Business Cards: A Hidden Pool of Rewards for Frequent Flyers
The author of Eye of the Flyer has paid for entire trips using points from credit cards. They note that one of the biggest mistakes frequent flyers make is not applying for business cards due to a misunderstanding about what it means to have a business.
To qualify for a business card, one does not need an LLC, EIN, employees, or a storefront. A sole proprietorship is sufficient, and this can be achieved by simply doing work outside of a W-2 job. The author emphasizes the importance of honesty on the application, stating that if you have real side activities, report them accurately.
The 5/24 rule applies to personal cards but not business cards from most issuers, such as American Express, Chase, Citi, Barclays, and US Bank. This means that applying for business cards can help individuals keep collecting bonuses without pushing their 5/24 count higher. However, it's essential to note that the application itself will still pull a personal credit inquiry.
The author recommends exploring business card options as they offer separate products with separate bonus eligibility, which can provide access to new and valuable rewards for frequent flyers who have maxed out their personal cards. Five business cards worth looking into are mentioned: The Business Platinum Card from American Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, the American Express Business Gold Card, and the Capital One Venture X Business Card.