Hey guys, have you ever found yourselves in a situation where you're tempted to bend the rules a bit, maybe even cross a line, to get something you really want? Well, that's the pickle I'm in right now. I'm wondering if I'm the AITAH (Am I the A-Hole) for applying for an American Airlines credit card using my brother-in-law's name. Yeah, I know, it sounds a bit shady, and believe me, the guilt is starting to weigh on me. Let me break down the whole story so you can tell me if I'm totally out of line or if I maybe, just maybe, had a semi-valid reason for doing this. This is a bit of a rollercoaster of a story, so buckle up!
The Temptation of Miles and Points
Okay, first things first: I'm a travel enthusiast. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and, let's be honest, racking up those sweet, sweet airline miles and points. I dream of free flights, upgrades to business class, and all those little perks that make travel a whole lot more enjoyable. I've always been fascinated by the world of travel hacking. It's like a game, where you use credit card bonuses, strategic spending, and other tricks to get the most out of your travel budget. American Airlines is my preferred airline, and I was looking to earn more AAdvantage miles. I've read countless articles, watched YouTube videos, and even joined travel hacking forums, soaking up every tip and trick I could find. I wanted to apply for the American Airlines AAdvantage® credit card to jumpstart my points game. You know, those welcome bonuses can really kickstart your journey, which can get you on the road, or, well, in the air! The big welcome bonus seemed like a quick way to get a bunch of miles all at once. I figured, with a big welcome bonus, I could potentially get a free flight to one of my dream destinations sooner rather than later. The idea was incredibly tempting, especially considering my current financial situation.
And that leads me to the second part of the problem, which made me consider the option of using my brother-in-law's name. My own credit score isn't exactly stellar, I've had a few bumps along the road, and my credit report is far from perfect. Applying under my own name would probably mean instant rejection, or at the very least, a card with a low credit limit and no perks. So, I'm already thinking, "how can I obtain this card?" My brother-in-law, on the other hand, is financially responsible and has a great credit score. He's the kind of person who pays his bills on time, never carries a balance, and generally handles his finances like a pro. He's also not much of a traveler, so he doesn't really care about racking up airline miles. Honestly, it was this credit score that was key. He would definitely get approved. The whole thing felt a little bit like a cheat code. This is when I started to think about using his information to apply for the card. I know, I know, it's a bit of a gray area, and I'm not proud of it, but the desire to travel, plus the potential for rewards, and my credit score had me going over the edge. The idea simmered in my head, and I started to imagine all the possibilities: free flights, hotel upgrades, and all the other benefits of having a travel rewards credit card. I started to calculate the potential value of the welcome bonus and the miles I could earn through spending. I went down the rabbit hole, checking out all the benefits of the card and dreaming of future travel adventures. I knew it would be a breach of trust, and I was also violating some rules and laws, but I was so tempted!
The Brother-in-Law Factor
So, here's where it gets really sticky. I know my brother-in-law is a trustworthy guy, but asking him for this favor felt like a major breach of trust. He's generally pretty laid-back, but I knew this was a pretty big ask and could potentially damage our relationship. What if he found out? What if something went wrong? The fear of being caught or causing problems was eating at me, but the lure of the miles was strong. The longer I thought about it, the more complicated it became. I considered all the potential consequences: What if the bank caught on? What if it affected his credit score? What if he found out and got angry? The risks were very high, but I wanted the miles.
Then, I thought about his personality, which got me thinking, "What if he would have agreed?" He's generous, and if I explained the situation to him and told him I'd handle all the payments and everything, he might actually be okay with it. This is when I started playing out different scenarios in my head, trying to justify my actions. I started to reason with myself, coming up with all sorts of explanations and excuses. Maybe he wouldn't even notice. Maybe it would be a victimless crime. Maybe it would be worth the risk for a free trip! But, in reality, I knew it wasn't my card to apply for, and it wasn't my choice. It was ultimately his decision. I'd be putting him at risk by doing this. I had to weigh out the pros and cons of my actions. I had a lot of internal conversations with myself about it. If I did go through with it, I'd definitely handle all the payments, and I'd also explain everything to him later, hoping he'd understand. I also considered my relationship with him. We've always had a pretty good relationship, and I'm his sister's husband, so this might be something that would strain our relationship. At the end of the day, he's the one that's going to be at risk if something happened, and I wasn't in any position to put his reputation at risk. It was at this point that I thought, am I really willing to risk everything? This is when I decided that this wasn't worth the risk, and I'm happy to say that I did not apply for the card under his name. In fact, the idea of applying for the card under his name died quickly. I started looking for other options.
Exploring Other Options & The Path Forward
Realizing that my original plan was a no-go, I had to find another solution. I started by focusing on the things I could do. I started working on improving my credit score. This involved paying off existing debts, making sure all my bills were paid on time, and reviewing my credit report for any errors. I found that by fixing my mistakes, I could actually have an advantage. I also considered a secured credit card, which is a good option for people with less-than-perfect credit. I also started looking at ways I could save money for travel. I cut back on unnecessary expenses and started putting money away in a dedicated travel fund. I started looking at travel hacks, like finding the best deals, staying in budget-friendly accommodations, and traveling during the off-season. I started using websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to find the best deals on flights and also started signing up for email alerts so I could be notified of any travel deals. I also considered signing up for any travel reward programs and getting a card in my name. It might not have had the same welcome bonus, but I would still be earning miles, and that's what I was aiming for. My journey to better credit is in full swing! There are several steps I have taken to improve my credit, and I'm starting to see the results. I'm feeling proud about the steps I have taken. It was a long road, but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
The Verdict: AITA?
So, am I the AITA? I think so. Even though I didn't go through with applying for the card under my brother-in-law's name, the fact that I even considered it makes me feel like I was seriously in the wrong. It was a breach of trust, it was potentially illegal, and it could have had serious consequences for everyone involved. Yes, it might have been a way to get a free flight or other perks, but the cost of damaging my relationship with my brother-in-law wasn't worth it. I'm glad that I didn't go through with it, but the temptation was real, and I still feel a little guilty about it. Sometimes, the easiest way out isn't the best way. I learned an important lesson. Hopefully, I can put all of this behind me. So, I would say, yes, I would have been the AITA, but I'm glad I didn't cross that line.
So, guys, what do you think? Am I too hard on myself? Should I have just gone for it? Let me know in the comments. Your thoughts are appreciated.
