Chase: Spend vs Retention strategy

[PointLager]

Hi all,

I just got a United explorer card (70k for $3k offer) and have large spend coming (close to $5k) and am in a dilemma;

1. Do I put this spend on the explorer and thus meet my bonus spend on the first statement. (I can meet the $3k organically otherwise over next three months). I don't need the miles as I have enough for upcoming travel but am wondering if in case united devalues miles I can use these miles to pre book next spring/summer travel. Part of me just likes to meet the spend ASAP so I can SD the card.

Or

2. Put the $5k spend on my old United club. It renews shortly and maybe this spend can help move the needle to get an offer from Retentions. Last year I got $150 retention after spending over $50k on club card the year prior. This year I'm at $27k spend since last renewal. Will the extra $5k help with Retentions? Calendar YTD I'm only at $16k.

I called United and the $25k spend is required to waive PQM can be across multiple United cards.

Thank you in advance!

[kdm31091]

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@PointLager wrote:
Hi all,

I just got a United explorer card (70k for $3k offer) and have large spend coming (close to $5k) and am in a dilemma;

1. Do I put this spend on the explorer and thus meet my bonus spend on the first statement. (I can meet the $3k organically otherwise over next three months). I don't need the miles as I have enough for upcoming travel but am wondering if in case united devalues miles I can use these miles to pre book next spring/summer travel. Part of me just likes to meet the spend ASAP so I can SD the card.

Or

2. Put the $5k spend on my old United club. It renews shortly and maybe this spend can help move the needle to get an offer from Retentions. Last year I got $150 retention after spending over $50k on club card the year prior. This year I'm at $27k spend since last renewal. Will the extra $5k help with Retentions? Calendar YTD I'm only at $16k.

I called United and the $25k spend is required to waive PQM can be across multiple United cards.

Thank you in advance!

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Obviously no one can really tell you whether the extra  5k will matter or not for the United Club. That's up to you.  Retentions offers are so personal and specific that it's hard to say what amount of spend will definitely or definitely not qualify someone.

I'd probably opt for the other option, which is to 'get it over with" and meet the spend bonus on the Explorer.

Try not to overthink it, as it's unlikely that Chase is going to put that much weight on an additional 5k in spending when you've already spent plenty on the card.

[PointLager]

Thank you @kdm.

One thing I'm also considering is hitting the bonus Exlorer spend and just letting it ride with the club card. Chase still has the 180d rebate for fees and I'm hoping that Retentions still works in months 13+.