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

[gregorykicks]

Speaking of Global it has been over 2 months now and I am still pending. My wife had interview last week and we applied the same day.

I was thinking about global a month or so ago, but the long wait times scared me off. Especially since I'm a naturalized citizen and I thought that might complicate the process.

I had a bunch of travel for work coming up starting in September and I didn't want to be stuck in limbo so I just went with TSA pre-check. Most of my travel is domestic, and only one international planned.

 

[Killer Fish]

Just got instant approved for CIP #3!

First time I have not had to wait! I am going to assume it is because I had lowered the Credit Limits this time in advance.

 

[gregorykicks]

I haven't had a chance to skim much over the past 2 weeks because....we are buying a house! After 8 years of house hunting, we have finally found something that we like and is do-able financially (a little bit on the higher end of the budget) but it's the bay area and I feel like if we don't go for it, we'll be renting for the next 20 more years. We submitted an offer today and hopefully will hear back soon!

Question for those of you who have bought a house while in the cc game. We didn't realize this would happen, so in the past few months I have inquiries from Barclays and Citi on my credit report. DH has 1 from Chase. If our scores are still pretty good, will it impact our mortgage prospects?

I had originally planned on app'ing for the new Hilton Biz card expiring 8/28 and eligible for another Citi biz in Sept, but should I lay off the apps? For how long - until mortgage app is submitted or until closed? I really need a new card(s) for all the MSR we'll have with moving costs and some basic upgrades we want to do before we move in.

First of all, congratulations and good luck on the offer!

You definitely need to wait until after closing to apply! Also be sure to keep your utilization down on your cards as well. We paid every week or two on cards when we were house shopping.

 

[miztressuz]

Just got instant approved for CIP #3!

First time I have not had to wait! I am going to assume it is because I had lowered the Credit Limits this time in advance.

Instant Chase biz approval dance! Woohoo!

 

[GlamMistress]

We are enjoying this cruise but I do feel nickel to dimed on RCCL I must admit. This boat is huge and therefore full of people... So we've been doing a lot of upcharge meals to avoid crazy lines. Apparently the main buffet was so crowded yesterday they had to open a main dining room as emergency overflow. We ate at a buffet yesterday but just took food to the pool as there were no table seats.

The gelato in Marseille was great today! Of course it was also great in Barcelona and Mallorca too, lol. Tomorrow I bet it will be great in Pisa too.

We will see but I might do DCL for my 2021 Europe cruise. This RCCL wasn't cheap and we've spent a fair amount on board, not to mention the excursions. Getting close to DCL at this point I think.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Has anyone here every done the redeem 1 QS meal for 3 snacks deal? It's looking like we will have an abundance of QS meals on this upcoming trip and I know we will want to make a meal out of walking around to the different F&W booths at Epcot one day. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to redeem a couple QS meals for snacks. I know you have to do 3 snacks all at one location, but don't know anything else about it.

 

[afan]

@Haley R just adding on to what @amalone1013 said about parking....just Googled and on sight parking for a 7 night cruise is $136 at Port Canaveral. If you park further away in a private lot you will find a cheaper rate but will have to deal with a shuttle bus and perhaps less security for your vehicle. Remember you will actually be paying for 8 days on a 7 night cruise. Here is an informative website: https://cruisefever.net/port-canaveral-cruise-parking-cost-tips/

Our last cruise at Port Canaveral we had a rental car and it is a pain. Even with navigation. PC is very large and very confusing with roundabout ways and circular, confusing roads. Once you figure out where to return a rental car you then have to wait while they get enough people to fill up the shuttle. The whole process added 45-60 minutes to getting to the ship and starting the fun.

Our preference is having Uber/LYFT drop us right at the check in point for the cruise. $100 rt with tip > hassling with parking and shuttles.

Enjoy your visit with the 'rents!

And you may be able to find discounts on uber gc or an offer on a cc that will save some. I had a 10% off lyft for my time in wdw, great timing! So used it and got hilton miles. Not sure yet if I also got DL miles since both are connected. But I've used uber gc when I got deals on them.

 

[PolyRob]

The Apple Card is LIVE!

ETA: Adds Uber and UberEats via Apple Pay to 3% cash back category.

@speedyfishy shield SO from the internet

 

[kmc8826]

Has anyone here every done the redeem 1 QS meal for 3 snacks deal? It's looking like we will have an abundance of QS meals on this upcoming trip and I know we will want to make a meal out of walking around to the different F&W booths at Epcot one day. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to redeem a couple QS meals for snacks. I know you have to do 3 snacks all at one location, but don't know anything else about it.

We did dining plan last October and also ended up with extra QS meals. I did not do it at booths, but had heard you could redeem credits in the gift shops for candy etc. I had planned to do that but then discovered our last night that it is only certain stores; I think most of the resort gift shops do it but not many theme park shops. So just keep in mind and don't wait until last minute like I did...

 

[DisneyMandC]

We did dining plan last October and also ended up with extra QS meals. I did not do it at booths, but had heard you could redeem credits in the gift shops for candy etc. I had planned to do that but then discovered our last night that it is only certain stores; I think most of the resort gift shops do it but not many theme park shops. So just keep in mind and don't wait until last minute like I did...

Thanks! Good to know on theme park shops. I mean, worst case scenario we actually get some breakfasts at Pop with our QS meals. I'm surprised to see we have so many left but I know a couple of the QS places DH and I will be splitting meals.

 

[speedyfishy]

Has anyone here every done the redeem 1 QS meal for 3 snacks deal? It's looking like we will have an abundance of QS meals on this upcoming trip and I know we will want to make a meal out of walking around to the different F&W booths at Epcot one day. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to redeem a couple QS meals for snacks. I know you have to do 3 snacks all at one location, but don't know anything else about it.

I redeemed a table service credit for snack credits. My family members bailed on some meals. I did it at a gift shop and goofy's candy co. There were no issues.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Just got instant approved for CIP #3!

First time I have not had to wait! I am going to assume it is because I had lowered the Credit Limits this time in advance.

Congrats

 

[speedyfishy]

Just got done MSing 8,000. I haven’t done this much in one day in a long time. Feels good. It took me 2.5 hours but I stopped to drop off my comforter at the laundry mat, went to CVS, and bought groceries. I used like 15 VGCs at the Safeway self check out that all had about $1 on them. They were auto draining.

I have like $3,000 more to liquidate and want to finish SOs Gold by the end of this month. I think I will try the BBP and Southwest on GCM and order more GCs

 

[gregorykicks]

We are enjoying this cruise but I do feel nickel to dimed on RCCL I must admit. This boat is huge and therefore full of people... So we've been doing a lot of upcharge meals to avoid crazy lines. Apparently the main buffet was so crowded yesterday they had to open a main dining room as emergency overflow. We ate at a buffet yesterday but just took food to the pool as there were no table seats.

The gelato in Marseille was great today! Of course it was also great in Barcelona and Mallorca too, lol. Tomorrow I bet it will be great in Pisa too.

We will see but I might do DCL for my 2021 Europe cruise. This RCCL wasn't cheap and we've spent a fair amount on board, not to mention the excursions. Getting close to DCL at this point I think.

Buffet is a last resort on Oasis! If you can make it to the main dining room for breakfast and lunch you can skip the menu and just do the "buffet" they have setup in there. Breakfast will have fruit, pastries, scrambled eggs, bacon/sausage, and usually an omelette station. Lunch has a great salad bar where they build you a salad. We usually find we can get a seat and eat there just as fast as the Windjammer. Also, lots of free options as well like Park Cafe, dog house, solarium cafe, wipe out cafe (not the greatest option).

I know Royal pushes the Oasis class, but they're not my favorite. I prefer a smaller ship.

*Ninja Edit* Also, room service is $8 or so per order not per item (at least in the US based cruises). So you could order 5-6 plates to one room for really cheap and then eat there or take it with you somewhere.

 

[smmco]

Just got done MSing 8,000. I haven’t done this much in one day in a long time. Feels good. It took me 2.5 hours but I stopped to drop off my comforter at the laundry mat, went to CVS, and bought groceries. I used like 15 VGCs at the Safeway self check out that all had about $1 on them. They were auto draining.

I have like $3,000 more to liquidate and want to finish SOs Gold by the end of this month. I think I will try the BBP and Southwest on GCM and order more GCs

I have no idea how you do that but it sounds impressive.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Just got back from 5 nights with a Busch Gardens/VA Beach trip. I'll try to do a full hotel report in DISChurners. Thank god for the reddit news thread so I could keep up!!

We flew JetBlue direct BOS-RIC. Used miles from JB biz cards. Drove from RIC used Priceline and paid cash (using CSR for protection) for car rental. In hindsight I could have used URs for this! I had a boatload recently deposited from CIP#3 for both DH and I. We stayed at a basic Hampton Inn (Historic Williamsburg downtown) near BG. Free breakfast which was nothing great but adequate. The hotel was friendly, the room was kind of run down but we literally used it to sleep and shower. Prob wouldnt stay here again as there are many options in the area. The rate was super cheap $102/night. Friends paid OOP and we used URs (CSR 1.5 rate). I am currently in love with Hilton though. I earned a ton of points this trip!

Kids loved BG. It was surface of the sun hot (determined WDW in the summer will be a never for us). Humid to boot. But lots of shade and the water rides cooled us off. Loved that the adults could get decent craft beers (in Germany and Irelend) and walk around. Plenty of good coasters the kids enjoyed and the lines were minimal both days (Wed/Thurs). @Alexle2007 we all loved Anna's pizza thanks for the rec!

I paid $55/person for a 3 day pass from Groupon. What a deal!! That included Water County so we popped in there Friday. Water Country was very busy but we did a couple cool water slides and headed out there to VA Beach. Drove about an hour (some traffic delays at a tunnel) and checked into the Hilton Garden Inn VA Beach Oceanfront.

I know VA Beach doesnt get a ton of love and there is definitely a bit of a seedy vibe. But my kids LOVED it. The beach is huge and not rocky, water is warm, good waves, saw a ton of dolphins. We couldnt' complain! Would go again for sure! The HGI was really nice. They had a great pool and a restaurant call Lager Heads in the lobby that was decent. Next door was a great restaurant and beach side tiki bar called Tortuga that we enjoyed. Loved that the Gold Hilton members got free breakfast. They gave it for both rooms even though I booked 2 nights using UR's and one using Hilton points (friends rate was cash) and I booked both rooms. They gave us free breakfast for both rooms (2 adults/2 kids) all 3 mornings. It was a $100 value daily. And the food was really good! A good hot buffet plus made to order omelets, pancakes or french toast.

In churning news I applied and was autoapproved for Hilton Surpass! No pop up for me though DH still appears to be in pop up hell. I'm psyched for the free night. I wanted the Aspire but I figure I'll wait for an upgrade offer for it instead.

 

[mamathompson]

I haven't had a chance to skim much over the past 2 weeks because....we are buying a house! After 8 years of house hunting, we have finally found something that we like and is do-able financially (a little bit on the higher end of the budget) but it's the bay area and I feel like if we don't go for it, we'll be renting for the next 20 more years. We submitted an offer today and hopefully will hear back soon!

Question for those of you who have bought a house while in the cc game. We didn't realize this would happen, so in the past few months I have inquiries from Barclays and Citi on my credit report. DH has 1 from Chase. If our scores are still pretty good, will it impact our mortgage prospects?

I had originally planned on app'ing for the new Hilton Biz card expiring 8/28 and eligible for another Citi biz in Sept, but should I lay off the apps? For how long - until mortgage app is submitted or until closed? I really need a new card(s) for all the MSR we'll have with moving costs and some basic upgrades we want to do before we move in.

Congratulations! We just bought a house in May. We each had a few recent inquiries when we applied and it wasn't a problem. We kept our balances near zero during the closing process and didn't apply for anything until after we closed. Our loan officer was great and we didn't have any additional documentation to provide but I was prepared to give some for our cards if necessary. I've heard sometimes they want a statement about why you have so many cards or breakdown of all of your accounts. One thing I learned was to shop around for your mortgage. We got three quotes. The third one gave us an interest rate half of the first one. He was obviously trying to scam some newbie home buyers into a terrible mortgage. We ended up going through Costco and the lady we worked with was amazing. Good luck, it can be a stressful process!

Has anyone here every done the redeem 1 QS meal for 3 snacks deal? It's looking like we will have an abundance of QS meals on this upcoming trip and I know we will want to make a meal out of walking around to the different F&W booths at Epcot one day. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to redeem a couple QS meals for snacks. I know you have to do 3 snacks all at one location, but don't know anything else about it.

We always ended up redeeming them for snacks at our resort gift shop for snacks on the way home when we had extra.

 

[marsh0013]

Has anyone here every done the redeem 1 QS meal for 3 snacks deal? It's looking like we will have an abundance of QS meals on this upcoming trip and I know we will want to make a meal out of walking around to the different F&W booths at Epcot one day. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to redeem a couple QS meals for snacks. I know you have to do 3 snacks all at one location, but don't know anything else about it.

We've done it at booths at food and wine and flower and garden. I believe there were a few that said they couldn't do it, I seem to remember Italy and Mexico being a no go. I'm sure reports will start coming in once the festival starts. I'm sure you know but you forgo the alcohol component doing it this way, since alcohol is not a snack. You could use one of the 3 on a different drink though if it qualifies as a snack.

It can be a decent deal if you want 3 filets in Canada, or 3 lobster rolls, stuff like that. And even if you don't max the value that way, it's surely better than having them leftover in the end!

 

[havaneselover]

Just got back from 5 nights with a Busch Gardens/VA Beach trip. I'll try to do a full hotel report in DISChurners. Thank god for the reddit news thread so I could keep up!!

We flew JetBlue direct BOS-RIC. Used miles from JB biz cards. Drove from RIC used Priceline and paid cash (using CSR for protection) for car rental. In hindsight I could have used URs for this! I had a boatload recently deposited from CIP#3 for both DH and I. We stayed at a basic Hampton Inn (Historic Williamsburg downtown) near BG. Free breakfast which was nothing great but adequate. The hotel was friendly, the room was kind of run down but we literally used it to sleep and shower. Prob wouldnt stay here again as there are many options in the area. The rate was super cheap $102/night. Friends paid OOP and we used URs (CSR 1.5 rate). I am currently in love with Hilton though. I earned a ton of points this trip!

Kids loved BG. It was surface of the sun hot (determined WDW in the summer will be a never for us). Humid to boot. But lots of shade and the water rides cooled us off. Loved that the adults could get decent craft beers (in Germany and Irelend) and walk around. Plenty of good coasters the kids enjoyed and the lines were minimal both days (Wed/Thurs). @Alexle2007 we all loved Anna's pizza thanks for the rec!

I paid $55/person for a 3 day pass from Groupon. What a deal!! That included Water County so we popped in there Friday. Water Country was very busy but we did a couple cool water slides and headed out there to VA Beach. Drove about an hour (some traffic delays at a tunnel) and checked into the Hilton Garden Inn VA Beach Oceanfront.

I know VA Beach doesnt get a ton of love and there is definitely a bit of a seedy vibe. But my kids LOVED it. The beach is huge and not rocky, water is warm, good waves, saw a ton of dolphins. We couldnt' complain! Would go again for sure! The HGI was really nice. They had a great pool and a restaurant call Lager Heads in the lobby that was decent. Next door was a great restaurant and beach side tiki bar called Tortuga that we enjoyed. Loved that the Gold Hilton members got free breakfast. They gave it for both rooms even though I booked 2 nights using UR's and one using Hilton points (friends rate was cash) and I booked both rooms. They gave us free breakfast for both rooms (2 adults/2 kids) all 3 mornings. It was a $100 value daily. And the food was really good! A good hot buffet plus made to order omelets, pancakes or french toast.

In churning news I applied and was autoapproved for Hilton Surpass! No pop up for me though DH still appears to be in pop up hell. I'm psyched for the free night. I wanted the Aspire but I figure I'll wait for an upgrade offer for it instead.

Nice—I love Water Country and BG. Summer is nasty here though.

 

[NewbieMom]

Congratulations! We just bought a house in May. We each had a few recent inquiries when we applied and it wasn't a problem. We kept our balances near zero during the closing process and didn't apply for anything until after we closed. Our loan officer was great and we didn't have any additional documentation to provide but I was prepared to give some for our cards if necessary. I've heard sometimes they want a statement about why you have so many cards or breakdown of all of your accounts. One thing I learned was to shop around for your mortgage. We got three quotes. The third one gave us an interest rate half of the first one. He was obviously trying to scam some newbie home buyers into a terrible mortgage. We ended up going through Costco and the lady we worked with was amazing. Good luck, it can be a stressful process!

Thanks, I'm a little fuzzy on what happens after we get an accepted offer. Do you just start calling different lenders to shop around? And then choose the one with the lowest rate? Is there a timeline on when you have to pick? Each lender asks for so much paperwork that it seems to make the process of shopping around difficult.