I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[jhoannam]

I just used 171,000 AA miles for 2 nights at the Contemporary Club Level. I’m going to the SWGE AP preview and I’m hoping to do mickeys not so scary. I’m so happy to have AA miles. I feel so boujee!!

We'll be at CR 15-18th!

 

[gottalovepluto]

So, Chase removed me as AU on dh's CSR. Yay! That brings me under 5/24. My question is, when should I apply for the CIP? I have been declined for this card at least twice already, not within 30 days though. (It's my Elenor - see Gone in Sixty Seconds for this to make sense).

I'm eyeing the 80k bonus because I need to come up with as many UR points as possible, which I'll then transfer to UAL miles to get my return ticket NRT to EWR in April. I already got my tickets from EWR to NRT, saver tickets, 70k one way for 4 people business class. I'll just redeposit miles if I can't get what I want but it is looking decent if I can close the deal before 6 months prior to departure. Summer seemed impossible so we moved the trip to spring break (April).

So, here is where I stand. Any thoughts on what to do next and when?

Mefordis cards:
10/28/17 - CHASE United Personal - 3
10/20/17 - BARCLAYS JetBlue Personal
11/17 - AMEX SPG Business* (Bonvoy)
12/11/17 - CHASE Freedom - 2
12/11/17 - CHASE Marriott Personal - 1
05/18 - AMEX Hilton Business*
08/18 - CHASE Marriott Business*

11/19/16 - Bank of America
06/3/16 PC CSP to Chase Freedom
05/18/12 AMEX Blue travel card
05/18/12 AMEX EveryDay AU
07/13/09 Chase Disney

** locked out of a Sapphire bonus until 06/03/2020 ,

CIP now and then refer yourself for another in 3 months if that’s still a thing. Fastest way I see to get you URs. But make sure to drop those Chase CLs.

 

[Haley R]

I stayed at the Dolphin, not the Swan.

- The Dolphin has double beds,
- The Dolphin seemed more hopping - lobby bar, more quick service restaurants
- Swan has queen beds. .
- The Swan seems more quiet.
- Swan rooms may be a little better, I"m thinking, since it's owned by Westin and the Dolphin is owned by Sheraton which imo is slightly downscale from Westin.

I know others disagree... I wouldn't really unless it's a few bucks. Probably still wouldn't because I'm cheap. Main things: Swan lobby is smaller, maybe hotel is slightly less rooms overall, has queen beds in 2 bed rooms. Currently main QS/shop is under reno. Dolphin has big lobby with bar, shop, QS, 24hr QS available... double beds in 2 bed room. DH and I can deal with a double so for drastic price differences I'd rather spend that money on food or something

Swan has queens, dolphin has doubles. Unless you're booking a king, they both have that option. Swan bathroom setups is also my preference. I know lots prefer dolphin because the quick service and some other dining options and the pool are over there. I'd pick swan over dolphin. But I'd pick dolphin if I didn't have a choice.

Edit - that last sentence sounds weird. I just mean I wouldn't have a problem staying at the dolphin. But I would definitely book a king at the dolphin if possible if I was staying there again.

Thanks to all of you for your input. It looks like we could get the Dolphin through Ticketatwork for $132.78. It doesn't say if we then have to pay for the resort fee when we get there or if that's included. I've never used this website before, but we can now that Dh has a new job. The Swan unfortunately isn't on the website as an option. This room says double beds inner.

 

[happ]

Arghhh. Anyone have any tips who was successful SM'ing Barclay for bonus match or to get 10k employee points?

I tried to contact them by SM twice and both times the reply was that I needed to call. I'm not sure why they even offer SM if they can't really help. I called them a few weeks ago and my missing points (including the employee points) posted this week with my statement.

 

[afan]

Did anybody see this today:

https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/chqo1k

My response:

Apparently there’s some crusade to bring churning to the masses. We must orchestrate our own demise and we must accelerate the pace..who’s with me??​

​

Is it really that hard to read a few blogs and figure out your own path? Thousands of us have done it before... but apparently these days it’s too hard.​

​

I love everybody here and I will help ANYBODY that finds their way to our thread but this attitude that is pervasive on r/churning to kill the game by making it so easy a dog could do it is ridiculous. We don’t need an app to help us pick a card...is clicking on the flow chart that hard (and why do we even have the flow chart to be honest...just read and ask a question or two)...UGH - I’ll step off my soap box now.

I went and down voted a bunch Upvoted a couple including yours.

What makes it worse is what's his motivation and end goal. To sell the app ot just give it away so it's all for s and giggles and to hurt churning. There's no point. And if it could be monoitized we all know tpg would have an app for it. Though I'm surprised they don't already have an app to make themselves feel more important.

 

[mefordis]

CIP now and then refer yourself for another in 3 months if that’s still a thing. Fastest way I see to get you URs. But make sure to drop those Chase CLs.

I'm sorry, what are Chase CLs?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I'm sorry, what are Chase CLs?

Credit limits...chase likes to keep the total credit limits they have extended to you on both personal and business cards to under 50% of household income or around 70k total....
If your total CLs on the Chase cards you have now are over or approaching that you should lower them before applying...it can be done via secure message or calling

 

[mefordis]

Okay just applied. Here is what I got.

Thank you for your request.
We need to review your request a little longer. We will let you know of our decision as soon as possible.

Thank you for choosing the Chase Ink Business Preferred.

 

[Alexle2007]

I'm sorry, what are Chase CLs?

Credit limits. You typically want them to be less than 50% of your income.

 

[1st*toright]

I have been checking promos lately. Did not see the stay twice get 10 bonus nights. Darn. Would you ever consider a "mattress run" for 8 nights? I know it sounds foolish when many people say Gold is nearly as good as platinum. We are going to Tokyo next year and I'm thinking perks at Marriotts there might be even better for Plat Elite.

The Marriott Promos seem to be more and more targeted - I wish I had gotten those 10 bonus nights too. I am of the opinion that Plat is vastly superior to Gold in the new program. Gold doesn't get you much, Platinum gets you lounge access when there is one, breakfast at lots of brands and suite night awards which are nice, when you can use them. I've had pretty good luck with upgrades as a Platinum, got very few when I was Gold.

It would depend on how cheaply you could do the 8 nights - if you have points to burn (or a Cat 1 near enough that you can do a couple of mattress runs there), I would seriously consider it. For me, a $200 conference room would almost always be the cheapest way to get the extra nights, because there are no cat 1s near me. It would be worth it if I knew it would get me, say, breakfast for 2 people 10x next year.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Okay just applied. Here is what I got.

Thank you for your request.
We need to review your request a little longer. We will let you know of our decision as soon as possible.

Thank you for choosing the Chase Ink Business Preferred.

That’s pretty common for Chase business cards...you can check the status by calling 1-800-432-3117 and follow the prompts

 

[Lain]

I'm sorry, what are Chase CLs?

Now call Chase's automated line at 1-800-432-3117, #, 3, 1, SSN to check your application status periodically.

30 days = still waiting review
2 weeks = needs more time, but looking good and likely to be approved
7-10 days = denial
approved = approved

Good luck!

 

[hsmamato2]

I still like sb for a little extra but man it's been so hard, I gave up on daily goals and stuff and just do what I can when I can

I'd call right away if you need to book. That was what I got from the reps too, well we can see it... that's great, I can't so I can't book anything That's why I ended up on twitter.

I got it back on the 2nd call...with only one trasnfer to IT and about a 15 minute wait.... Now I have to be 100% sure of my dates to rebook since that was a hassle for such a simple thing! Now I know why y'all are bonvoy grumbling!

 

[mefordis]

Credit limits...chase likes to keep the total credit limits they have extended to you on both personal and business cards to under 50% of household income or around 70k total....
If your total CLs on the Chase cards you have now are over or approaching that you should lower them before applying...it can be done via secure message or calling

Does it ding your credit report if you lower them yourself? There are quite a few limits I could lower.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Does it ding your credit report if you lower them yourself? There are quite a few limits I could lower.

If you have a high balance on the card it can...I pay my cards off weekly so they never close with a high utilization
Also business cards aren’t reported on your personal credit report...

 

[mefordis]

Now call Chase's automated line at 1-800-432-3117, #, 3, 1, SSN to check your application status periodically.

30 days = still waiting review
2 weeks = needs more time, but looking good and likely to be approved
7-10 days = denial
approved = approved

Good luck!

Thanks! What's my plan B if I get denied?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thanks! What's my plan B if I get denied?

Would depend on the reason....if it’s CLs ...lower them, then wait at least 30 days to try again....
Sending You don’t have to worry about it.

 

[stitchfan18]

Capital One Venture Rewards offers 50,000 points for $3k spend, annual fee waived first year. The points are worth $500 towards “erasing” travel charges on your card.

Chase Ultimate Rewards are worth 1 cent per point in cash (can’t be used to book Disney properties or Swalphin on their portal so cash is your only option if that’s what you want)....

Chase Ink Preferred offers 80k points for $4k spend. After annual fee of $95 that’s basically $705. If you don’t have a business but might have a side hustle ebay, Craigslist, baking cookies, dog sitting, etc- you have a business! We can help you with how to do that application. Refer your spouse for 20k bonus points and you’re looking at $1,610.

Chase Sapphire Reserve is offering 50k URs after $4k spend. Annual Fee $450 but $300 travel credit applies to any travel (like a Disney hotel) so the AF is really $150. It has 1 TSA pre-check or Global Entry covered if you’re in the market for that. No referral (ie “support link”) for this one.

Chase Sapphire Preferred 60k URs after $4k spend, AF $95. Refer your spouse to the same offer for 15k URs. It might be possible to do both Sapphires if you can do $8k spend in 3 months, let us know and we can walk you through how to try it.

If any of those catch your fancy tell us how many, and what, credit cards you’ve (and your spouse if he’s willing) opened in the last 24 months then let us know if you’re leaning towards any particular card and we can let you know what we think

ETA2: OH! Flights. Southwest is pretty popular around here and pairs nicely with Chase points as you can transfer Chase URs to Southwest if you find yourself short SW points. Is a Companion Pass of interest? I’m not a Southwest person but that’s achievable with credit card points and some here can help with that too!

Thanks so much! This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for! It sounds like the Chase ink preferred might be the best option if I open a personal and business account. If I open a business account, how long before it would be ideal to try for a personal account as well?

 

[hsmamato2]

Interesting...another Bonvoy note...the hotel I'd like to book and it's in my category doesn't allow use of the free night certificate? This is a thing? I thought it was good for any marriott brand in correct category? Is this another example of being bonvoyed?

 

[mmmears]

Wow! I'm finally caught up again!

Hi! Ok Swagbucks ignorance here. I believe I signed up for an account using a support link then life got in the way and I haven’t used it or learned much about it. Someone please explain why everyone is buying ... Swagbucks? Thank you in advance.

Thank you for asking this question. I have FOMO regarding this one, but just haven't managed to get involved.

Yup

Good to know since I would like to PC DH's CIP1 to a CIC when it reaches a year, but didn't want to miss out on the bonus.

Yikes, I just priced DS’s 8th grade books and it’s almost $500 for all of his subjects, assuming I got his math and Spanish correct since I haven’t received his schedule yet. That will help with DH’s Hilton Biz MSR.

Just wait until he hits high school.

I think many people value Hilton points at less than a penny, somewhere around 0.4 cpp, although you can do better at some of the higher end redemptions. The base earn rate is 3x Hilton points, so you're not quite breaking even but close enough. The FWN cert might be worthwhile to go after. Otherwise, I think you're good to go.

The low value of the Hilton points is what has made me pause when it comes to getting those AMEX cards (well, that and the need to then put spend on them every month). Do you think this new Biz bonus is worth it?

When I was paying for DD's private school tuition (all lovely 7 years of it), I'd say "the more you pay, the less they attend." DD spent a lot of school holidays with her grandparents, which she enjoyed.

I think it depends on your school district. DD was in a private for elementary school (and believe me, I'm not really a fan of this school) and she was in school so much more than the kids in our local school. She had all day kindergarten, while they had half day. They had school 4.5 days a week (yep, a half day every week, which just thrilled my working neighbor) while mine was in all day, 5 days a week. The actual full days off were comparable, but those 1/2 days really add up (I guess they exist because they "count" when it comes to funding from the state). Every time there was a shift (MS, HS) we seriously considered moving our DD into the public schools but in the end there was always some dealbreaker that we just couldn't deal with.