Which one would you do to earn Lifetime AA status

[Yordai Dooma]

Assuming you needed another 100k AA to earn lifetime elite status, which one would you do? (assuming all spg has been exhausted)

1) Buy 40k for $800 ( 2 cpm) and then have a spouse "gift" you another 60k for $600 (1 cpm). Out of pocket would be $1400 and you "gain" 40k

2) Have spouse gift you 100k costing you $1000 (1 cpm) and "gain" nothing as your combined balance remains the same.

Option 1 costs more but you gain 40k.
option 2 is cheaper but you dont gain anything but status.

Or would you do neither? other suggestions? (Opening another citi card is out of the question)

[Yaalili]

Do you already have a BankDirect AA checking account?

[Yordai Dooma]

Do you already have a BankDirect AA checking account?

yes- but that wont get you 100k in a few months anyways.

[ganizzy]

if you spend money and then return the stuff, do they take back the points?
u have a few months till they change the lifetime status earning rules - to spend alot of money

[Ergel]

Option 1 vs. option 2 boils down to whether 40k miles is worth more than $400. It's a personal question, but the market value tells you 40k is worth more.

In terms of whether million miler is worth $1000. How much do you fly? Is it worth it for the benefits? Maybe, but it depends on your personal circumstances.

[txtmax4]

Option 1 vs. option 2 boils down to whether 40k miles is worth more than $400. It's a personal question, but the market value tells you 40k is worth more.

In terms of whether million miler is worth $1000. How much do you fly? Is it worth it for the benefits? Maybe, but it depends on your personal circumstances.

Very well said.

[Spiffster]

"a spouse"?  If you have multiple, have them all gift you up to the 100K...     

Option 1 is what _I_ would prefer because I think paying to transfer miles between accounts is double taxation.  But the bennies for lifetime are good if you'll use them.

I'd really try to find a way to earn the miles in another way.  If you have something to trade, there's always the FT CC.  Once AA announces the changes there is going to be some grace period - rest of the year perhaps?

FYI: If you decide to share miles, there is a 100K per year limit on sharing miles in AA.

Assuming you needed another 100k AA to earn lifetime elite status, which one would you do? (assuming all spg has been exhausted)

1) Buy 40k for $800 ( 2 cpm) and then have a spouse "gift" you another 60k for $600 (1 cpm). Out of pocket would be $1400 and you "gain" 40k

2) Have spouse gift you 100k costing you $1000 (1 cpm) and "gain" nothing as your combined balance remains the same.

Option 1 costs more but you gain 40k.
option 2 is cheaper but you dont gain anything but status.

Or would you do neither? other suggestions? (Opening another citi card is out of the question)