Questions and Answers

Hi One Mile at a Time team,
A relative of mine has kept the DL Skymiles Platinum AMEX open for several years as a primary card. Mainly to earn bonus MQM and to waive the MQD requirement. I personally see this as a waste since 1 Skymile per Dollar doesn’t seem like value maximising. I have a few questions, maybe you can shed light on these
– If he asked to downgrade to the Skymiles Gold Amex or upgrade to the Delta Reserve Amex: would he be eligible for a signup bonus?
– Is the Skymiles Platinum Amex a sensible card in your opinion given the limited benefits?
– He is employed and thus is not eligible for any business credit cards. How do you suggest “becoming eligible” for business credit cards? Do the card issuers check if you put down that you do freelance work?

I suggested opening the IHG credit card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred for now but I am a bit clueless regarding the DL Platinum Amex..

Thanks a lot in advance!

David

Downgrading a card makes you ineligible for the current bonus on the new card. Your relative should instead apply for the card directly instead of downgrading. If he’s upgrading, call AMEX as there might be an upgrade promotion offered. I upgraded from an Amex PRG to a Platinum card when they offered me a 50k bonus.

The Delta SkyMiles platinum could work, depending on what he’s looking for. It’s another way to earn more MQMs without flying. But if he’s looking to earn skymiles, the regular Amex cards earning MR points will probably be better, since those points can be transferred to Delta, and other airlines.

Employed doesnt mean he’s ineligible for business credit cards – freelance work would qualify – on the application you can select “Sole Proprietor” as the type of business. Ben talks a bit about applying for business cards here: [URL]http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2018/03/30/applying-for-chase-ink-business-cards-what-you-need-to-know/[/URL]

IHG card would be good for the annual free night, if he can make use of it. Same for the Hyatt card. Chase’s UR earning cards would also be a good option.