Questions and Answers

I live in Brazil and getting started. A lot of the tips are good in the U.S. only. Seems to me a good strategy is to go for the credit cards without international transactions fees with the biggest sign-up bonuses. Do you cancel cards after you attain the initial boost? Do balance transfers count for the initial spending amount? Hotels actually run more than airfare these days. What is the best play for hotel discounts? Any other priority moves for those overseas?

Joe, you’re right that the site is USA focused since that is where Ben is primarily located but also because that is where the credit card marketplace allows for greater opportunities. Tiffany does have a primer for non USA folks that you can find here: [URL]http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/07/30/choose-credit-card-outside-us/[/URL]

Canceling cards depends on the card and your situation and the value that you can get from it. If you are outside the USA, no foreign transaction fees cards would be a no brainer although depending on how much it would cost you to generate spending it might be worth it to get a card with fees for the spending bonus. Balance transfers almost never count towards spending requirements. Keep in mind that you usually need a US social security number in order to take advantage of these offers.

Most people tend to focus on airline miles because there is usually a far greater variety in hotel options in most places as opposed to airline partners to get there. Your needs will drive your choices.