Chase Sapphire Preferred for direct purchase?

[eticketplease]

The Ink Unlimited and Cash also have elevated bonuses right now which make their returns even better with $0 AF. Plus you can buy DGCs from office supply stores on the CIC for 5x coding.

Not only that but they typically offer 0% for 12 months as well.

 

[Sandisw]

I know this is old but why do you look at it this way?

I look at it as they pay me $5 to keep the card.

$395 AF - $300 travel coupon - $100 in Capital One Miles 6-8 weeks after AF is charged on renewal

Well, I consider the miles a bonus…lol.

 

[intamin]

When do you have to make the payment? With SW new biz offer if you can wait until it posts in January you would earn the CP for 2026 & 2027, the 120k bonus points plus the spend for the offer $10k would give you 130 SW miles and then grab the CIP for the rest for transfer to Hyatt and if needed SW.

We haven't bought anything yet, going to wait til closer to our use year to buy (April) but realistically probably buy anywhere from January to March depending on incentives and now also trying to time that somewhat with when we get our credit card(s). Not really in a rush to get more points but I've finally decided that whether or not I hate the crowds at Poly, I do want more direct points, not just more total points and I do want a monorail resort and it just fits both bills.

 

[PolyRob]

Not only that but they typically offer 0% for 12 months as well.

Yes! The CIU and CIC are great cards. Sometimes it's worth the lower category multiplier for the better bonus, APR, and $0 AF

We haven't bought anything yet, going to wait til closer to our use year to buy (April) but realistically probably buy anywhere from January to March depending on incentives and now also trying to time that somewhat with when we get our credit card(s). Not really in a rush to get more points but I've finally decided that whether or not I hate the crowds at Poly, I do want more direct points, not just more total points and I do want a monorail resort and it just fits both bills.

URs are great for both SW and Hyatt. @eticketplease gave an excellent strategy to get the most time out of a companion pass while taking advantage of the current elevated SW bonus.

If you don't want to purchase until Feb/Mar the exact recommendation would probably change based on what the bonuses are at the time, but you and your DW could both easily get two Chase cards.

Right now the 90k Inks would probably be my choice. You could net 360k URs from bonuses, 60k URs from referrals, 18k URs from 1.5x CIU spend, and 12k URs from 1x CIC spend. 450k URs with 0% APR on 24k spend is pretty great. Cashed out 1:1 would be 18.75% savings! Transferring to partners would be even better.

CIU and CIC don't transfer to partners, but you can always product change to a CIP, or throw one CIP in the mix. You can combine your points with a spouse/household so only one is necessary. You can also consolidate to a CSP or CSR. CSP had a pretty great bonus earlier in the year. CSR had it's refresh and is currently sitting at 125k URs.

SW and Hyatt both get elevated bonuses from time to time and there are numerous SW cards and a personal and biz Hyatt.

 

[VGCgroupie]

My office max is that way but not staples. But I would like some savings which is why I prefer OD/OM and buy 3 $200 cards and hope I will also have a chase offer

Its frustrating They have out the variable loads. Why even have the offer if stores are going to pull the cards. It seems widespread. I have had better luck at Staples than OD but its so much farther away I cant check as often as OD

 

[intamin]

Yes! The CIU and CIC are great cards. Sometimes it's worth the lower category multiplier for the better bonus, APR, and $0 AF


URs are great for both SW and Hyatt. @eticketplease gave an excellent strategy to get the most time out of a companion pass while taking advantage of the current elevated SW bonus.

If you don't want to purchase until Feb/Mar the exact recommendation would probably change based on what the bonuses are at the time, but you and your DW could both easily get two Chase cards.

Right now the 90k Inks would probably be my choice. You could net 360k URs from bonuses, 60k URs from referrals, 18k URs from 1.5x CIU spend, and 12k URs from 1x CIC spend. 450k URs with 0% APR on 24k spend is pretty great. Cashed out 1:1 would be 18.75% savings! Transferring to partners would be even better.

CIU and CIC don't transfer to partners, but you can always product change to a CIP, or throw one CIP in the mix. You can combine your points with a spouse/household so only one is necessary. You can also consolidate to a CSP or CSR. CSP had a pretty great bonus earlier in the year. CSR had it's refresh and is currently sitting at 125k URs.

SW and Hyatt both get elevated bonuses from time to time and there are numerous SW cards and a personal and biz Hyatt.

Would you do a CSP at this point for someone who's relatively uninvolved in the point and mile game? Or would it be worth getting a CSR and then getting the credit for global entry and trying to get 3x points on a DVC purchase and transferring to Hyatt that way? Maybe downgrade after a year? We're not loyal to SW anymore although they seem to offer the most flights from LAX and LGB to MCO. I heard they're doing a 200k URs SUB for certain people if you ask in person but I'm not sure if I'd be eligible for that. I heard Chase was starting to crack down on people opening up business credit cards if they don't actually have a business? I'm not sure if that makes the CIU still an option at this point

 

[PolyRob]

Would you do a CSP at this point for someone who's relatively uninvolved in the point and mile game? Or would it be worth getting a CSR and then getting the credit for global entry and trying to get 3x points on a DVC purchase and transferring to Hyatt that way? Maybe downgrade after a year? We're not loyal to SW anymore although they seem to offer the most flights from LAX and LGB to MCO. I heard they're doing a 200k URs SUB for certain people if you ask in person but I'm not sure if I'd be eligible for that. I heard Chase was starting to crack down on people opening up business credit cards if they don't actually have a business? I'm not sure if that makes the CIU still an option at this point

Hmmm so a lot of the Chase bonuses have changed recently. CSP is 75k, CSR is 125k, CIU/CIC are 75k, CSR Biz is 200k, and CIP is 100k.

The 200k targeted CSR would be great if you can get it. I believe being a Chase Private Client may be a requirement, but if you wanted to go in branch and check that would be a great return for 10k in spend even with the AF since you still get all the credits.

It's true Chase has also been more stringent with applications in general and business applications for people with multiple Inks, but there are DPs where people have still been successful applying with sole proprietorships.

I would probably say a CIP for each person on the deed is the best deal right now with Chase if you can't get the 200k CSR. Low AF, high bonus, 3x travel coding, and you can still get one referral for a "new business" between P1 and P2. CIP would allow transfers of points to Hyatt if you wanted and you can always downgrade to a CIC/CIU for no AF 365 days later.

If you apply for an Ink and are flat out denied, you could turn around and apply for a personal Chase card of your choice without getting a second hit to your credit report. Chase should combine the hard pulls if you end up needing to apply twice on the same day.

How much do you plan on spending with DVC? Two CIPs would only cover 16k so you could go for even more cards outside of Chase if you wanted to maximize the return.

 

[intamin]

Hmmm so a lot of the Chase bonuses have changed recently. CSP is 75k, CSR is 125k, CIU/CIC are 75k, CSR Biz is 200k, and CIP is 100k.

The 200k targeted CSR would be great if you can get it. I believe being a Chase Private Client may be a requirement, but if you wanted to go in branch and check that would be a great return for 10k in spend even with the AF since you still get all the credits.

It's true Chase has also been more stringent with applications in general and business applications for people with multiple Inks, but there are DPs where people have still been successful applying with sole proprietorships.

I would probably say a CIP for each person on the deed is the best deal right now with Chase if you can't get the 200k CSR. Low AF, high bonus, 3x travel coding, and you can still get one referral for a "new business" between P1 and P2. CIP would allow transfers of points to Hyatt if you wanted and you can always downgrade to a CIC/CIU for no AF 365 days later.

If you apply for an Ink and are flat out denied, you could turn around and apply for a personal Chase card of your choice without getting a second hit to your credit report. Chase should combine the hard pulls if you end up needing to apply twice on the same day.

How much do you plan on spending with DVC? Two CIPs would only cover 16k so you could go for even more cards outside of Chase if you wanted to maximize the return.

Planning to do 150-200 direct Poly and call it so in the range of 30-40. My partner is not interested in getting more credit cards. Currently I only have a Chase Amazon card and the Citi Costco card basically. Maybe the move for me is to try and get a CSR with the 200k sign on, then if I dont get that, go after the CIP like you said and if that doesn't go through, then just go with a standard CSP LOL. CSP sounds like a decent option for a noob in the point/mile game like myself since it seems like a decent all around card and can get me access to Hyatt/SW. I've also heard that Venture X is a good all around card to use but Venture X seems better for international travel because of it's partners?

 

[PolyRob]

Planning to do 150-200 direct Poly and call it so in the range of 30-40. My partner is not interested in getting more credit cards. Currently I only have a Chase Amazon card and the Citi Costco card basically. Maybe the move for me is to try and get a CSR with the 200k sign on, then if I dont get that, go after the CIP like you said and if that doesn't go through, then just go with a standard CSP LOL. CSP sounds like a decent option for a noob in the point/mile game like myself since it seems like a decent all around card and can get me access to Hyatt/SW. I've also heard that Venture X is a good all around card to use but Venture X seems better for international travel because of it's partners?

Hmmm 30-40k in one player mode is doable, you just need to open more cards

Venture X is good and has a nice 100k bonus with 10k spend right now. The Venture X business has a 200k bonus with 30k spend. I will just note CO is strange with approvals and can throw out very low CLs so it's something to keep in mind. CO points can also be used as a "travel eraser" so the points are easy to cash out 1:1 as statement credits on multiple things rather than using with transfer partners if those don't align for you. You could also use the $300 credit to book a flight or rental car in the portal for an upcoming trip. CO also has a pre-apprvoal where you can see if you will be able to get the card before submitting the app. CO pulls all three credit bureaus so it's nice to check the pre-approval before getting three credit checks.

I think the 200k CSR is a great idea. If Chase doesn't have it as an option for you, then CIP especially because it won't show on a personal credit report. If that doesn't work double check the CSP v CSR math. CSP has a much lower AF, but so is the bonus, earning structure, and credits. CSR would net you 125k URs for the bonus and 24k for 4x "hotel" purchase. Cashed out 1:1 that is $1,490. Sure you have that massive $695 fee, but you have a $300 travel credit which is the easiest to use on top of streaming credits, DoorDash, TSA/Global Entry etc. I think you still come ahead with a CSR if the CSP is only sitting at 75k. 100k for the CSP would maybe convince me otherwise. You can easily downgrade a CSR to a CSP if you want to next year too.

The SW business card at 120k is a good bonus and provides the CP, but if you don't need that, it may not be worth it right now.

It's hard for me to recommend the Strata Elite unless you still need AA. The Premier is a much better card IMO, but the bonus is low in comparison and unless you have a Citi DC the point cash out is laughable. I just redeemed 144k in Citi TY points for $1,800 in iTunes at 20% off for Cyber Monday so there are plenty of ways to get your value.

I have a lot of Amex cards, but if you don't value Delta or Hilton it's harder to cash out or transfer so MRs may not be as worthwhile to you. A Blue Business Cash with an elevated bonus would be nice, especially because it has 0% APR for 12 months and won't show on your personal credit report.

WF Autograph Journey isn't a bad bonus and it still earns 3x travel. I also like the WF Signify Business, but you need an established WF checking account for that card.

BOA customized cash is also a decent card/bonus and comes in a business option.

There are just so many choices! If you want SW and Hyatt Chase Ultimate Rewards are definitely your best friend. If you want to cash out to "save money" on the purchase, I would diversify.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Just another DP for Amex. I have the business platinum and if you travel with one airline often the 35% bonus has been great for me and even though I originally thought I would want to transfer to Delta then book I have been using Amex travel and getting the 35% bonus and it’s been a big savings each trip.