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

[Artygal90]

Hi everyone! We are back from our LA/Disneyland trip, which was our first-ever all-points (almost) trip, and I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone here. This trip would not have been financially possible at all without lots of help on this thread!

I just added everything up in YNAB and I believe that in the end we spent about $1100 in cash out of pocket for a 7-night trip for two people. Points did cover our roundtrip flights on SW, 7 hotel nights in LA and Anaheim, and 1 of 2 rental car days. My CSR credit covered incidental hotel charges, parking, and Ubers/Lyft/public transit everywhere. Gift cards (all I wanted for Christmas and birthday presents) covered QS meals and our Blue Bayou Fantasmic package. We paid cash for our catsitter, the WB studio tour, a nice dinner in Santa Monica, Disneyland tickets, MaxPass each day, dinner at Lamplight Lounge, drinks and appetizers at Carthay Circle, and of course some souvenir mugs at Trader Sam's! We really enjoyed LA despite weirdly gray and chilly weather, and Disneyland/DCA was AMAZING. We were in the parks from rope drop to close every day with a short afternoon nap break. I thought the parks were so much smaller and manageable but just as detailed and magical as Disney World...even better in many ways. Fantasmic and World of Color were just amazing. The whole time my husband kept saying "This has been a really awesome vacation! I'm having a lot of fun!", and if we hadn't been able to cover flights and lodging with points we would have just been eating PB&J sandwiches the whole time, or maybe wouldn't have gone at all.

I am fighting some serious post-Disney depression but am trying to cope by hanging out on the DISboards, listening to theme park music at work, watching the Trackers on Youtube, and planning my next redemptions - Universal Orlando in September, then Tokyo sometime in 2020 or 2021. Once I can figure out how to get photos from my phone to the boards I'll post in the Hotel Reviews thread (although I have a tip for I believe it's @elgerber staying at the Four Points in Anaheim? If you're worried about the noise, ask for a pool-facing room on the first floor - we were in room 102 and the noise from the freeway was no problem.)

 

[CyndiLouWho]

So uhhh...sometimes I like to have fun with the news thread...

https://www.reddit.com/r/DISchurners/comments/aj6vx6/news_discussion_thread/enk57vc/

You are a strange man at times. Lol.
Actually I’ll admit, I haven’t looked at the news thread before (I have been keeping up here ok) but awesome job @Lain and @SouthFayetteFan. I am sure I’ll be checking it out when I return from vacation since I won’t be able to keep up.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

You are a strange man at times. Lol.
Actually I’ll admit, I haven’t looked at the news thread before (I have been keeping up here ok) but awesome job @Lain and @SouthFayetteFan. I am sure I’ll be checking it out when I return from vacation since I won’t be able to keep up.

At least you acknowledged that I am a man...

 

[CyndiLouWho]

At least you acknowledged that I am a man...

Sometimes

 

[Haley R]

I appreciate the outside view point! It helps me feel like I'm not being a horrible person (which I know is very silly, but sometimes you need someone else to point that out...) I feel like I'm also overthinking it as it's the first of my age group to have a first birthday party and I haven't been to once in probably, 12 years? Plus as you said it's for the adults and I've been thinking 1 year or this Christmas will probably be the cutoff on us buying 'things' for baby. Baby gets plenty of things anyways, and can be harder to buy things/clothing for as they grow... I've thought about asking if they set up a college savings or setting one up and just adding to that going forward... I think it will be hard to get out of gift buying with them since I can't break them of it right now for buying each other birthday things. Ahhh, that will be a fun thing to tackle later anyways. Have lots of time to think about it - potentially until LD weekend 2020!

That said I bought a dress for her when we were in WDW a few weeks ago
(also don't get everything with the smash cake.. how bout cupcakes? )


Boo. Maybe next week?


If anyone says anything I just tell them we have lots of airline and hotel points...

I haven't gotten into this with that family though (cousin and his wife) beyond saying we have points. One one hand I would love to help them out with earning points, but on the other... remember when I went back by myself last summer, and was able to book on United RT for 20k points in and out of my little home airport? They picked me up and he just would not leave alone that I had flown in there because "It's normally so much more than OMA, just doesn't make any sense" etc etc etc even after I said I used some credit card points to make up for it (I think I told them it was the same money for my flights as it would have been gas money to drive - which was true!) He's got a bit of 'must always be right' - itis and I give him more leeway on it because I understand why he is that way. But finally I had to be like, I used my credit card points and literally paid the $5 taxes each way! before he'd let it go. And it's funny because they have a small understanding of points because he earns Hilton and United points on work travel, and they used points plus United vouchers from a delay to come to our wedding and stay at a DS Hilton. Maybe he thought I got really bad value on my United points for an hour flight (really, $375 RT for 20k points - good value AND much less time than 16hrs of driving RT!)

We found out something was refunded back to our card and it put us just below the MSR. We’re like $25 away now which we spent just today so we’ll see it soon hopefully

 

[Lain]

Hi everyone! We are back from our LA/Disneyland trip, which was our first-ever all-points (almost) trip, and I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone here. This trip would not have been financially possible at all without lots of help on this thread!

I just added everything up in YNAB and I believe that in the end we spent about $1100 in cash out of pocket for a 7-night trip for two people. Points did cover our roundtrip flights on SW, 7 hotel nights in LA and Anaheim, and 1 of 2 rental car days. My CSR credit covered incidental hotel charges, parking, and Ubers/Lyft/public transit everywhere. Gift cards (all I wanted for Christmas and birthday presents) covered QS meals and our Blue Bayou Fantasmic package. We paid cash for our catsitter, the WB studio tour, a nice dinner in Santa Monica, Disneyland tickets, MaxPass each day, dinner at Lamplight Lounge, drinks and appetizers at Carthay Circle, and of course some souvenir mugs at Trader Sam's! We really enjoyed LA despite weirdly gray and chilly weather, and Disneyland/DCA was AMAZING. We were in the parks from rope drop to close every day with a short afternoon nap break. I thought the parks were so much smaller and manageable but just as detailed and magical as Disney World...even better in many ways. Fantasmic and World of Color were just amazing. The whole time my husband kept saying "This has been a really awesome vacation! I'm having a lot of fun!", and if we hadn't been able to cover flights and lodging with points we would have just been eating PB&J sandwiches the whole time, or maybe wouldn't have gone at all.

I am fighting some serious post-Disney depression but am trying to cope by hanging out on the DISboards, listening to theme park music at work, watching the Trackers on Youtube, and planning my next redemptions - Universal Orlando in September, then Tokyo sometime in 2020 or 2021. Once I can figure out how to get photos from my phone to the boards I'll post in the Hotel Reviews thread (although I have a tip for I believe it's @elgerber staying at the Four Points in Anaheim? If you're worried about the noise, ask for a pool-facing room on the first floor - we were in room 102 and the noise from the freeway was no problem.)

Glad to read you had an amazing time despite the May Gray.

 

[Haley R]

We saw avengers and it was really good! I’ve been kind of sick of the marvel movies lately but that one was good. I literally was entertained the entire three hours.

I felt so bad for the dad next to me (and at times didn’t feel bad). He took his son to the bathroom like 4 times and they refilled snacks at least twice. Here’s a thought.....stop letting the kid drink so much pop lol. Near the end of the movie the kid said,”Dad, when the movie’s over can I fill up my drink?”. We know where that kid’s priorities are at.


On a different note:
I can’t believe we leave for Japan in less than two weeks. It doesn’t feel like it’s real yet. I probably won’t pack until last minute but I’ve had a packing list typed out for months. I started breaking in my new sandals today. Hopefully I don’t get any blisters. My pen pal is there right now and it looks like she’s having a great time

 

[PolyRob]

Love Jetblue for the free wifi, free live TV channels, great snacks and free checked bag for up to 4 people for being a cardholder! In terms of applying, I'll say that Barclays doesn't like to see too many inquiries. I am 6/24 with one dropping off in June and November.

I agree! I have always enjoyed my JetBlue experiences and for the prices the amenities can't be beat.

I am 2/24:

8/18 - CSR
8/18 - CSP
1/19 - CIP 1
4/19 - CIP 2
​

Hoping I have a decent chance with Barclays. I saw on Doc that previously Barclays requested business docs, but that may no longer be the case. I have a “business” so the two positive reports here (your easy recon and @GZanta77 ’s approval after 10 days) are reassuring.

 

[DisVegas]

So there is no mobile app for the Barclay Aviator biz!? Crazy when I realized that yesterday. I filled out an app for an employee card for myself and in hindsight realize I probably should’ve done so for my wife but we’ll see in a day or two. Think I can ask for another employee card in her name once mine is denied?

Late to the game but I’m an attorney and my “business” is case referral fees for personal referrals to other law firms on personal injury cases.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So I was going to write a comment the other night about the new 60k SW offer and how it could be a good offer even for those with no interest in flying Southwest due to the 1cpp gift card option. However, when doing a little research in preparation I found that gift cards went missing from the SW RR "more rewards" site. I tweeted them and they said it was a known issue.

When you log on to that site now you see this:

At any rate, once we see that gift cards are back and a safe redemption option, I will share some info that some folks here might like. For a $2k MSR you could get over $600 in gift cards (Amazon, Disney and Target are all options I believe). Even after paying the $69 AF on the Plus card that's still a pretty phenomenal return! Stay tuned friends...I'll keep an eye on this.

Good news - gift cards are back with Southwest Points so I can share this info now!!

Southwest 60k Personal Offer - Why you might be interested even if you have NO use for Southwest Points:
I often like to think about alternate redemptions or backup plans for my points. At times, this also helps me uncover why an offer might make sense for somebody who doesn't intend to use the points in their "primary" or preferred redemption method.

Who DOESN'T this make sense for:

• First off, if you are pursuing business cards, you are under 5/24, and you are on board with the Multiple CIP loophole...this might not make sense for you.
• Secondly, if you are approaching 5/24 and have numerous other Chase cards you still wish to pick-up...this might not make sense for you.
• Lastly, if you are over 5/24 you can ignore all of this because you are not eligible for this card

So who DOES (or maybe better stated MIGHT) this make sense for:

• People < 5/24 who aren't pursuing business cards and aren't sure what other Chase cards to get (i.e. already got a Sapphire OR locked out due to the 48 month rule, doesn't think Freedom is worth a slot, United and Southwest aren't your preferred airlines for flights, etc.)
• People who think that $4k and $5k MSRs are too much of a stretch to do regularly
• Other people may find this of interest too - I obviously can't cover every scenario in one post. If what I say here interests you but you aren't sure it's a good idea, just consult the thread!

So what is this all about:

• Southwest Offers a "more rewards" program which includes gift cards, merchandise, hotels, , etc. via this link: https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/redeem-more-rewards
• I honestly don't think most of these options are worth it BUT gift cards can be a pretty lucrative option here
• When you login there - you might not see the same values that I share here - that is because you have to be a Southwest Cardholder to see the best redemption rates.
• They offer a TON of gift cards

So what gift cards might interest me most AND what are my points worth?

• There are 4 gift card options at 1.0 cpp that I think will interest people a lot: AMAZON, WALMART, TARGET, LOWES. Let's face it - if you need something and can't find it at one of those 4 stores...do you really need that item??? HAHA!
• There is another gift card option at 0.83 cpp that might interest our group here: DISNEY. Is it the best redemption option - NO. Does it get you free money for Disney...YES. I'd honestly consider the 1cpp options though first. Get $600 in Walmart, buy groceries there and then in your tracking/spreadsheet call it vacation savings! (But do what works best for you!)
• So IF you choose the 1cpp option, your 62,000 SW Points (60k + 2k base) is worth $620 in gift cards. (You'll have to earn more points to cash out that last $20 but let's just go with it for now). Subtract the $69 AF on the Plus card and this bonus is worth $551 for a $2k MSR at a return of over 27%!
• The Disney option yields ~$515 in Disney @ 22%
• Even if you don't earn any more SW points, you will get 3,000 more at your anniversary in a year (on the plus card), you could cash them out and then cancel without paying the 2nd year AF and that's even a little more money in your pocket!
• I recommend the Plus card because it has the lowest AF and since you don't need or want SW points...why pay a higher fee for benefits that mean nothing to you.

So there you have it - a potential option for a small group of folks on the thread. @Humbug30X - I honestly think this is something you should look at. You could get $500+ towards your cruise - or go the Target/Walmart/Amazon option and use some creative accounting in your head and that's worth closer to $600 towards your cruise! I can't think of any others that would benefit from this but I'd guess there's some lurkers here that will get value out of this comment.

SCREENSHOT OF THE GIFT CARD OPTIONS:
(ignore the Target/Walmart/Amazon $25 options as they are at a worse value than the $50 and $100 options)

 

[wendow]

So uhhh...sometimes I like to have fun with the news thread...

https://www.reddit.com/r/DISchurners/comments/aj6vx6/news_discussion_thread/enk57vc/

You are bored tonight, huh? I’m flattered my coolness has made the news

 

[wendow]

So there is no mobile app for the Barclay Aviator biz!? Crazy when I realized that yesterday. I filled out an app for an employee card for myself and in hindsight realize I probably should’ve done so for my wife but we’ll see in a day or two. Think I can ask for another employee card in her name once mine is denied?

Late to the game but I’m an attorney and my “business” is case referral fees for personal referrals to other law firms on personal injury cases.

Not only have I not found an app for that card but their website looks like it’s from 1997 lol. I find it so difficult to use.

 

[wendow]

Hi everyone! We are back from our LA/Disneyland trip, which was our first-ever all-points (almost) trip, and I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone here. This trip would not have been financially possible at all without lots of help on this thread!

I just added everything up in YNAB and I believe that in the end we spent about $1100 in cash out of pocket for a 7-night trip for two people. Points did cover our roundtrip flights on SW, 7 hotel nights in LA and Anaheim, and 1 of 2 rental car days. My CSR credit covered incidental hotel charges, parking, and Ubers/Lyft/public transit everywhere. Gift cards (all I wanted for Christmas and birthday presents) covered QS meals and our Blue Bayou Fantasmic package. We paid cash for our catsitter, the WB studio tour, a nice dinner in Santa Monica, Disneyland tickets, MaxPass each day, dinner at Lamplight Lounge, drinks and appetizers at Carthay Circle, and of course some souvenir mugs at Trader Sam's! We really enjoyed LA despite weirdly gray and chilly weather, and Disneyland/DCA was AMAZING. We were in the parks from rope drop to close every day with a short afternoon nap break. I thought the parks were so much smaller and manageable but just as detailed and magical as Disney World...even better in many ways. Fantasmic and World of Color were just amazing. The whole time my husband kept saying "This has been a really awesome vacation! I'm having a lot of fun!", and if we hadn't been able to cover flights and lodging with points we would have just been eating PB&J sandwiches the whole time, or maybe wouldn't have gone at all.

I am fighting some serious post-Disney depression but am trying to cope by hanging out on the DISboards, listening to theme park music at work, watching the Trackers on Youtube, and planning my next redemptions - Universal Orlando in September, then Tokyo sometime in 2020 or 2021. Once I can figure out how to get photos from my phone to the boards I'll post in the Hotel Reviews thread (although I have a tip for I believe it's @elgerber staying at the Four Points in Anaheim? If you're worried about the noise, ask for a pool-facing room on the first floor - we were in room 102 and the noise from the freeway was no problem.)

That’s awesome y’all enjoyed your DLR vacation so much! Our family went last June and I’m still actively plotting when we can get back there. I loved it so much and totally agree it’s just as charming as WDW, just in a different way.
How far was the walk from the Four Points?
And nice job not spending a lot OOP! Love that!

 

[Ngwira]

Wow, I have the personal JetBlue cc that I got in April, 2018. We fly JetBlue out of EWR also. I wonder if I should try for the business card, to get the extra points? I am 3/24 but would love some extra 60K JetBlue points. Do you think I should wait or apply now? I just looked, my annual fee went on 4/30. Also, I have a flight booked to Albuquerque in August, that I booked with all points. I wonder if that would effect anything if I cancelled my personal card, if I got approved for the business card?

You should go for it. I have the personal card too. Got it when it had 60,000 points in Nov 2017. Paid the annual fee last year but will cancel because I now have the business card. Plan to knock out the spend at WDW next week!

 

[Ngwira]

I agree! I have always enjoyed my JetBlue experiences and for the prices the amenities can't be beat.

I am 2/24:

8/18 - CSR
8/18 - CSP
1/19 - CIP 1
4/19 - CIP 2
​

Hoping I have a decent chance with Barclays. I saw on Doc that previously Barclays requested business docs, but that may no longer be the case. I have a “business” so the two positive reports here (your easy recon and @GZanta77 ’s approval after 10 days) are reassuring.

They did not ask for business docs from me on this card or the aviator. I understand they only do this if you request an employee card. You need an employee card to get the extra 10,000 points otherwise you get 50,000 for spending $1,000. The employee card needs one purchase to get the 10k points.

I told the rep that my husband sometimes makes purchases for me for my eBay “business” so he needed a card. The only thing she asked was the credit limit and cash advance limit I wanted him to have. That’s it.

 

[Humbug30X]

Good news - gift cards are back with Southwest Points so I can share this info now!!

Southwest 60k Personal Offer - Why you might be interested even if you have NO use for Southwest Points:
I often like to think about alternate redemptions or backup plans for my points. At times, this also helps me uncover why an offer might make sense for somebody who doesn't intend to use the points in their "primary" or preferred redemption method.

Who DOESN'T this make sense for:

• First off, if you are pursuing business cards, you are under 5/24, and you are on board with the Multiple CIP loophole...this might not make sense for you.
• Secondly, if you are approaching 5/24 and have numerous other Chase cards you still wish to pick-up...this might not make sense for you.
• Lastly, if you are over 5/24 you can ignore all of this because you are not eligible for this card

So who DOES (or maybe better stated MIGHT) this make sense for:

• People < 5/24 who aren't pursuing business cards and aren't sure what other Chase cards to get (i.e. already got a Sapphire OR locked out due to the 48 month rule, doesn't think Freedom is worth a slot, United and Southwest aren't your preferred airlines for flights, etc.)
• People who think that $4k and $5k MSRs are too much of a stretch to do regularly
• Other people may find this of interest too - I obviously can't cover every scenario in one post. If what I say here interests you but you aren't sure it's a good idea, just consult the thread!

So what is this all about:

• Southwest Offers a "more rewards" program which includes gift cards, merchandise, hotels, , etc. via this link: https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/redeem-more-rewards
• I honestly don't think most of these options are worth it BUT gift cards can be a pretty lucrative option here
• When you login there - you might not see the same values that I share here - that is because you have to be a Southwest Cardholder to see the best redemption rates.
• They offer a TON of gift cards

So what gift cards might interest me most AND what are my points worth?

• There are 4 gift card options at 1.0 cpp that I think will interest people a lot: AMAZON, WALMART, TARGET, LOWES. Let's face it - if you need something and can't find it at one of those 4 stores...do you really need that item??? HAHA!
• There is another gift card option at 0.83 cpp that might interest our group here: DISNEY. Is it the best redemption option - NO. Does it get you free money for Disney...YES. I'd honestly consider the 1cpp options though first. Get $600 in Walmart, buy groceries there and then in your tracking/spreadsheet call it vacation savings! (But do what works best for you!)
• So IF you choose the 1cpp option, your 62,000 SW Points (60k + 2k base) is worth $620 in gift cards. (You'll have to earn more points to cash out that last $20 but let's just go with it for now). Subtract the $69 AF on the Plus card and this bonus is worth $551 for a $2k MSR at a return of over 27%!
• The Disney option yields ~$515 in Disney @ 22%
• Even if you don't earn any more SW points, you will get 3,000 more at your anniversary in a year (on the plus card), you could cash them out and then cancel without paying the 2nd year AF and that's even a little more money in your pocket!
• I recommend the Plus card because it has the lowest AF and since you don't need or want SW points...why pay a higher fee for benefits that mean nothing to you.

So there you have it - a potential option for a small group of folks on the thread. @Humbug30X - I honestly think this is something you should look at. You could get $500+ towards your cruise - or go the Target/Walmart/Amazon option and use some creative accounting in your head and that's worth closer to $600 towards your cruise! I can't think of any others that would benefit from this but I'd guess there's some lurkers here that will get value out of this comment.

SCREENSHOT OF THE GIFT CARD OPTIONS:
(ignore the Target/Walmart/Amazon $25 options as they are at a worse value than the $50 and $100 options)
View attachment 400929

Thanks for the suggestion. I don’t think this will work for me though. I have just learned I will be buying a plane ticket for my aunt that is coming with us on the cruise but the other options for using the 60,000 points won’t work for me. I don’t shop at Walmart, don’t buy groceries at Target (only gift cards) and can’t see a use for any of the other gift cards. I’m sticking with my original plan. I just found out I was given the upgrade for my Disney card to the Premier card. I’ll apply for the no AF card again using the referral link in June. After that I will be going for the Capital One Savor and then the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

 

[Ngwira]

You should go for it. I have the personal card too. Got it when it had 60,000 points in Nov 2017. Paid the annual fee last year but will cancel because I now have the business card. Plan to knock out the spend at WDW next week!

Previously booked flights are not affected by card cancellation. Pending points maybe though. So make sure all your points transfer to your trueblue account before you cancel.

 

[mousehappync]

What’s the new rule for applying for SW cards? I cancelled 24 months ago, applied for Personal and Business cards years ago (i think in 2014) and husband applied for Premier and personal in April 2017, canceled in April 2017. What are we eligible for right now?

 

[smallsy]

We saw avengers and it was really good! I’ve been kind of sick of the marvel movies lately but that one was good. I literally was entertained the entire three hours.

I felt so bad for the dad next to me (and at times didn’t feel bad). He took his son to the bathroom like 4 times and they refilled snacks at least twice. Here’s a thought.....stop letting the kid drink so much pop lol. Near the end of the movie the kid said,”Dad, when the movie’s over can I fill up my drink?”. We know where that kid’s priorities are at.

I cried 5 times during Endgame. True story.

Also we realized that taking our kids to movies is such a waste of money. DS6 can handle a 1.5 hr movie well enough but the twins (4) are just too young. It basically becomes a $30 snack/nap time. I remember seeing Oliver and Co with my grandma when I was 6, so maybe that’s the age where it gets easier for at least at an animated film. But 3 hours? Probably not for a couple more years.

 

[amalone1013]

@SouthFayetteFan to tag on to you SW points for GCs posts, if you really wanted Disney and have a Sam's membership, you could get Walmart GCs and use them to buy Disney GCs at about 4% off. Or even any of their other GC options which may get all the way up to 25% off (mainly restaurants or entertainment then)