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

[Judique]

I might have some dumb questions but I don’t know a lot about dvc. What is ROFR? What’s the benefit of having a second contract instead of just one?

Someone probably answered but, a second contract can be several things. The obvious would be more points mean more nights or bigger rooms, or rooms at a resort with higher point needs. A way of acquiring points over time so as not to have to pay the whole thing at one time, especially if you want to buy outright and not get loans or financing.

Another would be to get 11 month booking privileges at a second resort.

A second contract is also a way of being able to sell off easier when you might want to divest your ownership, and also for purposes of gifting your ownership to your children or heirs.

Multiple contracts have all sorts of uses. The key is to try and keep them on the same use year - makes it easier to book, although sometimes 2 use years work for some situations.

 

[hsmamato2]

RIP Redbird...the good ole' days. I had to drive 5 hours to get one as that was the closest Target that had them.

I bought mine off Ebay...... that was a golden time of fun.....

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

@platamama the dp on Reddit with the plat not getting a bonus - did they get a previous pop up?

 

[Alexle2007]

Southwest and HI: https://www.southwest.com/html/air/newservicehawaii.html

Looks like the test flight successfully landed also earlier this week.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I’m trying to figure out my next step. Right now, I’m
05/17 - CitiAA personal
01/19 - CIP - already met the MSR
My keeper card is CSR which I love.

I have been targeted for the Amex Plat 100k offer (apply by 2/18) and the Amex Gold 50k offer (apply by 3/20). I was out of Amex graces for 10 years so I feel I should jump on one of these and I keep going back and forth. I definitely would use the gold consistently for at least groceries but the Plat would start me with a good stash of points. Can I apply for both one month apart?

Right now, between me and P2, we have a good stash of UR. We had hoped to travel to Europe this summer (found nonstop to Milan last week for the 6 of us that we could book through the Chase portal that we could cover) but that seems to be on hold due to some health issues with my dad. Regardless, we will be going back to Europe at some point.

I’m thinking I get the two Amex. That puts me at 2/24 after May. At the end of the year, go for the SW companion pass for some US travel. At some point mid-year 2019, another Chase business card.

My husband, I will refer to CIP to boost our UR even more and also go for the SW companion at the end of the year.

Sorry, I had to get this written down to work it out in my head...so, are the two Amex even a possibility due to timing?

I think you've outlined a sound strategy. A 100k Plat offer is one card that most people will use a 5/24 slot on. If you feel good about that Gold offer it isn't a bad move either - especially if you don't have a huge list of Chase cards you want to get. Plus, being in 2 player mode, you have A LOT of 5/24 slots combined between the two of you

A big consideration you'll want to factor in is to continually use both AMEX cards beyond the signup bonus. That seems like it will be easy on the Gold with groceries, but you'll also want to "bite the bullet" and put some ongoing stuff on the Plat too. That way AMEX will give you more cards in the future, you've probably seen a lot of our discussion about popups and bonus denials, you don't want to become one of us (the AMEX blacklisted people, lol).

 

[Judique]

If you decide to pick up both Amex Plat and Gold from the mailers, I would do the Plat first then the Gold on the same day or as close in time as possible. I don't know whether it's in your budget to spend a combined $7k MSR in the same 3 month period. However, it's very possible that applying for one will change the offer on the other. For example, we had folks who were targeted for the 125k Marriott points offer on the SPG Lux, who applied for another SPG card first thinking they could come back for the SPG Lux before the targeted offer expired, only to find that Amex pulled the 125k offer before the stated expiration date. Between the Plat and the Gold, you should definitely apply for the Plat first.

The Plat's 100k MR offer is highly targeted. You can't incognito your way to it. You might be able to trick your way to the offer, but why bother when you have the mailer? Get the Plat first. Even if getting the Plat changes your Gold 50k MR mailer offer, the Gold's 50k MR offer can be pulled up in pretty easily in incognito mode, no other tricks needed. So if you don't think you can or want to do the Plat's $5k MSR and the Gold's $2k MSR in the same 3 months, get the Plat first, then come back for the Gold (using the mailer or incognito) a month or two later.

As for timing, there's no velocity limit to Amex's charge cards (like the Plat and Gold). There's no cap on how many Amex charge cards you can get within a certain time frame.

Yikes! It is so true that offers can change at the drop of a hat or the whim of Amex. @amcc -

Yesterday I was looking at their page - not logged in - but of course they know its me and the Gold had a 50K offer. Today it wouldn't even show me Gold until I switched browsers, and then it showed as 35K points.

Next I log in and it is urging me to refer. My previous referral link was 50K. Now it's 40K.

Nothing concrete about Amex.

If I were @amcc I would apply for both offers just as @Lain detailed, plat first as you have the 100K now, and I'd do the Gold right after on the same day if I could manage both spends.

After checking it out today I am not so sure a 50K incognito will be there. Amex just sold a lot of us on the Rose Gold, so they may cut back for awhile and focus on maximizing the seeds they planted - a lot of us are selling the Gold card for them.

 

[hsmamato2]

You can just pay off the card directly with the PNC account but it's not generally recommended. If you can wait the couple extra days I'd recommend sending the money into your main account that you usually pay Chase with and then setting up the payment from there once it arrives.

thank you!

 

[Haley R]

Congrats on passing ROFR! Once in a while I get tempted to add on another batch of points to the 1300 we have. Then I recall my maintenance dues, they were just shy of $8700 this year, and the temptation goes away. Now if only my brain would react the same way when I recall the number while standing on a scale and reaching into the refrigerator. But I digress. If we do add on more contracts it would be for the express purpose of renting the points out to mitigate or cover the dues.



I see the ROFR question was answered. There are a number of reasons to desire or wind up with multiple contracts. Each time you purchase points, those points are assigned a new contract.

Someone may wish to add on to their points balance when they want to come more often, stay in larger accommodations (1 or 2 bdrm vs studio) or come at a different time of year. The points requirements for a stay in a studio at Beach Club Villas during January or during F&W is 15/16 (Sun-Thu/Fri-Sat) points per night . The same studio Christmas week would be 25/28 (Sun-Thu/Fri-Sat) points per night.

Alternatively someone may wish to add on to a different resort to get the 11 month home resort priority booking. We added on at Beach Club because it became increasingly difficult to get a studio during F&W at 7 months out which is when non owners of a resort can book. Those who own Beach Club have a 4 month head start on booking over those who don't. The same is true for each resort. So, we added on enough points to be able to stay in a studio at BCV every weekend during F&W.

Another reason is because it is desirable to purchase contracts in smaller increments. Should one decide to sell a contract, it is easier to sell the smaller ones and they go for a premium. We have 300 Beach Club points. We intentionally purchased 100 point contracts as they came up for resale so that we could sell them easily should we wish to do so in the future. When Villas at Grand Floridian was released PlanePrincess bought on day one. It is his favorite resort, no surprise there We purchased 220 points but broke it up into two 110 point contracts.

Lastly, some build up their points over time and save their money to be able to pay in full. We have paid each contract and add on in full each time even when we bought direct. We started with 180 at SSR and then realized we enjoyed going and wanted to visit more often and treat our family to WDW vacations. So we added on over time. We now have 10 contracts totaling 1300 points across 4 resorts, SSR, AKV, VGF and BCV.

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the explanation! I’m not sure if we will buy into dvc or not but that helps a lot

 

[Oscar Madison]

Is there another card that’s transferring URs to the CSP ? If so transfer the CIP URs to that card...then to the CSP

Worked like a charm...Thanks again.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

With all the DVC talk I thought I'd share my dilemma. I have a small BCV contract (60+31 pt addon). I decided I wanted to add on and had been on the waitlist since Oct. My plan was to use the "double" points (2018 and 2019 points) to book a 4 night stay in a studio in Oct. Well, my waitlist didn't come through until this week, so since I have a Feb. use year, I don't get the 2018 points, and also the price went up $40/pt in Jan, which means an additional $1360 for the 34 points I wanted. I really think this is too big of an increase and that I shouldn't purchase, but I can't seem to call my guide and tell him I'm passing on the points. I just keep thinking that the price is only going to go up, and I might regret not adding on. But, I just don't think it makes sense to pay that price. Ultimately I'd like to add on points at BLT or Poly (MK is our favorite park, and the longer contract (2061 vs. 2042)) means I'll get a lot more use out of the points. I think I should just watch the resale market and try to find a smallish BLT or Poly contract and add on there, or just save my money and make the best out of my 91 points that I have! Anyways, sorry to ramble on!

 

[3 DD love princesses]

With all the DVC talk I thought I'd share my dilemma. I have a small BCV contract (60+31 pt addon). I decided I wanted to add on and had been on the waitlist since Oct. My plan was to use the "double" points (2018 and 2019 points) to book a 4 night stay in a studio in Oct. Well, my waitlist didn't come through until this week, so since I have a Feb. use year, I don't get the 2018 points, and also the price went up $40/pt in Jan, which means an additional $1360 for the 34 points I wanted. I really think this is too big of an increase and that I shouldn't purchase, but I can't seem to call my guide and tell him I'm passing on the points. I just keep thinking that the price is only going to go up, and I might regret not adding on. But, I just don't think it makes sense to pay that price. Ultimately I'd like to add on points at BLT or Poly (MK is our favorite park, and the longer contract (2061 vs. 2042)) means I'll get a lot more use out of the points. I think I should just watch the resale market and try to find a smallish BLT or Poly contract and add on there, or just save my money and make the best out of my 91 points that I have! Anyways, sorry to ramble on!

just saw yesterday one of the resale sites had dec use year about 4-5 25 pt blt contracts

 

[palhockeymomof2]

With all the DVC talk I thought I'd share my dilemma. I have a small BCV contract (60+31 pt addon). I decided I wanted to add on and had been on the waitlist since Oct. My plan was to use the "double" points (2018 and 2019 points) to book a 4 night stay in a studio in Oct. Well, my waitlist didn't come through until this week, so since I have a Feb. use year, I don't get the 2018 points, and also the price went up $40/pt in Jan, which means an additional $1360 for the 34 points I wanted. I really think this is too big of an increase and that I shouldn't purchase, but I can't seem to call my guide and tell him I'm passing on the points. I just keep thinking that the price is only going to go up, and I might regret not adding on. But, I just don't think it makes sense to pay that price. Ultimately I'd like to add on points at BLT or Poly (MK is our favorite park, and the longer contract (2061 vs. 2042)) means I'll get a lot more use out of the points. I think I should just watch the resale market and try to find a smallish BLT or Poly contract and add on there, or just save my money and make the best out of my 91 points that I have! Anyways, sorry to ramble on!

Since you went on the waitlist prior to the price increase, I’d ask your guide if they would let you purchase at the old price...you’ve got nothing to lose by asking

 

[platamama]

@platamama the dp on Reddit with the plat not getting a bonus - did they get a previous pop up?

They say no, no previous pop ups.

 

[striker1064]

Recently met the spend on both Hilton Biz and Aspire. 150k points from the Aspire posted the next day, but the Biz 125k hasn't posted yet. I'm not stressing yet, but I'm certainly raising an eyebrow and wondering if I've finally hit the Amex wall.

 

[punkin]

I wrote earlier that I signed up for amex extended pay option for 10k points. They haven't posted yet and this morning I got another offer in my email for the same thing. Is there a problem?

 

[elgerber]

Ugh, used DH's Delta Plat companion certificate for my DD and her friend, and I was double charged for the flights and the fees. How annoying.

 

[Lain]

I wrote earlier that I signed up for amex extended pay option for 10k points. They haven't posted yet and this morning I got another offer in my email for the same thing. Is there a problem?

Give the 10k a few more days to post. If you found the Pay Over Time offer on your own, you probably beat Amex sending the offer to you via email or mailer.

 

[Alexle2007]

For those who use Walmart Grocery, there's a 10% offer from Chase. I have it on my CSR.

 

[Judique]

With all the DVC talk I thought I'd share my dilemma. I have a small BCV contract (60+31 pt addon). I decided I wanted to add on and had been on the waitlist since Oct. My plan was to use the "double" points (2018 and 2019 points) to book a 4 night stay in a studio in Oct. Well, my waitlist didn't come through until this week, so since I have a Feb. use year, I don't get the 2018 points, and also the price went up $40/pt in Jan, which means an additional $1360 for the 34 points I wanted. I really think this is too big of an increase and that I shouldn't purchase, but I can't seem to call my guide and tell him I'm passing on the points. I just keep thinking that the price is only going to go up, and I might regret not adding on. But, I just don't think it makes sense to pay that price. Ultimately I'd like to add on points at BLT or Poly (MK is our favorite park, and the longer contract (2061 vs. 2042)) means I'll get a lot more use out of the points. I think I should just watch the resale market and try to find a smallish BLT or Poly contract and add on there, or just save my money and make the best out of my 91 points that I have! Anyways, sorry to ramble on!

Don't forget that you can also factor in the 24 one time use points that are allowed to be purchased. I've bought like one or two points to complete a reservation at 7 months. The flexibility allows a lot of variations.

If you are after BCV, you might not let it get away. The resale contracts are going for $135- $145 depending on whether they are stripped or not and they are big contracts - very few small ones. Depending on whether you are in it for the life of the contract or for 5-10 years, you will probably get the value out of it. Those rooms are always going to book and usually close to rack. You don't see a lot of people coming on and saying, 'I got BCV for 1/2 price, 40% off, etc.' It's just a resort that holds its value, more so than Beach Club itself.

Although I have BCV points, I am not a serious BCV fan. I prefer BW, BLT, and AK at Disney World. There's not a whole lot of difference in the value of BLT points you can still get a room at 17-20 points. Poly is a tad more expensive. For me, if money is the bottom line, I'd calculate each option out to the penny as to what I'd actually get for the number of points I'd buy.

The big reality is that maintenance fees are the real determining factor in what costs the most. Buying in is a one time cost. Maintenance is an every year cost. Plus they go up. New resorts always show lower cost in the first couple of years and then they start going up. BCV has held its own in this respect - combined with lower point values for the rooms, and reasonable maintenance costs, it is a winner - for me. I'm happy with 2042. But if I were 20 years younger I might want 2056 or 2061.

 

[platamama]

DH is complaining about going to Hawaii over spring break. "I don't like Hawaii." Who doesn't like Hawaii??? "It's like going to California or Florida." WHAT???

Free airfare paid w UR points
Free hotel Marriott Cat 6 on Maui (because I rolled the dice on the travel package last year) - and I'm Platinum this year, the only time I'll ever be Platinum, maybe it's worth something maybe not

Meanwhile I'm looking at 7" of snow out there that I have to shovel and it's -4 outside.