I believe the travel rewards card is only a 1.5 or 1.65% back card.
What are your 3 scores and inquiries?
If your scores are 690+ you should totally be able to grab a bonus in the process. And since you spend 1k a month, that would be a no problem way to hit 3k in 90 days (which is the high end of bonus spend)
How many times a year do you travel internationally? I am thinking it would be super awesome if you could isolate to a specific airline. That way you are earning miles, getting some comps and perks, priority boarding, etc. They are pretty easy to get approved for too. Delta gold, united explorer, etc.
It has been my experience that Amex can be generous with starting limits. You wouldnt have to worry so much about your utilization since you pay in full. Just change the date you pay your bill to before your statement cut date. Plus you could grab 2 amex cards at once, under 1 inquiry. The PRG would be great for earning points for buying your tickets, dining, and gas. And whatever amount is on it wont hurt your utilization. Plus you can get 50k points to jump start your earning. Also no FTF. Also amex lets you see if you can go over your limit on credit cards...any amount over limit is treated like a charge card and has to be paid that statements due date.
Not sure how CSA food works, or how it is coded. Looks like they would take cards and be coded for groceries. How much per week do you spend on groceries?
The possibilities are endless here. Since you get reimbursed for your travel.... you could really throw everything you do around that. If you end up redeeming your points or miles for the ticket, then you can always buy a refundable ticket and make your work reimburse you for that. Its not entirely ethical/unethical but whatever.
I would totally see no issue in you using a HP to get the CLI on your travel rewards. That would be priority number 1. Keep calling in and see if they will change it to a Better Balance Rewards card. That way you will earn a decent amount. Even with your travel rewards you would have to spend 24k a year to even come close to the BBR.
Have you checked any sites for prequalification? Chase is solid, citi is solid, amex is solid, cap1 is solid. Citi seems to send better and better offers in the mail if you check online regularly. APR will go down, more points, etc. Same with amex. I mean if you are rich and busy with fair/good credit, by all means, endure a triple pull, get a huge venture limit with 2% back on travel, and snag a 1.5% earning quicksilver at the same time.
How many times a year do you stay in a hotel? You could be a candidate for the Citi Prestige one day too as it includes 4th night free, $200 travel credit, $100 global entry credit, but a $450 AF.
The premier might be a better choice for your scores? It has more flexible point earning, 3x on all travel and gas (great for public transit too), 2x on dining/entertainment, 1x on everything else. And Citi points are usually worth around 1.25 cents each so that becomes a 3.75/2.5/1.25% card......
Lets get some links here of themanwhocan's awesome charts and see what card works best! Heres a link I found: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Themanwhocan-Charts/td-p/3986754
Chase freedom and sapphire might be an awesome combo too. You could very well get approved for both under 1-2 HPs...and you would have a decent bonus!
