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

[amalone1013]

Ds8 and I are flying overnight to FLL tonight. Were supposed to leave at 11:20 but now we’re delayed until 12:36am Seriously wondering why I booked this flight!!!

Oh no! Shall I send DH with his PP card?

 

[speedyfishy]

@speedyfishy and @SouthFayetteFan and @tink1970 (just because I know she would like to be tagged) and anyone else who has done the experian data breach form...did you have to upload documents? I started it but it said to claim time you may need submit documents and I bailed. My DH qualifies but I don’t...but something is better than nothing.

You only need to upload documents if you are claiming over 10 hours of time spent dealing with the breach. I just claimed 5 hours of time spent for each of us and didn’t upload anything.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

@speedyfishy and @SouthFayetteFan and @tink1970 (just because I know she would like to be tagged) and anyone else who has done the experian data breach form...did you have to upload documents? I started it but it said to claim time you may need submit documents and I bailed. My DH qualifies but I don’t...but something is better than nothing.

What @speedyfishy said LOL!

 

[speedyfishy]

It looks like there is a 15% discount for the Grand Californian for my dates in September. It’s still so expensive. I’m so happy I bought DVC there lol. I think I narrowed it down to the DLH or the Fairfield.

 

[Limes96]

I got an email with a Plastiq 1.5% fee offer this afternoon! I was hoping for something from them. Still have college tuition to pay for DS1 (paid for DS2 during June’s promo). With P2’s Cap1 card still up in the air (I’m giving it a couple days in hopes I can still make it work) I don’t have an MSR card to put it on, but do have my Arrival+.

With all the Experian talk, maybe someone can tell me...is it worth it to pay for a service like LifeLock (or similar) or is just sticking with Credit Karma good enough? I feel like churning these cards makes us more exposed to identity theft than the average person.

 

[tink1970]

@tink1970 (just because I know she would like to be tagged)

Thanks

I didn't claim any time so hopefully not since my tech skills are nonexistent.

 

[Limes96]

Thanks also to whoever brought up using MC or VGC’s for the sb offer. I had several that didn’t go so well converting to Serve and this will be an easier way to get them to my bank account. I also hadn’t thought about how it brings you closer to the next level for member recognition, but that’s a good point too!

Sorry I didn’t save quotes to thank specific people. Not sure who I’m thanking but... anyway!

 

[afan]

Done with jury duty! Person took a plea deal. At least the delay makes sense now.

 

[Lain]

With all the Experian talk, maybe someone can tell me...is it worth it to pay for a service like LifeLock (or similar) or is just sticking with Credit Karma good enough? I feel like churning these cards makes us more exposed to identity theft than the average person.

If you do sign up for Lifelock, be sure to check the shopping portals for cash back, points or miles.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

And don’t forget to pick up discounted GCs before you go. Costco usually has McCormick and Schmick $80 for $100 GCs

Yes! I had discounted GC from the amazon 1mr 20% deal and used the cm discount as well. Awesome. Sure gonna miss those cm discounts.
Graduation was yesterday.

 

[wendow]

Oh no! Shall I send DH with his PP card?

We are definitely hitting up Timberline when we get there! I'm just not sure how early to go. I told ds we'd leave at 6:30, which was 5 hours before the original departure time, and that would have us sitting down at 8:15'ish for dinner. That was still WAY early though for the flight. But now, with the flight moved over an hour later, I'm not sure if we just go at the same time or an hour later. My ds was ready to head to the airport when he woke up this morning so not sure i can listen to an extra hour of "is it time to go to the airport yet?" I feel like we should just go at our original time. At least he'd be entertained some.

 

[afan]

At the finished Target to do some hopefully easier shopping
.

We are definitely hitting up Timberline when we get there! I'm just not sure how early to go. I told ds we'd leave at 6:30, which was 5 hours before the original departure time, and that would have us sitting down at 8:15'ish for dinner. That was still WAY early though for the flight. But now, with the flight moved over an hour later, I'm not sure if we just go at the same time or an hour later. My ds was ready to head to the airport when he woke up this morning so not sure i can listen to an extra hour of "is it time to go to the airport yet?" I feel like we should just go at our original time. At least he'd be entertained some.

I'd check timberlines hours because that would be my concern with going later.

Also just cause it's delayed now doesn't mean they can't change it back.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Ds8 and I are flying overnight to FLL tonight. Were supposed to leave at 11:20 but now we’re delayed until 12:36am Seriously wondering why I booked this flight!!!

Safe travels!

 

[calypso726]

Well you see - I was just sucking up. I just want @calypso726 to take me to the Maldives if Plane Princess ever gets too princessy for his own britches!!

The major thing you did identify there though is that TPG often does not show the reality of what it takes to make that travel happen. Like you said, he masks the true source of much of his travel funds (affiliate bonuses, HUGE amounts of marketing spend, and of course comped travel by companies hoping to enlist his services as a shill) under the guise of "signing up for cards". Does the dude even sign up for new cards any more? Sometimes he makes it seem like I can fly first class to some exotic destination by picking up 2 credit cards...

Plane Princess would say the more the merrier and let’s get a big group and make it a party. If he gets too princessy for his britches I’ll book him in coach for the next 15 hour flight we have coming up.

I am ALL ABOUT pjs! I can't remember if I told y'all that DH left his on the plane after our BA 1st flight to LHR over Christmas and I was very annoyed with him, as perhaps you can imagine. We're flying first in Qantas in seven long months and he's been told very directly "do NOT leave the pjs on board." I've heard him walking around the house muttering "take the pjs, take the pjs."Thank goodness we live a quiet life or some might worry about him.

That said, I lovemy old style United Polaris more than the BA-they are roomier and I like the dark gray. I'm excited to check out both Qantas and Virgin Australia styles and I'll report back

It’s funny how you start looking forward to the PJs. Now we are comparing which airlines have better jammies and BA’s old jammies vs the new jammies.

You can be @calypso726 ‘s backup travel partner to the Maldives, but I’m calling dibs on backup if Plane Princess ever gets tired of visiting Scotland. I’ve wanted to go ever since... Highlander. “There can be only one!”



You put it better than I did. But that’s the pernicious thing about social media, right? People only show what they want you to see, and usually it’s all things shiny and sweet. I’ll give TPG credit that he is very good at what he does, but that makes him the biggest offender. I mean, you, me, @calypso726, everyone else here, when we really get into giving advice it’s blocks and pages of step-by-step instructions on what cards to get, what are the benefits, costs, risks, how does this card play into the overall strategy to get you to where you want to go in the style you want to travel. It’s a lot easier than people think it is, but not as easy as TPG makes it out to be.

He’d say come with and we can all marvel at the breathtaking beauty that is Scotland!

I’m usually a cheery kind of guy and joke around a lot. I thought you were kidding in your original post so I clicked Haha. I changed my reaction to Sad face because I hurt your feelings, even for a little bit.

I was partially kidding (shunning corner) and partially wondering how I got lumped into TPG’s corner of the world. No need for sad face. I understand what you meant. I am likely having an over sensitive sort of day. Too much work and not enough sleep. I love cheery and jokey! The world needs laughter a better sense of humor and sometimes my own gets wonky and needs help.

Are all your flights points, though? I know you've done some ABD trips as well, right?

I'd say your income bracket is likely higher than the average TPG reader as well as the average credit card churner (our average was around $120k/year if I recall correctly).

Most people who can afford ABD I would wager they don't bother chasing points as much. You're a bit of an outlier. My kind of outlier, but an outlier nontheless.

Fair question. Yes. Every single one of our international flights have been booked with airline miles or variable points converted to airline miles.

The majority of our domestic flights have been booked with AA gift cards accumulated from the Amex Plat or other annual credit card airline credit, or miles and points. Once or twice we have found a cheap domestic first class flight like for $400 or so, that was maybe $100 over the economy flight and paid OOP.

Keep in mind we have no kids, so no paying or saving for college, school stuff, activities, upbringing etc. The mortgage was paid off years ago. Both of our cars are older cars and paid off. We will keep them until they keel over dead. They are Toyotas and I expect that they will live a long time!

Neither of us are into name brand clothing or shoes. I’m not into jewelry and am thrilled to get things like fuzzy socks for Christmas. The tv in the living room is currently decorative and has been for a few years. There is no priority to replace it. Our non retirement priorities are traveling and Disney. We mostly pay for Disney related travel and try to earn 5x or hit an MSR with that spend. All other travel is accomplished with mostly points and miles.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

We’re going in 3 weeks, it’s DH’s bday, do you think we would get his bday credit before our trip? And it can’t be combined with the initial $25 credit correct?

I’m not sure it matters since you can’t use both at the same time unless you’re planning 2 meals there. It might work because the birthday bonus usually posts on the first of the month, so August 1.

I'm just going to put this out there: my opinion is that getting personalized advice from one of our expert contributors here is 1000x better than consulting blogs such as TPG or MMS.

BUT you also need to make sure that the person dishing out advice here knows what they are talking about. You'll often see me hang back on questions regarding international travel - because that isn't an area of expertise of mine. It would be easy for me to recommend a CIP, and then a CSR/CSP MDD (I mean seriously...can you go wrong with that strategy?) BUT when it comes to int'l flights, I totally understand that sometimes it's more about OTHER currencies. AND you need to earn those miles well in advance of the trip so sometimes the URs just have to take a backseat to getting the miles you need today.

This isn't directed anywhere in particular - just a general caution that as our group grows, we need to have a balanced approach in helping new folks and make sure we stick our fundamental goal which is to provide the BEST help regardless of personal preferences, support clicks, etc.

Plus here you get multiple honest opinions and different experiences. Not a recommendation from one guy getting paid to make the recommendation

If more people would just listen to me, the world would be a better place. Not just points, but everything. I'm always right. My wife even says so. Except it's more like "You're always right"

My dad’s favorite saying “I may not always be right, but I’m never wrong.”

Putting this out there so people don't miss it:

Claims are now being accepted for the 2017 Equifax breach - you could receive $125 or more.
You could receive a flat $125 compensation and more for time spent handling the breach or financial losses. Claims are open until January, and the process only takes about 5 minutes.

• Settlement website
• Eligibility checker
• FTC.gov press release

It's also worth putting this comment out there from r/churning (I haven't checked the math but I would imagine he might be right, lol)

Looking at section 7 and 10 of the FAQS it looks like they are only allocating $31 million to each Time Spent and the Alternative Reimbursement Compensation of $125.​

​

https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/faq​

​

So $31 million to Time spent, and $31 million to the base $125 payout that most people will do.​

​

If my math is correct once 250,000 people submit their claim, the payouts will start being lowered???​

​

I have to imagine this whole thing is going to go viral and millions of people will submit claims. If 10 million people submit a claim, we're looking at $3 dollars a person?​

Every class action suit I’ve ever been a part of nets me $3-5

I get what you're saying. I honestly do. To me, it's just another source of information. There are things people do on this board I don't necessarily agree with nor would I be comfortable doing myself. I just research everything I can and make my own decisions.

It’s a source of info for sure but less trustworthy than others. I think people are not saying not to read the info but be careful and don’t apply from their website. No one here is just out to make a profit from you.

 

[wendow]

At the finished Target to do some hopefully easier shopping
.


I'd check timberlines hours because that would be my concern with going later.

Also just cause it's delayed now doesn't mean they can't change it back.

My thinking too on both accounts! Think we will just go at same time. Makes the kiddo happy!

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Quoting myself in hopes of more opinions

OK, it's my turn to ask for next card suggestions

P1 (me lol) 3/24

07/18 - CHASE Freedom​

09/18 - CHASE Sapphire Reserve​

12/18 - CHASE Southwest Priority​

02/19 - CHASE Southwest Business​

06/19 - CHASE Ink Preferred​

​

P2 2/24

07/18 - CHASE Sapphire Preferred​

10/18 - CHASE Hyatt​

05/19 - CHASE Ink Preferred​

(also ancient Discover and non-rewards Citi)​

​

A few details about P2's situation:

• he is semi-reluctant
• he does not want another business card at this point
• a non-Chase card, especially AmEx, might be best because of the "different" factor
• we have a very large airline spend in the next week or so; an airline multiplier could be good
• he flies from PHL when he travels 2-3x/yr for work. He has gotten used to my CSR and enjoys a good lounge PHL has nothing good for PP.
• should we PC his CSP? I can get him to carry 2 cards, max. A CFU would be handy for his "wait, what card do I use?" moments, but a CF with 5x quarters makes more sense overall.

And then for me:

• I have $1500 left on my CIP MSR so I'll be ready by September 1 for another Chase biz card.
• I have a Citi AA biz mailer that expires 7/31 and an email biz offer that expires 8/5; this is the second email offer I've received

You have a nice group of cards.....
For you agree another CIP 9/1........

My DH will only carry 2 cards as well...and half the time mixes up which one to use...so now I usually just give him the one we are working on the MSR...and don’t worry about it...when we hit the MSR...I give him his CFU to use

I’m not familiar with Amex personal cards but I’m sure someone who is can offer what would be best for him

Thank you! I'm feeling a little nervous about a CIP#2 right away ugh A CIC makes sense because of the 5x at Staples etc but it's so many fewer UR!

I never feel like I know enough to suggest cards to people, but I do know that there is a nice Centurion lounge at PHL. DH and I, and especially my DD, have spent quite a bit of time in that one. But that requires a platinum card with the high AF. It is nicer than any of the PP lounges I have visited, though.

I know, that AF is just so high. Bleh. I'm trying to weigh the positives against the AF.

My questions today--

1. Should dh PC his CSP to a CF or a CFU? I know the math on opening one of those cards points to the CF. Do you think it's the same with a PC? He'll only carry two cards at the most.
2. What AMEX would be best for him to start with? I haven't checked in a couple months to see if we can pull up a 100K Plat offer for him. If it isn't there, would you start at the 75K incognito offer (assuming it's available)? If that's not available, is another personal AMEX better? He will not go for a business card at this time.
3. CIP2 or CIC for me? We are currently 40K UR from being able to book everything we can on points for Australia Sept/Oct. Or should I use the AA biz mailer or email code I have? I don't know if I want to further diversify our points yet because I don't know what we'll be doing in 2021.

Thanks for taking a second (or first) look I'll need to get dh's new card soon for a big ol' United airlines spend.

 

[tink1970]

He’d say come with and we can all marvel at the breathtaking beauty that is Scotland!

...and he'd be correct! I'm wanting to schedule another trip since it's been 7 whole months since I was last there.

BA’s old jammies vs the new jammies.

Well, I can say with my body habitus I'm not a fan of BA's slim fit navy jammies-do you know if those were old (please say yes please say yes) or new?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Not sure where you are on the East coast, but Hawaiian is flying direct from Boston now. They periodically have sales. I ended up paying with UR rather than transferring to airline because we got a great price on 4 direct flights in Feb. My kids will be 6 and 9.

Do you mind sharing what is a “great” price or even a decent target price? DH wants to do Hawai’i next year. I have read a lot lately on flights but still seem soooo lost. It is hard to know where to even begin. I have the hotels covered.

 

[amalone1013]

I thought the MCGCs were supposed to be less popular