1. CS: 817

2. American Express Platinum (11/2006), Chase Hyatt (1/2015) (2 free nights remaining), Barclaycard Arrival+ (1/2015), AAdvantage Aviator Red (1/2015), Southwest Rapid Rewards Premiere (1/2015), Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select (2/2015), Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve (6/2015)

Business cards: Chase Ink+ (3/2015), Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Premiere (6/2015), Starwood Preferred Guest Business (8/2015)

1. Earned my companion pass on Southwest 8/2015. Now looking into a good strategy for category spending. In addition to the SPG Business I just signed up for, I’m looking into (1) American Express Everyday Preferred (gas, groceries, everyday spend), (2) either the Citi Prestige or Citi Premiere (dining, entertainment, airlines, hotels), and (3) Chase Freedom (for gas and then Amazon next quarter). Mostly inspired by the FrequentMiler mixed rewards card combo post.

Adding the Prestige instead of Premiere ups the high AF, and results in benefit overlap with Amex Platinum. I’ve thought about downgrading Amex Plat, but also heard they may be opening a Centurion Lounge at IAH sometime next year. The sign-up bonus is enticing, and I will likely use the travel credit and points categories on one of the Citi cards. I likely would have just gone with Chase Sapphire Preferred to combine UR points, but for the 5 card rule.

1. Current points: Amex MR: 107k, Chase UR: 86k, Southwest: 194k (+companion pass), AA: 105k, Hyatt Gold Passport: 31k (platinum), Hilton HHonors: 16k (gold), Arrival+: 49k

2. Houston (HOU on Southwest; IAH for international carriers)

3. Looking to take advantage of the SW Companion pass and Hobby International terminal opening in October. Considering options for 2016 international travel to Mexico/Central America/Caribbean. Also looking into East Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong), Southeast Asia (Singapore, Thailand), Europe, possibly Australia and/or South America. Considering how to use points for either business or first class travel.