FREE TRAVEL for fellowship and job interviews

solobuildingblogs ↑

Our friends at ophthoquestions asked me to post this.

I was just in NYC last weekend sightseeing and remember being a poor starving resident when I lived there.  I remember walking past all the $50/ entree restaurants and wondering "who the hell can afford to eat there?"  (Now a $50 meal is a rounding error for me, although a treat; I still try to eat on the cheap).  I remember being pissed when my favorite Mexican place raised the price of their burritos from $7.50 to $8.  I remember being stressed about paying for travel for fellowship and job interviews.

Guess what, there's a solution:  to apply for credit cards for the opening bonuses.

First of all, you should start off with a cash back card.  The citi double cash or fidelity investments each give 2% back.

When I was a resident I didn't have $100,000- but if your parents do in a Bank of America/ Merrill Edge account they're platinum honors.  Meaning if they can add you as a user on their Bank of America premium card, you get 2.625% back on all purchases and 3.5% on restaurants and travel!

The four additional cards I recommend residents get are the:

Chase sapphire card- 50,000 points (worth $625 on flights/ hotels booked through the chase portal) after spending $3000 in three months

Citi Premier Card- 50,000 points (worth $625 on flights/ hotels booked through their portal) after spending $4000 in three months.  This card also gives you 3 points on travel and gas (3.75% back), 2 points on dining out (2.5% back).

US Bank flex perks AMEX- 30,000 points for spending $2000.  Get this second year.  Then, during your third year get the US Bank Altitude reserve (to get the altitude you have to be a US bank existing customer). Earn 50,000 points for spending $4500 in three months.  Combine the points for 80,000 total- worth $1200 in travel.  You can use their portal or even easier text to redeem.

Comine all four of the above for $2450 in free travel.  

And having more cards gives you better payment history and lower utilization which INCREASES your credit score.  Just don't make frivolous or unnecessary purchases to meet the minimum spend.  If you have trouble meeting the minimum spend, prepay your cell phone or utility bills, buy gift cards to your favorite supermarkets, gas stations or restaurants, or charge your estimated taxes online (google IRS charge estimated taxes credit cards).  Or pay your parents' estimated taxes.

Final hint:  if the potential employer who is interviewing you reimburses for travel, flights and hotels booked with these cards have receipts to submit for reimbursement :)

You're welcome.  If you liked this advice, please PM me for a referral link for the Chase sapphire preferred.  Better yet, get involved in advocacy and support our profession.

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jimjimmy44 ↑

Ldurlei, I totally agree with you. It is better to earn more and not think about spending.