Will I screw up the air miles game?

[Murse]

So I hope sometime in the future to play the air miles game but right now my expenses are so low that I don't see anyway I could make the minimums. I currently have a credit card with no reward and I am wanting to switch to one with a reward, would I shoot myself in the foot anyway by signing up for the one I'm currently eyeing- capital one quicksilver unlimited 1.5% on everything?

[mxt0133]

Have you looked in manufactured spending?  With signing bonuses of $3K spend for the first three months, even if you front loaded some expenses by buying gift cards to Costco or where ever you shop I think that you should be able to swing 2-3 rewards each at about $400-$500 in value a year.

There are many bonuses that are at $1k spend within the first 3 months like the Amex Premier Rewards card that gives you 50k in MR points plus $200 in travel credits.

[Murse]

Have you looked in manufactured spending?  With signing bonuses of $3K spend for the first three months, even if you front loaded some expenses by buying gift cards to Costco or where ever you shop I think that you should be able to swing 2-3 rewards each at about $400-$500 in value a year.

There are many bonuses that are at $1k spend within the first 3 months like the Amex Premier Rewards card that gives you 50k in MR points plus $200 in travel credits.

My expenses probably average out to 300$/month right now (for those who are going to ask I live with and take care of my gma, in exchange she pays for nearly everything except food.) so manufactured spending would freeze up too much money.

[mxt0133]

Why don't you pay for your gma's expenses with your card and she just pay off your bills? Or if any of your relatives has a large expense that's coming up you could ask to use your card and have them write you a check, I'm sure they wouldn't mind helping you build some 'credit'.

Anyway just giving you options.  I understand that it might be a bit much for some people but I'm the type to spend 5 hours doing something to get a $10 reward just because I find it challenging and think I'm gaming the system somehow.  So for me the reward is mostly in accumulating the points and not vs actually using them.

[stlbrah]

check out my thread http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/travel-miles-101-possible-mustachian-problem/

Since then, I have managed to accumulate over 120,000 more travel miles

[Catbert]

The Capital One card you're looking at would be a good fit for you.  If you're only spending $300 or so a month then even manufactured spending wouldn't help much.

The single hard pull on your credit file will only "cost" you 6 or so points on your credit score.  People who work the credit card game regularly get cards every 91 so getting the Capital One card now won't preclude you from getting other credit cards in the future when your situation changes.   (Assuming adequate income and  decent credit score.)

[tetlee]

If you do go for a cash back card a better option is the "Citi Double Cashback" which will get you 2%.

[BarkyardBQ]

If you do go for a cash back card a better option is the "Citi Double Cashback" which will get you 2%.

Plus the American Express Blue Cash Preferred for groceries and gas.

We also use Discover and Chase Freedom, for 5% on gas, 3 months of the year each.