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

[amalone1013]

@calypso726 's post on the CSR vs CSP/CIP inspired me to look at my UR redemptions...

Looking purely at redemptions through the portal, over the last two years (may be the craziest part - my first UR usage was a hotel on our honeymoon in Sept 2017!) we've redeemed 332k URs through the portal. We've always had a CSR, so that is $4980. CIP/CSP would have taken ~398k URs... so difference in cash value $825. Well worth the AFs for us, so we will continue paying even if I don't have an exact plan to redeem through the portal when the AF posts.

I also figured out that we've transferred 136k URs to travel partners for a value of $4275, used one GE credit, and gotten ~$265 in value from PP visits (mainly Timberline)

 

[Lain]

I personally wouldn’t go for the SW Performance before the 80k RR SUB is supposed to end on 10/16/19. Chase could extend this offer. If Chase doesn’t extend the 80k offer, I just don’t see the SUB going below 60k RR, which is what the SW Biz has been at for... a year or more? If the Performance Biz drops to 60k after 10/16 and you get that when your timing looks better, and then pair it with the SW Biz in Feb/March 2020, assuming it stays at 60k, that’s still 120k + points from MSR combined and more than enough for a CP in 2020-21.

 

[LynnTH]

Thanks for remembering- it was fine, I suppose. I expect I’ll fall apart Sunday night when my parents are back home and DH has left for work and I’m alone in a big house (well, except for the dogs). Fortunately I have the London/Paris ABD to think about and mentoring duties resume or I’d be a mess

I also dropped both my kids at college yesterday (they are both going to the same college). It was horrible. I cried so many times. If I hear the word "empty nester" one more time - I think I will strangle someone. DD18 was very hesitant and I think just scared and nervous. She has like 6 other good friends from school there and her brother so I'm sure she will be fine - just going to take a little time. Her roommate seems nice and is also in the Nursing Program so that is nice too. Now I have to come up with some new hobbies...

 

[apollodi]

I have one more Amex slot. I’m thinking about one of the blue business cards. Most likely the one that earns MR’s. Its a simple card no AF and no msr. 2 points for every dollar. I was also considering the Hilton biz but that’s not a card I’d keep. I plan on cancelling my delta gold in March after AF posts and cancelling or downgrading my BCP in July. Im trying not to upset Amex. Is cancelling business cards more acceptable?
Im keeping the Aspire’ Gold and Marriott. That’s already 825.00 in AF’s. Yikes.! I’m not sure what the best strategy is.

From what I've gathered, I think cancelling business cards is just as likely to land you on Amex's naughty list as cancelling personal cards, but I don't know for sure. I haven't cancelled any yet, although I will be cancelling the Amex biz gold in a few months. I am working on the assumption that will land me in popup jail - so far, only my DH has gotten the popup.

For the BBP, I think there are a couple of considerations. On the one hand, if the theory about Amex wanting continual spend on cards is true, maybe it will prevent the popup in the future because it's a good card for ongoing spend. I think it has helped me avoid getting the popup, because I consistently put a lot of spend on my BBP and my Amex Gold. This was part of my reasoning in getting DH the BBC, so that he would have an everyday Amex of his own. On the other hand, if you do get the popup later on, the BBP's bonus is small enough that you might be willing to get the card anyway, even with the popup. So that might mean get the high bonus card now, and the BBP later on.

Hopefully others have more definite advice on this!

 

[afan]

That seems about right or might have been 2017?? I liked it okay and then fell in love with the sea marine scent so I put all the grapefruit ones aside. I found them recently and didn't have the heart to throw them away so decided to just use them up. Consistency and smell are fine.

What is weird is that other H2O products on Amazon from the same line that is sold in the resorts are identical (and much cheaper!) but the shampoo and conditioner is not the same. People say it's the same in the comments but they aren't. I read some comments that made me wonder if the shampoo and conditioner are the same as what is on DCL.

Are you sure it's the product that's different and not just that the water is different so it reacts differently. I hate the water in FL and how my hair rinses.

Ok, this is travel related as in your ID to show to get on the plane to travel.

My drivers license was going to expire in a couple of weeks on my birthday so I was going to need to get it renewed. TN just started offering their "Real ID" (I have no idea what other states refer to it as but its the ID that will let you travel on aircraft after October 2020), so I figured when I renewed my license I would get the Real ID and gathered all my documentation. I get to the office hand over my DL, passport, W2, and two more utility bills all to prove who I was. (If I remember right I had to provide less documentation for pre-check) The clerk looks at it all, says great, attaches it to a form that I need to sit down to complete. After filling that out, which only consisted of my name, address and DOB (which were on all the documentation attached )

I then proceed the next clerk who tells me I can't get the real ID because and here's the kicker...my passport has "First Name, Maiden Name, Last Name", my DL has "First Name, Middle Name, Maiden Name, Last Name". She said since they didn't read identically I couldn't get the real ID. I asked why the first clerk didn't mention this and she of course, shrugged. I asked what did I to provide to get the ID and she tells me a copy of my birth certificate and a copy of my marriage license. I'm not sure what that will show as none of them have first, middle, maiden and last names on them. Maybe it would show the progression?? Anyway I asked if I could still renew my license so it wouldn't be a whole waste of time and she say "you want to". The smart A** in me wanted to shoot back "well since it expires in less than two weeks its probably a good idea". But I just said yes. We took the picture and she says "are you sure you don't want to smile" like 3 times to me. After saying no every time on the last one I told her "no, every time I look at that picture I'll think of you". Yes, I could only hold it in for so long.

Anyway, the real point of this story is for those who recently got married or are getting married soon, take this into consideration when switching your names on documents and accounts. I kinda wished I just had never changed anything and had a legal name and just used my husbands last name in social settings. I might try to get the ID again sometime in the future but anchor trip to the DMV is not in my near future. Until then I'll just used my passport as ID when traveling.

Then I was thinking about it and why does the state of TN essentially have 2 DL's? One that lets you drive and one that lets you get into a federal building? Do other states do this or did they incorporate the ID into one license?

We have 2 in WA. Not wanting to get political but the states that opted for 2 is because you have to prove you are a resident in some way, passport, social, greencard etc. They would rather be able to continue having people be able to obtain and drive legally. At least that's my understanding from here.

 

[Judique]

@calypso726 's post on the CSR vs CSP/CIP inspired me to look at my UR redemptions...

Looking purely at redemptions through the portal, over the last two years (may be the craziest part - my first UR usage was a hotel on our honeymoon in Sept 2017!) we've redeemed 332k URs through the portal. We've always had a CSR, so that is $4980. CIP/CSP would have taken ~398k URs... so difference in cash value $825. Well worth the AFs for us, so we will continue paying even if I don't have an exact plan to redeem through the portal when the AF posts.

I also figured out that we've transferred 136k URs to travel partners for a value of $4275, used one GE credit, and gotten ~$265 in value from PP visits (mainly Timberline)

I'm starting to think you missed your calling - should have considered accounting. Unless you are already working in statistics for your company?

I do know I'm ahead in value for my card hobby and every so often I'll add a few things up as reassurance, but I really don't keep records other than to make sure the bills are paid and the credits are used or ear marked.

 

[wanderlust7]

I have $1411 in annual fees. I need @calypso726 to come by and give her numbers so I'll feel better. Seriously, most of the fee cards give free nights so I just consider them discount cards.

I'm at $3124. All in their first year, so probably it doesn't count.

 

[amalone1013]

I'm starting to think you missed your calling - should have considered accounting. Unless you are already working in statistics for your company?

I do know I'm ahead in value for my card hobby and every so often I'll add a few things up as reassurance, but I really don't keep records other than to make sure the bills are paid and the credits are used or ear marked.

I've wondered that before... I do find it fun to track, but then I wonder if numbers day in and day out would do me in lol

 

[WVMomof3]

Ok, this is travel related as in your ID to show to get on the plane to travel.

My drivers license was going to expire in a couple of weeks on my birthday so I was going to need to get it renewed. TN just started offering their "Real ID" (I have no idea what other states refer to it as but its the ID that will let you travel on aircraft after October 2020), so I figured when I renewed my license I would get the Real ID and gathered all my documentation. I get to the office hand over my DL, passport, W2, and two more utility bills all to prove who I was. (If I remember right I had to provide less documentation for pre-check) The clerk looks at it all, says great, attaches it to a form that I need to sit down to complete. After filling that out, which only consisted of my name, address and DOB (which were on all the documentation attached )

I then proceed the next clerk who tells me I can't get the real ID because and here's the kicker...my passport has "First Name, Maiden Name, Last Name", my DL has "First Name, Middle Name, Maiden Name, Last Name". She said since they didn't read identically I couldn't get the real ID. I asked why the first clerk didn't mention this and she of course, shrugged. I asked what did I to provide to get the ID and she tells me a copy of my birth certificate and a copy of my marriage license. I'm not sure what that will show as none of them have first, middle, maiden and last names on them. Maybe it would show the progression?? Anyway I asked if I could still renew my license so it wouldn't be a whole waste of time and she say "you want to". The smart A** in me wanted to shoot back "well since it expires in less than two weeks its probably a good idea". But I just said yes. We took the picture and she says "are you sure you don't want to smile" like 3 times to me. After saying no every time on the last one I told her "no, every time I look at that picture I'll think of you". Yes, I could only hold it in for so long.

Anyway, the real point of this story is for those who recently got married or are getting married soon, take this into consideration when switching your names on documents and accounts. I kinda wished I just had never changed anything and had a legal name and just used my husbands last name in social settings. I might try to get the ID again sometime in the future but anchor trip to the DMV is not in my near future. Until then I'll just used my passport as ID when traveling.

Then I was thinking about it and why does the state of TN essentially have 2 DL's? One that lets you drive and one that lets you get into a federal building? Do other states do this or did they incorporate the ID into one license?

I think all states have both. Well, ours does also, so just assuming. I can tell you my DH works in a federal facility and has supposedly been trained on what they can accept for ID for visitors and he has it all wrong. He says they only tell him which states have not complied yet and he tells people from those states they must bring other ID. Meanwhile, neither of us have the federal ID and I have told him this repeatedly but he refuses to believe me. I am like did you show extra documentation to get your DL - no. Does your DL have the yellow star- no. You do not have a federal ID. He doesn’t think it will ever come to pass since it’s been pushed back so many times. But work has him convinced his is good because we are in a state that has complied. I figure I will let him figure it out at an airport one day. Lol Tell him have fun at home since he wouldn’t listen to me. Haha But I am with you, why even have both systems? If they thought the federal ID was necessary then make everyone get it.

 

[chattadisser]

We have 2 in WA. Not wanting to get political but the states that opted for 2 is because you have to prove you are a resident in some way, passport, social, greencard etc. They would rather be able to continue having people be able to obtain and drive legally. At least that's my understanding from here.

That's interesting, I hadn't thought about it from the perspective of proving that your a resident. It's also interesting that, so far, it seems the consensus is that all states have 2 options.

 

[chattadisser]

If they thought the federal ID was necessary then make everyone get it.

This! Nevermind the fact that it would be easier for staffs of all the states and the people checking ID at various locations. Now its star, no star.

 

[thevalley]

I just checked my chase offer and there was a $10 off $45 at Sams. It was in my freedom and unlimited cards.

 

[miztressuz]

Ok, this is travel related as in your ID to show to get on the plane to travel.

My drivers license was going to expire in a couple of weeks on my birthday so I was going to need to get it renewed. TN just started offering their "Real ID" (I have no idea what other states refer to it as but its the ID that will let you travel on aircraft after October 2020), so I figured when I renewed my license I would get the Real ID and gathered all my documentation. I get to the office hand over my DL, passport, W2, and two more utility bills all to prove who I was. (If I remember right I had to provide less documentation for pre-check) The clerk looks at it all, says great, attaches it to a form that I need to sit down to complete. After filling that out, which only consisted of my name, address and DOB (which were on all the documentation attached )

I then proceed the next clerk who tells me I can't get the real ID because and here's the kicker...my passport has "First Name, Maiden Name, Last Name", my DL has "First Name, Middle Name, Maiden Name, Last Name". She said since they didn't read identically I couldn't get the real ID. I asked why the first clerk didn't mention this and she of course, shrugged. I asked what did I to provide to get the ID and she tells me a copy of my birth certificate and a copy of my marriage license. I'm not sure what that will show as none of them have first, middle, maiden and last names on them. Maybe it would show the progression?? Anyway I asked if I could still renew my license so it wouldn't be a whole waste of time and she say "you want to". The smart A** in me wanted to shoot back "well since it expires in less than two weeks its probably a good idea". But I just said yes. We took the picture and she says "are you sure you don't want to smile" like 3 times to me. After saying no every time on the last one I told her "no, every time I look at that picture I'll think of you". Yes, I could only hold it in for so long.

Anyway, the real point of this story is for those who recently got married or are getting married soon, take this into consideration when switching your names on documents and accounts. I kinda wished I just had never changed anything and had a legal name and just used my husbands last name in social settings. I might try to get the ID again sometime in the future but anchor trip to the DMV is not in my near future. Until then I'll just used my passport as ID when traveling.

Then I was thinking about it and why does the state of TN essentially have 2 DL's? One that lets you drive and one that lets you get into a federal building? Do other states do this or did they incorporate the ID into one license?

It's all just one license in that you don't get two separate cards. The Real ID cards have a gold star on them that identify them as such and that's how the feds know they can accept them.

PA is also just getting into the game. I'm not bothering since I have both a Passport and GE so either of those will get me in everywhere. We have the same requirements for name matching it seems, according to what I've been reading. Your assessment that it needs to show a progression is pretty accurate. They have to be able to match the documents together. So if your BC has First Middle Maiden, and your marriage license shows the new Last name, they can put in the name change so that your state docs match the federal docs. That's how PA is doing it. My understanding of how it works (or at least how the states are interpreting it) is that your state IDs and federal IDs all have to match so there's no ambiguity.

I'm not bothering because none of my docs have the same exact name on them so, as far as PA goes, I'd have to first get my SSN or Passport changed to match the other since PA is requiring a SSN and it has to match your proof of Identity exactly. Then I'd have to have my DL changed to match, but they put that through at the same time I think. It's less bother for me to just carry my passport when I need to. And, for us, we definitely have shown less documentation to get our Passports and GE's

Definitely a good PSA for anyone starting out getting all these documents! Get one that has the name you want to use for the rest of your life and then make sure all the others match as you get them!!

 

[smmco]

From what I've gathered, I think cancelling business cards is just as likely to land you on Amex's naughty list as cancelling personal cards, but I don't know for sure. I haven't cancelled any yet, although I will be cancelling the Amex biz gold in a few months. I am working on the assumption that will land me in popup jail - so far, only my DH has gotten the popup.

For the BBP, I think there are a couple of considerations. On the one hand, if the theory about Amex wanting continual spend on cards is true, maybe it will prevent the popup in the future because it's a good card for ongoing spend. I think it has helped me avoid getting the popup, because I consistently put a lot of spend on my BBP and my Amex Gold. This was part of my reasoning in getting DH the BBC, so that he would have an everyday Amex of his own. On the other hand, if you do get the popup later on, the BBP's bonus is small enough that you might be willing to get the card anyway, even with the popup. So that might mean get the high bonus card now, and the BBP later on.

Hopefully others have more definite advice on this!

I don’t think there’s any bonus on the BBP... or am I missing something? I can’t do the MSR on the Hilton Biz with the free night right now. Unless they
bring it back again I’m out. Sometimes I feel like pulling the trigger and getting it, but then the voice in the back my head tells me I’d be getting in over my head. I still have 1700 to go on my Marriott with no big purchases in the next 4 months. I’ve also completed 7 MSR’s since March. I think I have “MSR burnout”I

I plan on just plugging away on the Amex cards I have building up points over the next 6 months. I thought the BBP might fill in the gaps on mr earning where the Gold lacks,
I would like to stay in Amex good graces. Just in case some great new card or sign up bonus comes along over the next year.

 

[Judique]

I think all states have both. Well, ours does also, so just assuming. I can tell you my DH works in a federal facility and has supposedly been trained on what they can accept for ID for visitors and he has it all wrong. He says they only tell him which states have not complied yet and he tells people from those states they must bring other ID. Meanwhile, neither of us have the federal ID and I have told him this repeatedly but he refuses to believe me. I am like did you show extra documentation to get your DL - no. Does your DL have the yellow star- no. You do not have a federal ID. He doesn’t think it will ever come to pass since it’s been pushed back so many times. But work has him convinced his is good because we are in a state that has complied. I figure I will let him figure it out at an airport one day. Lol Tell him have fun at home since he wouldn’t listen to me. Haha But I am with you, why even have both systems? If they thought the federal ID was necessary then make everyone get it.

As far as I understand, and from a quick google of the real id act, he can still travel by carrying his passport. And, I have a real ID license since 2017 for Maryland - my star is not yellow? Is it yellow in your state? edit - I googled and see it now. My DL (and star) looks like this:

Googled a pic of your yellow star.

 

[wendow]

I don’t think there’s any bonus on the BBP... or am I missing something? I can’t do the MSR on the Hilton Biz with the free night right now. Unless they
bring it back again I’m out. Sometimes I feel like pulling the trigger and getting it, but then the voice in the back my head tells me I’d be getting in over my head. I still have 1700 to go on my Marriott with no big purchases in the next 4 months. I’ve also completed 7 MSR’s since March. I think I have “MSR burnout”I

I plan on just plugging away on the Amex cards I have building up points over the next 6 months. I thought the BBP might fill in the gaps on mr earning where the Gold lacks,
I would like to stay in Amex good graces. Just in case some great new card or sign up bonus comes along over the next year.

There is a BBP SUB if you use a support click. Otherwise, no, there is no SUB.

ETA: IIRC, it’s 10k

 

[Kawnipi]

I think it’s currently a loophole available for flights in the Nov 3rd thru Nov ?? Period (I don’t know the end date)

wait. Let me see if i understand this. I have booked a flight on sw on Nov 21st for 12k SW points. You are saying I can change my flight to a 7k flight earlier in the morning and get 5k SW points refund. Then change it back to the 12k slot and they won't charge me the extra 5k?

 

[Breck]

I had a major serve fail yesterday when I tried to load a $200 visa card at Dollar General. Their computer system was slow and it wouldn't process after I entered my pin# so I told the cashier just to cancel it after the second try. She did and gave me a receipt for $0. When I got home I checked the balance on the Visa and it was $0 and showed a $200 transaction to Dollar General. It's not showing up in my Serve account. I called DG and they went through all their receipts and said their drawer balanced. Anyone have any suggestions where to go from here?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

wait. Let me see if i understand this. I have booked a flight on sw on Nov 21st for 12k SW points. You are saying I can change my flight to a 7k flight earlier in the morning and get 5k SW points refund. Then change it back to the 12k slot and they won't charge me the extra 5k?

Yep if that’s in the window allowing free changes. It’s an amazing thing.

 

[PolyRob]

BoA bonus timing fail. My statement closed 3 days ago and my final DD I needed hit today. Looks like I will have to wait another month for the $300.