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

[Albort]

Remind me, when does that expire? I still have two accounts to hit.

i think the 26th of feb?

 

[Ngwira]

I hope so, I really need another one so I can use the remaining Staples offer I have! Planning to go to BBY afterwards.



Sounds like a great trip! Have you eaten at Homecomin' before? Sooooo good.

Oh yes..we eat there on every trip. Yummo.

 

[amalone1013]

I hope so, I really need another one so I can use the remaining Staples offer I have! Planning to go to BBY afterwards.

I'm about to be one of those people... who needs $10k in gift cards in 26 hours, what's the best deal?

But really, I just realized that we need $4875 to pay off the remainder of ILs cabin. Granted it's about $2k more than I was thinking, because we added aunt (and she's paying that... but if I can turn her money into slightly more Disney money, I will ). Also DH and I were willing to do this whole Staples/Lowes/BBY/SB deal the whole time for this, even talked about it for the offers that ended in November... but hadn't yet because of no money from BILs. Now I'm debating, we're making the payment in 30 days no matter what and would be floating the money then if we aren't paid So really what's it matter if we start floating it now vs in ~30 days? Luckily we're in a position we can do this.

Original thought was that maybe we would take the savings and reduce the cost for everyone, but at this point I'm just thinking, give us the regular amount and I will make it more Disney money that ILs can use while on board.

i think the 26th of feb?

Might have to drag DH to Safeway tomorrow...

 

[Jax1023]

Ok, I know there was a big discussion on luggage a few weeks back, but I’ve decided my roll aboard I got at my bridal shower 12 years ago has seen better days. And that seemed to focus on backpacks.

Anyone have any suggestions for a great carry on? I like reeaallly want an away suitcase, but the logical part of my brain can’t pay $245 for a suitcase.

 

[have2getaway]

DH and I each have a Chase Disney Visa that we do not intend to continue using because it only yields 1% in rewards and we have better rewards cards to choose from. My question is, is it better to close the cards, downgrade the cards (although they don’t currently have an annual fee, so not sure that makes any sense?), or have the merchant eventually close them due to non-use? Also, what is the best timeframe from card opening to make one of these changes so as to have the least impact to our credit scores, which are currently excellent?

 

[kandb]

It seems to have cut off half my head, which is fine. I can't figure it out on mobile. I might like it better that way anyway.



@kandb This is easy with Credit Karma, at least it used to be. I don't have access to a desktop at the moment to give you exact directions, but I know you can dispute an account with both Equifax and TransUnion through Credit Karma. It's very simple. With Experian, you'll have to initiate a dispute on their website. All of this will take about 30 days.

They should also come off automatically after a few months, but disputing will get it done faster and you'll have the peace of mind knowing it's done on all 3.

Thank you, the ridiculous thing is that the Sprint accounts have been closed for over 14 months. Dealing with Sprint finance was a nightmare. The store I got the 4 phones at screwed up so bad that I had the district managers cell phone number and he had to credit me for so many mistakes regarding our 4 phone lines. Unfortunately, until I dropped Sprint after the 2 years, then they told me the contracts were for 24 months and 25 months, two for each phone. When I called they just kept saying "that's what the contracts say". After a while I refused to deal with them. Sprint was the worst mistake I ever made. T-Mobile now and very happy.

 

[amalone1013]

Ok, I know there was a big discussion on luggage a few weeks back, but I’ve decided my roll aboard I got at my bridal shower 12 years ago has seen better days. And that seemed to focus on backpacks.

Anyone have any suggestions for a great carry on? I like reeaallly want an away suitcase, but the logical part of my brain can’t pay $245 for a suitcase.

Our first backpack came Thursday and I already love it even though I haven't used it

This is my carry on, also love:

I got a Travelpro Maxlite Rollaboard (22") after lots of research for something that would last but wasn't outrageously expensive. Got two of them for our wedding/honeymoon and have loved them so far. Got them from ebags using AMEX offers, Ebates, etc, so overall they weren't bad at all... $70ish net price? I see they're $79.99 right now so that's even better. They've been on quite a few trips now (though mostly as a carry on, only checked a handful of times). They are also expandable. Also, I'd agree with the thought that your carry ons are really personal items. We each have a backpack (I leave a spot to easily slide in my travel purse) and then will take the Travelpro bags if needed. Can't remember what brand the backpacks are, I was on the lookout for some decent quality ones during a non-back-to-school time and didn't want to pay $30 to $50... I ended up finding some at Goodwill - some that shipped off from Target for not selling, with the tags still on, so I got them for $6 each.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I just got cip and citibiz. Should I get the aviator biz now before those two cards report to the credit agencies?

CIP and Citibiz aren’t going to report to your credit report.

 

[kandb]

What is everyone's take on Marriott bonvoy? I got an email saying to apply for it. 100,000 points, no fee for the first year and then $95. We always stay at Marriotts. Does anyone know if I can get restaurant gift cards with some of the points or is it just for hotel rooms?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

In CC news, I'm thinking about being brave (finally) and applying for a CIP. I don't have any biz cards at all, and I'm nervous about it all. But I guess a denial isn't really that big of a deal, right? Worth the risk? If anyone has words of advice I'd love to read them. The AA FOMO is real, but I think URs would serve us better at the moment...

Also, can I go ahead and apply now, or should I wait another month? I got my first Chase card, a WOH one, at the end of December (card didn't arrive until January). Is Feb. too soon?

I would wait until the calendar turns to March. (I have no real reason to give why...just “feels” safer lol!)

There was a long time (years) in this game before I got a biz card. It’s a big step. I understand your hesitation but give it a go. You won’t regret 85,000 URs!

 

[afan]

View from the Wing is posting about Marriott asking for cash deposits on point award bookings, and high deposits at that. It's not seen unless you read the fine print.

Might have to drag DH to Safeway tomorrow...

Am I correct that if using this coupon it would be 185 for the two gc or is there activation fees and it's not that much savings?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

What is everyone's take on Marriott bonvoy? I got an email saying to apply for it. 100,000 points, no fee for the first year and then $95. We always stay at Marriotts. Does anyone know if I can get restaurant gift cards with some of the points or is it just for hotel rooms?

Were you going to be able to give us the information we need to help you at some point? Nobody here has enough info yet to give you qualified advice (per my comment yesterday):

On Wednesday at 9:30 am I posted this: https://www.disboards.com/threads/i-love-credit-cards-so-much-v2-0-see-first-page-for-addl-details.3729982/page-369#post-60284006 with a bunch of quoted comments. We want to help you but we do not have enough information to give you any good advice (said with a soft and friendly tone). Please accept this gentle nudge out of love...Give us the information we need thoroughly and we'll help you succeed! You're bouncing around talking about a ton of different cards (none of which seem like the best move) and we don't have your stats to even tell you your approval odds.

Also - did you read this thorough message from yesterday by the eloquent churning expert @Lain?

This sounds like the Marriott Bonvoy Business card from Amex.

Two things you should know:

1. Credit Karma makes its money, in part, by promoting credit cards and encouraging its users to sign up for them. CK provides a great service, but they're not completely disinterested. One of the ways they get people to sign up for one card or another is by "evaluating" what your chances are of being approved. This algorithm is not to be trusted because they'll promote cards that say you've got an excellent chance of being approved when folks here know for sure they wouldn't be approved because of one of the card issuer's rules (like Chase's 5/24 rule, or one-Sapphire rule). Disregard what CK is telling you.

2. Amex hands out business cards like candy. You may have a business even if you don't realize it. So without knowing your specific credit profile, but given that you're alive, I'd say you've got a good shot at being approved. However, Amex has stepped up their anti-churning efforts recently by looking at an applicant's history with their cards and bonuses, and if you are an Amex cardmember who perhaps has a short membership history, a pattern of opening new cards and putting spend on them just to meet the minimum spending requirement to get the bonuses, then dropping off your spending, canceling cards to avoid paying annual fees, then there's a chance Amex may give you a pop up message that tells you that you don't qualify for the signup bonus.

And one more thing:

3. Your email offer is the same offer that is available from links that support your fellow DISers. If you plan to sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Business or Brilliant card, please consider applying through a DISchurners link and supporting this wonderful community.

Some background:

Marriott refreshed their credit card offerings from their two credit card issuing partners, Chase and Amex, under the new "Bonvoy" rewards program on 2/13/19. Amex already has their Bonvoy Business and Bonvoy Brilliant cards out. Chase will have their new card(s) out on 2/28/19. Note that it's good you mentioned you don't have a Marriott credit card already; the Bonvoy cards come with a lot of restrictions on who is eligible for the new signup bonus, and you will generally have to make a choice whether to apply for the Marriott cards from Amex to the exclusion of the card from Chase, or vice versa.

Amex's two cards are:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card - 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Offer ends 4/24/2019. $450 Annual Fee. 6x Points at Marriott Hotels. 3x Points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2x Points on all other eligible purchases. $300 Marriott statement credits each year of card membership. 1 Free Night Award every year after your card account anniversary for redemption at or under 50,000 points. Priority Pass membership. Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

The Bonvoy Brilliant welcome bonus is not available to applicants who have or have had the following cards in the last 30 days:

• The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card from JPMorgan
• The J.P. Morgan Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card

It’s also not available to applicants to have or have had the following cards in the last 90 days:

• The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase
• The Marriott Bonvoy Premier from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
• The Marriott Bonvoy Premier Business from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase

It’s also not available to applicants who have received a welcome bonus or upgrade offer on the following cards in the last 24 months:

• The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase
• The Marriott Bonvoy Premier from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
• The Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card - 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Offer ends 4/24/2019. $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 for the second year if application received before 3/28/2019. If you apply on or after 3/28/2019, $125 Annual Fee. 6x Points at Marriott Hotels. 4x Points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers & on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x Points on all other eligible purchases. 1 Free Night Award every year after your card account anniversary for redemption at or under 35,000 points. Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status.

The Bonvoy Business welcome bonus is not available to applicants who have or have had the following cards in the last 30 days:

• The Marriott Bonvoy Premier Business from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase
• The Marriott Bonvoy Business from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Business Credit Card from Chase

It’s also not available to applicants to have or have had the following cards in the last 90 days:

• The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase
• The Marriott Bonvoy Premier from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase

It’s also not available to applicants who have received a welcome bonus on the following cards in the last 24 months:

• The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase
• The Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus from Chase
• The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase

Both Amex cards are offering a 100k Marriott points bonus after spending $5k in 3 months. These offers end 4/24/19, so you have some time. If you're thinking about applying for the Bonvoy Business it's best to get your application in before 3/28/19 to avoid a first year annual fee and pay a lower $95 AF in the second year to get the 35k free night certificate (presumably, the annual fee will then go up to $125 in the third year). As mentioned above, if you apply before 3/28/19, your first year annual fee is $0, then $95 for the second year, and likely $125 in the third year. If you apply after 3/28/19, then your annual fee is $125 and charged at the end of your first monthly statement and every year as long as you hold the card.

Both the Business and Brilliant cards will earn you 6x Marriott points for hotel charges, so it's a good idea to charge everything to your room and pay for your bill with one of the Marriott cards. The Business card has a better 4x points bonus at restaurants and gas stations. But you see the Brilliant comes with more perks. Although the Brilliant has a $450 annual fee that's not waived, it comes with a $300 Marriott statement credit that you can apply to the reservations you've already made, complimentary Gold Elite status that might get you some upgrades if you don't already have status [ETA: Gold will also earn you more points on your stay than Silver], and Priority Pass membership that can get you and guests lounge access at airports if you don't already have that. However, if you're new to churning, you may want to keep your credit report clean for Chase. The Business card will not show up on your credit report or count against Chase's 5/24 rule; the Brilliant, as a personal card, will count against Chase's 5/24 rule.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

All the talk about mattresses has me looking. Our mattress just had its 24th birthday, right after our anniversary. We have both the Amex and chase Casper offers, but eek, they are expensive. Which is why our mattress is so old. I look at the prices and think it’s too much. I’m a cheap skate. I think our old one is still comfortable. My DH does not. But he likes firm and I like soft. We have tried a sleepnumbr at my sisters. She hated it so much she moved it to her guest room. We didn’t like it either. So it’s easier to keep the old one than agree on a new one. But I think it’s time very soon.

Omg this is me. We’re getting money back from taxes, I think hmm maybe we should get a new mattress. Check prices. Nope. Too expensive. I am still considering looking at Bobs Discount Furniture but I would love a great mattress if I could make myself part with the money. The best sleep I get is at Dolphin, I love their beds. But I think the sheer exhaustion from days at the parks also helps.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

DH and I each have a Chase Disney Visa that we do not intend to continue using because it only yields 1% in rewards and we have better rewards cards to choose from. My question is, is it better to close the cards, downgrade the cards (although they don’t currently have an annual fee, so not sure that makes any sense?), or have the merchant eventually close them due to non-use? Also, what is the best timeframe from card opening to make one of these changes so as to have the least impact to our credit scores, which are currently excellent?

There’s no “downgrade” option from this card. With no AF there’s no reason to close them. If they have high credit limits maybe just reduce that to $1,000 and leave them there to age on your credit report and help you score. Perhaps you should put a small charge ($5) on the card every 6 months to avoid closure due to inactivity.

 

[Jax1023]

Our first backpack came Thursday and I already love it even though I haven't used it

This is my carry on, also love:

I want one of those backpacks too, but I’m still heavily in the diaper bag stage of life, so that’s what I carry. That and a tiny Vera Bradley cross body I can tuck inside the diaper bag, with my wallet and phone and such.

My little one will be 2 in June. I figure I’ve got 1 more year of diapers and by then she can lug her own carry on around the airport lol. Her brother was carrying his own stuff by 3.

 

[punkin]

View from the Wing is posting about Marriott asking for cash deposits on point award bookings, and high deposits at that. It's not seen unless you read the fine print.



Am I correct that if using this coupon it would be 185 for the two gc or is there activation fees and it's not that much savings?

There are activation fees. You break even on the 2 $50 and make about $3 on the $100s. The profit is in the points. (Unless you DH misplaces the gift cards...)

 

[amalone1013]

View from the Wing is posting about Marriott asking for cash deposits on point award bookings, and high deposits at that. It's not seen unless you read the fine print.



Am I correct that if using this coupon it would be 185 for the two gc or is there activation fees and it's not that much savings?

There are activation fees, it comes out to $296.80. There should be one for $15 off 2 $100s and $10 off 2 $50s.

 

[tink1970]

I would wait until the calendar turns to March

Aka---next Friday! Whoo hoo! Only six days and we're all ready to do a congrats dance

 

[Lain]

I cancelled 2 authorized co-signers on my husband and my accounts 3 days ago. Do they come off automatically if a creditor is checking either of our credits or is it better to wait 30 days?

The process of removing AU accounts with the issuer and your respective credit reports depends on each issuer. Asking an issuer to close an AU card is often not enough. I don't think you've provided any list or other information about the cards you and your husband have opened in the past 24 months, and on which of those you or your husband are AUs of each other's cards.

 

[mmmears]

I would wait until the calendar turns to March. (I have no real reason to give why...just “feels” safer lol!)

There was a long time (years) in this game before I got a biz card. It’s a big step. I understand your hesitation but give it a go. You won’t regret 85,000 URs!

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to wait. It felt too soon for me, too. I expected the 2 tier Hyatt to hold us for a while MSR wise, but I'm about finished with it. Another week or two won't kill me. And yeah, it just feels scary somehow.