Credit cards - best for air miles?

[ex-snook]

What is the best credit card to have to earn flight miles?

[ex-snook]

Thanks

[#1CTYankee]

Call First USA Card at (800) 297-4691 to place a fast, easy application over the phone for the United Airlines Mileage Plus Visa credit Card. Request the "Member-get-a-Member" program and earn 15,000 points with your first purchase. You will also get a $25 United travel discount coupon and One-class upgrade certificate. First Card is open 24 hours a day. Try calling during non peak times or weekends. You may even be able apply over the phone. It takes about 8 minutes to do. It's fast and easy!

[ex-snook]

Thanks - but is it only good on United?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Depends on where you live. If you're on the upper midwest, Northwest Airlines may be best. No time limit on miles.

[greydog]

I would say a Shell, Amaco(BP), or Clark. Just make sure you fly Chevrolet or Ford.

[moyden]

If you get a First USA you'll pay far more in high interest and hidden charges than you'll ever get in air miles.

[kellynla]

AMEX I charge everything of business and personal from groceries to mail on the AMEX and you can transfer the points to many airlines and hotel chains.

[ladyjane]

AmEx also has a special card that costs about $90 but it gives double points.

[BluH2o]

AMEX Delta Airlines Sky Miles card. Charge everything you can ... gas, groceries, etc. ... it adds up quickly.

[kellynla]

BTW if you get a gold, platinum or black AMEX there are some great amenities/upgrades at hotels and opportunities for concerts etc. that you can purchase with the CARD. Check out the website for partner airlines and hotels.

[Wright is right!]

If you can get a black AMEX card, chances are you're not hangin' around FR...

Michael

[stimpyone]

depends on where you live and what you fly. If you live near a hub, you'll want to have a card for the airline that runs the hub (i.e. Chicago/San Fran/LA/Dulles are United hubs).

FirstUSA has a program called value miles that allows you to use points on any airline, but the maximum ticket value is $425. American Express has a similar program.

[kellynla]

just watchin' the Futures MARKET :-)

[Atlas Sneezed]

You could get a card that gives a cash rebate of 1-2%, and spend the money on airline tickets.

Figure an air mile is worth a penny. (40,000 miles gets you a ticket worth about $400, roughly speaking). Now, if you can get more than a penny in rebate for each dollar you spend, you are even or ahead (and need not worry about blackout dates or which airline you prefer.)

The only real advantage of mileage awards is that you can be spontaneous, and not get reamed for a last-minute purchase.

[#1CTYankee]

If you get a First USA you'll pay far more in high interest and hidden charges than you'll ever get in air miles.

I wouldn't know. I only use credit cards for purchaces I have the money to cover.
I pay the bill in full and have never been hit up for extra charges or paid interest.

IMHO, People who can't pay in this manner should tear up the cards they have.