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

[Judique]

I finally got dh to send me a referral link to apply for the Bonvoy Business card. I got a "pending review". My Hilton business card was instant approval.

Any idea why that would happen?

After I did the business application another screen popped up that asked for my personal information, including my SSN. Hoping they don't do a pull and see the cards I've recently applied for (Hilton personal and business -- since December -- guess that's not so bad).

DP here: The reason for our decision is that you have reached the maximum number and type of Cards that we will approve within the period of a few months.

What is the limit for AmEx "within a few months"? I had two in December and my application for the Bonvoy Business was cancelled.

I think it is 90 days between business card apps - you can have 2 apps in 90 days, 1 business and 1 personal.

 

[Haley R]

Where is the job located, I can ask my son about the area

Alafaya near highway 408 I believe

 

[trenty]

You hit the nail on the head. Right now, I have a few hotel cards and their respective points that give me the additional rooms I presently need outside of Disney. (I like the beaches in summer.) For Disney I have DVC. And although everyone can use a little extra cash, I had no consuming need for cash out strategies. I had purchased enough Disney tickets to do me for the next 15-20 years. So a Disney trip for me is gas and groceries mostly and a few nice meals when I feel like it. All well within my budget.

The big change is that come next January, my youngest grandchild will be 3. Tickets will then be needed for 4 people in that family and if I have a UR stash, I can help without much impact to my budget. So my future needs will hopefully be met with UR's or any other method that presents itself. For me there is no pressure to do anything, but by careful plodding away, I can make it easier for my own family to enjoy trips.

This morning my son (through text) shared that he may be attending a wedding this summer on the west coast - a friend of his girlfriend who is from the west coast. I offered him some southwest gift cards and some points. He wasn't expecting this as he didn't know I had them. It made it much easier for him to plan his getaway with his girlfriend.

So, this is just one way of saying I didn't feel the need for big rewards either and I'm happy with my plan as it stands. I may loosely follow my plan or not. I think I'm fairly conservative about churning, but like you open to a certain limit of it, but I don't have to have every Barclay, citi, chase, amex that is out there. And I may continue the UR journey and get a few of those cards later this year or in 2020, or not. It's all a loosely laid out opportunity that doesn't consume me or make me crazy.

I do like this community and I like to know what's going on. Many subjects pop up here that keep it interesting and the human element is attractive to me. I hope it continues for a long while in the same spirit it is now. At the end of the day we all make our own decisions and are responsible for them but it's always nice to know the options and have people that will give the pros and cons as well as celebrate successes.

Thank you for this. I was a tiny bit worried about my post - thinking it would be misconstrued as I DON"T NEED TO DO WHAT YOU ALL DO. Lol. I don't need to do what you all do - but totally understand why and how you are doing it. In a few years, DH and I will hopefully have more time to travel (retirement - ahhh) and my strategy may change. But right now I am content slowly building my little nest egg of points.

 

[Haley R]

We loved Winter Park but that would be a hefty drive if your dh is working in Alafaya. The traffic was pretty bad, imo, and we live outside Denver. My dh & I were in Orlando for several days last April just driving around and looking at different areas. We avoided rush hour times and we still felt it was pretty congested. Not that you want to live right on top of the airport, but there were some nicer areas around the airport. Alafaya is pretty far out, and away from WDW (can be good, can be bad...) but living further away would be less money and less congestion.

Yeah we live in a pretty small city right now and still complain about traffic. It’s mainly because we have a ton of stop lights and it gets really annoying to stop at them constantly. Are you saying Alafaya could be good because it’ll be less congested?

 

[FloridaNative8]

It feels like it's been forever since I've contributed, but I didn't feel right posting about weather since I'm in Tampa I did get to visit Denver last month for our company's SKO, and did my second snow angel ever! Then proceeded to walk 4 blocks while it was snowing and 3 degrees. I've had enough cold for the year, this Florida girl was ready for heat and humidity!!

We've hit MSR on P2's CIP (a month early by paying medical bills), and are ready for a new MSR!

Current Stats:

P1
08/18 - CHASE CIP
10/18 - CHASE CSP

P2
01/19 - CHASE CIP

The plan was to do the SW DD (Personal/Biz) this month for me for the CP, then refer P2 to CSP in June. We don't have immediate need for the CP or RRs (wouldn't need to fly SW until summer 2020 for DL trip), and have about 300K MRs we can use for flights to Utah in January (SW doesn't have direct flights into SLC). I mean, I could always find a way to use RRs though - it would be a great excuse for a trip!

Should I stick to the current plan? We will have another round of medical bills in April (my son has to congenital heart defects that require annual monitoring), so that would be an easy $3K to put towards an MSR during that time.

Thoughts?

 

[elgerber]

I know Barclays in inquiry sensitive, do they are about current credit lines? I need to lower my SW line, but wondering if I need to do that first and wait a few days, or if it matters.

 

[wendow]

Yeah we live in a pretty small city right now and still complain about traffic. It’s mainly because we have a ton of stop lights and it gets really annoying to stop at them constantly. Are you saying Alafaya could be good because it’ll be less congested?

We didn’t visit alafaya but that area on that side of Orlando was way less congested than the areas around Disney or around downtown. You guys should take a scouting trip! We had a blast and learned a lot from it!

 

[Haley R]

We didn’t visit alafaya but that area on that side of Orlando was way less congested than the areas around Disney or around downtown. You guys should take a scouting trip! We had a blast and learned a lot from it!

Dh is going for an interview March 17 and flies back the next day. I’m not sure if I would go with since that’s such a short amount of time.

 

[wendow]

Dh is going for an interview March 17 and flies back the next day. I’m not sure if I would go with since that’s such a short amount of time.

You need at least 3 days, IMO. Maybe rent a place close by work and spend 6 mos exploring. You have that luxury since it’s just you two and you aren’t tied to a job. Hope he gets the job since he seems so excited about it!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Alafaya near highway 408 I believe

I’ll ask him about the area tomorrow

 

[platamama]

I could use some advise.

My wife and I will be spending the next 4 years saving up for a Mediterranean cruise for our 35th wedding anniversary. My plan is to buy a Disney gift card every month, which will come pretty close to paying for the cruise.

I'm thinking that it would be wise to use a new, dedicated credit card to buy these Disney gift cards each month. What I'd like to do is get a credit card that would accumulate miles with an airline, such as United (for international travel). The credit card would be used ONLY to buy a Disney gift card each month. When the credit card bill arrives, it would be paid off each month.

I'll confess that I've never participated in a program where air miles are accumulated, so I know absolutely nothing about it. But if I can use a credit card that would help offset the air fare to and from Europe, I would be foolish not to try.

So, credit card gurus, which credit cards do you recommend we investigate to accumulate as many air miles as possible over the next, four years?

I truly appreciate the experience and advice of all those willing to proverbally hold my hand through this.

That sounds like a wonderful anniversary trip, and I respect you planning far in advance.

I'll be frank that the way to get the amount of United air miles you'll need (I'm assuming you're looking between the lower 48 states and Barcelona?) is going to be by signing up for numerous Chase cards and meeting the minimum spend requirements to receive the sign up bonuses. Otherwise, the ~$8K-$10K (?) or so you're planning on buying Disney gift cards will not get you far with flights, not even one way for one person. Depending on your spending patterns, it may make more sense for you to get a simple cash back card. I also caution you that putting money onto Disney gift cards is inflexible, and if your plans end up changing in the next four years you may be saddled with Disney gift cards with no other use than with Disney.

There's a lot of knowledge here on the thread and lots of helpful people, and if you're willing to share more information (see page 1 of this thread that has a suggested format) that would help us help you.

 

[Haley R]

You need at least 3 days, IMO. Maybe rent a place close by work and spend 6 mos exploring. You have that luxury since it’s just you two and you aren’t tied to a job. Hope he gets the job since he seems so excited about it!!

Dh actually mentioned renting first. I would hate to do that since we would be essentially throwing that money out instead of putting it in a mortgage but I also see how it makes sense to get a feel for the area. He said he’ll ask them about where most people live who work there

 

[wanderlust7]

Got approved for my last Chase Business card today! The Ink Cash! Woohoo! I was kinda worried because I haven’t lowered any of our credit limits so I was a little worried about actually getting approved.

Next card is the Marriott BonVoy Biz. Is there any time I need to wait? I obviously want to get in whilenthe first year fee is still waived.

AmEx credit cards you can only get 2 every rolling 90 days period (doesn't apply to their charge cards). But if you're asking if you need to wait due to the Chase card - nope! If you're an existing customer, they may not even do a hard pull. If you or P2 has any other AmEx cards, you can get a referral bonus too (non-branded cards can refer to any card, branded can only refer to the same brand).

Yes, cash advance fee was what it was called! Never would have thought lowering that to zero! Genius! Now I’ll have to talk hubby into doing a PNC bank bonus when we get back from vacation. He’ll be thrilled with me lol!

The lowest Chase will go is probably $100. I usually just ask for zero or the lowest they can go. Doesn't actually matter since as long as the amount you charge is above, it'll just fail if it tries to go through as a cash advance. Lots of data points of Chase/PNC going through as purchase, so really just a precaution. You can do it via secure message if you don't want to call.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

It feels like it's been forever since I've contributed, but I didn't feel right posting about weather since I'm in Tampa I did get to visit Denver last month for our company's SKO, and did my second snow angel ever! Then proceeded to walk 4 blocks while it was snowing and 3 degrees. I've had enough cold for the year, this Florida girl was ready for heat and humidity!!

We've hit MSR on P2's CIP (a month early by paying medical bills), and are ready for a new MSR!

Current Stats:

P1
08/18 - CHASE CIP
10/18 - CHASE CSP

P2
01/19 - CHASE CIP

The plan was to do the SW DD (Personal/Biz) this month for me for the CP, then refer P2 to CSP in June. We don't have immediate need for the CP or RRs (wouldn't need to fly SW until summer 2020 for DL trip), and have about 300K MRs we can use for flights to Utah in January (SW doesn't have direct flights into SLC). I mean, I could always find a way to use RRs though - it would be a great excuse for a trip!

Should I stick to the current plan? We will have another round of medical bills in April (my son has to congenital heart defects that require annual monitoring), so that would be an easy $3K to put towards an MSR during that time.

Thoughts?

If you don’t need the CP until 2020...I’d suggest waiting until the end of the year, beginning of next year to get the SW cards and have all the RR points post in 2020...so you’d have the CP for the rest of 2020 and all of 2021

Since people have had success going for another CIP with EIN or just SS...maybe have P2 refer P1 for a 2nd CIP
Or have P1 apply for the CIU or CIU..both have the same SUB 50k URs after a $3k MSR

 

[GZanta77]

Wondering if anyone has some advice about the best strategy for getting rid of the AmEx Hilton no-fee personal card. Should I just cancel it or is there a worthwhile upgrade possibility?

If you have had it at least 12 months, and use it regularly, Amex has been known to offer generous upgrade incentives. In the past 9 months both DW and myself have gone from Ascend to No Fee - offered 75k pts to upgrade back to Ascend and then a few months later 150k pts to upgrade to Aspire. This is also not the first time we have taken these upgrade offers.

I have seen some folks offered 100k for the NoFee to Ascend upgrade - the key seems to be having some good spend on your card for a couple months before the upgrade is offered. Of course there is no guarantee that an offer will come your way, but might be worth putting some spend on the card to see what happens.

 

[trstno1]

I just got my first 7-10 day message when checking on a Chase business card application. My recent card applications (not including AmEx business cards) are below - I think these are the only cards/pulls that Chase can see. This is my fifth Chase Business application since 5/18, and I only waited 65 days since my last to apply. It is also the first time I have used my EIN to apply for a card. Do you think I should call in, or should I wait for the letter. I have my EIN letter, anticipating the need to send in a copy, and I'd rather not talk to anyone about my "business" if I don't need to. I don't need the card until April - planning to pay estimated taxes.

02/17 CSP
03/17 AmEx SPG
10/17 Chase IHG
10/17 AmEx Platinum
05/18 Chase Marriott (BIZ)
09/18 CIP (BIZ) (with SSN)
10/18 CitiBIZ AA Platinum (BIZ)
11/18 CIC (BIZ) (with SSN)
01/19 Chase United (BIZ)
01/19 Amex Gold
01/19 CitiBIZ AA Platinum (BIZ)

 

[Alexle2007]

Darn that’s pretty far from where Dh would work. Does your brother know about the Alafaya area at all?

It’s East Orlando. It is generally a good area, but like anywhere, there are pockets of good and bad.

 

[Judique]

FYI on the Sam's Club offer on Amex... Ordered my GCs on 3/5, charge posted on 3/7, $10 credit just posted to my account (3/8).[/QUote

Excellent! I think you and I might be the only people who know where Temple is! It should be getting close to bluebonnet time, right?

Although I've only driven through there, I do know where Temple is. My ex was stationed in Kingsville, Texas back in 1979 and I lived there until 1983. It was a Naval Air Station with a few training squadrons. Out in the middle of oil fields, mesquite trees, and cactus. I had a lot of fun.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I just got my first 7-10 day message when checking on a Chase business card application. My recent card applications (not including AmEx business cards) are below - I think these are the only cards/pulls that Chase can see. This is my fifth Chase Business application since 5/18, and I only waited 65 days since my last to apply. It is also the first time I have used my EIN to apply for a card. Do you think I should call in, or should I wait for the letter. I have my EIN letter, anticipating the need to send in a copy, and I'd rather not talk to anyone about my "business" if I don't need to.

02/17 CSP
03/17 AmEx SPG
10/17 Chase IHG
10/17 AmEx Platinum
05/18 Chase Marriott (BIZ)
09/18 CIP (BIZ) (with SSN)
10/18 CitiBIZ AA Platinum (BIZ)
11/18 CIC (BIZ) (with SSN)
01/19 Chase United (BIZ)
01/19 Amex Gold
01/19 CitiBIZ AA Platinum (BIZ)

They may want the EIN letter faxed to them....I DH received my first 7-10 day message....had to wait until the letter arrived since DH will not make phone calls....and that’s what they asked for....faxed it and the card was approved a few days later

 

[Judique]

Just checked my account and go figure the 35k free night posted two days ago. I wonder what would have happened if I upgraded before it hit. Oh well, too late now. I didn't even get an email about it, weird.

Well, I think you answered a question I was about to ask. My annual fee posted on my Amex Bonvoy (old card no upgrade) on March 2. So it took almost 6 weeks to get your free night? I will be expecting mine after the middle of April based on this and someone else's dp.