Make the December mileage run a thing of the past by getting a fast-track, elite-status credit card at the beginning of the year. Here is a rundown on who offers them, but first a few caveats.
If you achieve elite status year-in and year-out without making a mileage run, you don’t need these cards—unless they could push you up to the next level.
The main benefit of these cards is that they get you to elite status faster. They offer a number of Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) bonuses, but they aren’t the best for racking up miles. So, once you’re over the elite threshold, put the card in a drawer and start using a card that gets you mileage redemption access to many different airlines, such as the Starwood Preferred Guest Card or an American Express Membership Rewards card.
United Platinum Visa
At first purchase: 5,000 EQMsAnnual spend bonus: 5,000 EQMs for $35,000 spent
Online purchases: Up to 5,000 EQMs for ticket purchases at united.com (1 mile per $1)
Redeemable miles sign-up bonus: 30,000 after first $250 in purchases, enough for a free domestic round-trip upgrade with any United fare (as of Jan. 12), or a round-trip international upgrade with a B-fare
Annual fee: $140 (more than pays for that free upgrade)
Details: United Platinum Visa
US Airways Dividend Miles Premier World MasterCard
At first purchase: 25,000 bonus miles (not EQMs) and a 5,000-mile discount on US Airways award ticketsAnnual spend bonus:10,000 EQMs for $25,000 in purchases
Annual fee: $79
Details: US Airways MasterCard
Continental Presidential Plus World MasterCard
Annual spend bonus: 2,000 flexible EQMs per $15,000 (These never expire, and can be redeemed at any time.)Other perks: Presidents Club membership
Annual fee: $375
Details: Continental MasterCard
Delta Reserve Credit Card / Amex
At first purchase: 10,000 EQMsAnnual spend bonus: Up to 30,000 EQMs and 30,000 bonus miles (15,000 EQMs and 15,000 bonus miles per $30,000)
Annual fee: $150
Details: Delta Amex