I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[magickingdomprincess]

All this Hawaii talk is making me happy! After talking with the kiddos, we've decided to switch our previously cancelled Disneyland trip to Hawaii next summer. DH and I went to Oahu 5 years ago, and the kids have been asking us to go since! We want to go to Maui this time, especially based on everyone's recommendations.

Now, to rack up the points and decide on the next CC. I had planned to apply P2 for the CSP via my referral (we thankfully got a last sip from the CIPpy cup in March), he is 0/24 for personal cards. We did a refi in June, and our spend has stayed pretty decent where we could meet MSRs easily.

So, should we do a MDD for P2? Or both go for the Aspire to work towards a Grand Wailea stay? There's been no CC action for me since 12/19, and P2s CIP was 3/25.

We have a very healthy UR balance, a pretty decent MR balance (and have been using the Gold as our everyday driver), and okay-ish RR points.

I'm glad to have a fellow traveler jump on the Hawaiian train! I just wanted to say that I had been contemplating doing the Sapphire MDD for myself, but I think I've decided to wait until after DH and I both try for the Aspire. The Aspire MSR's will get us through the end of the year (with me waiting a month to apply) and the cross-support will help our HH balance too. I don't have an immediate need for UR's (although I love having them), but the FNC's and SUBs will give us what we need for our GW/HHV stays, and leave a decent amount left in HH points too. The Aspire will bring me to being 4/24, but if I wait until mid-Jan I'll only be 1/6 so hopefully that will help being approved too. From what I've read HH seem to be easily transferred between accounts so that's nice too. Good luck with your planning!

 

[Haley R]

Dh and I each opened a checking account with chase to get the bonus. We won’t be doing the savings accounts though

 

[FloridaNative8]

Hmm, I don't see any reason why you can't do the Aspire now, then do the MDD in a few months. Or vice versa. Also keep in mind with the AmEx Hilton biz card you get a FNC for $15,000.00 spend in a calendar year. I love my Aspire -- it's a keeper for me. However do keep in mind that it carries a $450.00 AF. I easily get value from the card with the annual FNC and free breakfast for diamond members; just keep the AF in mind if you both apply for it.

Thank you for the info!! How quickly does the FNC for the AmEx Hilton Biz show up? Is it in the next statement cycle or so after meeting the $15k spend? That would be really useful also.

 

[FloridaNative8]

I'm glad to have a fellow traveler jump on the Hawaiian train! I just wanted to say that I had been contemplating doing the Sapphire MDD for myself, but I think I've decided to wait until after DH and I both try for the Aspire. The Aspire MSR's will get us through the end of the year (with me waiting a month to apply) and the cross-support will help our HH balance too. I don't have an immediate need for UR's (although I love having them), but the FNC's and SUBs will give us what we need for our GW/HHV stays, and leave a decent amount left in HH points too. The Aspire will bring me to being 4/24, but if I wait until mid-Jan I'll only be 1/6 so hopefully that will help being approved too. From what I've read HH seem to be easily transferred between accounts so that's nice too. Good luck with your planning!

Yay! I think we are planning to go around the same time as you (late July?)... we'll have to compare planning notes! It feels great to be talking about travelling somewhere again.

I think it's settled - we'll both go for the Aspire now and do the MDD (or possible Hilton biz) later on down the road.

Thank you for the info/thoughts!

 

[Hoosier John]

To lighten your day:

Got my new Amex Gold card via FedEx (their choice, not requested). Nicer presentation than Chase cards (my first Amex), and weighted like the CSP. Sadly the 2 sided tape holding the card to the letter, left enough residue over the signature block that the card would stick to stuff. It wouldn't rub off, so I carefully applied Goof Off (a solvent). First few light swipes looked good, then all at once the signature block was half gone . Just cleaned off the white streaks spread from the missing block, and signed it on the (mostly) good part .

Should have known from the last time I used Goof Off. You know the glass windows on the front loading washers and driers? NOT GLASS. And wife was not happy that I volunteered to to take the new sticker residue off!

 

[IFlossU]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get the FNC after being approved for the card?

Husband approved Feb 2nd, FNC came on April 2nd. From my understanding 8 weeks from approval is pretty standard.

 

[Judique]

To lighten your day:

Got my new Amex Gold card via FedEx (their choice, not requested). Nicer presentation than Chase cards (my first Amex), and weighted like the CSP. Sadly the 2 sided tape holding the card to the letter, left enough residue over the signature block that the card would stick to stuff. It wouldn't rub off, so I carefully applied Goof Off (a solvent). First few light swipes looked good, then all at once the signature block was half gone . Just cleaned off the white streaks spread from the missing block, and signed it on the (mostly) good part .

Should have known from the last time I used Goof Off. You know the glass windows on the front loading washers and driers? NOT GLASS. And wife was not happy that I volunteered to to take the new sticker residue off!

Haha.....just request a new one. I wonder if they are still sending the RoseGold on request?

Glad you got a card!

 

[pinkxray]

Any moms that gave up working full time when you had kids? I am really thinking about giving up my full time position and working 2-3 days a week.
We will be fine with the loss in income, however vacations will take a big hit. I did just buy a small dvc contract with cash so at least that’s all paid for.
I’m just having a hard time making the jump. I am so used to having a decent paycheck. But kids are only small once and there will always be full time later on down the road...
Guess I just need some positive stories to motivate me.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Thank you for the info!! How quickly does the FNC for the AmEx Hilton Biz show up? Is it in the next statement cycle or so after meeting the $15k spend? That would be really useful also.

Around 2 or 3 billing cycles (it's not immediate). As long as you don't need the certificate right away you'll be fine. I used my Hilton biz to pay our property taxes last year via Plastiq just for the FNC!

 

[FloridaNative8]

Around 2 or 3 billing cycles (it's not immediate). As long as you don't need the certificate right away you'll be fine. I used my Hilton biz to pay our property taxes last year via Plastiq just for the FNC!

Nice, thank you!!

 

[calypso726]

But do you recommend the Aspire? I wasn't sure from reading your post Seriously though, thank you! I know for a lot of you who (normally) travel a lot and in nicer hotels, it makes a lot of sense to have the Aspire. For us, we usually only go on a few big trips a year, and mostly to Disney (World or Land) and use DVC points so I wanted to make sure the math worked out first.

Does anyone know how long it takes to get the FNC after being approved for the card? Is it pretty quickly? I think I'll have DH apply in the next few days, and then hopefully if he's approved he can refer me in a month or so (to help spread out the MSR). I'd love to get the GW booked as soon as possible, I've never stayed there before so no idea how far in advance it books up. Thanks!

LOL Yes, definitely work the math first. I was worried we'd lose some value on it this year because we aren't really going anywhere besides visiting our home state here in Florida. None the less, we did find some pretty cool properties that allow for a weekend getaway and justify keeping the card. It may not be a keeper card depending on your travel style but could very well be a strategic card.

Ugh. Nope. The FN cert takes forEVA with Amex. Anywhere between 8-14 weeks.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Good news! Approved just now for Barclay Aviator Biz

Applied on Sunday, got the “we are reviewing your application” response. Figured I would have to send in ID verification, but received an email just now that I’ve been approved. Not the most exciting card to get, but living in AZ AA miles are handy. Will probably pick one up for DH as well.

Do you have any other Barclay cards? Did you try for this prior? I keep getting denied for this one. I have the personal Aaviator card from Barclay but they won't approve the biz card. Grrrr!

depends on your card line and how you use your cards... CIP is the only chase card(that i know of) with phone insurance. I know a lot of ppl find the $95 AF worth keeping this around.

CSP, its great for insurance(i know, no travel). it also great to have if you dont have a card to transfer your UR points to though. U should at least keep a card with that ability.

The IHG Premier card has the phone insurance. I used it this summer on my iPhone and got a brand new one

 

[afan]

To lighten your day:

Got my new Amex Gold card via FedEx (their choice, not requested). Nicer presentation than Chase cards (my first Amex), and weighted like the CSP. Sadly the 2 sided tape holding the card to the letter, left enough residue over the signature block that the card would stick to stuff. It wouldn't rub off, so I carefully applied Goof Off (a solvent). First few light swipes looked good, then all at once the signature block was half gone . Just cleaned off the white streaks spread from the missing block, and signed it on the (mostly) good part .

Should have known from the last time I used Goof Off. You know the glass windows on the front loading washers and driers? NOT GLASS. And wife was not happy that I volunteered to to take the new sticker residue off!

Mine came last week and the sticky stuff was juat a piece of double sided tape I had to peel the corner up on and then it came right off. It is super annoying that they attach the cards that way.

The plat is heavier

Got my hair done Sat (distanced and only 3 stylists work there and it's a big space) and the stylist commented about the weight of the gold. I just said yeah and refrained from pulling the plat out to show her they get heavier

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Okay all caught up again. Back from NC again. Went last week for a few days solo. The BF was supposed to join me, but couldn't get a jumpseat flight. Grrrr. I took one morning to look at properties. Fell in love with 2 complexes. So now I wait for my refi to finish up, and then see about getting a preapproval, and hope prices drop in the winter.

Since I'm remote until Nov and my kids are remote till Oct, I'm thinking of maybe renting a place for a week in NC in September and going down for one last trip. I'd like drive that one since flights have gone back up in cost.

And my happy news for the week, Spirit pilots managed to save 700 jobs with some creative solutions. They offered 3 mos off to them for 25% less pay. My BF tried for that but didn't manage to get it. He did get October off (my bday month...told him be ready to travel, LOL). They did a few other things as well that allowed them to recall the laid off pilots. They figure to bounce back a lot easier than Delta and AA since they have always been a lower cost airline.

I will say, my flights on AA last week, every single seat was full, and they were offering vouchers if people took a bump. I thought about it, but they were only offering $100. I'm eager for my refi to go through so I can do some new cards too. I'm below 5/24 and thinking of grabbing the "free" IHG card to add to my IHG points. Then looking at the personal AA cards I don't have, perhaps the Barclay Biz, and the free Hilton card at some point. Running out of cards to get SUB on. Might be time to start cancelling, LOL. Does anyone know what the timeframe is on the Barclay Aaviator personal on getting the bonus again?

 

[Hoosier John]

Mine came last week and the sticky stuff was just a piece of double sided tape I had to peel the corner up on and then it came right off. It is super annoying that they attach the cards that way.

The plat is heavier

Got my hair done Sat (distanced and only 3 stylists work there and it's a big space) and the stylist commented about the weight of the gold. I just said yeah and refrained from pulling the plat out to show her they get heavier

Yeah, I had to peel the tape off of the card too, but it still left a sticky residue behind. I'm guessing it got really hot somewhere during shipping.

Maybe I'll find out about the weight Amex Plat in a year or so

After the temps start to cool down, I'll prolly try what Judique suggested and ask for a replacement card (and I'll even try to see about the RoseGold option)

 

[elgerber]

FYI, It's been roled back to December.

UGH, we just got that email. we processors were very happy about it LOL. we are doing 3 times the files we have the capacity for each month, working 65+ hours, 6 days a week. We are miserable and exhausted, and we hoped this would help.

 

[wanderlust7]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get the FNC after being approved for the card? Is it pretty quickly? I think I'll have DH apply in the next few days, and then hopefully if he's approved he can refer me in a month or so (to help spread out the MSR). I'd love to get the GW booked as soon as possible, I've never stayed there before so no idea how far in advance it books up. Thanks!

Thank you for the info!! How quickly does the FNC for the AmEx Hilton Biz show up? Is it in the next statement cycle or so after meeting the $15k spend? That would be really useful also.

My FNC DPs:

Aspire after approval - 2 months to the day
Aspire renewal - anniversary late June, still waiting

Hilton biz 15k spend - 2 weeks

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

My hilton cards are both coming up on anniversaries and I need to cancel one. I have the Surpass and the Biz. Does it make more sense to keep a personal card or a biz card? I have a Delta Gold Biz right now, so I can get "business" offers on that card. I have an Amex Everyday as well. I want to open a spot up to go for the free Hilton card probably in the new year. I have no need to keep both cards anymore. I'm trying for the free night currently on the Surpass (if that matters) and I doubt I'd ever churn or MS enough to get the free nights on both, LOL.

 

[Judique]

Mine came last week and the sticky stuff was juat a piece of double sided tape I had to peel the corner up on and then it came right off. It is super annoying that they attach the cards that way.

The plat is heavier

Got my hair done Sat (distanced and only 3 stylists work there and it's a big space) and the stylist commented about the weight of the gold. I just said yeah and refrained from pulling the plat out to show her they get heavier

The Ritz card which you can't get by application anymore is a weapon. Very heavy. It beats out the Gold and the Platinum easily.

I haven't had a haircut. Usually go to walk in places and don't want to go. I have thick, heavy hair. It's driving me bonkers right now! I've trimmed the front and I'm seriously thinking of taking a few swipes at the back. Mostly I tie it up to keep it off my neck, especially outside.

But I've got to get rid of some of it. Washing it means it takes longer to dry and I wash it with every shower. Can't wait to feel lighter soon.

 

[havaneselover]

The Ritz card which you can't get by application anymore is a weapon. Very heavy. It beats out the Gold and the Platinum easily.

I haven't had a haircut. Usually go to walk in places and don't want to go. I have thick, heavy hair. It's driving me bonkers right now! I've trimmed the front and I'm seriously thinking of taking a few swipes at the back. Mostly I tie it up to keep it off my neck, especially outside.

But I've got to get rid of some of it. Washing it means it takes longer to dry and I wash it with every shower. Can't wait to feel lighter soon.

Wasn't there a story about the two hairstylists (somewhere like Hair Cuttery) who had COVID and didn't know it and saw 140 clients and none of them got sick because the stylists followed protocol? I know I got mine cut in May and it was fine but I purposely went to one of those salons where the stylists rent a chair in a tiny room and their "salon" is private.