Time Chase applications first (5/24 rule) before Amex/Cap One that don't have the restriction.
Chase's unwritten '5/24 rule' denies applications if you've opened 5+ personal credit cards from ANY issuer in past 24 months. Order matters: apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Ink Business (business cards don't count against 5/24), World of Hyatt, SW cards FIRST — then move to Amex Platinum/Gold, Cap One Venture X, Citi Premier which have no 5/24 restriction. New user optimal sequence: 200K+ Chase UR + Ink business + Hyatt / SW pass before Amex ecosystem.
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Buy Visa gift cards → liquidate to money order/deposit → earn points at ~1% cost.
$695 fee offset by $1,600+ in credits if you actually use them — net positive.
Have status at one chain → status-match to Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond.
Complete 30 Hyatt nights/yr for Globalist — suite upgrades, breakfast, 4pm checkout worldwide.
Earn 135K qualifying points → companion flies free (just taxes) on every SW flight for ~2 yrs.
Redeem 90K–130K miles for $6K–$15K international business seats.
IRS treats points/miles earned on personal purchases as rebates — NOT taxable income.
Deduct real business travel — combine with personal side trips at 50/50 rule.