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

[wendow]

You are all so lucky to have received this offer. I check my AmEx offers almost every day, but still nothing. Booo AmEx.

Only my dh received it. I have way more cards than him but I didn’t get it.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Okay I'm "close enough" on my spend for my Citi#2 that I'm looking to get my next card. I'm not under 5/24 until 11/19. But Chase has now sent me 3 mailers (with a code) for the CIP. Would this be a good sign I can get the CIP? Do I need to drop my CL on my other Chase cards? My Freedom has- $11k limit, my CSR - $17k, My IHG is $19k. I do carry $8kish in balance on 0% cards, so having the HUGE lines of credit help keep my utilization lower, LOL. What's the worst case if I'm denied? I can still apply in Nov right?

I'm on the fence about trying to close out my Citi #2 using the MCGC since DG is kinda out of my way. And I don't know if they will let me load several $200 transactions at once.

Also I found a loophole (or just got lucky) w/ AA miles and moving flights. With my ex I was always booking flights last minute which w/ AA means a $75 expedited fee. Well I booked a one way ticket using my points on 8/16. I had to move that to 8/2. I figured they would hit me w/ the $75 fee. They didn't So I moved my trip up 2 weeks and it's actually cheaper (my rental car is cheaper). I do love AA miles and flying, they are so flexible w/ changing flights, dates, etc. I really need these 70k miles to post from Citi #2 as they are almost my fav airline. LOL.

I did drop 35k of my delta miles to book the flight to Vegas. I'm justifying it as 35k miles is my only cost. My friend has a comped room at the Wynn. She's going to teach me how to work the comps system while I teach her the CC game! She regularly has free rooms at Wynn and Palazzo! And she says she does it by playing the same $100 the entire stay!

 

[wendow]

Yes, it is so annoying! At first I thought it may have just been one location, but I’ve noticed it at many. Since you are also experiencing it, I think Target needs to review its logistic process when shifting the hours.

Our target does still stock overnight but they must not bring in many to do it cause in the morning, the aisles are filled with carts and boxes and people stocking. It makes it so hard to shop!

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

This isn't exactly "new" news but DoC is calling Amex Reimbursements via Gift Cards DEAD:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/r-i-...chases/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
The best strategy now seems to be inexpensive flights as we've discussed previously here.

Well I guess I got $500 out of the GCs before this went dead. I was hoping to triple dip this in December before the AF posted. Maybe it'll come back by then?!?!? I've still gotta use my $250 resort credit and my free night! But this confirms I'm dropping the Aspire (was 99% sure I was going to anyways, LOL).

 

[StephPlum]

We get a lot of movies on DVD for free from the library! I can request them online and pick them up when they are ready.

We do this all the time as well. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie in a theater. Nothing grabs my attention enough to make me have to see it in the theater vs waiting months to watch at home. I did just watch Captain Marvel and 3/4 of Aquaman on my Southwest flights. I guess you could say I paid 11.20 for that

This isn't exactly "new" news but DoC is calling Amex Reimbursements via Gift Cards DEAD:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/r-i-...chases/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
The best strategy now seems to be inexpensive flights as we've discussed previously here.

This is just on MR cards, right? co-branded cards are still ok to buy a GC and get credit (ie if that is what the sign up bonus is)?

 

[wendow]

@*WDW*Groupie* i had been watching for a good rate at the boca beach club and finally found one I could live with. I was all set to book but somehow I missed the $40 day resort fee (thought it was $25) and missed that parking was $42 plus tip since only have valet. I thought the parking was $25 as well. It’s my fault cause I’ve literally looked at every hotel from FL to cocoa beach lol. In the end, I just cannot justify an additional $85 a day! Especially since the only thing the resort fee covers that we’d need is pool towel and chair. Nope! We would already be paying for the hotel oop cause I have no Hilton points and it’s twice as high on URs.
So all that to say, we’re currently booked at the Wyndham in Deerfield beach. Not nearly as nice looking as the other but reviews are really good and beach looks nice!

 

[StephPlum]

Churning success. I finally have one of those unexpected life events that URs are helping ease the financial burden. DS's truck was in the shop getting a several fixes. Either the truck had a serious problem the dealership missed while doing 1/2 of the repairs or they messed up and cracked the frame. Either way the truck is not drivable. So we need to find something else. Rented a car yesterday for the week with URs so I can get to work and DS can drive my car (under 21 so cheaper for me to rent) while we figure this out. Uggh now have to see if I need a new car (wanted to wait another year or 2) or get him a "new" used one.

 

[wendow]

Churning success. I finally have one of those unexpected life events that URs are helping ease the financial burden. DS's truck was in the shop getting a several fixes. Either the truck had a serious problem the dealership missed while doing 1/2 of the repairs or they messed up and cracked the frame. Either way the truck is not drivable. So we need to find something else. Rented a car yesterday for the week with URs so I can get to work and DS can drive my car (under 21 so cheaper for me to rent) while we figure this out. Uggh now have to see if I need a new car (wanted to wait another year or 2) or get him a "new" used one.

Glad you have the points to soften the financial burden. Such a blessing at times like that!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

This is just on MR cards, right? co-branded cards are still ok to buy a GC and get credit (ie if that is what the sign up bonus is)?

This is on American Express cards offering an incidental travel credit so this is primarily MR cards but also Hilton Aspire (not sure if there are any others).

I believe you are correct that if you have signed up for a bonus that includes an airline specific reimbursement (ie Delta comes to mind) that gift cards will continue to work. Does Amex have any other offers besides Delta that do this?

 

[amcc]

I've not seen those kind of chairs in forever! I'd think maybe a Big Lots might sell them but I really have no idea. I don't think they are a thing anymore and probably haven't been for many years. I still have two lawn chairs that are the old style that fold and have the woven plastic/fabric. They are falling apart but I love them and I don't think they are a thing anymore either,. I hold onto them cause pretty sure I cannot replace them.

Funny you mentioned those chairs with the woven fabric - I just sold a super old but new repair kit for those chairs on eBay! There are still similar listings up if you want to DIY

 

[StephPlum]

Review of The Club at SEA. We visited this lounge on our departure day from Seattle. We got there around 8am and had 1.5 hours before our flight boarded. The lounge is located in the A concourse by gate A11. You do go up some steps or take the little elevator right there to enter. Coming from B concourse (where SW is) would be about a 10-15 min walk depending on how far down B you were. We walked there from the TSA precheck security line. They had hot oatmeal and mini omelets (think Hampton Inn breakfast) which was fine for us as we didn't get free breakfast at our hotel. They also had bagels, fruit/yogurts parfaits, crepes and cereal. They had some fancy coffee machine that I didn't use but DS had a latte or something. They had a cooler with cans of soda (yeah picked up a coke for there and one to go), juices and water. I don't drink alcohol at 8 in the morning so skipped that but there were a lot of people getting bloody marys. There were plenty of seating and it was not crowded. Going to our gate in B concourse we took the train. A bit of a hike back to A4 gate where the train is, but we lucked out and it set us out right at our B gate! Definitely worth it, just leave time to travel to the other concourse if you need to.

Comparing to the Club at Atlanta is probably not fair. I went to that lounge at 6pm and it was crowded, noisy and they had a hard time keeping the food stocked. I really didn't enjoy that visit. Seattle was much better but the time of day may have had something to do with it.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Okay I'm "close enough" on my spend for my Citi#2 that I'm looking to get my next card. I'm not under 5/24 until 11/19. But Chase has now sent me 3 mailers (with a code) for the CIP. Would this be a good sign I can get the CIP? Do I need to drop my CL on my other Chase cards? My Freedom has- $11k limit, my CSR - $17k, My IHG is $19k. I do carry $8kish in balance on 0% cards, so having the HUGE lines of credit help keep my utilization lower, LOL. What's the worst case if I'm denied? I can still apply in Nov right?

I'm on the fence about trying to close out my Citi #2 using the MCGC since DG is kinda out of my way. And I don't know if they will let me load several $200 transactions at once.

Also I found a loophole (or just got lucky) w/ AA miles and moving flights. With my ex I was always booking flights last minute which w/ AA means a $75 expedited fee. Well I booked a one way ticket using my points on 8/16. I had to move that to 8/2. I figured they would hit me w/ the $75 fee. They didn't So I moved my trip up 2 weeks and it's actually cheaper (my rental car is cheaper). I do love AA miles and flying, they are so flexible w/ changing flights, dates, etc. I really need these 70k miles to post from Citi #2 as they are almost my fav airline. LOL.

I did drop 35k of my delta miles to book the flight to Vegas. I'm justifying it as 35k miles is my only cost. My friend has a comped room at the Wynn. She's going to teach me how to work the comps system while I teach her the CC game! She regularly has free rooms at Wynn and Palazzo! And she says she does it by playing the same $100 the entire stay!

Do the mailers show a fixed interest rate ? From what I have seen on reddit ...if they do it’s a way around 5/24...
As far as your CLs...what % is the total to household income....Chase usually likes under 50%....

 

[StephPlum]

I believe you are correct that if you have signed up for a bonus that includes an airline specific reimbursement (ie Delta comes to mind) that gift cards will continue to work. Does Amex have any other offers besides Delta that do this?

I think it is just Delta. Just got a snail mail offer for 70K miles for 2K spend + $50 Delta purchase credit for DH. I was going to refer him but that offer is 82.5K (with my referral miles) for 4K spend. Both are in 3 months. The first offer is better so I'll probably go for that. I have one flight in the next 2 years that Delta will work out the best (CMH - GEG). Not trying to build tons of miles there.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I think it is just Delta. Just got a snail mail offer for 70K miles for 2K spend + $50 Delta purchase credit for DH. I was going to refer him but that offer is 82.5K (with my referral miles) for 4K spend. Both are in 3 months. The first offer is better so I'll probably go for that. I have one flight in the next 2 years that Delta will work out the best (CMH - GEG). Not trying to build tons of miles there.

I would see if anybody can provide an actual DP that gift cards are still working on offers like this. I’m not 100% sure on my answer there.

 

[punkin]

This isn't exactly "new" news but DoC is calling Amex Reimbursements via Gift Cards DEAD:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/r-i-...chases/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
The best strategy now seems to be inexpensive flights as we've discussed previously here.

I wonder if paying with a gift card and then the remainder (small amount) with Amex would work?

 

[Lain]

This isn't exactly "new" news but DoC is calling Amex Reimbursements via Gift Cards DEAD:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/r-i-...chases/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
The best strategy now seems to be inexpensive flights as we've discussed previously here.

As @SouthFayetteFan mentioned, there are still ways to extract the cash value of the Amex airline fee credit on paid flights, particularly if you have Southwest, Delta, or JetBlue selected as your airline. I'll be putting an entry into the refreshed News & Discussion thread sometime today.

 

[amalone1013]

DH is stuck waiting for their 'travel lady' to book his flights for this week. He thinks she is in the manager meetings that are supposed to last all day. It's about guaranteed to be an arm and a leg (or almost $900) anyways, unless he can fly home on Frontier for $99. If only he could book his own flights.

I did say, if you get stuck on the SW flight back, it's the same one from two weeks ago where he got to go to the Centurion lounge in LAS, and it would put him around 6k RRs shy of A List Preferred

 

[amalone1013]

As @SouthFayetteFan mentioned, there are still ways to extract the cash value of the Amex airline fee credit on paid flights, particularly if you have Southwest, Delta, or JetBlue selected as your airline. I'll be putting an entry into the refreshed News & Discussion thread sometime today.

I want to lock down our Sept plans so I can use this...

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

@speedyfishy no go at stop and shop with cb on mcgc. Would have been amazing

Speaking of stop and shop they have $100 visas with a $10 grocery coupon back this week

 

[Albort]

i guess 4x Amazon Prime Now died on gold already... lol