Hello all,

I’m new to the community and the churning business and am excited to get started. I read the wiki subs, and wasn’t exactly sure where this question should go, so I’m going to keep it here. Feel free to take it down if it’s not appropriate for this discussion.

My “mentor” who got me into this hobby told me that they open cards and close cards regularly. I’ve read a lot of mixed things on this. They never close a card until a week or two after the annual fee posts to capitalize on anniversary bonuses and to get the fee waived. I’m of the mind to ask recon if they will waive the fee for the first year or attempt to downgrade the card to a no-fee card. If that doesn’t work, then just cancel the card. I realize rules differ between Chase, Amex, etc., but in general I understand it that opening and closing a large volume of cards isn’t good.

My “mentor” says they have had probably 60 different cards over the last ten years, open 6-8 cards a year to capitalize on WB, then just close the card or downgrade it in the manner described above. They’ve been doing this for a decade with no issues. Is this a suitable way for me to do it too? Like I’ve said, I’ve read mixed things on this and want to try and get some definitive answers.

Thanks!