DjArcadian Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 I've always been hesitant to get a credit card with an annual fee but Us Airways offers 25,000 miles points with a program that's $80 a year. It seems pretty good as I do want to travel a bit more this year. However, I'm uncertain whether or not I'll be approved for this card. Anyone have a Us Airways Mastercard who could tell me what their score was when they applied? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DjArcadian Posted September 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Also, when it says 25,000 mile points does that mean I can travel up to 25,000 miles? Seems like a lot for $80. What's the catch? I'm not familiar with how these programs work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swirlgirl Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 No, that's not how it works at all. When you spend, your purchases accrue a certain amount of miles. Then, you would redeem the miles for free trips. The problem is some trips can "cost" a whole lot of miles. So, you may not get far on 25,000.http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/dividendmiles/default.aspx?c=hp_dm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DjArcadian Posted September 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 The problem is some trips can "cost" a whole lot of miles. So, you may not get far on 25,000.So basically when they say 25,000 bonus miles that doesn't mean I get to travel 25,000 miles, correct? Therein lies the rub? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swirlgirl Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 So basically when they say 25,000 bonus miles that doesn't mean I get to travel 25,000 miles, correct?That's correct. If a trip that you want to take "costs" 100,000 frequent flier miles, you will only have 25,000 free miles towards that total. You will have to buy enough stuff or other trips to accumulate the other 75,000 free miles. It's similar to the rewards points you get on other credit cards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeslieR Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 You'll want to look at the "rewards" on USAir's site to see what each reward "costs." I fly Continental and United exclusively for business, and typically a RT domestic ticket requires that you "cash in" somewhere around 35,000 miles to get an economy seat. I can upgrade to business or first with 15,000 - 20,000 miles depending on the flight and the type of ticket I start out with.To truly take advantage of a FF program, you have to fly a LOT or use the credit card a LOT. These programs don't typically work out for the domestic leisure (1 or 2 trips a year) type person unless he has a 10K limit on the credit card and uses it for virtually everything.Also, look for other ways to gain points. Hilton lets me double dip by giving me their reward points AND miles on United. You can get miles from car rentals and even shopping at certain grocery stores. Truly maximizing the return from these programs requires a lot of studying and effort unless you fly really frequently or take a lot of international trips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Yah....about those frequent flier miles. IMO, without a small business to rack up massive point totals, don't waste your money. Better off in getting a 1% cash back card with no annual fee. I am flying from Philadelphia to LA late in December and coming back early in the New year. My ticket is $550 direct. I am flying with a guy using frequent flier miles from his credit card. They are charging him 90,000 miles because of the time of year- and this is for coach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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