Reply To: Multiple cards – worth it?

[memesweeper]

crunch1etwix wrote:

Work does generate enough to hit both spend thresholds – I’m just wondering whether it looks bad to keep cancelling and re-applying once one is hit to save on the annual fees

If you cancel and reapply frequently enough you’ll end up tripping into the problem that the closed account isn’t really closed in the back end, and you can’t reapply. I’d not do it very often. Maybe Amex will introduce some sort of rule to stop this churning and, in the States, have banned people without warning for sign-up “abuse” based on retrospective analysis of customer behaviour.

Personally, and this is just me, I held the BAPP about a year ago, got the sign up bonus and voucher, and shut the account. I have no intention of reapplying until I’ve spent the voucher *and* I think I’m likely to need another one. This could well be past the two year mark for a new sign up bonus.

For ongoing spend the Gold or Gold business might be better for you as a long term card. You can close Gold and open a BAPP when you need another voucher, switch back when you’re done, and get another free year on Gold. Gold business is my ‘keeper’ Amex at the moment, along with a dollar platinum. Yes, the earning rate isn’t quite as good, but if you spend enough the new bonus structure should work for you, and the business card is excellent for a high spender if you can hit the (high) thresholds.

I’ve not even bothered applying for the Barclays card. I have the Hilton, so would have to loose that permanently, and the voucher is rubbish.