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

[disneymagicgirl]

Orlando World Center Marriott is not that far from the airport and close to 4 - not sure where south you are going. The pools were very nice but no free breakfast (unless maybe you are platinum) and not sure what the fee for parking might be, but its 35K per night. Other than that there are lots of fairfields and residence inns with free breakfast and no parking fees that I would not have a problem choosing although most of them are on the less expensive end.

Another 35k option is Gaylord Palms. I've stayed at both of these but it's been a few years.

I've also wanted to try the Bohemian Hotel in Celebration, also 35K.

This place looks great. I could string together all 3 of our certs for a long weekend. Do you know if it is convenient to get to universal from here?

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

Nope, not concerning, it's rare for a biz app with Chase to get instant approval - although we do get a good amount of pixie dust within the group here Just check the status line periodically, I like 800-432-3117, but might not have an update until the wee hours of Monday morning. 30 days means processing hasn't been started yet, 2 weeks is a good sign that it may be approved, but 7-10 days means they are sending a letter. The letter could be a verification thing and a quick call can fix it or it can be a denial.

Up to you but as long as you hit the anniversary you can PC it any Chase card (freedoms/sapphires/slate). Before the anniversary you can only PC to the plain Sapphire. So whatever you're comfortable with.

Thanks! Called and got the 30 day version. Will try and patiently wait until Monday!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I'm looking at our Fall break situation. Still strongly thinking Aruba Hilton. However, I also see there is a family suite at Hyatt. Anyone know the smuggling an extra kid situation there? It has a king, sleep sofa, and kid bunk beds but occupany is still 4.

Also, I am seeing jetblue might be a good option for flights, but it won't let me book BNA to AUA. I have to book 2 separate legs...BNA to FLL then FLL to AUA. Any idea what is up with that? I've never flown jet blue.

 

[Haley R]

We keep seeing people at hs today sniffing something out of a white package and coughing after. Seems a tad concerning

 

[Lain]

We’ve also been discussing future vacation plans. DH’s favorite comedian does a NYE show every year in Hawaii and he’s always wanted to go. I can’t make it happen for this year, but I told him we could probably make it happen for NYE 2020. So I guess I need to go check out the Reddit board on Hawaii tips!

You may have to scroll back through the News & Discussion thread for tips on Hawaii. I haven't had time to copy them over to the Hawaii tips thread.

 

[miztressuz]

I was selected for Discover's AU offer, just add a AU and make 3k in purchases by Sep 30 (3 months) to get $25! At least it's cash back bonus so if you're in the first year it's $50! That's an awesome 1.6% return on spend then
Since I'm not, best I could hope for is maxing out the category for the bonus for a total of $115, a 3.8% total return. Think I'll stick with my sign up bonuses.

 

[afan]

Our Kroger carries boar's head but its so pricey ($10-12/pound). We have a local store that sells it for $7/pound so that's where I go.

I never get more than 4-8 thin slices at a time and not often so it's not bad. We're also a grocery store deser. Fred's and safeway are it unless I drive 20+ min possibly with a freeway involves to get to something different nevermind I'm like 15 miles from dt seattle.

I like the paddle that scrapes and you can put in the dishwasher. So much better than the one that came with mine.

I've been eyeing that paddle. Does it only get the sides or the bottom too?


Also, I'm so sick of this new board on my phone, quoting and typing messages is way less friendly and I hate having to turn my phone to get page numbers.

 

[afan]

I was selected for Discover's AU offer, just add a AU and make 3k in purchases by Sep 30 (3 months) to get $25! At least it's cash back bonus so if you're in the first year it's $50! That's an awesome 1.6% return on spend then
Since I'm not, best I could hope for is maxing out the category for the bonus for a total of $115, a 3.8% total return. Think I'll stick with my sign up bonuses.

I got that too and laughed. Now that pcd my aa barclay to the no fee they are trying to get me to sign up for their biz card with an af.

 

[Haley R]

Saw 7 nasty looking girls (skimpily dressed) go under the chain at rnrc and go in the fp line when they clearly didn’t have FPS. There was no double scan so they just got to ride. I can’t believe some people

 

[calypso726]

PSA: The water in Loch Ness is freezing and Nessie is in hiding.



Not keeping up with the thread just stopped by for a skimming and to say hi from across the pond. Staying tonight in Inverness at a Holiday Inn Express on points that includes breakfast. Card holders get a welcome gift of 300 IHG points or drink from bar and snack.

 

[havaneselover]

I never get more than 4-8 thin slices at a time and not often so it's not bad. We're also a grocery store deser. Fred's and safeway are it unless I drive 20+ min possibly with a freeway involves to get to something different nevermind I'm like 15 miles from dt seattle.



I've been eyeing that paddle. Does it only get the sides or the bottom too?


Also, I'm so sick of this new board on my phone, quoting and typing messages is way less friendly and I hate having to turn my phone to get page numbers.

It gets the bottom too. It seriously is such a huge improvement over the all metal one and the fact I can put it in the dishwasher is another major plus.

 

[AmyAnne]

Looking for some thoughts about one more (maybe last, probably second-to-last) AmEx business card. I have or had all of the MR-earning business cards (unless there are some hidden ones, like Ameriprise, but I think those are all personal cards?). I also have thus far avoided the pop-up but I am going to be cancelling at least two cards before the end of the year and I suspect that might earn me a pop-up. So, before cancelling (and while I have tuition spend coming up) I'm looking at getting one more business card (I will be under 5/24 in November and right now a CIP is way more attractive than another AmEx personal card).

My problem is that I cannot get the increased Delta Gold Biz offer to show up through any of my referral links. I would get 20,000 MRs if I could refer through my Gold Biz or 15,000 through my Biz Plat. Both of these get me an offer for 30,000 skymiles

I could forgo the referral MRs and get 60,000 skymiles, or I could go for the Hilton Biz now and see if I eventually get the increased skymiles offer on a referral link (of course by then I could be in pop-up territory). I've already had the Marriott business card (and have as a keeper the simply cash plus) and none of the other AmEx business cards seem worth the AF/spend requirements. I guess I could also get the Plum card solely for the referral MRs.

Any thoughts? I'm leaning toward the Hilton Biz -- the SUB is 125,000, which from Doc's spreadsheet seems to be a recent high offer.

 

[miztressuz]

Also, I'm so sick of this new board on my phone, quoting and typing messages is way less friendly and I hate having to turn my phone to get page numbers.

New board is definitely an adjustment. For pg numbers you can press the number button between the prev and next buttons (1821 of 1821) and go to any pg from there. I do that since I keep my phone locked in portrait.

 

[Alexle2007]

So DH and I have been discussing our travel plans including the Olympics next year. I am somewhat discouraged by the lack of availability of tickets and the fact that the lottery has now been pushed back ANOTHER week. I’m not going to spend a fortune on crappy tickets for events I don’t want. And given how they’re discussing the popularity of these games, I’m worried we’ll be priced out of hotels, etc. even with using points if they’re really jacking the prices up on stuff. So now we’re discussing still going to Japan next year, but either doing it in early July or late August. Early July will probably be better for our schedules. I’m going to look and see what the lottery looks like on July 9, but if things aren’t looking great then we might just be making this a Japan vacation. Which frankly is still totally fine by me! Going to look at our options over the next couple weeks and try to make a decision.

We’ve also been discussing future vacation plans. DH’s favorite comedian does a NYE show every year in Hawaii and he’s always wanted to go. I can’t make it happen for this year, but I told him we could probably make it happen for NYE 2020. So I guess I need to go check out the Reddit board on Hawaii tips!

Pretty sure you meant NYE2021 since 2020 is 6 months away

 

[trenty]

Do I have to call Chase to add AU? Can it be done online?

 

[amalone1013]

Snagged a Be Our Guest lunch adr for the first time ever. I decided to do the chicken so of course all I can think about is I AM A VERY LARGE PERSON @MKTokyo

 

[Alexle2007]

Saw 7 nasty looking girls (skimpily dressed) go under the chain at rnrc and go in the fp line when they clearly didn’t have FPS. There was no double scan so they just got to ride. I can’t believe some people

After waiting 2 hours to get on Hagrid’s Motorbike, they let a party of 16 who were in the “disability” line get in front of us. Once in line, the person immediately got out of the wheelchair and it became the storage for all of their backpacks. Total abuse of the system since there were plenty of people in line that waited the 2 hours in wheelchairs since there are no stairs. DS12 wanted to say something to them but I told him to hush it. The joke was on them when we got to ride a second time since the first time malfunctioned.

 

[disfanforlife]

Snagged a Be Our Guest lunch adr for the first time ever. I decided to do the chicken so of course all I can think about is I AM A VERY LARGE PERSON @MKTokyo

I have two lunches booked there for our next trip. Love BOG!

 

[Lain]

There's been a lot of buzz in the last few days about the following WSJ article:

Sapphire Reserve Strains JPMorgan’s Ties With United Airlines

Bank faces tough balancing act: promoting its own card while keeping happy airline partner that wants more money for miles

For about three years, Al Sanzari carried two JPMorgan Chase & Co. credit cards: a United Airlines card and the Sapphire Reserve.

He canceled the United card in March. The Sapphire card doles out more points for travel and dining, and he likes that he can redeem them for a variety of rewards—including United flights.

“There wasn’t anything the United card was doing for me that the Chase Sapphire Reserve couldn’t,” said Mr. Sanzari, a 29-year-old nutrition coach and personal trainer.

JPMorgan’s Sapphire Reserve has been a huge hit with frequent travelers and big spenders since its launch nearly three years ago. That is a problem for United Continental Holdings Inc., which wants those same customers to sign up for and spend on the airline’s credit cards.

For JPMorgan and other banks, promoting their own branded cards while keeping airline partners happy is a tough balancing act. Banks in recent years have tripped over each other to lure big spenders with ever more generous rewards. At the same time, they are trying to stay in the good graces of their airline partners, which have come to rely on the revenue from their card deals with banks.

United executives have told JPMorgan they believe the Sapphire Reserve card is competing directly with the airline’s cards and siphoning off customer spending, according to people familiar with the matter.

While the deal lasts for another six years, according to people familiar with the matter, United President Scott Kirby has said publicly that the airline has had tough conversations about the JPMorgan partnership and wants to get more money out of it.

The airline has asked JPMorgan to pay it more for miles, among other things, according to people familiar with the conversations. JPMorgan, meanwhile, insists the cards aren’t direct competitors and believes the airline should be doing more to earn traveler loyalty, the people said.

“This is a solid, longstanding relationship, and we’re working together to find new ways to grow our partnership for years to come,” the companies said in a joint statement to The Wall Street Journal.

At least half of airlines’ cash earnings in the next five years will come from the sale of miles to card issuers and frequent fliers, according to estimates from Stifel airline analyst Joseph DeNardi.

“When you talk to the card issuers, the general sense is the balance of economics is generally skewed in [favor] of the airlines, and if you talk to the airlines they say ‘we have more room to go,’” said Mr. DeNardi.

JPMorgan and United have been partners since 1987. Today, it issues five cards for the airline with different rewards structures.

When the bank launched Sapphire Reserve in 2016, applications for the United cards slowed, according to people familiar with the matter. United executives were unhappy, the people said. Among their complaints: JPMorgan was offering a more generous sign-up bonus for Sapphire Reserve than the United cards, the people said.

JPMorgan pays United for the miles cardholders accrue. The airline gets paid before customers book flights, and a portion of the miles is never redeemed. United also gets a cut of the swipe fees merchants pay when customers use the cards.

United Airlines President Scott Kirby has said publicly that the carrier has had tough conversations about the JPMorgan partnership and wants to get more money out of it.

It works differently with Sapphire Reserve. Customers collect points they can use to buy tickets on a number of airlines, including United, through the bank’s Ultimate Rewards website. JPMorgan then buys the tickets from the airline when cardholders redeem their points for a flight. It doesn’t share the swipe fees.

Sapphire Reserve points are worth 50% more when used to book travel, making the card particularly attractive to frequent travelers who aren’t loyal to a particular airline.

The perks on airline cards have been enhanced in recent years to better compete with banks’ premium offerings. Some United and American Airlines cards, for example, added 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants last year.

Airline cards “have felt the heat from bank cards,” said Brian Kelly, founder and chief executive of rewards website The Points Guy.

Airlines still have plenty of leverage with the banks. A series of mergers that created a few mega-airlines in the U.S. has strengthened their hand.

When Delta Air Lines Inc. renewed its card partnership with American Express Co. earlier this year, the airline said it expected its financial benefit from the deal to double to nearly $7 billion annually by 2023. Delta is AmEx’s largest card partner, accounting for some 21% of its world-wide credit-card balances at the end of 2018.

Citigroup Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. also are discussing possible changes to their card benefits, according to people familiar with the matter. One of the issues that has come up over the course of the partnership: Citigroup wants its customers to be able to transfer American miles to its Prestige credit card, according to people familiar with the matter. American hasn’t historically allowed for that.

Banks say there is room for both airline and premium cards in consumers’ wallets.

Kristi Fergason charged nearly all her expenses on her United Airlines credit card for about 16 years. That changed when she signed up for Sapphire Reserve shortly after it rolled out.

Ms. Fergason, 49, moved most of her travel and dining expenses—about a third of her card purchases—to Sapphire Reserve for the extra points. She uses the United card for almost everything else.

She also uses Sapphire Reserve points to book airfare on United and Southwest Airlines Co., to rent cars and for hotel stays, a strategy she employed for a recent family trip to Wyoming, South Dakota, Arizona and Nevada.

“Hotels, rental cars, cruises and all restaurants used to go on the United card, but now go on the Sapphire Reserve,” she said.

The TL;DR of it is United execs are upset at Chase because they believe the CSR is competing directly with United’s cards and siphoning off customer spending.

Here’s the r/churning discussion about the article:

https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/c646dj/_/es60f6g

Lucky at OMAAT expands on some of the background, and explains why United is in this predicament while AA and Delta seem to be doing just fine with their deals.

https://onemileatatime.com/united-sapphire-reserve/
United has a valid point. The CSR has better (3x UR) spending categories on travel (including on United purchases!) and dining for rewards in a more flexible currency (UR points vs. UA miles) than United's own cards (2x UA on United, dining, and hotels). Aside from the free checked bag, which requires you to purchase the flight on the United card, there's really no reason to spend on United's cards since other benefits like Club passes and XN award availability come with just holding the card. And it's not like you can earn status like with Delta by spending on United's cards. United gets a cut of the swipe fees, so their execs are understandably upset if their cards aren't getting spend. But really, instead of blaming Chase for offering a superior product, United should be thinking up ways of increasing the value proposition of their cards and frequent flyer program.

United wants a better deal, but apparently they're locked into the current agreement for another 6 years. There's some speculation that if United can't get more from Chase for their miles, then that’s why they’re reducing their cost of redemptions by scraping their award chart and going dynamic. But that makes their miles even less attractive and just makes me (and I'm sure a lot of other longtime United flyers) not want their spend to be locked into earning United miles.

Now, VFTW has a peek at the new premium United MileagePlus card under consideration at Chase.

https://viewfromthewing.boardingare...-card-value-proposition-chase-is-considering/

 

[DisneyMandC]

Pretty sure you meant NYE2021 since 2020 is 6 months away

Haha I guess I was thinking that NYE falls on 2020 while NYD is in 2021!