I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[ep1229]

...

 

[Minnie368]

Hi All,
I have a question about the best way to use my existing points. I don’t want to open anymore cards at this time - due to covid, not sure how stable my job is.
im taking my daughter and her friend to Disney for a HS graduation trip. We’re going 7/6-7/12.
I already booked our flight, I used most of my Southwest points. I have 4500 left.
I have 120,000 Amex Hilton points and 67,000 Citi aa points. We were looking at downtown Disney resorts with my Hilton points. I can do points and cash for those resorts. I was also looking at Citi aa rewards and noticed Swan and Dolphin. 38,000 points a night. I would need to pay cash for most of the Swan and Dolphin stay. Am I missing a better deal? Can I combine points somehow?
thanks for any help!

Not sure about combining points if you mean combining the hilton points with citi aa points, but wanted to comment on Hilton hotels in DS area. We stayed at the Doubletree Disney Springs area in December and were very happy with it. It was only 22,000 points per night then, but looks a little higher during your stay. But with the 5th night free you should be able to cover 5 of your seven nights with points. This is one of the few non-Disney hotels that has the onsite benefits like EMH(soon to be early entry) and early FP+ booking if/when those things ever return. Not sure when the early park entry benefit for onsite starts, but when it does this hotel will be high on my list if it still is able to participate.

 

[wanderlust7]

It’s time for a new card for me. I would love some suggestions. I mainly fly Delta, recently completed a mattress run for Hyatt and have 40 elite nights. I have twin DDs who will be going to college in the fall so I’m hoping to travel more. They could possibly be P2 and P3 come August. I’m deciding between MDD with CSP/CSR or try to go for a Biz Plat but open to new ideas. Here are my stats:

Personal
12/20AMEX Hyatt
02/20 AMEX Hilton Aspire
03/19 AMEX Platinum
04/18 AMEX Gold
07/17 CSR received bonus 12/18 (PC from CSP in 8/18)
05/16 AMEX SPG (PC to Marriott Brilliant in 09/19 then PC to Bonvoy 11/20)

Business:
10/20 CIC
07/20 CIU
12/19 CIP
02/19 BOA Alaska Business
03/10 AMEX Delta Platinum Business

Thanks in advance!

CSP/CSR needs to be 48 months after receiving the last bonus. Not sure if I'm reading it right, but doesn't look like you're quite there yet. A biz plat is a good choice. There's a 110k for 15k spend offer you might be able to pull up via support. Or if you want more Delta miles, the SUBs are currently elevated. There are targeted NLL offers too.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/ymmv...es-200-statement-credit-no-lifetime-language/

 

[smallsy]

The CP with that SUB ends 2/28/22, so you'll have it for less than a year.

Ah, good catch. I was reading that as the offer itself was good until then.

 

[pix13dust]

Not sure about combining points if you mean combining the hilton points with citi aa points, but wanted to comment on Hilton hotels in DS area. We stayed at the Doubletree Disney Springs area in December and were very happy with it. It was only 22,000 points per night then, but looks a little higher during your stay. But with the 5th night free you should be able to cover 5 of your seven nights with points. This is one of the few non-Disney hotels that has the onsite benefits like EMH(soon to be early entry) and early FP+ booking if/when those things ever return. Not sure when the early park entry benefit for onsite starts, but when it does this hotel will be high on my list if it still is able to participate.

Thanks for the info on the Doubletree! That’s one of the hotels my daughter was looking at.

 

[Samson7256]

I don't know. The eligible categories are airlines, car rentals, lodging and "other travel". Examples listed for other travel are rideshares and cruise lines. There are minimum purchase amounts to be aware of for lodging ($500) and car rentals ($250). I used my bonus on the card toward a hotel purchase that I booked direct from Disney, not a travel package, so I made sure I hit the $500 purchase level to redeem for lodging and I had no issues. I don't know if a vacation package will code as travel-lodging or travel-other? If it codes as entertainment you're sunk but with other issuers entertainment coding from Disney only happens for direct ticket purchases (no package). My best guess (ie pulling this out of thin air!) is it would code as lodging.

Warning- don't purchase more than you can cover with points. If you do the system won't allow you to apply any points to the purchase.

Make sure you've enabled RTR prior to any purchase and that you run through your RTR settings to make sure you enable all the right things: go to rewards portal > Card Benefits > Edit RTR settings > set your settings. I made sure to only select travel categories so I always get 1.5x redemption and my minimum redemption is set at $10.

Right now imho there is a bit of a safety net with Disney and the RTR game... since Disney has a generous refundability policy right now if your charge doesn't trigger RTR you could cancel your Disney trip, get a refund and rebook (as long as there is still availability of course).

Thank you very much for your detailed reply. I don't have the card just yet, but I'm looking for ways to cover a 2022 trip. I'll be sure to report back down the road how the vacation package charge is categorized.

 

[EACarlson]

Does anyone have TMobile service? Are you happy with it? DH wants to move our new iPhones from Boostmobile to TMobile.

My SIL got moved from Sprint to T-Mobile after the merger in DFW and is actively looking to get out of her contract to go to Verizon. She says service is horrible and way less reliable than it was pre-merger.

Portillos in MN does this too. Although we were in a record cold snap for 2 weeks in Feb, and dh went to pick up the heart shaped cake and they did not have anyone outside that time. Thank goodness, since it was like -8 air temp at that time.

We used to go out the door too occasionally when I worked at McDonald's in Minneapolis, but I was more amazed that it was designed that way.

Trying to figure out the points for AMEX hilton surpass and CSP. Is it better to use the hilton or CSP at restaurants? I get 6x pts for the hilton and 2x pts for the CSP. TIA!

I value the UR much higher than Hilton points. Unless I am topping up for a specific redemption, I would much rather have the UR.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

No. Nothing to see here. For your own good and your kids, stick to the plan.

THANK YOU @Lain! You made me feel better that I've straight up ignored any and all things PYB. But so many people seem happy w/ it I feel like maybe I was missing out. My URs have been like gold to me just waiting there to do some insane redemption, LOL. My soon to be 16yo isn't a diva or anything. She just demanded no less than Biz class for this trip, LOL.

So DH was denied for the AA Barclays Biz. He’s at 7 inquiries in the last 24 months, our goal is to MDD CSP/CRS in June. So I was really hoping not to hit his credit again (the Barclays was supposed to be last credit pull before the MDD)
We have about $2,500 in additional spend (camps) before then, I hate not having a MSR.
I have 9 credit checks so I was trying to slow down on my pulls.
So what should I do, we need a CIC, do I apply or DH??

Welcome to the Barclay biz world. It took me like 7 tries to get it! I even thought maybe they'd be happy since I have the personal AA card, and I did a balance transfer to it. But nope. I did finally get it though. Now my dilemma is figuring out the churnability on the personal one. I think I'm going to cancel that in October and keep the business one in my portfolio for now. It's $4 cheaper a year, LOL. Then see if I can churn the personal. I like having an AA card in my stash for the reduced mileage and luggage.

I have to laugh at all the CFA talk. We got the first one close to my house back in June and It's still an hour+ long line (10 min away). Then in Jan the one 5 min away opened up. My daughter said her friends waited 3 hours in line. Not sure if that is true, but we have one 25 min away they could order online and pick up faster! They could also drive to Ohio where there are NO waits really faster. We're also getting a Portillos. It'll be about 45 min away. The BF is SUPER excited for that. It opens 3/16 (the day before my DD's bday). He's said we'll go ahead and wait a week before we attempt to go there, LOL. And yes, our CFA workers are standing out in the cold.

Prior to getting exposed to better southern fast food chains, I thought CFA was the end all be all. Now Zaxby's holds the #1 in my heart. I love Bojangles too. And if there's a Cookout, you best believe I'm getting som hush puppies! I am going to gain 27lbs when I move south! LOL

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Prior to getting exposed to better southern fast food chains, I thought CFA was the end all be all. Now Zaxby's holds the #1 in my heart. I love Bojangles too. And if there's a Cookout, you best believe I'm getting som hush puppies! I am going to gain 27lbs when I move south! LOL

Hahaha, so I also thought CFA was the best too, prior to moving to SC. I had only lived in the north most my life... Ohio, PA, and NY. We now have the three you mentioned. Bojangles beats any fried chicken joint hands down. Cookout is the best value around and the hush puppies... omg everyone things I’m crazy when I order them but they’re amazing! And often times I will choose Zaxbys over CFA now because they are that good! I admit I didn’t know what I was missing til I moved south either, and even then I was skeptical til I tried, haha.

 

[stitchfan18]

I tried to get some kind of retention offer on my plat biz that I still occasionally used and get nothing from AMEX. I chat with AMEX on P2's account to close his biz green because we haven't used it since meeting MSR & they offer a $300 statement credit right away with no spend.

When someone figures AMEX out, I'd love an explanation.

 

[havaneselover]

THANK YOU @Lain! You made me feel better that I've straight up ignored any and all things PYB. But so many people seem happy w/ it I feel like maybe I was missing out. My URs have been like gold to me just waiting there to do some insane redemption, LOL. My soon to be 16yo isn't a diva or anything. She just demanded no less than Biz class for this trip, LOL.


Welcome to the Barclay biz world. It took me like 7 tries to get it! I even thought maybe they'd be happy since I have the personal AA card, and I did a balance transfer to it. But nope. I did finally get it though. Now my dilemma is figuring out the churnability on the personal one. I think I'm going to cancel that in October and keep the business one in my portfolio for now. It's $4 cheaper a year, LOL. Then see if I can churn the personal. I like having an AA card in my stash for the reduced mileage and luggage.

I have to laugh at all the CFA talk. We got the first one close to my house back in June and It's still an hour+ long line (10 min away). Then in Jan the one 5 min away opened up. My daughter said her friends waited 3 hours in line. Not sure if that is true, but we have one 25 min away they could order online and pick up faster! They could also drive to Ohio where there are NO waits really faster. We're also getting a Portillos. It'll be about 45 min away. The BF is SUPER excited for that. It opens 3/16 (the day before my DD's bday). He's said we'll go ahead and wait a week before we attempt to go there, LOL. And yes, our CFA workers are standing out in the cold.

Prior to getting exposed to better southern fast food chains, I thought CFA was the end all be all. Now Zaxby's holds the #1 in my heart. I love Bojangles too. And if there's a Cookout, you best believe I'm getting som hush puppies! I am going to gain 27lbs when I move south! LOL

Crazy talk! I have a Zaxby's two miles from my house, a Cook Out 3 miles from my house, and a CFA 3 miles for my house. The only reason to eat at Zaxby's is that it's Sunday. And Cook Out is okay for shakes but that's it. Let's put it this way--the Chick Fil A is perpetually mobbed while the Zaxby's and Cook Out are not. Of course Southern food is not my thing (honestly I don't even eat fast food more than twice a year).

 

[becauseimnew]

So DH was denied for the AA Barclays Biz. He’s at 7 inquiries in the last 24 months, our goal is to MDD CSP/CRS in June. So I was really hoping not to hit his credit again (the Barclays was supposed to be last credit pull before the MDD)
We have about $2,500 in additional spend (camps) before then, I hate not having a MSR.
I have 9 credit checks so I was trying to slow down on my pulls.
So what should I do, we need a CIC, do I apply or DH??

@SouthFayetteFan - any thoughts on my dilemma?
DH Stats: 2/24
12/19 - Amex Green
1/20 - CIU
4/20 - Hyatt
5/20 - mortgage pull
11/20 - CIC pull - not approved
1/21 - car loan pull
2/21 - Barclay Biz pull - not approved

Me 4/24
1/20 - CIU
4/20 - Hyatt
4/20 - Barclay AAdvantage
5/20 - mortgage pull
7/20 - CSP
11/20 - CIC
11/20 - Amex Plat
1/21 - car loan pull
2/21 - Barclay Biz pull - not approved

I have 2 Chas Biz cards open.

 

[EM Lawrence]

I’m going to take another stab at asking for advice. I spent yesterday reading all of the newbie information on the Reddit churning group. Its a great beginners guide!

I have a very specific goal right now: two first class tickets from Orlando to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, next February. If I can’t get enough points to pay for the tickets outright, I’m ok with purchasing an economy ticket and upgrading with points. This means I need a minimum of 200K points either with Amex or HA.

I’ve very interested in the Chase cards long term, but I think it makes the most sense to focus on Amex right now since they transfer to HA and to Delta, which operate out of the two hubs closest to me. Thank you to those on this thread for pointing this out to me! I have zero experience with Amex but Chase feels very comfortable and intuitive to me, so making the leap to Amex feels weird.

I am at:

09/19 Comenity Lucky Brand Card (oops)
03/19 JPMorgan Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
04/20 Citibank Home Depot (oops)
03/21 Amex Gold (will get 75K MR)

No business cards, I am willing to get those now.

I have a P2, but there are limits to what he is comfortable opening. One card a year, maybe two. He has 1/24 right now.

I generally don’t have any trouble meeting MS. I put everything on CC, and can put taxes on CC if it makes sense. DH is a small business owner so we pay a boatload of taxes.

So what is my best strategy to get those MR for tickets to Hawaii?? I need 125K more to meet my goal. I hope getting the Gold Amex instead of the Platinum was not a big mistake!!!

One other thing, ideally I’d like to pool points, and I believe MR can not be transferred between spouses. But HA miles can be transferred. Does anyone know if I transfer DH’s MR to HA, can I then transfer those HA to my own account and book the tickets that way?

I hope I got this right, and TIA!

*Edited to add, based on the above post, do car/mortgage hard inquiries count against 5/24?

 

[becauseimnew]

I’m going to take another stab at asking for advice. I spent yesterday reading all of the newbie information on the Reddit churning group. Its a great beginners guide!

I have a very specific goal right now: two first class tickets from Orlando to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, next February. If I can’t get enough points to pay for the tickets outright, I’m ok with purchasing an economy ticket and upgrading with points. This means I need a minimum of 200K points either with Amex or HA.

I’ve very interested in the Chase cards long term, but I think it makes the most sense to focus on Amex right now since they transfer to HA and to Delta, which operate out of the two hubs closest to me. Thank you to those on this thread for pointing this out to me! I have zero experience with Amex but Chase feels very comfortable and intuitive to me, so making the leap to Amex feels weird.

I am at:

09/19 Comenity Lucky Brand Card (oops)
03/19 JPMorgan Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
04/20 Citibank Home Depot (oops)
03/21 Amex Gold (will get 75K MR)

No business cards, I am willing to get those now.

I have a P2, but there are limits to what he is comfortable opening. One card a year, maybe two. He has 1/24 right now.

I generally don’t have any trouble meeting MS. I put everything on CC, and can put taxes on CC if it makes sense. DH is a small business owner so we pay a boatload of taxes.

So what is my best strategy to get those MR for tickets to Hawaii?? I need a minimum of 125K to meet my goal. I hope getting the Gold Amex instead of the Platinum was not a big mistake!!!

One other thing, ideally I’d like to pool points, and I believe MR can not be transferred between spouses. But HA miles can be transferred. Does anyone know if I transfer DH’s MR to HA, can I then transfer those HA to my own account and book the tickets that way?

I hope I got this right, and TIA!

*Edited to add, based on the above post, do car/mortgage hard inquiries count against 5/24?

If you have no problem meeting the MSR on the Amex Biz Plat you should apply for that, the SUB is 110K MRs.

And regarding pulls, those don't play a big part - it seems that lately Chase has been adding "too many inquiries" to the denial reasons. I only added it because I have 9 pulls - my next card is the CIC. Amex doesn't seem to care.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I tried to get some kind of retention offer on my plat biz that I still occasionally used and get nothing from AMEX. I chat with AMEX on P2's account to close his biz green because we haven't used it since meeting MSR & they offer a $300 statement credit right away with no spend.

When someone figures AMEX out, I'd love an explanation.

P2 got a $300 statement credit to keep his no-AF Biz green?

 

[stitchfan18]

P2 got a $300 statement credit to keep his no-AF Biz green?

It was no AF the first year, but a $95 annual fee after that. I was really confused, but the terms clearly stated $300 statement credit for his biz green to remain open & I confirmed no MSR. My only guess is that maybe they see his spend on AMEX cards for his day job that are tied to his social. I don’t see them when I login to his home AMEX account though, and we had long since sock drawered the biz green the credit was offered on

 

[Limes96]

I was logged on to my Amex account looking things over for a full ten minutes before I realized my 100k MR plat bonus had posted last week. Not sure how it took me so long. Maybe because I didn’t expect it quite yet because of airline credits and PayPal credits? (Which, btw I’ve gotten my full March PP credit but still no Feb 1 credit). Don’t worry though, I’m still spending on it! 10x MR on groceries, of course.

Just got back from a weekend at the Gaylord Opryland and had a great time. Got to hear LIVE music again - so wonderful! Used my $50 back offer on the Amex Bonvoy biz card for incidentals. But P2 still has this offer on his BBP. Anyway to buy a $200 gift card and use this offer for future trips?

Also now I’m finally re-planning the trip I gave DS20 for Christmas 2019. 4 nights at the Swan April 13-17 using my AAVacations voucher from the cancellation a year ago. Once again, I played around with numbers in the trip confirmation email and was able to add the room to MDE. Never stayed at the Swan before but really looking forward to it. Also planning to actually use the rental car included in the pkg. Since this isn’t through my CSR not sure how to handle insurance on this. Guess I will call my own agent and see what is covered through them on rentals. Any advice on this welcome!

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I have a very specific goal right now: two first class tickets from Orlando to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, next February. If I can’t get enough points to pay for the tickets outright, I’m ok with purchasing an economy ticket and upgrading with points. This means I need a minimum of 200K points either with Amex or HA.

If you're set on this, go for it, but honestly you don't need it. There's a mini cabin in between First Class and the Main Cabin on the HA A330 that has only 12 seats. It's obviously not the lie-flat first class seats, but it's EXTREMELY private and quiet. They sell these seats as "Extra Comfort" and they're the best bang-for-your-buck in Domestic travel IMO. You should be able to get them with the HA signup bonus alone and not need to pool points from elsewhere.

We did nonstop BOS to HNL with kids 5 and 2, plus my wife 8 months pregnant and we were more than comfortable the whole way.

Row 11 and 12

*Edited to add, based on the above post, do car/mortgage hard inquiries count against 5/24?

No.

 

[afan]

Prior to getting exposed to better southern fast food chains, I thought CFA was the end all be all. Now Zaxby's holds the #1 in my heart. I love Bojangles too. And if there's a Cookout, you best believe I'm getting som hush puppies! I am going to gain 27lbs when I move south! LO

Yes zaxbys! I don't get the love for cfa at all. I find their chicken often greasy and I'm not a fan of waffle fries. Cookout is good but really only miss the hush puppies, no surprise I can't find them anywhere around seattle, even at mom and pop southern places. I didn't care for bojangles the one time I tried it.

 

[Herding_Cats]

what's the status of the chase ink business card application status line? Is that working? I thought I saw a post that they had taken it down?