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

[StephPlum]

So happy about the SW increased offer. DH needs to go for a CP for a trip to Hawaii. Also, taking a break from might be a good thing. I somehow missed I could support to ANY SW card! Caught it in time. Just waiting until 1/15 to have enough time between last Chase app. Why does time move slower when I am waiting to apply for a card?!?

 

[miztressuz]

Just noticed this post about the new runDisney membership. I know there's folks here that churn to run so this might be interesting.

While I know Disney is a master at getting people to pay money in order to pay them more money... this actually sounds like a worthwhile membership if runDisney races are important to you. Of course it's pricey, but at the higher levels it'll guarantee an opportunity to get a spot in certain race distances through an early registration. Not sure what people shell out now to do that, but I know some people would do a lot just to get in.

https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-storie...mbership-for-runners-with-new-club-rundisney/

 

[StephPlum]

At the current $450 AF, you would break even at 22,000 URs spent in travel, and anything over 22,000 you'd do better with the CSR.

If it goes to $550 AF, that break even would increase to 62,000 URs, assuming whatever Chase adds on as a benefit for the $100 increase is of no value to you.

Math: (CSF $AF - 300) - CIP $95AF. Take that and divide by 0.0025, which is the difference between the 1.5x - 1.25x.

Once again, I"d have to math the situation out.

Current Math: $450 AF on CSR minus $300 travel credit I am spending anyway = $150. Difference between $150 CSR - $95 CIP/CSP = $55.
Possible future math: $550 on CSR minus travel credit I am spending anyway - $250. DIfference between #250 CSR - $95 CIP/CSP = $155

I"d still keep it. We booked 4 nights at Ashford Castle with UR points for next year. All in the price of the hotel was $4,117. We "paid" 274,477 UR points through the CSR. If I had a CSP/CIP I would have had to pay 329,372 UR points. That's a difference of 54,895 points. That's a $548 statement credit, CSP/CIP value of $686 or CSR value of $823. For the way I redeem points via UR it is still more vaulable for me to keep the card even if they raise the fee for something I can't or won't use. PCing the card would cost me too much money lost in point redemption.

I get that not everyone goes through and redeems points the way we do. But even those doing once a year redemptions may want to look at their own mat before jumping the gun one way or the other.

Let's say you are going to redeem a $500 RT flight for a party of 2. That's $1000. If you hold a CSP or CIP that should cost you 80,000 UR points. If you hold a CSR those flights would cost you 66,666 points. That is a difference of 13,334 points which is equivalent to $166 in the CSP/CIP UR portal. So holding the CIP/CSP over the CSR just cost you $166 in points. If someone is redeeming $1,000 or more via the UR portal each year, then they may be looking at a small loss, or in my case a huge loss by PCing the card if it goes up to $550.

Just went back to look. I've redeemed 95K URs in first year of CSR and so far 97K in my second year (Sept anniv date). The CSR is much better for me than CIP/CSP even if it goes to $550 AF if I keep this up. The UR portal works well for me. I am not looking at Disney though. I am booking car rentals, experiences or hotels in or near the NPs. Though some of those redemptions were for US.

I would not be happy with an AF increase, especially for DoorDash as I would not use it. But if it went to $550, I would still keep my CSR. Agree with the comments that for each person they need to do the math for their situation. It will vary for each person and how they use the URs.

 

[jhoannam]

I purchased the $50 Disney e-card. Amex credit posted within 4-5 days.

Thanks!!

Same here.

Thanks for the DP.

 

[disfanforlife]

No way! I loved reading through your dilemma. That’s the kind of thing I suffer through in silence because I don’t want people to think I’m crazy. Now I know I’m not alone. So thank you for that

Me too, thats why I was trying to help. I know how it feels.

 

[disfanforlife]

Cross-support would actually get you 95k including the base points. When I factor in the value of the CP I think it even beats 2 sips for me.

I have been thinking about it that way too. If they do a similar offer later in the year - I will definitely have P2 apply. Especially if the 6 months could extend into January next year.....

 

[striker1064]

Exciting News! I convinced the husband that I could do a trip to New York to take my daughter to see Hamilton for a quick 3 day trip (June 1st-3rd) using points for flight, hotel and tickets. I have AA miles and this looks like a decent deal for non stop, San Antonio to LaGuardia (Never used AA miles so tell me if I'm wrong). I'm going to use UR's to book a hotel, and I will use UR's to wipe away the tickets for the show, ($200 each )View attachment 463261

Now I need help choosing a hotel. I want to be close, but I don't know what district to look in (well I think I do, Midtown or Manhattan?)
How far is to far from the area?
Thanks!

I have some thoughts.

1) TWO HUNDRED DOLLARYDOOS FOR HAMILTON??? We might be taking a trip back to see it again...

2) There are so many good hotels at different price points it's hard to say. I don't advocate staying in Times Square because it's a mess, but the previously mentioned Marriott Marquis is a good one because the rooms are large. You mentioned you have a Marriott cert - is it a 35k cert? Choices are limited unfortunately because Marriott raised the price on a lot of NYC hotels.

I did a search on your dates and I see the following 35k/night hotels available:
- Element Times Square - Avoid.
- Four Points Times Square - Okay? This is a couple blocks of TS too, so it's better, but still busy.

And that's it. Wow Marriott, what's up with that? Everything else category 5 is over 35k/night.

Do you have any other hotel points or are you sticking with URs? Do you have an idea of what you'd like to pay? Prices vary wildly. Off the top of my head, I'd check out the Hilton Garden Inn New York Central Park South-Midtown West. Usually has good rates and it's in a great location in a less busy area north of Times Square on 54th St, and the Richard Rodgers Theatre is an easy walk down 8th Ave to 46th St. There are also tons of boutique non-chain hotels that might be a better use of URs too, but they get pricey.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So happy about the SW increased offer. DH needs to go for a CP for a trip to Hawaii. Also, taking a break from might be a good thing. I somehow missed I could support to ANY SW card! Caught it in time. Just waiting until 1/15 to have enough time between last Chase app. Why does time move slower when I am waiting to apply for a card?!?

MDD? Or just one card?

 

[orangecuse]

For those with the Amex Offer for Sam's online, has anyone received the credit for doing a $50 Disney e-card?

Me! Just today actually!

 

[Lain]

@wanderlust7, @CaliforniaGirl09, @mmmears, @NewbieMom, @tink89 (and other Bay Area folks) - I forgot to mention that the Lowe’s I’ve been going to (San Bruno) asked me how I was paying when I tried to buy a GC with my Amex Offer this past weekend, and told me they only accept Lowe’s credit or cash (maybe debit too?). This is new. The San Bruno store moved all GC purchases from the regular cashiers to the customer service desk a few months ago, but I was still able to buy GCs with CCs as recently as just before Christmas. A bit over a year ago, the Lowe’s store in SF on Bayshore also changed their policy to accept only cash or debit for GC purchases. [ETA: This seems to be store-by-store policy so YMMV at other stores, but it seems to be slowly spreading.] The next nearest Lowe’s store for me is Sunnyvale, or across the bridge in Union City or Fremont. None of which are very economical options for 10% off unless I do the entire deal in one run when I’m in the area. C’est la vie.

 

[PolyRob]

I just got an e-mail from Amex that I was automatically enrolled in pay over time on my personal Plat. I have to opt out because I want one of those targeted MR offers! Just a warning if anyone else has it happen.

 

[disfanforlife]

Exciting News! I convinced the husband that I could do a trip to New York to take my daughter to see Hamilton for a quick 3 day trip (June 1st-3rd) using points for flight, hotel and tickets. I have AA miles and this looks like a decent deal for non stop, San Antonio to LaGuardia (Never used AA miles so tell me if I'm wrong). I'm going to use UR's to book a hotel, and I will use UR's to wipe away the tickets for the show, ($200 each )View attachment 463261

Now I need help choosing a hotel. I want to be close, but I don't know what district to look in (well I think I do, Midtown or Manhattan?)
How far is to far from the area?
Thanks!

That is fantastic!!! The last time I stayed in NYC a couple of years ago we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on 8th avenue. It was an easy walk to Times Square and all of the theatres. I have been thinking about going down again. I need a Broadway fix!! Lucky for us it would not involve a flight. We can take the Amtrak as I live in upsate NY. I haven't seen Hamilton, but my son did. I actually chaperond with is school when they went down and kids in the drama club did a broadway theatre workshop and tickets to Hamilton were included with the package. Not for me though. If I wanted to go they were crazy expensive. I ended up going to see another show with some other parents while the lucky kids saw Hamilton.

 

[nickle831]

I have some thoughts.

1) TWO HUNDRED DOLLARYDOOS FOR HAMILTON??? We might be taking a trip back to see it again...

2) There are so many good hotels at different price points it's hard to say. I don't advocate staying in Times Square because it's a mess, but the previously mentioned Marriott Marquis is a good one because the rooms are large. You mentioned you have a Marriott cert - is it a 35k cert? Choices are limited unfortunately because Marriott raised the price on a lot of NYC hotels.

I did a search on your dates and I see the following 35k/night hotels available:
- Element Times Square - Avoid.
- Four Points Times Square - Okay? This is a couple blocks of TS too, so it's better, but still busy.

And that's it. Wow Marriott, what's up with that? Everything else category 5 is over 35k/night.

Do you have any other hotel points or are you sticking with URs? Do you have an idea of what you'd like to pay? Prices vary wildly. Off the top of my head, I'd check out the Hilton Garden Inn New York Central Park South-Midtown West. Usually has good rates and it's in a great location in a less busy area north of Times Square on 54th St, and the Richard Rodgers Theatre is an easy walk down 8th Ave to 46th St. There are also tons of boutique non-chain hotels that might be a better use of URs too, but they get pricey.

LOL ya $200 is a pretty good price when you start looking and realize those tickets are a hot commodity. I've just never paid that much for play tickets before. Checked that off the bucket list today.
Scary story though this morning I went on to buy the tickets and every day of the week I was looking at and the week before and after was saying all sold out, not even the ones that were bought and being resold were showing. I was so bummed. Then I tried again Incognito and boom they were all there again, and there was lots of $200 options available. I actually ended up buying seats on the floor for $239 each instead. Yep through price caution to the wind.

Thanks for the info on the hotels. I've been checking all the hotel chains. I'm not to picky, I just want to be in a "safeish area," and I want to be able to walk to restaurants. I can uber to the theater if I need to.

 

[needsomesun]

Don't think anyone posted this yet. Extra points for Hilton stays. Looks like it's good on award stays as well. Timing worked out for me. I have five nights next month. Not like 2k Hilton points are worth much, but I'll take it.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/hilt...000-points-every-10-nights-1-6-2020-5-3-2020/

DH has 2 hilton stays for work in the next two weeks, so I'll take it. Might be the first hotel promotion that worked out for us, because we usually are paying with points instead.

 

[miztressuz]

Tried to PC my CSP to a CSR this morning. The rep told me their systems won’t allow PCs until after the 12th. I really hope this isn’t due to an annual fee increase.

Argh, it might. There's rumor going from DoC's comments there's more updates rolling out on 1/12 for a Lyft credit and so from 1/12 new apps will get a new AF.
Could be a really awesome troll or the 1/12 dates are lining up.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chas...ormally-9-99-a-month-for-free/#comment-867175https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chas...ormally-9-99-a-month-for-free/#comment-867252
Of course my AF is going to hit 5/1. Guess I'll start now convincing hubby that it's his turn

 

[happ]

Just noticed this post about the new runDisney membership. I know there's folks here that churn to run so this might be interesting.

While I know Disney is a master at getting people to pay money in order to pay them more money... this actually sounds like a worthwhile membership if runDisney races are important to you. Of course it's pricey, but at the higher levels it'll guarantee an opportunity to get a spot in certain race distances through an early registration. Not sure what people shell out now to do that, but I know some people would do a lot just to get in.

https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-storie...mbership-for-runners-with-new-club-rundisney/

I think the most upsetting thing about this is the upgraded corral placement. Runners work hard to get times that will place them in certain corrals. Will they get bumped back to another corral so those that paid for this club can take their spot? They only allow so many people per corral.

 

[DaveL]

I have not followed the CSR rumors here closely, but if they are raising the AF $100 they better add back Disney!!!

 

[Lain]

agreed AMEX isn't widely used though in most places I've tried outside of the US I would hope if they raised the annual fee the multiplier would move up with the times say 4-5x I know I haven't been using it anywhere except places I think AMEX will code as bars for 3x. vs 1x with the gold.

With so many cards offering 3x (or better) on travel and dining now, and the Amex Gold earning 4x on dining, I would love to see the CSR bump up its category bonuses to 4-5x. That’s definitely a way to get ongoing spend on their card. 3x is so 2016.

 

[calypso726]

haha May I be so lucky as to reach her level one day But at the moment, I rarely use the portal. I mostly do point transfers & have only booked some activities and tickets through the portal. That extra 25% is worth $150 for us but probably not $250. We do spend enough in travel & dining to be able to absorb the $100 increase but of course that cuts into the earnings.


Blaaah! I just paid my AF so at least I have until next December but I'm going to assume it's increasing. Blah.


Last year we used just below 50K UR through the portal. I'm hoping DoorDash is not the only new benefit.


I think I read that the average HHI for holders of the CSR is around $150K so I'm sure it would cost Chase more or less nothing to hand another mediocre food or travel benefit to that audience courtesy of a company that would love to have them, and it might make a potential increase more palatable. Even with the restrictive dining credits, Amex Gold is a good card. I wish Chase would bump dining to 4x. (It won't happen.)

interesting..... I think if all these awful prophecies about CSR come true I'm out.... I'll use my UR creatively another way. I'd prob just transfer a lot for whatever. That price point is over my head. But I'm one of those cheapskates,I'm not looking for the most luxurious experience,I'm looking for the most decent experience that's the best bargain (i.e. $0) but I can see why You and others calculate differently. (hence my decision on upcoming UO onsite hotel...I chose the best one I could find that was also the cheapest, but NOT their cheapest onsite option,since I could have gone cheaper, but the experience wasn't what I wanted) -same with UR's....I had 'only' a CSP for years before the advent of the CSR....and dang if I didn;t work those points every which way!

Just went back to look. I've redeemed 95K URs in first year of CSR and so far 97K in my second year (Sept anniv date). The CSR is much better for me than CIP/CSP even if it goes to $550 AF if I keep this up. The UR portal works well for me. I am not looking at Disney though. I am booking car rentals, experiences or hotels in or near the NPs. Though some of those redemptions were for US.

I would not be happy with an AF increase, especially for DoorDash as I would not use it. But if it went to $550, I would still keep my CSR. Agree with the comments that for each person they need to do the math for their situation. It will vary for each person and how they use the URs.

I don’t put much spend on this card beyond tolls for the travel credit and bringing it with me on international trips. Outside of that it is a sock drawer card. I will not be happy with an increased fee. That said, downgrading isn’t an option. I used to use the UR points just for airline transfers but that has changed. I now use it more for accommodations I can’t get with other points and don’t want to pay real money for. Everyone’s usage is different and requires they do their own math. Clearly I’m keeping the card.

 

[NewbieMom]

@wanderlust7, @CaliforniaGirl09, @mmmears, @NewbieMom, @tink89 (and other Bay Area folks) - I forgot to mention that the Lowe’s I’ve been going to (San Bruno) asked me how I was paying when I tried to buy a GC with my Amex Offer this past weekend, and told me they only accept Lowe’s credit or cash (maybe debit too?). This is new. The San Bruno store moved all GC purchases from the regular cashiers to the customer service desk a few months ago, but I was still able to buy GCs with CCs as recently as just before Christmas. About a year ago, the Lowe’s store in SF on Bayshore also changed their policy to accept only cash or debit for GC purchases. The next nearest Lowe’s store for me is Sunnyvale, or across the bridge in Union City or Fremont. None of which are very economical options for 10% off unless I do the entire deal in one run when I’m in the area. C’est la vie.

That really sucks! I've never been to the San Bruno location. I used my last Lowe's Amex offer in Sunnyvale with no issues (paid with cc). I haven't started the new 10% offer, but I was in the store over the holidays for home stuff and still see all the gcs displayed out in the center aisle and no signage that cc isn't allowed.