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

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Yes! I’ve been checking daily lately and my bonus was there today. For this one, I had DH do a legit direct deposit of part of his pay check. But I will definitely look into M&T now.

ETA: Bummer M&T isn’t offered in MA.
Have you looked into Cambridge savings or Liberty? I did Cambridge Savings last year. Liberty is only $100 but easy to meet. I think it's good for MA and parts of RI (not my county though).
 
I have a hard time searching on my phone but I believe someone was asking about Etsy cashback? It’s back at 3% on Ibotta.
 

Have you looked into Cambridge savings or Liberty? I did Cambridge Savings last year. Liberty is only $100 but easy to meet. I think it's good for MA and parts of RI (not my county though).
Thanks, I did Cambridge Savings last year too - my first bank bonus. I’ve also done Citizens and TD Bank in addition to Santander.
I’ll look into Liberty (I like easy to meet!) and I’ll check back with DOC too.
 
Oh geez - the Aviator discussion on r/churning has once again devolved into “there’s only one way to churn. If you aren’t doing it my way you’re stupid”

I dunno why I keep giving that place a chance. It never fails that a bunch of pompous jerks attempt to make you feel bad about your churning strategy.

Sorry...end rant.
 
The 10k MR from the AT&T offer on my Biz Plat were in my account this morning, so I went ahead and make a second $175 prepayment on our personal AT&T wireless account. No confirming email like last time, but I'll assume it worked since it was the exact same transaction as the last one....

In other news, I cancelled DH's CSP after I saw the $95 AF hit his account. It is now zeroed out and closed!

And this is older news, but I also received the 20k MR from referring DH to the BBP from my Biz Gold. I've decided to go ahead and try to meet the MSR on that one in a half-a**ed way and see how it goes. So hard for me to leave potential points on the table even though I'm not necessarily looking to up DH's MR balance. I figure we'll find some favorable redemption for them.
How long did it take for the AT&T credit to show up after the charge posted?
 
Anyone have an Umpqua account? I logged in tonight to see my 2 current accounts and my 1 old account gone. It says "no accounts". I'm 99% certain it's a technical glitch or maintenance or something but would love confirmation if anyone here can see their accounts online or in the app?

ETA: they’re back! System glitch for the win. Phew!
 
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The business and the signature card both give you 50K after first purchase with 35K more after $2500 spend. The free nights are after 10K additional spend.

I'm busy looking at the business now that you all started talking about this. I have the premier and a hundred K plus points - wouldn't hurt to jack this up a little. But - haven't put a dime on the premier and I'm thinking that before I apply for the business I might want to actually use the personal card.

DH is at 5/24 and we want to get him to 4/24 in case something really amazing comes along so I was looking at the Biz cards. Weird but I'm watching Oslo videos on YouTube and people are complaining that everything is super expensive there, but the hotels I checked looked ok. I'll likely run into problems once we get flights and choose our dates. That's what usually happens.

Oh geez - the Aviator discussion on r/churning has once again devolved into “there’s only one way to churn. If you aren’t doing it my way you’re stupid”

I dunno why I keep giving that place a chance. It never fails that a bunch of pompous jerks attempt to make you feel bad about your churning strategy.

Sorry...end rant.

Only one way? So what do think is the "right" way? I'm so thankful for this thread and people who understand that the right way is whichever way you like.
 
Don't know if anyone is doing the Ebates MR thing, but Lifelock is 80% cash back on Ebates right now.

I wanted to sign DH up for the Ebates MR earning, but DH doesn't want to give them access to his Amex login information. I don't blame him but I'm bummed nonetheless. I have my own Ebates regular cash back account, so I could do it for the straight up cash back. Anyone here use/used Lifelock (identity fraud monitoring service) and have opinions?

Have you thought about doing the Lifelock promo for United or AA miles? https://www.doctorofcredit.com/lifelock-earn-up-to-13000-airline-miles/

Quite a few people have done this for the miles and canceled successfully on Reddit. Let me know if you’re interested and I can dig up some DPs.
 
:rotfl2::rotfl2:

The problem is so many of our horse shows are in the middle of nowhere with NO good options! Williamston NC, Camden SC, and Centre Hall PA aren't at the top of most people's travel destinations. Add in the fact that we're only in the room to sleep (usually for about a grand total of 6 hours) and shower, and it's hard to justify spending more than the bare minimum.

Although I did book the more expensive Comfort Inn for this weekend since last year I stayed at the Econo Lodge by myself and looking back, I really probably shouldn't have...

There's something I don't miss about dog shows. Sketchy hotels/motels. Let's see, there was one with drug deals going on in the parking lot. Then there was one that had a carpet I was afraid to walk on WITH shoes and many unidentifiable stains and splats on the walls and the bed when I arrived at nearly midnight to check in. I wound up leaving and looking for another hotel after giving the manager on duty a piece of my mind and getting a refund. Had one where my friend had her bag stolen right under our noses from her van and I chased down the thieves. What was I thinking? Then there was one that I was surprised they weren't charging by the hour from the looks of things. Wow, wasn't expecting to go down the memory lane of icky dog show hotels :laughing:

It's a sock drawer card for me. I used the points for stays in Europe a few years ago, and nowadays it's handy for the odd night near an airport when I'm looking for a place to stay with free airport shuttles (due to early/late flights), usually at a Country Inn and Suites.

It does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, so you don't actually want to put spend on it when staying at a Radisson internationally!

I had problems finding award space for 1 room with 3 people (us and DD) with the Radisson line, so if it's just 2 of you there probably won't be any issue. Definitely look at the cash price vs points to make sure you're getting a good value. I peeked at a random Radisson on a random date in Oslo and the cash price was just $88 and it cost 44K points.

Also, USBank is not an easy bank to get cards from these days (no rhyme or reason AFAIK), so don't take it personally if you get denied.

Oh yes, never thought about the 3 person in a room. That could make things challenging. I never find good cash rates for the Europe stays. I do here in the US. There's a Country Inn & Suites near Port Canaveral that we stay at the night before any Disney cruises each year. The rates are always fairly low so we don't mind paying OOP for them and will pay with the card as our one or two charges to keep it active every year.

With US Bank you have to freeze reporting from Sagestream and ARS reports to increase the odds of an approval. Some people don't find it worth the hassle ever since Radisson devalued the program and eliminated second night award stays for free. I did it before that devaluation. I would do it again today simply because I find value in accumulating the 40k points every year and letting them pile up until I need them.

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Translation: my city and neighbors have been partying for weeks! Real translation-Let the good times roll!
Happy Mardi Gras y'all!!

Happy Mardi Gras. I really need to go to Mardi Gras with DH. I don't think he's ever been and I haven't been since my early 20's.

Thank you so much for the explanation. I was looking last night and I saw there was one BIZ (which would be great) and 3 regular. I also kept seeing "free night" so I'll have to look again. Also would need the points this year (I think) which might make a difference. There are a few Radisson Blu hotels in Oslo that look nice, so likely that's where we will stay. Prices (cash) aren't looking so bad for Europe at the moment, but of course I have no idea what they will be when I do want to book. And I'd rather pay with points.

Ooh thanks for reminding me of the business one. That's going on my list.

SWGE Rumor: Star Wars at Disney World might open in Sept/Oct

https://mobile.twitter.com/WDWNT/status/1102962805421031424

I’d imagine this could affect some folks trip plans if this comes true.

Noooooooo!!! I will be on an ABD in Japan the last weekend of September and first 2 weeks of October. I do hope it opens after I get back. I was able to make it to TSL opening and am hoping I get to make it to SWGE opening.

I have what is probably a stupid question, but I swear I can't seem to find the answer on my own. How do you know what airlines use an airport as a hub? And does it matter? I'm researching flights for Costa Rica and for Italy out of Seattle and I can't seem to figure out which airlines I should be checking into most.

AA

  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
  • Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
  • Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
UA
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Houston George-Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • Denver International Airport (DEN)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
DL
  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Southwest focus airports
  • Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA)
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA)
  • General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
  • Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
  • Denver International Airport (DEN)
  • McCarran International Airport (LAS)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA)
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Jet Blue focus airports
  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB)
AS
  • Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
  • Portland International Airport (PDX)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
 
Just a couple of days. I made the payment Sunday and the MR were in my account this morning.
Thank you. I'm going on 3 days, but I'm waiting for a statement credit, which may have different timing.
 
Only one way? So what do think is the "right" way? I'm so thankful for this thread and people who understand that the right way is whichever way you like.
Well...that's the funny thing...they can't even agree on what the right way is. So basically it's a bunch of conflicting messages, lol. Examples of the "r/churning right way" would be:
  • Staying under 5/24 is a terrible idea and not worth it
  • If you aren't participating in MS you are stupid and/or a "noob"
  • The SW CP is overrated (although as you can imagine there's a whole other group who says it's the best deal in churning)
  • Everybody should be churning AA personal cards
  • Having a plan/strategy is stupid, the game changes too fast
  • Cashing out URs is terrible (although again some of the BEST contributors on r/churning are doing just that)
  • Using points or miles for gift cards is a terrible idea even if that's how you planned to do it all along
  • If you aren't going for business cards you are stupid and/or a "noob"
  • You should have multiple AMEX Platinum versions
  • Paying AFs in year 2 is stupid
  • And of course on that thread...apparently valuing the Barclays 10% benefit is dumb because it's ONLY 10k AA miles...and 10k AA miles is nothing because if that means something to you, you are stupid and/or a "noob"
LOL - it's so ridiculous sometimes. Slow Churning is a thing and these guys, and I imagine 99% of the idiots spouting off these things are young boys (they don't deserve the title of "young men"), just don't want to accept that slow churning is ok :)
 
Just a couple of days. I made the payment Sunday and the MR were in my account this morning.

Thank you. I'm going on 3 days, but I'm waiting for a statement credit, which may have different timing.

DH says he paid our home phone bill and still has nothing from AMEX. Does this have to be wireless (we have that, too). I just want to make sure he doesn't mess this one up. Anything special he should do before paying the cell bill?

Well...that's the funny thing...they can't even agree on what the right way is. So basically it's a bunch of conflicting messages, lol. Examples of the "r/churning right way" would be:
  • Staying under 5/24 is a terrible idea and not worth it
  • If you aren't participating in MS you are stupid and/or a "noob"
  • The SW CP is overrated (although as you can imagine there's a whole other group who says it's the best deal in churning)
  • Everybody should be churning AA personal cards
  • Having a plan/strategy is stupid, the game changes too fast
  • Cashing out URs is terrible (although again some of the BEST contributors on r/churning are doing just that)
  • Using points or miles for gift cards is a terrible idea even if that's how you planned to do it all along
  • If you aren't going for business cards you are stupid and/or a "noob"
  • You should have multiple AMEX Platinum versions
  • Paying AFs in year 2 is stupid
  • And of course on that thread...apparently valuing the Barclays 10% benefit is dumb because it's ONLY 10k AA miles...and 10k AA miles is nothing because if that means something to you, you are stupid and/or a "noob"
LOL - it's so ridiculous sometimes. Slow Churning is a thing and these guys, and I imagine 99% of the idiots spouting off these things are young boys (they don't deserve the title of "young men"), just don't want to accept that slow churning is ok :)

LOL. Thanks for the summary. I am clearly still a n00b and I'm doing it all wrong. Oh well. :rotfl:
 
@mmmears: This one is an oldie but a goodie...perhaps we should revisit OUR "right way" to churn here at DISchurners :)
@SouthFayetteFan’s Guide to the RIGHT way to churn!

Fair Warning – this is a long post, but something I think many of you here may enjoy reading… Lately there has been a lot of discussion on r/churning and other groups (at times heated) regarding the RIGHT way to churn. I figured, I’d share with our group the RIGHT way to churn so we are all on the same page.
  • Some people like to churn slowly. They want to open no more than 2-3 cards per year, and never more than one card at a time. In between MSRs they focus on category bonuses on their existing cards…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people like to open as many cards as possible, dozens in a year even. They push the envelope of the issuers’ rules and throw caution to the wind. They’ve never met a signup bonus they didn’t like AND they wouldn’t dare think about going without an MSR for even a day…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people like to get a moderate amount of cards each year, hovering around 5/24 so that they avoid being locked out by Chase but still putting the majority of their spend towards an MSR…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people are in Two-Player mode and can alternate applications and increase their earning potential…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people have no player two. They go about it on their own and do their best to earn as many points as possible…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people have an unwilling player two. They wish that their P2 would be willing like others that comment so happily about their ability to double their earnings. But they still do their best to earn as many points as possible (and convince their P2 to join eventually) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people are super-comfortable with Business Cards. They have so many you’d think they are a Fortune 500 company…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people are wary of applying for a Business Card. It’s just not something they’re comfortable with and they still earn a decent number of points focusing on personal cards only…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people get non-Chase personal cards while still under 5/24 (GASP!) because it fits their strategy…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people wouldn’t think of touching a non-Chase personal card until they’re over 5/24…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people pay numerous annual fees to keep cards open because it’s worth it to them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people avoid annual fees at all costs and product change or cancel cards rather than paying them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people like to use churning to take extravagant trips beyond most folk’s wildest imaginations. They often incur additional expenses (annual fees, out of pocket costs, etc.) to do this but they love it and can afford it…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people take a moderate number of vacations each year which churning is able to partially or fully pay for and wouldn’t think of wasting their precious points stash on things like First Class or Awesome hotel suites…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people use churning to help afford just one nice vacation a year because finances or tight, or they have a large family, or for myriad other reasons…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people focus on cash back because travel is not their cup of tea…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people love to participate in MS (Manufactured Spending), they not only enjoy the points they earn, but they actually have fun doing it. It’s a game to see how many points they can generate at the least expensive cost…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people will only do MS from the comfort of their couch (bank funding, applepay, etc.)…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people think MS is not for them, perhaps they even think it’s illegal or skirting the rules. They don’t judge others for doing it but choose not to participate themselves…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people will focus on numerous programs all at the same time. Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Southwest, Delta, United, American, URs, MRs…it doesn’t matter, they’ll take ‘em! They’ve never found a point they didn’t like…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people choose to focus on a limited number of programs, perhaps even a program that others think isn’t quite worth it (yup I’m looking at you HILTON!) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people also like to do bank bonuses as a way to increase their earnings in the game…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people think bank bonuses aren’t worth the hassle…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people plan multi-year strategies of which cards they’ll get and when. They can’t imagine somebody participating in this game without having a game-plan (and perhaps they even quietly judge those that don’t have one…although they’d never publicly shame them) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people have no strategy whatsoever. Whichever card they feel like next…that’s the card they get. Gosh, we’ll just figure out how to use the points later. They think people who have these plans are just setting themselves up for disappointment because the rules will change and the target will move anyways…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people have a spreadsheet to track every detail (or heck, maybe dozens of spreadsheets in my case) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people just keep track on a napkin…or maybe not at all. Keeping all that data is too much of a hassle and if the game requires work like that, well then it’s not just fun…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
  • Some people forget to use a Support Link on DISchurners…and they are shunned…and THIS IS THE…wait…no that’s the wrong way to churn ;) JK JK JK!!!
The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn! :thumbsup2

In case you didn't expand the quote here's my summary statement at the bottom:

The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn! :thumbsup2
 
SWGE Rumor: Star Wars at Disney World might open in Sept/Oct

https://mobile.twitter.com/WDWNT/status/1102962805421031424

I’d imagine this could affect some folks trip plans if this comes true.
I AM NOT READY YET! I have math to run, family to convince one way or the other for this fall which could lead to decisions to make like do I even want to do F&W solo in Nov? I'm not ready for an announcement that will sell out all the hotel rooms, dangit! Guess I better get ready!

To turn my WDW ticket into an AP or not? That is the question... I have 0 interest in FL during the summer or early fall but I loved F&W in Nov and I know I'll love the Flower and Garden Festival my first time this year. I could turn this end of March ticket into an AP for a trip to F&W 2019 and Flower & Garden 2020 but I have a big round the world type trip in a few months that I need to finalize my math on...
 
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