applied for more Air France cards. Why? Because the heightened offer was still available. The Air France card bonus of 70k miles, more XP, and a $100 statement credit with $2k spend lasted for about four and a half months. As Delta continues to throttle earning of their currency, we enjoy collecting this one for Delta awards at often-superior rates.
Outcome: Immediately Approved x2
Hilton Honors Business Amex
I returned back to Amex to keep the high turnover game going. Over the summer, Amex offered an excellent 150k and FNC bonus on $4k spend with the Hilton Business card. This is my favorite offer for the card in recent memory, even better than last year’s 130k and FNC offer. I applied knowing that I would get denied based on my then-current Amex credit card count. I knew I had 60 days to call reconsideration. Later in that period, it all came together.
Outcome: Immediately pending, followed by an automated denial. Subsequently approved via reconsideration call.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
A few months ago, Amex offered a bonus rarely seen, if ever, on the Bonvoy Business card. And it turns out the offer was only alive for a few weeks. I applied for the card with three 50k free night awards on $6k spend offer. Understandably, this offer isn’t for everyone. But I knew we had definite use for these three certs at properties over the 50k level this cardmember year, so it was basically a 150k bonus point offer. We continue to obtain reliable value out of Marriott points directly addressing our travel goals.
Outcome: Immediately Approved
Conclusion
We certainly weren’t as busy applying over the summer, but it’s been plenty for us. I’m excited to scale up again this fall while also seeing what surprises are around the corner, signup bonuses and otherwise. I’m done with Bank of America for a bit, and I look forward to venturing out more on personal cards in addition to the always-active business card plays. Through it all, I’ll be enjoying the beauty of travel during my favorite time of year – autumn.
What cards have you picked up recently?
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When you say, “active, high turnover game with Amex,” are you closing cards with them? If so, are these business, personal, or both?
Correct, Brian. I close the majority of my cards (business and personal) after the second year annual fee hits. I’ll occasionally take the right retention offer, though.