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

[Judique]

Here is something new. You can use Marriott points to get an America the Beautiful pass (annual NP pass). I didn't see on the site how many points it is. The button says redeem now and I'm too worried I click and it says some outrageous # of points. The cost is only $80 so it probably isn't something I would use points on. Just found it interesting.

View attachment 544669

I clicked it and it is 22,500 points. It starts on the month you order it so don't buy until closer to your trip.

 

[softballpooh]

There's probably a cost/benefit calculator out there but I thought I'd ask here while I'm searching. I'm likely going to apply for the Hyatt card by the end of the year and go for the Globalist status. As a new cardholder, I'd get 10 nights leaving me to earn 20 so I'd need 10 more stays before 2/21.

If I choose not to stay in the actual hotel any of those nights and mattress run them all, then what's a reasonable cost for me to essentially "pay" for this status? The nearest Hyatt to me is an hour away and it's listed at $71 per night. So 10 nights and I'm $850 more or less with taxes and fees (complete guess here) for Globalist status. I've got big travel plans for 2022 so it seems like this could be valuable and worth the upfront cost now. Is that the right way to look at it or should I be considering something else? Could I use some of the points earned from the stays and not use cash? Thanks in advance!

 

[platamama]

There's probably a cost/benefit calculator out there but I thought I'd ask here while I'm searching. I'm likely going to apply for the Hyatt card by the end of the year and go for the Globalist status. As a new cardholder, I'd get 10 nights leaving me to earn 20 so I'd need 10 more stays before 2/21.

If I choose not to stay in the actual hotel any of those nights and mattress run them all, then what's a reasonable cost for me to essentially "pay" for this status? The nearest Hyatt to me is an hour away and it's listed at $71 per night. So 10 nights and I'm $850 more or less with taxes and fees (complete guess here) for Globalist status. I've got big travel plans for 2022 so it seems like this could be valuable and worth the upfront cost now. Is that the right way to look at it or should I be considering something else? Could I use some of the points earned from the stays and not use cash? Thanks in advance!

This blog post will pretty much answer any question you have. Seriously, it covers the issue better than anything else I've read. https://frequentmiler.com/ludicrous...globalist-status-top-tier-status-for-2-years/

As to if it's worth the up front cost to you, really only you can judge that. Are there Hyatt properties in your anticipated travel destinations? The main downside to Hyatt is their smaller footprint compared to other main hotel chains. Hyatt's Globalist elite status is probably the most rewarding of all the major chains' elite status benefits, but there needs to be a Hyatt property where you want to visit for it to matter. If there are, then considering a mattress run may make a lot of sense for you.

 

[softballpooh]

This blog post will pretty much answer any question you have. Seriously, it covers the issue better than anything else I've read. https://frequentmiler.com/ludicrous...globalist-status-top-tier-status-for-2-years/

As to if it's worth the up front cost to you, really only you can judge that. Are there Hyatt properties in your anticipated travel destinations? The main downside to Hyatt is their smaller footprint compared to other main hotel chains. Hyatt's Globalist elite status is probably the most rewarding of all the major chains' elite status benefits, but there needs to be a Hyatt property where you want to visit for it to matter. If there are, then considering a mattress run may make a lot of sense for you.

Thanks! All good points! Hawaii is the main destination, so I need to spend some time looking at other locations we’d be interested in. I had found the blog post you shared and he linked to his calculator I was seeking so I can use that as well in my calculations. I guess I’m just considering the mattress run to be a large first year annual fee to get the added benefits later on.

 

[hsmamato2]

There's probably a cost/benefit calculator out there but I thought I'd ask here while I'm searching. I'm likely going to apply for the Hyatt card by the end of the year and go for the Globalist status. As a new cardholder, I'd get 10 nights leaving me to earn 20 so I'd need 10 more stays before 2/21.

If I choose not to stay in the actual hotel any of those nights and mattress run them all, then what's a reasonable cost for me to essentially "pay" for this status? The nearest Hyatt to me is an hour away and it's listed at $71 per night. So 10 nights and I'm $850 more or less with taxes and fees (complete guess here) for Globalist status. I've got big travel plans for 2022 so it seems like this could be valuable and worth the upfront cost now. Is that the right way to look at it or should I be considering something else? Could I use some of the points earned from the stays and not use cash? Thanks in advance!

I read that article (like 4 times lol) and I think if I go for it, I'm going to use the points for the mattress run..... altho I'm still not sure I want or need globalist, but I have some large upcoming bills and I'd rather get something in return.... (1st world problems)

 

[calypso726]

So another thread on the dis got me thinking.....

There are probably many of us on here (or lurking) that don't churn but do take advantage of CC's for the purpose of travel (or other perks). Maybe we can share our "non-churning strategy."

Here is mine:
DH and I have a total of 5 cards that we use. (We have a few others in the sock drawer.)
AMEX everyday - no AF - earn MRs - I use this card for groceries when there is not a better offer on another card and all small purchases to meet the 20 transactions bonus. It is my oldest card. I don't even think there was a SUB when I got it.
Discover IT - no AF - cash back - I use this card for the 5 rotating categories.
CSP - $95 AF (covered with Discover IT cashback) - this is my only AF card. I keep it to transfer to travel partners. I transfer all my other UR points from other cards to here each month. This was my first "travel" card.
CFU - no AF - This is the only card DH keeps in his wallet (more on that below). I use this whenever there is not a better bonus on one of the other cards.
CFF - no AF - I use this card for the bonus categories and the 5 rotating categories.

I value URs above MRs and cash back so tend to use the Chase cards before Amex. And I use Amex before DiscoverIT.

I put all organic spend on the cards. DH does not. He likes his debit card. It used to bother me, but I have come to terms with this and it is OK. He uses the CFU for online purchases and large (big ticket) items. I do use CC to pay any household bills that allow CCs.

We pay all cards off weekly. We never carry a balance or pay any fees or interest.

We exclusively use all points and cash back for travel related expenses and pay very little/nothing OOP when we travel (one-two vacations a year). I have also been able to fly my son to and from college and only pay the 5.60 fee.

We don't MS or churn. We are not looking to add any CCs anytime soon.

I am sure there are other non-churning strategies that work. This one works for us.

This may be surprising to those who have been around a while but I’ve never been much of a churner if we are going by the original meaning. Back in the day, churners signed up for the same credit card multiple times. I recall when it was common to have 5 or more US Airways cards. I admit to having 2 of them. Now churning is more about chasing sign up bonuses. I did that for quite some time averaging 8 - 10 cards a year and sometimes more. Adding PlanePrincess to the mix would be over 20 cards between the 2 of us each year. Still not heavy hitters when compared to those who take LOL/24 much further. None the less, from the beginning I’ve taken advantage of bonus categories, stacking earning of points, keeping a variable portfolio of points and miles and being an opportunistic hoarder.

Now that we are under 5/24 and the zombie apocalypse has kept us from traveling, some of my travel hacking plans and strategies have shifted. I know many people are taking advantage of PYB and earning cash back. I’m not one of them. It seems I am hard wired to be focused on the next big adventure. 2020 has been an adventure all right, but it was SO not the adventure I had planned. So Disney World weekends and hotel stays with nice balcony views in my home state have been the extent of my adventures this year. It’s not the same and it doesn’t fire me up to plan or do at all. Maybe I’m addicted to the rush that comes with successfully travel hacking something that excites me, looks unattainable or complicated.

Cancelling Ashford Castle in Ireland, the Al Maha in Dubai for this year was depressing. Cancelling Giraffe Manor in Africa for which I was supposed to be flying out today and coming back after the New Year, crossing off my 7th continent left me miserable. I know, first world problems. I wasn’t interested in churning any new cards and it did make getting und 5/24 easier. It wasn’t until I decided to make the long term plan of earning enough UR and Hyatt points to go back to Antarctica adding South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on the 23 day, over $50k for both of us voyage I wanted to take for my 50th but didn’t because of the cost and time. So as many of you remember, I settled for the shorter and less expensive 14 day trip to Antarctica.

Deciding to do what I thought was impossible a couple of years ago has me feeling like myself again as relates to this hobby. But, giving myself 5 years to acquire the points I need to do this, plus a Galapagos adventure and assume I will be traveling like I normally do in 2022 means I have to shift how I do things and have done them in the past.

This brings me to the part of answering @trenty nice write up. To achieve my goal I will still have to churn but I will likely be staying under 5/24. It is a long term strategy that will have me doing sprints and a marathon simultaneously to earn UR and Hyatt points and I can’t stop to switch out and try on every pair new sneakers that Amex or some other brand comes out with if you catch my drift.

Sprints will be an MSR with a Chase UR card like the CIU I recently got and the CSR or CSP I will pick up in a few months. However these sprints will be few and far in between. The marathon is maximizing the bonus categories. In the past I’d check cash back monitor and go with whichever airline or credit card portal was offering the most bang for my buck. Now I check to see which Chase card’s UR portal is offering the most bang for the buck. Currently I have:

Chase Ink Plus (no longer available but similar to Ink Cash) This card earns 5x at office supply stores, internet, phone and cable. I will purchase GCs at the office supply stores for everything I possibly can. I want to try to get as close to 5x on all spending. My DVC dues are well over $10k so that’s over 50k UR points each year right there. We are also at WDW nearly every weekend and all of our dining or on property purchase are with Disney GCs that were earned at 5x. Amazon GCs are something I can use all year so thats 5x for Amazon. For gift cards like Macy’s, Sephora, Bed Bath Beyond etc. I can stack the 5x points with whatever the UR shopping portal is paying. So if Macy’s is also 5x on the UR portal I will pay with my GC and earn 10x on a new pair of jeans or whatever. I will purchase Visa GCs and the like when there is a promo that wipes off the activation fee. These stay in my wallet to use for trying to achieve 5x on everything. I also use it for gas since it earns 2x. Bonus categories are capped at $50k in combined spend for the Ink Plus and $25k for the Ink Cash.

I have 2 Chase Freedom cards and will do my level best to max out the quarterly bonus categories. If successful this will earn me 60k points a year.

I have the Chase Freedom Unlimited which would be used for dining at 3x, drugstores at 3x. If I were to purchase any travel through the UR portal it would be with this card or DH’s CSR. Then all other non category spend is 1.5x if I don’t have a Visa GC in the wallet that was purchased at 5x. So my BBP card is no longer being used for non category spending.

The Chase Flex will be earning 5x up to $12k in groceries and of course has rotating bonus categories. Gift cards that aren’t sold at Staples and OD/OM but are sold at the grocery stores will be purchased to help hit that 60k UR points in groceries.

So that about wraps up my non churning marathon plan to achieve the points I will need for the trips I want to take. Hope that helps others who may be chasing UR points for their own plans and goals.

 

[Herding_Cats]

VFTW has shared that the 5% Grocery offer featured on NEW CFF and CFU cards is likely to go away on January 13th. Neither the card landing page OR Support Link page says this, but I can't imagine they'd post it without some good source. Here's their post:

https://viewfromthewing.com/chases-new-freedom-flex-card-flexes-its-muscles/

Just to clarify this for someone who doesn't churn much, but is also getting ready to apply for a CFU....

The OFFER 5x on groceries for new cards will just not be offered any longer after the 13th? Or the whole5x on groceries ends on the 13th? (Pretty sure it's the first one, but making sure before I take the time to apply.)

 

[trenty]

Now that DVC dues are upon us does anyone care to share how they maximize CC rewards to pay the dues? @calypso726 @Judique

I was really good at earning free disney giftcards (swagbucks, etc) but slowed down recently. May pick it up again, but getting tired of chasing the free stuff. I still work the rewards sites, but at a much slower pace than I used to. So in the past I ignored all posts about discounted Disney GCs. Not sure I want to chase the discounts either - but if combined with using CC perks, I might. I currently have URs, MRs and Discover IT cash available. I would rather not use the DiscoverIT cash.

ETA - Think I may start with PYB.....is there a better strategy?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Just to clarify this for someone who doesn't churn much, but is also getting ready to apply for a CFU....

The OFFER 5x on groceries for new cards will just not be offered any longer after the 13th? Or the whole5x on groceries ends on the 13th? (Pretty sure it's the first one, but making sure before I take the time to apply.)

Earning 5% cash back on grocery store purchases up to $12,000 spent in the first year is a part of this cards bonus offer for new applicants. That is what is reportedly going away.

 

[calypso726]

Now that DVC dues are upon us does anyone care to share how they maximize CC rewards to pay the dues? @calypso726 @Judique

I was really good at earning free disney giftcards (swagbucks, etc) but slowed down recently. May pick it up again, but getting tired of chasing the free stuff. I still work the rewards sites, but at a much slower pace than I used to. So in the past I ignored all posts about discounted Disney GCs. Not sure I want to chase the discounts either - but if combined with using CC perks, I might. I currently have URs, MRs and Discover IT cash available. I would rather not use the DiscoverIT cash.

ETA - Think I may start with PYB.....is there a better strategy?

Like always, it depends on what you value. For some cash is king and there’s nothing wrong with that. Prior to planning Mission Impossible aka the boujee Antarctica trip, I’d mix and match earnings and savings to pay DVC dues. My dues were projected to be over $11k this year but the plague has saved me almost $2,000 in dues. I pay them in one lump sum but use different strategies as to how I’m going to pile up that sum over the course of the year.

I’ve used DVC dues to meet an MSR in one shot. This was the day the Hilton Aspire was introduced to the public. I applied, got instant approval and the card number. Then immediately logged on to DVC and paid $4,000 of my DVC dues and met the MSR about a minute after getting approved. If using dues to pay an MSR and if I’m not pressed for time, I’d buy Disney GCs at a discount from BJs and meet the MSR and save almost 5%.

I have combined and used Amex offers to buy Disney GCs when my savings is 10% or greater so I saved money on dues and earned some MRs in the process.

For me the foreseeable future is all about the UR points. Next month begins new bonus categories for the Freedom. I have two Freedom cards. I will purchase $1500 worth of Disney GCs via BJs on each card. I’ll save over $120 on dues and earn $15k UR points since I’m sure I will spend the remaining $120 at Costco quite easily.

 

[Judique]

Now that DVC dues are upon us does anyone care to share how they maximize CC rewards to pay the dues? @calypso726 @Judique

I was really good at earning free disney giftcards (swagbucks, etc) but slowed down recently. May pick it up again, but getting tired of chasing the free stuff. I still work the rewards sites, but at a much slower pace than I used to. So in the past I ignored all posts about discounted Disney GCs. Not sure I want to chase the discounts either - but if combined with using CC perks, I might. I currently have URs, MRs and Discover IT cash available. I would rather not use the DiscoverIT cash.

ETA - Think I may start with PYB.....is there a better strategy?

Well, I briefly gave thought to using some UR's, but I gave that up when I decided my original reason for maximizing UR's was to transfer to my Hyatt account for summer beach trips where the tab per night reaches $500 a night, was a way better pay off long term.

So, I collected a few 10% off gift cards with Chase and Best Buy offers (and forgot to buy the last BB gift card. That makes me good for a couple of months. So, now I must get serious and start buying again. I may be reduced to 5% off, but I've got a little time to do some research. I could even do a nice sized MSR if it paid enough.

Last year I had enough at 10% plus. I'm way behind that this year.

I've never felt the need to cover it completely, as DVC has been a part of my budget since 2000, over 20 years.

I'm Churner Light similar to yourself. More about taking advantage of a few opportunities when they refuse to let me ignore them.

Maybe as time goes on my UR stash will grow to the point where it can handle some larger objectives, but overall I'm pretty well set for what I need or use.

 

[Judique]

I see my objective - UR's for Hyatt - somewhat lines up with @calypso726 - albeit on a much smaller scale.

 

[trenty]

Like always, it depends on what you value. For some cash is king and there’s nothing wrong with that. Prior to planning Mission Impossible aka the boujee Antarctica trip, I’d mix and match earnings and savings to pay DVC dues. My dues were projected to be over $11k this year but the plague has saved me almost $2,000 in dues. I pay them in one lump sum but use different strategies as to how I’m going to pile up that sum over the course of the year.

I’ve used DVC dues to meet an MSR in one shot. This was the day the Hilton Aspire was introduced to the public. I applied, got instant approval and the card number. Then immediately logged on to DVC and paid $4,000 of my DVC dues and met the MSR about a minute after getting approved. If using dues to pay an MSR and if I’m not pressed for time, I’d buy Disney GCs at a discount from BJs and meet the MSR and save almost 5%.

I have combined and used Amex offers to buy Disney GCs when my savings is 10% or greater so I saved money on dues and earned some MRs in the process.

For me the foreseeable future is all about the UR points. Next month begins new bonus categories for the Freedom. I have two Freedom cards. I will purchase $1500 worth of Disney GCs via BJs on each card. I’ll save over $120 on dues and earn $15k UR points since I’m sure I will spend the remaining $120 at Costco quite easily.

Thank you. I actually looked at BJs online right after posting my question. I can do the online membership for only $10. But I hesitate to buy $500 through the mail. Something to ponder.

I don't have an MSR to meet and likely will not in the coming year. I will have to pay attention to Amex offers. I do watch and use them, but not for this purpose. So I will have to examine those carefully.

(My dues are less than 1K. - Nothing compared to yours!)

 

[trenty]

Well, I briefly gave thought to using some UR's, but I gave that up when I decided my original reason for maximizing UR's was to transfer to my Hyatt account for summer beach trips where the tab per night reaches $500 a night, was a way better pay off long term.

So, I collected a few 10% off gift cards with Chase and Best Buy offers (and forgot to buy the last BB gift card. That makes me good for a couple of months. So, now I must get serious and start buying again. I may be reduced to 5% off, but I've got a little time to do some research. I could even do a nice sized MSR if it paid enough.

Last year I had enough at 10% plus. I'm way behind that this year.

I've never felt the need to cover it completely, as DVC has been a part of my budget since 2000, over 20 years.

I'm Churner Light similar to yourself. More about taking advantage of a few opportunities when they refuse to let me ignore them.

Maybe as time goes on my UR stash will grow to the point where it can handle some larger objectives, but overall I'm pretty well set for what I need or use.

Yes - I have DVC in my budget too, so I don't really need to cover them 100% either. It was more like a fun challenge. LOL. I think I want to go back to earning my free rewards, but at a slow pace and use them for fun, non-essential purchases like I used to.

I will also rethink Chase offers - I do take advantage of them, but not for DVC purposes.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[Judique]

Yes - I have DVC in my budget too, so I don't really need to cover them 100% either. It was more like a fun challenge. LOL. I think I want to go back to earning my free rewards, but at a slow pace and use them for fun, non-essential purchases like I used to.

I will also rethink Chase offers - I do take advantage of them, but not for DVC purposes.

Thanks for your insight.

Chase offers for me have been pretty consistently buying Disney Gift cards at Lowes or CVS.

I quickly figured out that churning was a job, and I've retired. Maybe if I needed more or had more expensive tastes, I'd be more aggressive. Frankly, my older daughter was a big catalyst in getting me more into it in 2018 where I went over 5/24. It can be intoxicating!

 

[trenty]

Chase offers for me have been pretty consistently buying Disney Gift cards at Lowes or CVS.

I quickly figured out that churning was a job, and I've retired. Maybe if I needed more or had more expensive tastes, I'd be more aggressive. Frankly, my older daughter was a big catalyst in getting me more into it in 2018 where I went over 5/24. It can be intoxicating!

I can easily do CVS. Lowe's is a hike for me not worth taking for this purpose. Yes - I agree this is a "job" I would rather not put a lot into. I don't need to chase these discounts, just feel like I should put a little effort into it. As for churning - I have no desire.

I could do wholesale clubs next quarter - join BJs for the $10 and save quite a bit, plus earn the 5%. I can split my DVC dues into thirds and take care of them the first quarter. Then spend the remainder of the year collecting Disney cards as I come accross the deal for next years dues (or maybe a trip in the fall.) I just don't know if I trust ordering the cards through BJs online.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I can easily do CVS. Lowe's is a hike for me not worth taking for this purpose. Yes - I agree this is a "job" I would rather not put a lot into. I don't need to chase these discounts, just feel like I should put a little effort into it. As for churning - I have no desire.

I could do wholesale clubs next quarter - join BJs for the $10 and save quite a bit, plus earn the 5%. I can split my DVC dues into thirds and take care of them the first quarter. Then spend the remainder of the year collecting Disney cards as I come accross the deal for next years dues (or maybe a trip in the fall.) I just don't know if I trust ordering the cards through BJs online.

I have ordered them online the last 2 years so far no issues...hopefully my luck continues

 

[trenty]

I have ordered them online the last 2 years so far no issues...hopefully my luck continues

Good to know. Thanks.

I just checked all my chase and amex offers. I have 20% off lowes (chase) which expires soon. If I happen to be near a lowe's I may stop in. But not going to go there just for this purpose.

I also have 20% off shop rite- up to $20 (amex) which also expires soon. I may be near the closest shoprite on Sunday. I will stop in there if I am.

I also have various 5% or 10% or rite aid on a few chase cards. That one is easy to get to - but since 20% is possible I may hold off if I get to the shoprite this weekend.

 

[elgerber]

Good to know. Thanks.

I just checked all my chase and amex offers. I have 20% off lowes (chase) which expires soon. If I happen to be near a lowe's I may stop in. But not going to go there just for this purpose.

I also have 20% off shop rite- up to $20 (amex) which also expires soon. I may be near the closest shoprite on Sunday. I will stop in there if I am.

I also have various 5% or 10% or rite aid on a few chase cards. That one is easy to get to - but since 20% is possible I may hold off if I get to the shoprite this weekend.

Wow what card has 20% at Lowes?

 

[calypso726]

Thank you. I actually looked at BJs online right after posting my question. I can do the online membership for only $10. But I hesitate to buy $500 through the mail. Something to ponder.

I don't have an MSR to meet and likely will not in the coming year. I will have to pay attention to Amex offers. I do watch and use them, but not for this purpose. So I will have to examine those carefully.

(My dues are less than 1K. - Nothing compared to yours!)

Ive bought $500 GCs from BJs several times and had no issues touch wood. I also have the online $10 membership because I don’t shop there, just buy GCs online.