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

[DisneyMandC]

@DisneyMandC I am staying there in June (the 14-17th) in a Park Suite Twin (all they had available on points) on a points and cash rate for 3 nights! I'm excited to stay at this iconic hotel!

On another note, dd's horse still hasn't sold . I'm bummed as I just bought him in October, he young, fast, graceful, an amazing jumper (she was jumping 4' courses) and very athletic. He was also winning the classes we paid a professional rider to show him in. Plus it sucks paying horse bills every month for something she can no longer participate in. C'mon horse, sell!

Awww I'm sorry to hear that. Selling is such a frustrating and anxious process! Definitely understand the bills. We spent a fortune in vet bills this month since my yearling decided to be one of the special few to get an infection after gelding Now I'm getting ready to buy DH flights to MA for a show in June. Of course, our trainer decided to wait until right after Jetblue had a sale to tell me that's where he wanted to go show LOL.

 

[wanderlust7]

Back from our NCL Bliss cruise to Mexico. I don't even know how many pages I'm behind, lol. Think the Dischurners news will have to do.

Wanted to report back about NCL refunds of onboard credit. It was all refunded in CASH. Had the AmEx offer of spend $500 get $150 back on 2 cards. So bought onboard credit for our cabin and my parents' cabin. Their cabin had a lot leftover and they got a call the day before disembarkation to go to guest services. Our cabin only had a small amount. While I was at guest services with my mom, I asked if any excess would just get refunded to my card. Nope. If I didn't want to have to go back to guest services, I should take the refund and let any charges go to my credit card.

Think I have a bit of land sickness. We spent most of yesterday driving back from L.A., so didn't feel it much then. Hope it goes away by tomorrow.

 

[speedyfishy]

Went for the Schwab Plat to cash out. Im keeping SO's points for now but I will be cashing out 599,000 points. I have 534,000 and change now plus the 65,000 Plat bonus.

 

[speedyfishy]

Here, is my churning haul for the month of April:

Amex Plum Card self referral bonus (20,000 MR)

Amex Plum Card self referral Bonus (20,000 MR)

1 Money Order with Ebates credit card ($20)

Citi Card 75,000 AA points

Citi Card 60,000 AA Points (plus $160 AA gift card)

Amex Green Card (referral bonus 20,000 MR)

60,000 Hyatt Points

20,000 Southwest Points

Companion Pass

$150 Amazon card from the Amazon Amex Biz card (SO got this in December they cancelled it, we went for it again and he got the bonus again)

15,000 MR Green Bonus

62,000 Delta (SO's Delta Gold bonus)

$45 Delta Giftcard (Delta Gold Bonus)

Delta Gold referral (15,000 MR)

Delta Plat referral (15,000 MR)

TD Bank ($200 cash back)

PNC ($100 cashback)

Delta giftcard ($45)

Delta giftcard ($90)

62,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Gold)

73,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Plat)



total-

Cash-615

Southwest miles-20,000

Hyatt-60,000

Delta-197,000

MR-105,000

American Airlines-135,000

Total value if assuming 1.0 cpp= $5,785

 

[Disneyonmymind]

We can see details (like hard inquiries, account balances, etc) for TU and Equifax on CK, but what about Experian? I have a FICO score from my credit union provided by Experian but it gives no details - just the score. Is there a website that shows the Experian details?

 

[DisneyMandC]

Here, is my churning haul for the month of April:

Amex Plum Card self referral bonus (20,000 MR)

Amex Plum Card self referral Bonus (20,000 MR)

1 Money Order with Ebates credit card ($20)

Citi Card 75,000 AA points

Citi Card 60,000 AA Points (plus $160 AA gift card)

Amex Green Card (referral bonus 20,000 MR)

60,000 Hyatt Points

20,000 Southwest Points

Companion Pass

$150 Amazon card from the Amazon Amex Biz card (SO got this in December they cancelled it, we went for it again and he got the bonus again)

15,000 MR Green Bonus

62,000 Delta (SO's Delta Gold bonus)

$45 Delta Giftcard (Delta Gold Bonus)

Delta Gold referral (15,000 MR)

Delta Plat referral (15,000 MR)

TD Bank ($200 cash back)

PNC ($100 cashback)

Delta giftcard ($45)

Delta giftcard ($90)

62,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Gold)

73,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Plat)



total-

Cash-615

Southwest miles-20,000

Hyatt-60,000

Delta-197,000

MR-105,000

American Airlines-135,000

Total value if assuming 1.0 cpp= $5,785

 

[Oscar Madison]

I was able to close a Chase Total Checking account via SM. Anyone have any experience with an easy way to close a PNC checking account? Thanks in advance.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Here, is my churning haul for the month of April:

Amex Plum Card self referral bonus (20,000 MR)

Amex Plum Card self referral Bonus (20,000 MR)

1 Money Order with Ebates credit card ($20)

Citi Card 75,000 AA points

Citi Card 60,000 AA Points (plus $160 AA gift card)

Amex Green Card (referral bonus 20,000 MR)

60,000 Hyatt Points

20,000 Southwest Points

Companion Pass

$150 Amazon card from the Amazon Amex Biz card (SO got this in December they cancelled it, we went for it again and he got the bonus again)

15,000 MR Green Bonus

62,000 Delta (SO's Delta Gold bonus)

$45 Delta Giftcard (Delta Gold Bonus)

Delta Gold referral (15,000 MR)

Delta Plat referral (15,000 MR)

TD Bank ($200 cash back)

PNC ($100 cashback)

Delta giftcard ($45)

Delta giftcard ($90)

62,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Gold)

73,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Plat)



total-

Cash-615

Southwest miles-20,000

Hyatt-60,000

Delta-197,000

MR-105,000

American Airlines-135,000

Total value if assuming 1.0 cpp= $5,785

 

[Mopedmom1]

Back from our NCL Bliss cruise to Mexico. I don't even know how many pages I'm behind, lol. Think the Dischurners news will have to do.

Wanted to report back about NCL refunds of onboard credit. It was all refunded in CASH. Had the AmEx offer of spend $500 get $150 back on 2 cards. So bought onboard credit for our cabin and my parents' cabin. Their cabin had a lot leftover and they got a call the day before disembarkation to go to guest services. Our cabin only had a small amount. While I was at guest services with my mom, I asked if any excess would just get refunded to my card. Nope. If I didn't want to have to go back to guest services, I should take the refund and let any charges go to my credit card.

Think I have a bit of land sickness. We spent most of yesterday driving back from L.A., so didn't feel it much then. Hope it goes away by tomorrow.

This is the exact cruise we are taking this October! What was your overall impression of the sailing? I would be very interested in a copy of the Dailies if you kept them.

Those lingering sea legs are quite fun. After our cruise last month we had several days of swaying while wandering around New Orleans!

 

[platamama]

Here, is my churning haul for the month of April:

Amex Plum Card self referral bonus (20,000 MR)

Amex Plum Card self referral Bonus (20,000 MR)

1 Money Order with Ebates credit card ($20)

Citi Card 75,000 AA points

Citi Card 60,000 AA Points (plus $160 AA gift card)

Amex Green Card (referral bonus 20,000 MR)

60,000 Hyatt Points

20,000 Southwest Points

Companion Pass

$150 Amazon card from the Amazon Amex Biz card (SO got this in December they cancelled it, we went for it again and he got the bonus again)

15,000 MR Green Bonus

62,000 Delta (SO's Delta Gold bonus)

$45 Delta Giftcard (Delta Gold Bonus)

Delta Gold referral (15,000 MR)

Delta Plat referral (15,000 MR)

TD Bank ($200 cash back)

PNC ($100 cashback)

Delta giftcard ($45)

Delta giftcard ($90)

62,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Gold)

73,000 Delta Miles (My Delta Plat)



total-

Cash-615

Southwest miles-20,000

Hyatt-60,000

Delta-197,000

MR-105,000

American Airlines-135,000

Total value if assuming 1.0 cpp= $5,785

You know how to play your cards right!

 

[Albort]

Reports of a BA devaluation incoming...
im really hoping the short domestic flights with AA remains...

 

[Judique]

I have it too! I'll be buying a Happy Guy. I was surprised how easy it was to turn into Disney cards at Home Depot.

A Home Depot Happy Guy will turn into Disney card? Thank you! 15% off $100 of DVC dues if this is the case, and if it doesn't work, I can always use more improvement store money.

 

[momincolorado]

AMEX SELF-SUPPORT LINK WARNING:
I'm bringing this message to the group with information from @Lain - he's away having fun this weekend but the DISchurners mods consulted and we wanted to just put this out there...

@Lain noticed this DP from r/churning claiming that Amex clawed back a “support” bonus from a BGR and signup bonus on a BBP because of "self-support" click https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/bh7apz/data_points_central_thread_week_of_april_25_2019/elua2a4/

We aren't trying to freak anybody out, but this is something to monitor. The DP mentioned that all spend was organic, but it also seems like they hit the MSR very fast because the Signup Bonus posted a week after the referral bonus.

I noted that the AMEX RAT often works in mysterious ways and we often have skepticism towards random comments on r/churning. This may be an anomaly. @Albort also notes that it could be something else that they aren't sharing with us. @Lain is holding off on self-support clicks until we see if any other DPs come in.

IF you are playing in 2 player mode though, the easiest way to avoid this is to do a P1=>P2 or P2=>P1 support click vs a self-click. We should all continue to monitor the situation. Consider yourselves warned (in the least ominous way possible, haha!)

Also worth noting - the worst case scenario here is you lose your support points and potentially your sign up points. That's not the end of the world but I know many would be very upset to meet an MSR for nothing. AND if this were more widespread we'd have heard more about it by now.

I did self referral from P2's Bonvoy Biz to P2's Bonvoy Brilliant on 4/4. Instant approval on the Brilliant, the 20k referral bonus posted to the Biz on 4/8, no issues. The SUB on the Biz posted as well (all organic spend), still working on the MSR for the Brilliant.

 

[Albort]

A Home Depot Happy Guy will turn into Disney card? Thank you! 15% off $100 of DVC dues if this is the case, and if it doesn't work, I can always use more improvement store money.

in theory, it works. you may get stopped by the cashier. I had to try it twice. 2nd attempted work.
try a cashier, if its not a whole lot, they wont bat a eye. If they do somehow stop you, i kept mentioned to them that the Happy Cards is a "credit" card, not a debit card. I point at the "ATTN: Casher charge this as a credit" they may see things differently because of that.

 

[alryan]

I was able to close a Chase Total Checking account via SM. Anyone have any experience with an easy way to close a PNC checking account? Thanks in advance.

You can send a message by going to customer service and then message center. Thanks for the reminder. I closed DH, but still need to close mine.

 

[wanderlust7]

This is the exact cruise we are taking this October! What was your overall impression of the sailing? I would be very interested in a copy of the Dailies if you kept them.

Those lingering sea legs are quite fun. After our cruise last month we had several days of swaying while wandering around New Orleans!

We had a great time! Loved the variety in the buffet (the Indian food was especially good). Had the specialty dining package, so we did Cagney's, Teppanyaki, and Le Bistro. The first 2 are the most popular (sold out sometime during the cruise), but surprisingly I liked Le Bistro the most. Jersey Boys was awesome (too bad couldn't bring the kids with all the swearing). The water slide with the inner tube was really fun. I wasn't brave enough to try the drop slide (DH did though). Wish we'd gone more times. It was too cold the first sea day on the way to Mexico and the last sea day coming back. It might be better in October. Kids didn't like the club much, so only went twice when we went to the shows. There were things I missed compared to DCL - the service, more shows/entertainment options for families, and the smell (it sounds crazy but oh I miss the smell). But I didn't thousands of dollars miss it.

Our past cruises, we've stayed a few days after. This is the first time it's back to work the day after. It feels much worse sitting at my desk! I did keep all the Dailies. I can upload it to my old blog when I get over this dizziness.

 

[miztressuz]

You can send a message by going to customer service and then message center. Thanks for the reminder. I closed DH, but still need to close mine.

@Oscar Madison - Seconded! SM worked fine, just make sure you have no transactions listed as pending. My final withdrawal had been moved (it was available in the receiving account) but was still technically listed as "pending" until EOD that day so they didn't close. I just SM'd the next day when it was officially cleared and easy peasey.

 

[Lain]

$550 AF just posted on my converted Amex MB Plat. I was thinking I'd keep it anyway since I want to stay on Amex's nice list, and between the airline incidentals, Uber, and Saks credits, and Amex Offers, this card is basically a wash for me. I'll have my Biz Plat for Centurion Lounge access until at least August or September. But after that, I don't want to churn through another personal Platinum (i.e. Ameriprise, Charles Schwab, or Morgan Stanley) yet because I'm trying to stay under 5/24 until later this year to pick up a few more cards from Chase. Another two cards won't drop off my */24 count until April 2020, so I need to slow my roll.

I called into Amex's retention department (1-800-452-3945). The rep looked up my account, noticed my spend on the Plat was only "average"* and I have "all these other cards, the Gold, the Biz Plat, a Biz Green, all the Bonvoys, why would [ I] want to keep the Plat?" So tables turned, I list the things I value about the Plat, but tell him that practically speaking, for most things I'm spending on every day, the Plat is a 1x MR card, whereas the other Amex cards in my wallet offer more rewarding bonus categories and I'll put my spend where I get a better bonus. The rep says he'll see if they can offer me some sort of spending bonus that'll help me put more spend on the Plat, puts me on hold for a minute, and comes back with 30k MR for $4k spend in 3 months. Done. Took the offer.

*ETA total spend in the past year was only about ~$11.5k. The rep did say I did "pretty good" a few months ago, which I'm guessing refers to over the holidays and when we bought our Casper mattress, when the statement balances were in the thousands vs. a few hundreds usually. Amex obviously cares about spend.

 

[Oscar Madison]

@Oscar Madison - Seconded! SM worked fine, just make sure you have no transactions listed as pending. My final withdrawal had been moved (it was available in the receiving account) but was still technically listed as "pending" until EOD that day so they didn't close. I just SM'd the next day when it was officially cleared and easy peasey.

@alryan I know with PNC they gave me 3 accounts when I signed up for the virtual wallet. Growth and something else??? Were you able to message center all of yours in one fell swoop?

 

[Mopedmom1]

We had a great time! Loved the variety in the buffet (the Indian food was especially good). Had the specialty dining package, so we did Cagney's, Teppanyaki, and Le Bistro. The first 2 are the most popular (sold out sometime during the cruise), but surprisingly I liked Le Bistro the most. Jersey Boys was awesome (too bad couldn't bring the kids with all the swearing). The water slide with the inner tube was really fun. I wasn't brave enough to try the drop slide (DH did though). Wish we'd gone more times. It was too cold the first sea day on the way to Mexico and the last sea day coming back. It might be better in October. Kids didn't like the club much, so only went twice when we went to the shows. There were things I missed compared to DCL - the service, more shows/entertainment options for families, and the smell (it sounds crazy but oh I miss the smell). But I didn't thousands of dollars miss it.

Our past cruises, we've stayed a few days after. This is the first time it's back to work the day after. It feels much worse sitting at my desk! I did keep all the Dailies. I can upload it to my old blog when I get over this dizziness.

Thanks, I would really appreciate the upload.

We used the Amex $500 less $150 to buy cruise Next certificates. I really hope they run that promo again soon!

Of your three dining choices we have only done Cagneys. DH refuses to dress up on vacation so I will probably never eat at Le Bistro (unless I send him to the buffet lol). You didn't by chance try the Mexican restaurant? I'm thinking that, Cagneys and La Cucina. Despite some bad reviews we have always been pleased with our meals there.

So glad the OBC cash out worked for you. Hopefully you feel better soon. I have never gotten nauseous after disembarking, only had to deal with the ground rolling.