Sadly, the offer ended last week, and the new offer is 50,000 points. That’s still enough for a $269 night at a Hampton Inn in the Chicago Loop.

With hotel cards, it’s best to sign up for the hotel loyalty program before getting the card, churners say.

Churners who overdo things can damage their credit scores, making it harder to land a card or a loan. Several card applications made in a short period of time can be a sign of someone desperate for money. The credit scoring companies knock off points for it.

So, don’t apply for several credit cards at once if you’re planning on getting a car loan or a mortgage in the next few months. “If you apply for five or six cards in a year, you’ll probably be fine,” said Schulz.

But a churn done properly can actually help a score a little. “I’ve seen my credit improve,” Schulz said.

Here’s why. The credit companies rate you in part based on how much of your available credit you’re actually using. If you have $10,000 in credit, and you’re using only $500, you look good. Add a new credit card and you may have $15,000 in available credit. Now you look better.

Churners aren’t popular with credit card companies, and some try to screen them out.