Churning Life Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/churning-life Listen to learn more about different aspects of the churning life, including buying groups, gift card reselling, credit cards, redemptions, and more! Feel free to head over to churninglife.com to sign up to the deal alerts mailing list and Patreon.com/ChurningLife for exclusive details related to topics on the show. © 2026 Connor 2e37f6cd-94f4-52be-8c65-5e5c283a9806 no en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:35:38 -0700 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:43:59 -0700 http://churninglife.com https://img.transistorcdn.com/cBkqy6WN6IlZU2BgPBP80AkXEr6cM2xaqsYF5f5V9cg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ0MzE1LzE2OTI3/Njk5MTItYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg Churning Life Podcast http://churninglife.com episodic Connor Listen to learn more about different aspects of the churning life, including buying groups, gift card reselling, credit cards, redemptions, and more! Feel free to head over to churninglife.com to sign up to the deal alerts mailing list and Patreon.com/ChurningLife for exclusive details related to topics on the show. Listen to learn more about different aspects of the churning life, including buying groups, gift card reselling, credit cards, redemptions, and more. Churning, credit cards Connor churninglife@gmail.com No No Episode 50: March Recap - Meetup Recaps, Hawaii, & More Walmart 50 50 Episode 50: March Recap - Meetup Recaps, Hawaii, & More Walmart full 9676d63f-54f4-4e97-82cf-b5e685290e87 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f5577898 This month I went to two different meetups including one in New Orleans, as well as a week-long trip to Kauai for our final Wyndham/Vacasa redemption. I've also been working hard on Walmart with some good success.

]]> This month I went to two different meetups including one in New Orleans, as well as a week-long trip to Kauai for our final Wyndham/Vacasa redemption. I've also been working hard on Walmart with some good success.

]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:39:56 -0700 Connor Connor 2397 This month I went to two different meetups including one in New Orleans, as well as a week-long trip to Kauai for our final Wyndham/Vacasa redemption. I've also been working hard on Walmart with some good success.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 49: February Recap - More iPads, Scaling Walmart, & A Trip to Asia 49 49 Episode 49: February Recap - More iPads, Scaling Walmart, & A Trip to Asia full c86b1e7a-0ebf-45bb-bd90-ed4770983989 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7e9f017 This month continued to be good at Best Buy for iPads, and there was some big drops at Walmart for Pokemon. On the travel side, I went on a two-week trip to Kyoto, Taiwan, and Thailand to escape the Portland winter.

]]> This month continued to be good at Best Buy for iPads, and there was some big drops at Walmart for Pokemon. On the travel side, I went on a two-week trip to Kyoto, Taiwan, and Thailand to escape the Portland winter.

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:48:52 -0700 Connor Connor 2167 This month continued to be good at Best Buy for iPads, and there was some big drops at Walmart for Pokemon. On the travel side, I went on a two-week trip to Kyoto, Taiwan, and Thailand to escape the Portland winter.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 48: January Recap - iPads, Apple Watches, Mexico City & Europe Skiing 48 48 Episode 48: January Recap - iPads, Apple Watches, Mexico City & Europe Skiing full fcf50a27-64a6-482e-91dd-4d16f90de625 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fd592cc Best Buy spending continued to be strong with the annual business gold cap reset and good sales on iPads and Apple watches. I also have been making good progress on the Pokémon front with Walmart. The travel for this month included a visit to Mexico City for the first time and another ski trip in Europe, both great trips!

For more information on the private Slack group, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Best Buy spending continued to be strong with the annual business gold cap reset and good sales on iPads and Apple watches. I also have been making good progress on the Pokémon front with Walmart. The travel for this month included a visit to Mexico City for the first time and another ski trip in Europe, both great trips!

For more information on the private Slack group, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:56:56 -0800 Connor Connor 2468 Best Buy spending continued to be strong with the annual business gold cap reset and good sales on iPads and Apple watches. I also have been making good progress on the Pokémon front with Walmart. The travel for this month included a visit to Mexico City for the first time and another ski trip in Europe, both great trips!

For more information on the private Slack group, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 47: December Recap - End of Q4 Sales & A Trip To Norway W/Bryan M 47 47 Episode 47: December Recap - End of Q4 Sales & A Trip To Norway W/Bryan M full 4df17c73-d317-41e8-8cde-fcdf0f33b371 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c73ba5e December had a lot of great deals on Apple products, with the main items being the S11 Apple Watches and iPad 11s. I also talk with Bryan M about his recent trip to Norway and the Lofoten Islands, including KLM and AA business class for his family of four and some great value with Choice hotels. 

A meetup is happening in New Orleans on 3/28 and the details have been sent out to the mailing list. If you would like to join and didn't get an email, let me know at churninglife@gmail.com.

]]> December had a lot of great deals on Apple products, with the main items being the S11 Apple Watches and iPad 11s. I also talk with Bryan M about his recent trip to Norway and the Lofoten Islands, including KLM and AA business class for his family of four and some great value with Choice hotels. 

A meetup is happening in New Orleans on 3/28 and the details have been sent out to the mailing list. If you would like to join and didn't get an email, let me know at churninglife@gmail.com.

]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:48:48 -0800 Connor Connor 4232 December had a lot of great deals on Apple products, with the main items being the S11 Apple Watches and iPad 11s. I also talk with Bryan M about his recent trip to Norway and the Lofoten Islands, including KLM and AA business class for his family of four and some great value with Choice hotels. 

A meetup is happening in New Orleans on 3/28 and the details have been sent out to the mailing list. If you would like to join and didn't get an email, let me know at churninglife@gmail.com.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 46: November Recap - WA Maldives, Black Friday & Cyber Monday 46 46 Episode 46: November Recap - WA Maldives, Black Friday & Cyber Monday full 5187c8fe-30ee-4800-9b41-dae0ad6e9967 https://share.transistor.fm/s/383048f1 Black Friday was a bit disappointing on Best Buy because the best Airpod sale never went live, but there were still plenty of lower margin deals. On the travel side, we visited the Maldives for the first time with stopovers in both Dubai and Doha. 

]]> Black Friday was a bit disappointing on Best Buy because the best Airpod sale never went live, but there were still plenty of lower margin deals. On the travel side, we visited the Maldives for the first time with stopovers in both Dubai and Doha. 

]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:09:42 -0800 Connor Connor 3255 Black Friday was a bit disappointing on Best Buy because the best Airpod sale never went live, but there were still plenty of lower margin deals. On the travel side, we visited the Maldives for the first time with stopovers in both Dubai and Doha. 

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 45: October Recap - More iPhones, Hermitage Bay, Chicago Seminars, & Miami 45 45 Episode 45: October Recap - More iPhones, Hermitage Bay, Chicago Seminars, & Miami full a1a33cac-879a-44ce-9ad5-c4e1e8f9d267 https://share.transistor.fm/s/da3b024c This month, iPhones continued to go strong and are still going through November. There was also a good sale on iPads and Airpods at Best Buy with another round of coupons. We went on two different weeklong trips, one that included Hermitage Bay in Antigua and another at Chicago Seminars followed by Miami.

To join the mailing list, there is a link on the website churninglife.com.

]]> This month, iPhones continued to go strong and are still going through November. There was also a good sale on iPads and Airpods at Best Buy with another round of coupons. We went on two different weeklong trips, one that included Hermitage Bay in Antigua and another at Chicago Seminars followed by Miami.

To join the mailing list, there is a link on the website churninglife.com.

]]> Sat, 08 Nov 2025 15:59:30 -0800 Connor Connor 3440 This month, iPhones continued to go strong and are still going through November. There was also a good sale on iPads and Airpods at Best Buy with another round of coupons. We went on two different weeklong trips, one that included Hermitage Bay in Antigua and another at Chicago Seminars followed by Miami.

To join the mailing list, there is a link on the website churninglife.com.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 41: June Recap - More Airpods and a Trip to Peru 41 41 Episode 41: June Recap - More Airpods and a Trip to Peru full 98ae4820-f991-4cfb-939b-bdeed65007fc https://share.transistor.fm/s/d66f428e Best Buy had another good sale on Airpods this month that I was able to scale pretty well. I also recap a 1.5 week trip to Peru where we saw Machu Picchu and the Inti Raymi festival.

Link to the amex lounge waitlist (replace the airport code): https://queue.americanexpress.com/accountKey.59957E3C6338837882DC2D4C1D9AF664/PHX_CENTURION_LOUNGE

For more information on the private Slack group, visit churninglife.com

]]> Best Buy had another good sale on Airpods this month that I was able to scale pretty well. I also recap a 1.5 week trip to Peru where we saw Machu Picchu and the Inti Raymi festival.

Link to the amex lounge waitlist (replace the airport code): https://queue.americanexpress.com/accountKey.59957E3C6338837882DC2D4C1D9AF664/PHX_CENTURION_LOUNGE

For more information on the private Slack group, visit churninglife.com

]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:16:48 -0700 Connor Connor 2255 Best Buy had another good sale on Airpods this month that I was able to scale pretty well. I also recap a 1.5 week trip to Peru where we saw Machu Picchu and the Inti Raymi festival.

Link to the amex lounge waitlist (replace the airport code): https://queue.americanexpress.com/accountKey.59957E3C6338837882DC2D4C1D9AF664/PHX_CENTURION_LOUNGE

For more information on the private Slack group, visit churninglife.com

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 39: April Recap - Airline News, $300k of Best Buy Spend, & More Gold 39 39 Episode 39: April Recap - Airline News, $300k of Best Buy Spend, & More Gold full 560a261b-fea0-428d-94d1-b6ca5cabe7ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/8596c57f I discuss the latest Amex shutdowns along with the upcoming changes with Southwest Airlines and Emirates. It was another solid month at Best Buy where I was able to get a combination of laptops and Pokemon cards, and meanwhile I am steadily working on buying more gold.

]]> I discuss the latest Amex shutdowns along with the upcoming changes with Southwest Airlines and Emirates. It was another solid month at Best Buy where I was able to get a combination of laptops and Pokemon cards, and meanwhile I am steadily working on buying more gold.

]]> Wed, 14 May 2025 09:22:17 -0700 Connor Connor 1423 I discuss the latest Amex shutdowns along with the upcoming changes with Southwest Airlines and Emirates. It was another solid month at Best Buy where I was able to get a combination of laptops and Pokemon cards, and meanwhile I am steadily working on buying more gold.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 38: March Recap - ATX Meetup Recap, Airtags & Fitbits 38 38 Episode 38: March Recap - ATX Meetup Recap, Airtags & Fitbits full c394bdfe-5f97-4b28-b939-e3678e1bf979 https://share.transistor.fm/s/357c73fd The meetup was a success, and thanks to everyone who came out! In this episode I dive into my churning and buying group activities for this month, including some Bank of America success and ordering the usual items from Best Buy. I am also starting to work on scaling up Costco gold, Walmart, and figuring out Pokemon cards.

Head over to churninglife.com for more information on the Patreon & private Slack group.

]]> The meetup was a success, and thanks to everyone who came out! In this episode I dive into my churning and buying group activities for this month, including some Bank of America success and ordering the usual items from Best Buy. I am also starting to work on scaling up Costco gold, Walmart, and figuring out Pokemon cards.

Head over to churninglife.com for more information on the Patreon & private Slack group.

]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:46:14 -0700 Connor Connor 2347 The meetup was a success, and thanks to everyone who came out! In this episode I dive into my churning and buying group activities for this month, including some Bank of America success and ordering the usual items from Best Buy. I am also starting to work on scaling up Costco gold, Walmart, and figuring out Pokemon cards.

Head over to churninglife.com for more information on the Patreon & private Slack group.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 36: January Recap - Taiwan, Bali, & Japan Trip Report 36 36 Episode 36: January Recap - Taiwan, Bali, & Japan Trip Report full 269e53ff-4f21-45eb-aa18-5c3ca4659611 https://share.transistor.fm/s/26082a74 This episode covers a 3 week trip that we did to Taiwan, Bali, Niseko & Kyoto, as well as the usual buying group activities.

Niseko Hotel: https://nisekohakuunso.com/

Kyoto Restaurant: https://www.kaland.co.jp/yata_honten/


Austin Meetup Sign Up Form: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alignedincentiveschurning-life-meetup-tickets-1218491895059?aff=oddtdtcreator

Head over to churninglife.com for more information on the Patreon & private Slack group.

]]> This episode covers a 3 week trip that we did to Taiwan, Bali, Niseko & Kyoto, as well as the usual buying group activities.

Niseko Hotel: https://nisekohakuunso.com/

Kyoto Restaurant: https://www.kaland.co.jp/yata_honten/


Austin Meetup Sign Up Form: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alignedincentiveschurning-life-meetup-tickets-1218491895059?aff=oddtdtcreator

Head over to churninglife.com for more information on the Patreon & private Slack group.

]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:32:32 -0800 Connor Connor 3274 This episode covers a 3 week trip that we did to Taiwan, Bali, Niseko & Kyoto, as well as the usual buying group activities.

Niseko Hotel: https://nisekohakuunso.com/

Kyoto Restaurant: https://www.kaland.co.jp/yata_honten/


Austin Meetup Sign Up Form: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alignedincentiveschurning-life-meetup-tickets-1218491895059?aff=oddtdtcreator

Head over to churninglife.com for more information on the Patreon & private Slack group.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 35: "Hobby" Churning & Award Travel Basics 35 35 Episode 35: "Hobby" Churning & Award Travel Basics full eb98008f-6711-4705-bf27-dbb0fb075ac7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f872eeac This is the 2nd beginner-focused episode and is about the mindset of churning as a hobby and how to get started with award travel. I also talk about some tips for Qatar Airways and how to book with EVA's own mileage program.

Head over to churninglife.com for more information about the Patreon and private Slack group.

]]> This is the 2nd beginner-focused episode and is about the mindset of churning as a hobby and how to get started with award travel. I also talk about some tips for Qatar Airways and how to book with EVA's own mileage program.

Head over to churninglife.com for more information about the Patreon and private Slack group.

]]> Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:25:05 -0800 Connor Connor 2143 This is the 2nd beginner-focused episode and is about the mindset of churning as a hobby and how to get started with award travel. I also talk about some tips for Qatar Airways and how to book with EVA's own mileage program.

Head over to churninglife.com for more information about the Patreon and private Slack group.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 33: Morocco & Paris Trip Report 33 33 Episode 33: Morocco & Paris Trip Report full 33369b92-717f-44d5-8215-c2b9131fad23 https://share.transistor.fm/s/db1b3082 Starting with a layover in Vegas, we spent a week traveling around Marrakesh, Morocco and ended in Paris. This was my first time on Air France & KLM (booked with Virgin Atlantic miles), which were both decent business class products. I also had a few mishaps on the way including multiple traffic violations from the Moroccan police, almost denied boarding for losing my paper boarding pass, and forgetting to select seats, but it still turned out to be a great trip.

For a full library of the podcast and a link to the private Slack group, head over to Patreon.com/churninglife.

]]> Starting with a layover in Vegas, we spent a week traveling around Marrakesh, Morocco and ended in Paris. This was my first time on Air France & KLM (booked with Virgin Atlantic miles), which were both decent business class products. I also had a few mishaps on the way including multiple traffic violations from the Moroccan police, almost denied boarding for losing my paper boarding pass, and forgetting to select seats, but it still turned out to be a great trip.

For a full library of the podcast and a link to the private Slack group, head over to Patreon.com/churninglife.

]]> Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:18:10 -0800 Connor Connor 2765 Starting with a layover in Vegas, we spent a week traveling around Marrakesh, Morocco and ended in Paris. This was my first time on Air France & KLM (booked with Virgin Atlantic miles), which were both decent business class products. I also had a few mishaps on the way including multiple traffic violations from the Moroccan police, almost denied boarding for losing my paper boarding pass, and forgetting to select seats, but it still turned out to be a great trip.

For a full library of the podcast and a link to the private Slack group, head over to Patreon.com/churninglife.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 30: Italy & Kauai Trip Reports 30 30 Episode 30: Italy & Kauai Trip Reports full f183aa7a-bf26-4db7-b347-2a06beae361e https://share.transistor.fm/s/60498fc0 In this episode I talk about two trips I did in September in central Italy and Kauai. Both were really amazing trips! Highlights include Turkish, ITA, and Hawaiian business class, WA Rome, GH Kauai & Vacasa as always.

Important podcast update: Starting 12/1/24, most episodes will be moved from the public channels over to the Patreon. The latest episode will always remain public for at least 30 days from the publishing date. 

]]> In this episode I talk about two trips I did in September in central Italy and Kauai. Both were really amazing trips! Highlights include Turkish, ITA, and Hawaiian business class, WA Rome, GH Kauai & Vacasa as always.

Important podcast update: Starting 12/1/24, most episodes will be moved from the public channels over to the Patreon. The latest episode will always remain public for at least 30 days from the publishing date. 

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:57:09 -0800 Connor Connor 2172 In this episode I talk about two trips I did in September in central Italy and Kauai. Both were really amazing trips! Highlights include Turkish, ITA, and Hawaiian business class, WA Rome, GH Kauai & Vacasa as always.

Important podcast update: Starting 12/1/24, most episodes will be moved from the public channels over to the Patreon. The latest episode will always remain public for at least 30 days from the publishing date. 

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 28: Churning & Taxes 28 28 Episode 28: Churning & Taxes full 732bee82-cd24-4bf8-9bbc-7ec5fc763a50 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6c4bf40 This is the long awaited tax episode! In this episode I have a special guest Tonei Glavinic, who is a tax professional and long-time churner. We do a deep dive into taxes on reselling and manufactured spending for miles and points, discuss how various methods of earning points should be treated, and also discuss tax ethics and tax-preparer responsibility. 

To connect with Tonei, visit their website https://travelhackertaxes.com/. You can also find them in the Slack :)

]]> This is the long awaited tax episode! In this episode I have a special guest Tonei Glavinic, who is a tax professional and long-time churner. We do a deep dive into taxes on reselling and manufactured spending for miles and points, discuss how various methods of earning points should be treated, and also discuss tax ethics and tax-preparer responsibility. 

To connect with Tonei, visit their website https://travelhackertaxes.com/. You can also find them in the Slack :)

]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:04:50 -0700 Connor Connor 2696 This is the long awaited tax episode! In this episode I have a special guest Tonei Glavinic, who is a tax professional and long-time churner. We do a deep dive into taxes on reselling and manufactured spending for miles and points, discuss how various methods of earning points should be treated, and also discuss tax ethics and tax-preparer responsibility. 

To connect with Tonei, visit their website https://travelhackertaxes.com/. You can also find them in the Slack :)

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 25: Back To The Basics Part 1 25 25 Episode 25: Back To The Basics Part 1 full 5acddad0-46bd-4273-b250-7e6042d69e28 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae0c1f9e This is a beginner focused episode and is part one of a two part series: Part one is focused on the making money side of churning and part two will be more geared towards points and award travel. Topics include a rundown of the credit card issuers to start churning sign-up bonuses with, some basic methods for manufactured spending, and the types of skills that a churner should develop.

Amex:

  • Can hold up to 5 credit cards at a time.
  • Can hold up to 10 charge (pay over time) cards at a time.
  • Maximum of 2 credit card approvals every 90 days (2/90). No restriction on charge cards.
  • Only one approval per product every 90 days (1/90). Upgrades and downgrades don't count.
  • Must keep a card open for 12 months to avoid clawback of the sign-up bonus.

Chase:

  • You can't get approved for any credit card if you have had more than 4 personal card approvals in the last 24 months - stay at less than 5 (5/24). 
  • There's no hard limit, but there tends to be a max of 3-4 ink business cards before they won't approve any more.

US Bank:

  • Applications made on the same day will only have one hard pull (most of the time).
  • LLCs can help scale duplicate applications.

Bank of America:

  • Applications within 30 days will only have one hard pull.
  • LLCs can help scale duplicate applications.

Amazon:

  • Accounts need to be well-seasoned (6-12 months is ideal).
  • Up to 3 accounts can make the same order with the same credit card every 7 days.
  • One prime account can add one additional household member account and up to 6 teen accounts that share prime benefits (teens must still be seasoned).
  • Address jig is not required, but if you don't jig then you can't get a refund for lost items.

Walmart:

  • Accounts need to be somewhat seasoned.
  • It helps to avoid changing payment methods prior to making large orders.
  • Limits reset overnight (usually limited to two orders per day of the same product).
  • Hard to get a refund for missing items.

Best Buy:

  • No seasoning required.
  • Once a credit card has had a canceled order, that card will no longer work.
  • Limits reset every 24 hours.
  • Very hard to buy apple products and streaming sticks.
  • Hard to get a refund for missing items.
]]> This is a beginner focused episode and is part one of a two part series: Part one is focused on the making money side of churning and part two will be more geared towards points and award travel. Topics include a rundown of the credit card issuers to start churning sign-up bonuses with, some basic methods for manufactured spending, and the types of skills that a churner should develop.

Amex:

  • Can hold up to 5 credit cards at a time.
  • Can hold up to 10 charge (pay over time) cards at a time.
  • Maximum of 2 credit card approvals every 90 days (2/90). No restriction on charge cards.
  • Only one approval per product every 90 days (1/90). Upgrades and downgrades don't count.
  • Must keep a card open for 12 months to avoid clawback of the sign-up bonus.

Chase:

  • You can't get approved for any credit card if you have had more than 4 personal card approvals in the last 24 months - stay at less than 5 (5/24). 
  • There's no hard limit, but there tends to be a max of 3-4 ink business cards before they won't approve any more.

US Bank:

  • Applications made on the same day will only have one hard pull (most of the time).
  • LLCs can help scale duplicate applications.

Bank of America:

  • Applications within 30 days will only have one hard pull.
  • LLCs can help scale duplicate applications.

Amazon:

  • Accounts need to be well-seasoned (6-12 months is ideal).
  • Up to 3 accounts can make the same order with the same credit card every 7 days.
  • One prime account can add one additional household member account and up to 6 teen accounts that share prime benefits (teens must still be seasoned).
  • Address jig is not required, but if you don't jig then you can't get a refund for lost items.

Walmart:

  • Accounts need to be somewhat seasoned.
  • It helps to avoid changing payment methods prior to making large orders.
  • Limits reset overnight (usually limited to two orders per day of the same product).
  • Hard to get a refund for missing items.

Best Buy:

  • No seasoning required.
  • Once a credit card has had a canceled order, that card will no longer work.
  • Limits reset every 24 hours.
  • Very hard to buy apple products and streaming sticks.
  • Hard to get a refund for missing items.
]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:12:47 -0700 Connor Connor 2176 This is a beginner focused episode and is part one of a two part series: Part one is focused on the making money side of churning and part two will be more geared towards points and award travel. Topics include a rundown of the credit card issuers to start churning sign-up bonuses with, some basic methods for manufactured spending, and the types of skills that a churner should develop.

Amex:

  • Can hold up to 5 credit cards at a time.
  • Can hold up to 10 charge (pay over time) cards at a time.
  • Maximum of 2 credit card approvals every 90 days (2/90). No restriction on charge cards.
  • Only one approval per product every 90 days (1/90). Upgrades and downgrades don't count.
  • Must keep a card open for 12 months to avoid clawback of the sign-up bonus.

Chase:

  • You can't get approved for any credit card if you have had more than 4 personal card approvals in the last 24 months - stay at less than 5 (5/24). 
  • There's no hard limit, but there tends to be a max of 3-4 ink business cards before they won't approve any more.

US Bank:

  • Applications made on the same day will only have one hard pull (most of the time).
  • LLCs can help scale duplicate applications.

Bank of America:

  • Applications within 30 days will only have one hard pull.
  • LLCs can help scale duplicate applications.

Amazon:

  • Accounts need to be well-seasoned (6-12 months is ideal).
  • Up to 3 accounts can make the same order with the same credit card every 7 days.
  • One prime account can add one additional household member account and up to 6 teen accounts that share prime benefits (teens must still be seasoned).
  • Address jig is not required, but if you don't jig then you can't get a refund for lost items.

Walmart:

  • Accounts need to be somewhat seasoned.
  • It helps to avoid changing payment methods prior to making large orders.
  • Limits reset overnight (usually limited to two orders per day of the same product).
  • Hard to get a refund for missing items.

Best Buy:

  • No seasoning required.
  • Once a credit card has had a canceled order, that card will no longer work.
  • Limits reset every 24 hours.
  • Very hard to buy apple products and streaming sticks.
  • Hard to get a refund for missing items.
]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 23: Guatemala & WA Beverly Hills 23 23 Episode 23: Guatemala & WA Beverly Hills full 2ad220c8-ce4d-4d2c-ac80-0869203921c6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/76d8a2fb A quick episode to recap our trips to LA to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and a week-long trip to Guatemala. 

]]> A quick episode to recap our trips to LA to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and a week-long trip to Guatemala. 

]]> Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:28:39 -0700 Connor Connor 1381 A quick episode to recap our trips to LA to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and a week-long trip to Guatemala. 

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 19: A Deep Dive into Gift Card Arbitrage 19 19 Episode 19: A Deep Dive into Gift Card Arbitrage full 483ffd0e-0b5a-41de-913c-7d49561e6497 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a268463f In this episode I talk with Logan from Aligned Incentives about how he started his gift card brokerage and how it operates today.

To join the free Slack group, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> In this episode I talk with Logan from Aligned Incentives about how he started his gift card brokerage and how it operates today.

To join the free Slack group, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:20:14 -0700 Connor Connor 2838 In this episode I talk with Logan from Aligned Incentives about how he started his gift card brokerage and how it operates today.

To join the free Slack group, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 17: Miami & St Croix Trip Report and The Latest Vacasa Devaluation 17 17 Episode 17: Miami & St Croix Trip Report and The Latest Vacasa Devaluation full f0c1ba8c-fc9e-41d6-925d-8e81addfd209 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d84cb0fa A recap of our week-long trip in Miami and St Croix, USVI, where we had a really fun experience. I also discuss the latest Wyndham/Vacasa and Hyatt devaluations and what's next after Best Buy.

To join the free Slack group and sign up for the mailing list, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> A recap of our week-long trip in Miami and St Croix, USVI, where we had a really fun experience. I also discuss the latest Wyndham/Vacasa and Hyatt devaluations and what's next after Best Buy.

To join the free Slack group and sign up for the mailing list, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Sat, 23 Mar 2024 11:08:59 -0700 Connor Connor 1755 A recap of our week-long trip in Miami and St Croix, USVI, where we had a really fun experience. I also discuss the latest Wyndham/Vacasa and Hyatt devaluations and what's next after Best Buy.

To join the free Slack group and sign up for the mailing list, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 15: Risk, Float, Getting Freerolled, And How To Better Manage It 15 15 Episode 15: Risk, Float, Getting Freerolled, And How To Better Manage It full 718e4118-20a4-4659-b719-d43b50b6ae25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7577e02e I start with a deep dive into what happened with the crypto collapse and the bankruptcy of "crypto lending" platforms, then discuss what we can learn from them and how to think about the risk with churning-related activities.

To join the free Slack group and sign up for the mailing list, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> I start with a deep dive into what happened with the crypto collapse and the bankruptcy of "crypto lending" platforms, then discuss what we can learn from them and how to think about the risk with churning-related activities.

To join the free Slack group and sign up for the mailing list, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:34:11 -0800 Connor Connor 1962 I start with a deep dive into what happened with the crypto collapse and the bankruptcy of "crypto lending" platforms, then discuss what we can learn from them and how to think about the risk with churning-related activities.

To join the free Slack group and sign up for the mailing list, head over to churninglife.com.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 13: Austria Trip Report - A Skiing Paradise 13 13 Episode 13: Austria Trip Report - A Skiing Paradise full 64fe8f22-c9ca-43da-8f75-42fe1ef60361 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3d5a8f61 A recap of my recent trip to St. Anton, Austria to go skiing with my brother. The skiing was awesome and it was a really fun trip!

Flights:

  • PDX-SFO-FRA-INN on UA/LH/EN for 90k Aeroplan + $94.
  • ZRH-LHR-LAX-PDX on BA/AA/AA for 57.5k AA miles + $102.

Hotel:

Skiing:

  • $243 for a lift ticket for 3 days (not per day).
]]> A recap of my recent trip to St. Anton, Austria to go skiing with my brother. The skiing was awesome and it was a really fun trip!

Flights:

  • PDX-SFO-FRA-INN on UA/LH/EN for 90k Aeroplan + $94.
  • ZRH-LHR-LAX-PDX on BA/AA/AA for 57.5k AA miles + $102.

Hotel:

Skiing:

  • $243 for a lift ticket for 3 days (not per day).
]]> Wed, 24 Jan 2024 09:09:38 -0800 Connor Connor 2057 A recap of my recent trip to St. Anton, Austria to go skiing with my brother. The skiing was awesome and it was a really fun trip!

Flights:

  • PDX-SFO-FRA-INN on UA/LH/EN for 90k Aeroplan + $94.
  • ZRH-LHR-LAX-PDX on BA/AA/AA for 57.5k AA miles + $102.

Hotel:

Skiing:

  • $243 for a lift ticket for 3 days (not per day).
]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 11: India Trip Report - Air India, QSuites, Alila Diwa Goa, & Our India Travel Experience 11 11 Episode 11: India Trip Report - Air India, QSuites, Alila Diwa Goa, & Our India Travel Experience full 9a3b5f56-a958-4af9-a8ff-ecffd902c192 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3818932b Recapping our 2-week trip to India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, and Goa. We faced a lot of unexpected challenges during the trip but overall had a great time!

Award Flights:

  • PDX-YVR-DEL on AI Y/J/F for 55k/90k/117k Aeroplan.
  • PDX-SFO-EWR-DEL on UA J for 80k United Miles (in both directions).
  • GOI-DOH-SFO on QR J for 80k Avios.

Award Hotels:

  • Hilton Jaipur for 20k HH/nt (upgraded to Diamond floor w/Gold status).
  • Alila Diwa Goa for 9k Hyatt/nt (upgraded to Junior Suite with Explorist status).
  • Club at Alila Diwa for 15k Hyatt/nt.
]]> Recapping our 2-week trip to India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, and Goa. We faced a lot of unexpected challenges during the trip but overall had a great time!

Award Flights:

  • PDX-YVR-DEL on AI Y/J/F for 55k/90k/117k Aeroplan.
  • PDX-SFO-EWR-DEL on UA J for 80k United Miles (in both directions).
  • GOI-DOH-SFO on QR J for 80k Avios.

Award Hotels:

  • Hilton Jaipur for 20k HH/nt (upgraded to Diamond floor w/Gold status).
  • Alila Diwa Goa for 9k Hyatt/nt (upgraded to Junior Suite with Explorist status).
  • Club at Alila Diwa for 15k Hyatt/nt.
]]> Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:11:35 -0800 Connor Connor 2982 Recapping our 2-week trip to India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, and Goa. We faced a lot of unexpected challenges during the trip but overall had a great time!

Award Flights:

  • PDX-YVR-DEL on AI Y/J/F for 55k/90k/117k Aeroplan.
  • PDX-SFO-EWR-DEL on UA J for 80k United Miles (in both directions).
  • GOI-DOH-SFO on QR J for 80k Avios.

Award Hotels:

  • Hilton Jaipur for 20k HH/nt (upgraded to Diamond floor w/Gold status).
  • Alila Diwa Goa for 9k Hyatt/nt (upgraded to Junior Suite with Explorist status).
  • Club at Alila Diwa for 15k Hyatt/nt.
]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 10: November Recap - $3,426 - Pre-BF Amazon, Citi, & More BoA 10 10 Episode 10: November Recap - $3,426 - Pre-BF Amazon, Citi, & More BoA full cfb08cf3-bfb0-458e-94bb-fec2ea41186c https://share.transistor.fm/s/e94fbb16 A short month for me since I was out for the last two weeks, but I still made use of some decent deals for BGs and GC reselling. I got another batch of BoA Alaska Business cards and discuss the plans for my new Citi AA Business card.

Send me an email if you are looking for a link to the private Slack.

]]> A short month for me since I was out for the last two weeks, but I still made use of some decent deals for BGs and GC reselling. I got another batch of BoA Alaska Business cards and discuss the plans for my new Citi AA Business card.

Send me an email if you are looking for a link to the private Slack.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:23:18 -0800 Connor Connor 1293 A short month for me since I was out for the last two weeks, but I still made use of some decent deals for BGs and GC reselling. I got another batch of BoA Alaska Business cards and discuss the plans for my new Citi AA Business card.

Send me an email if you are looking for a link to the private Slack.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 9: Vegas & Maui Trip Report and Europe Award Travel Tips 9 9 Episode 9: Vegas & Maui Trip Report and Europe Award Travel Tips full 354ed167-30d0-4d46-a36d-dcbd33b36f97 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4759797d This episode covers a couple of trips that I went on over the past few months and some general award travel advice on how to plan your trip to Europe this summer. If you are interested in a churning meetup in Portland, I've linked a quick google form if you want to give any input:

https://forms.gle/rnk7wecYiAbWshya9

]]> This episode covers a couple of trips that I went on over the past few months and some general award travel advice on how to plan your trip to Europe this summer. If you are interested in a churning meetup in Portland, I've linked a quick google form if you want to give any input:

https://forms.gle/rnk7wecYiAbWshya9

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:23:12 -0800 Connor Connor 2077 This episode covers a couple of trips that I went on over the past few months and some general award travel advice on how to plan your trip to Europe this summer. If you are interested in a churning meetup in Portland, I've linked a quick google form if you want to give any input:

https://forms.gle/rnk7wecYiAbWshya9

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 5: AA Shopping Portal Shutdown, BB/WM, & How To Be Prepared in Q4 5 5 Episode 5: AA Shopping Portal Shutdown, BB/WM, & How To Be Prepared in Q4 full 865bda7f-f25a-48dd-b2e6-17180f38a3ee https://share.transistor.fm/s/86a9b3bf I had a fun experience with gaming the AA shopping portal that ultimately didn't work. I also discuss my plans for how to get back into the game with Best Buy and Walmart and general strategies to stay prepared.

]]> I had a fun experience with gaming the AA shopping portal that ultimately didn't work. I also discuss my plans for how to get back into the game with Best Buy and Walmart and general strategies to stay prepared.

]]> Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:59:05 -0700 Connor Connor 1616 I had a fun experience with gaming the AA shopping portal that ultimately didn't work. I also discuss my plans for how to get back into the game with Best Buy and Walmart and general strategies to stay prepared.

]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 3: Quarterly Redemption Recap & Trip Report - Belize, Vietnam, and Taiwan 3 3 Episode 3: Quarterly Redemption Recap & Trip Report - Belize, Vietnam, and Taiwan full f6893f5e-9fed-4920-abec-8f8810cb5630 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fcdfa2a Recapping the major trips we have had so far this year! Below is a summary of the flights and hotels:

Belize:

  • PDX-SEA-BZE/BZE-SEA-PDX on AS Y with companion fare for $750 pp.
  • San Pedro: Paradise Villas - 5 nights for $645 w/Airbnb GC.
  • San Ignacio: Villa Cayo - 3 nights for $390.
  • AQ Car Rental Belize - 3 days for $175.

Vietnam:

  • PDX-DFW-DOH-SGN on AA/QR J for 175k MR pp with biz plat.
  • Fusion Suites Saigon - 2 nights for $168.
  • Little Riverside Hoi An - 2 nights for $314.

Taiwan:

  • TPE-SFO on CI J for 88k KLM.
  • ICN-HNL-PDX on HA J/Y for 95k HA.
  • Sea Monkey Diving Homestay - 4 nights + 2 PADI Open Water I for $1100.
  • A Mei Yi B&B (阿美姨民宿) - 2 nights for $170.
]]> Recapping the major trips we have had so far this year! Below is a summary of the flights and hotels:

Belize:

  • PDX-SEA-BZE/BZE-SEA-PDX on AS Y with companion fare for $750 pp.
  • San Pedro: Paradise Villas - 5 nights for $645 w/Airbnb GC.
  • San Ignacio: Villa Cayo - 3 nights for $390.
  • AQ Car Rental Belize - 3 days for $175.

Vietnam:

  • PDX-DFW-DOH-SGN on AA/QR J for 175k MR pp with biz plat.
  • Fusion Suites Saigon - 2 nights for $168.
  • Little Riverside Hoi An - 2 nights for $314.

Taiwan:

  • TPE-SFO on CI J for 88k KLM.
  • ICN-HNL-PDX on HA J/Y for 95k HA.
  • Sea Monkey Diving Homestay - 4 nights + 2 PADI Open Water I for $1100.
  • A Mei Yi B&B (阿美姨民宿) - 2 nights for $170.
]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 08:51:33 -0700 Connor Connor 2178 Recapping the major trips we have had so far this year! Below is a summary of the flights and hotels:

Belize:

  • PDX-SEA-BZE/BZE-SEA-PDX on AS Y with companion fare for $750 pp.
  • San Pedro: Paradise Villas - 5 nights for $645 w/Airbnb GC.
  • San Ignacio: Villa Cayo - 3 nights for $390.
  • AQ Car Rental Belize - 3 days for $175.

Vietnam:

  • PDX-DFW-DOH-SGN on AA/QR J for 175k MR pp with biz plat.
  • Fusion Suites Saigon - 2 nights for $168.
  • Little Riverside Hoi An - 2 nights for $314.

Taiwan:

  • TPE-SFO on CI J for 88k KLM.
  • ICN-HNL-PDX on HA J/Y for 95k HA.
  • Sea Monkey Diving Homestay - 4 nights + 2 PADI Open Water I for $1100.
  • A Mei Yi B&B (阿美姨民宿) - 2 nights for $170.
]]> Churning, credit cards No Episode 1: July Recap - $5,124 Profit and $91,891 Spend 1 1 Episode 1: July Recap - $5,124 Profit and $91,891 Spend full 0a88a954-8644-45f6-9da0-2031d03662ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/1046ab22 July's highlights include summaries of Amazon, Costco, and US Bank.

]]> July's highlights include summaries of Amazon, Costco, and US Bank.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:53:01 -0700 Connor Connor 1606 July's highlights include summaries of Amazon, Costco, and US Bank.

]]> Churning, credit cards No