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What is churning?

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wasCB14
Super Contributor

Re: What is churning?


@longtimelurker wrote:

@wasCB14 wrote:

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
Gregory1776, good example of churning can be found in a recent post about cards in ones collection and from first to last. When you see the one profile, youll understand a churnerSmiley Wink

I know the thread you're talking about, but I'm not sure to which post you're referring. I see some bonus chasing activity there, but not churning.

 

My understanding of churning is that the churner must get the exact same card multiple times to get multiple bonuses. If you're not repeating bonuses, you're just a bonus chaser.

 

All churners are bonus chasers, but not all bonus chasers are churners.


While technically true, I don't think it's much of a real-world distinction, especially as issuers impose restrictions on collecting the bonus more than once.   

To me, the basic concept is "getting a card for the bonus, rather than for any intent to make use of it for its rewards/perks structure", and whether this is the same card or not it has the same pros and cons.

In terms of impact on the CR, there is (hardly) any difference, as they cannot tell whether you got exactly the same card as before or if you got another one from the same issuer.    The issuer will know, but that's up to them!


It's definitely getting harder to churn (under either use of the word). The term has remained popular, even as the behavior it properly describes has become harder and  less common.

 

As in my commentary about the misuse of "Amex Gold" I am a fan of accurate terminology when seeking and sharing CC advice!

Personal spend: Amex Gold, Amex Schwab Plat., BofA PR+CCR(x2), Costco
Business use: Amex Bus. Plat., BBP, Lowes Amex AU, CFU AU
Perks: Delta Plat., United Explorer, IHG49, Hyatt, "Old SPG"
Mostly SD: Freedom Flex, Freedom, Arrival
Upgrade/Downgrade games: ED, BCE
SUB chasing: AA Platinum Select
Message 21 of 23
driftless
Valued Contributor

Re: What is churning?

I would not call myslef a churner but I have picked up some nice bonuses along the way.  Even if you are not an active churner being aware of bonuses as you rebuild or fine tune your card collection is beneficial.

CSR | Amex Platinum | EDP | QS (2)
Amex Blue Business Plus
Message 22 of 23
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: What is churning?

the churning community is what allowed me to learn about and hack the southwest companion pass, which has been massive savings for me and my fiance.  I didn't realize it's a sort of "holy grail" for churners.

Message 23 of 23
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