This post is somewhat of an addendum to my 5/24 guide.
In 2021 Go Chase or Go Home – The Ultimate Guide to the 5/24 State of Mind
I know it’s overly ambitious to claim that I know what best business credit cards for travel are, so it goes without saying that everything in this article is just my opinion. You may have completely different ideas more suitable for your plans and aspirations. I just wanted to share a few things with you in case you’re interested in similar stuff. Here’s the first: I’ve just applied for the BoA Alaska Business card and–
The BoA Alaska Business card — denied
It’s just come out with a new 60,000-mile bonus. Would’ve been a nice boost to my orphaned 29,000 miles.
Denied. And no niceties, like sit tight, we’ll let you know. I don’t remember if I’ve ever gotten a straightforward denial right away. Probably. Maybe.
Here are a few datapoints in case they help you decide whether to go for it.
- I do have a very old and “legit” business.
- 3/24 (oh yes, I took a very long pandematical from the hobby, LOL).
- Plenty of business and personal BoA cards over the years.
- Never banked with BoA.
Surely, BoA loves it when you have a banking account with them, but it’s not like there is a law. Some Reddit people report getting this card with no BoA accounts. Well, not me. 😥
Should I call or wait for the rejection letter?
Fortunately, this has been my first hiccup in months
Here is my business cards tally for the last six months.
- AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard from Barclaycard: 75,000 miles for spending $1,000 in 90 days, a purchase made on your employee card and the $95 annual fee. Applied on 03.29, approved on 4.15.
- Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card from Chase: 75,000 points for spending $7,500 in 3 months. Applied on 03.29, instant approval.
- Ink Business Cash Credit Card from Chase: 75,000 points for spending $7,500 in 3 months. Applied on 07.06, instant approval.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card from Barclaycard: 90,000 miles for spending $3,000 in six months (60K for $1K / 1 month and 30K / $2K / 6 months) and the $95 annual fee. Applied on 07.22, approved on 08.03.
I don’t think that anyone would argue that at least the first three are easily the best travel business credit cards you can get. And while you might disagree with my Wyndham card pick, keep in mind that 90,000-point bonus is the highest ever. I don’t think I’ve seen bonuses higher than 45,000 points.
On a personal note, applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch last week to save on the annual fee – instant approval.
My plans for the near future
Aside from my upcoming Alaska Business reconsideration call, here are the business cards I’m mostly interested in.
- CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard: 65,000 miles for spending $4,000 in 3 months and no AF for the first year.
- United Business Card from Chase: 75,000 points for spending $5,000 in 3 months and no AF for the first year.
- JetBlue Business Card from Barclaycard: 60,000 points for spending $1,000 and making a purchase on the employee card in the first 90 days. The annual fee is $99.
- Customized Cash Rewards Business Credit Card from BoA: $750 after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days.
- U.S. Bank Business Leverage Visa Signature Card: $750 after spending $7,500 within the first 4 months and no AF for the first year.
Vacant Chase slots
I still have a couple of slots with Chase and can’t decide what to apply for. Since I’m not very interested in Southwest (it’s not just my lack of interest for the Companion Certificate; it’s just they don’t fly from JFK, and I hate commuting to and from LGA!), I’d go for Marriott or IHG, but I’ve been so disgusted with both chains’ shenanigans lately that I’m not even sure I want to take their money points.
That was a joke, by the way. Do take their points. 🙂 Just keep your loyalty to yourself.
There are other business cards that I could apply for if or when I get bored, but I have to keep my spending requirements in check. I have been working on some Chase manufactured spending for a few years (small scale, nothing major) and I do value my sanity. 🙂
To recap
Whether you agree with my list of the best business credit cards for travel or not — there is no doubt that business cards are an amazing tool to fill your miles/points coffers. If you can utilize this tool, start with the “big rocks” first. I would begin with airlines cards, then cash and hotel cards, unless you have your own set of priorities.
Your thoughts?
