I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[Alexle2007]

First post here! Spent the last month reading the 381 pages here and taking a leap and putting myself out there for some advice.
I have several upcoming large spends in the next 4 months (IRS, tuition, insurance premiums, etc) that I'm currently trying to map out to maximize my rewards. In general, I'm interested in travel rewards in the form of airline or hotel points. My goto card is my Chase Southwest card; it's what i'll likely end up using if I decide not to open another card. I live in Seattle (and while SW is my preferred airline points program because of its flexibility, I am not 100% loyal to them because most of the places we fly aren't nonstop through SW). I do currently have companion pass through 2021. Other preferred airlines are Delta and Alaska. We have 5 kids + 1 grand and are currently hoping to make an international trip in the next year or 2 so I'd like to start earning miles towards those flights, but I don't know which airlines that will be yet because I will likely buy a bargain fare when the price is right. My hotel chain of choice is Hyatt, with Hilton coming in second.

Cards I have opened in last 24 months:
03/21 Chase Hyatt

Cards P2 has opened in last 24 months:
06/20 Synchrony Bank Rheem Kwik Comforts (0% offer to pay for A/C install)

In addition to my Chase SWA Premier, I also have a BoA Alaska Airlines, Delta Gold Amex, and Barclay Hawaiian cards, but only use them for specific spends and will probably cancel all 3 this year since I'm not using the benefits on them anymore and not worth paying AF for.
P2 has Chase SWA Premier

We have no business cards and have never applied for any.

• In general, we put $2-3K/month with normal monthly bills, but have some larger expenses coming up in the next few months that I would like to benefit from ($12-15k min)
• Yes, we currently pay off CC spend each month
• Typically fly out of SEA or SLC (or even SFO or LAX for international flight deals)
• prefer SWA because their points program is awesome, but also love direct flights with Alaska and Delta
• Currently have points in SW 180k, Alaska 20k, Delta 15k, Hyatt 37K (on the cusp of adding additional 30k bonus to that)
• Family/travelers consists of me, DH, DD24, DD22, DS19, DS16, DS8, DGD2 (is that right abbreviation for a granddaughter?)

Leaning towards CSR or CSP for one or both of us- or possibly the Chase United (or both?) since United has international fares and also have an adult DD moving to Chicago this summer and I believe United is based out of Chicago.

The CSP/CSR seems appealing because of its flexibility with turning points into either airline or hotel points, but the United offer seems pretty awesome too (although the united miles are a bit riskier for me since it's not a preferred airline for PNW). I am also contemplating getting Global Entry for at least hubby and myself, but waiting till i make a decision on next CC in case i can use a credit for that. I'm not opposed to referring P2 for the Chase Hyatt card. Trying to figure out the proper application/referral order. Open to any other recs. Thank you in advance for anyone willing to throw their expertise at this.

The MDD for both the CSP and CSR seems like a great option for you, if you can meet the double spend. URs can be transferred directly to SW and Hyatt. Plus you get the GE credit with the CSR.

Biz cards are not typically difficult to get. CIC and CIU are both great cards. You need to make sure you complete the app correctly- Biz Name = your name, EIN = your SSN. Many of us have several for our eBay biz, FB sales, etc.

 

[Alexle2007]

For those looking at DC, it is slowly reopening. Some of the museums and the zoo are reopening next week. Sadly, the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum aren on the list.

https://www.si.edu/museums

 

[Alexle2007]

Has anyone been to the Isle of Palms? Looking at the Wild Dunes for 4th of July week. I am not sure why we decided to go on vacation that week when everywhere is crazy busy.

 

[pinkxray]

Will Amex be able to see that I applied for the Barclay Biz card this week? I am hoping to apply for the Charles Schwab platinum soon.
Do I need to wait a certain amount of time?

 

[Alexle2007]

Will Amex be able to see that I applied for the Barclay Biz card this week? I am hoping to apply for the Charles Schwab platinum soon.
Do I need to wait a certain amount of time?

No but they wouldn’t care.

 

[disfanforlife]

I'm over here sick to my stomach....I can't find $400 in VGC! I bought them during the OM/OD offer 2 weeks ago. I thought they were in my school bag, went to grab them today and I didn't see them. I can't find them anywhere in my house. My kids are both on alert if they come across them. I'm hoping MAYBE I took them out at school this week and MAYBE they are still there. They are still in the package. I've tried to replay all I can remember. But I bought 2 sets of $200 that week. One set is in my wallet. I can't remember the details of which was which at this point.

Does Ally ever offer SUB? I'm all about a good bank bonus!


The sucky thing is, my son was the best player and I think the only one they cut. I might hit up some of the parents after this week to see how tryouts ended up. I did see a post about his team on the hockey boards. Someone was trashing the team, which makes me think maybe another kid got cut, LOL. My DD has been on travel soccer since 6, so I've got 10 years in the hell that is tryouts. This is my son's 4th season trying out for travel. I know that you're never guaranteed a spot season to season. But to be told you're the best player, and then the last month to be told you've been playing your best hockey......

I hope that you find the VGC! That is something that concerns my DH. He says to me you have too many different GC.
Ally had a bonus last year of up to $250. It ended March 2020, I haven’t seen another one since then.

 

[calypso726]

First post here! Spent the last month reading the 381 pages here and taking a leap and putting myself out there for some advice.
I have several upcoming large spends in the next 4 months (IRS, tuition, insurance premiums, etc) that I'm currently trying to map out to maximize my rewards. In general, I'm interested in travel rewards in the form of airline or hotel points. My goto card is my Chase Southwest card; it's what i'll likely end up using if I decide not to open another card. I live in Seattle (and while SW is my preferred airline points program because of its flexibility, I am not 100% loyal to them because most of the places we fly aren't nonstop through SW). I do currently have companion pass through 2021. Other preferred airlines are Delta and Alaska. We have 5 kids + 1 grand and are currently hoping to make an international trip in the next year or 2 so I'd like to start earning miles towards those flights, but I don't know which airlines that will be yet because I will likely buy a bargain fare when the price is right. My hotel chain of choice is Hyatt, with Hilton coming in second.

Cards I have opened in last 24 months:
03/21 Chase Hyatt

Cards P2 has opened in last 24 months:
06/20 Synchrony Bank Rheem Kwik Comforts (0% offer to pay for A/C install)

In addition to my Chase SWA Premier, I also have a BoA Alaska Airlines, Delta Gold Amex, and Barclay Hawaiian cards, but only use them for specific spends and will probably cancel all 3 this year since I'm not using the benefits on them anymore and not worth paying AF for.
P2 has Chase SWA Premier

We have no business cards and have never applied for any.

• In general, we put $2-3K/month with normal monthly bills, but have some larger expenses coming up in the next few months that I would like to benefit from ($12-15k min)
• Yes, we currently pay off CC spend each month
• Typically fly out of SEA or SLC (or even SFO or LAX for international flight deals)
• prefer SWA because their points program is awesome, but also love direct flights with Alaska and Delta
• Currently have points in SW 180k, Alaska 20k, Delta 15k, Hyatt 37K (on the cusp of adding additional 30k bonus to that)
• Family/travelers consists of me, DH, DD24, DD22, DS19, DS16, DS8, DGD2 (is that right abbreviation for a granddaughter?)

Leaning towards CSR or CSP for one or both of us- or possibly the Chase United (or both?) since United has international fares and also have an adult DD moving to Chicago this summer and I believe United is based out of Chicago.

The CSP/CSR seems appealing because of its flexibility with turning points into either airline or hotel points, but the United offer seems pretty awesome too (although the united miles are a bit riskier for me since it's not a preferred airline for PNW). I am also contemplating getting Global Entry for at least hubby and myself, but waiting till i make a decision on next CC in case i can use a credit for that. I'm not opposed to referring P2 for the Chase Hyatt card. Trying to figure out the proper application/referral order. Open to any other recs. Thank you in advance for anyone willing to throw their expertise at this.

It appears your best bet will be to stick with Chase and UR points. You are looking for bargain international fares for a number of people. More often than not paying with URs via the Chase travel portal with a CSR account will be a better play than transferring the URs to an airline for seats in coach. The CSR will make your points more valuable in the portal at 1.5 vs 1.25. When the time comes to pull the trigger, if you find it would be less points for an award seat on United you can transfer the points 1;1 instantly. In your situation, I would not be getting the United card. My suggestion would be to go for an MDD on the CSP/CSR. Then have P2 go for an MDD on the CSP/CSR. I'd look at getting a CIC, CFF and CFU.

The Chase family of cards allows you to earn more URs at a faster rate via bonus categories. The Freedom Flex has rotating 5x categories for up to $1500 in spend each quarter. DH and I each have 3 Freedom cards for the express purpose of maxing out quarterly bonus categories. That amounts to 60k UR a year with no AF, no hard pull.

A CIC will give you 5x at office supply stores (up to $25K per year spend) which sell gift cards for 3rd party merchants which can get you close to 5x on most of your shopping. Staples and OD/OM often have sales that eliminate the activation fee on VGC and MCGCs which can get you even closer to 5x on all spend. When you are shopping online, you can find many merchants through the Chase UR shopping portal and beef up your URs by shopping through there. We each have the old Ink Plus which is like the CIC for 5x at office supply stores but lets you spend $50k a year in bonus categories. This is the work horse of our UR family of cards.

Hope this helps

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Has anyone been to the Isle of Palms? Looking at the Wild Dunes for 4th of July week. I am not sure why we decided to go on vacation that week when everywhere is crazy busy.

In Charleston? If so, we go every year. Its our favorite beach in the Charleston area (and dogs are allowed!). Although we live close enough we either go for just the day, or stay with friends in the area, so I have no knowledge about accommodations. But yes, expect crowds at that time. And no one wearing masks.

 

[Judique]

Sorry about the crocs. That is annoying when you find a shoe you really like and then can’t get it anymore.

I was inspired to check their website again by this thread and they have a 'new' flip flop out called bayaband flip. This is 'I think' the same flip that I usually wear so I signed up as a customer on my gmail address and ordered a couple of pairs. The difference I see is the garish crocs name on the sole - sole was plain white on the older model. I can probably live with that to feel the comfort of the foot bed. The sign up got me 25% off the order. I could never wear the enclosed crocs with the back strap - they rubbed and made a blister.

Now I have to find some 'fancier' sandals also, preferably a leather top in some medium colors. I used to get some sandals and flats in the brand 'Born' but those have mostly gone extinct, it appears. I've had Merrell and Clarks and others over the years....many that I buy, try, wear once and donate.

 

[Judique]

When did this happen? I’m asking because DH was instantly denied the Marriott biz card on 4/14 and the letter we got in the mail said it was specifically because he already held the maximum number of cards. He has Hilton surpass, Hilton biz, delta biz, and I had forgotten to count his biz green card. Do you think this is something he could take to recon if the rule has officially changed?

Probably just reapply.

edit: Or, Recon as suggested above! (under 30 days)

 

[Shannon G]

Has anyone been to the Isle of Palms? Looking at the Wild Dunes for 4th of July week. I am not sure why we decided to go on vacation that week when everywhere is crazy busy.

We rented a house on Isle of Palms over April break a number of years ago, and we loved it! We were not in Wild Dunes, we were further south on the island, but I have heard good things about Wild Dunes as well. Charleston is a short drive away, and is a beautiful city.

 

[Judique]

@Hoosier John - checking Amex cards for offers this morning - there was the popup that I almost closed out immediately. It's usually the one asking for income update, but no, today it was a pay over time one.

I have 2 MR cards - the Rose Gold and the Optima from 20plus years ago.

I got an offer to add pay over time for 20,000 MR's.

Naturally, I took it! Just last week I cashed in 5000 MR's leaving me exactly 1 MR. As soon as these drop in, I will cash them out also.

 

[havaneselover]

DD's computer for college is ordered! I maybe was able to use two Amex offers which should save me about $260. Both offers are about to expire and the computer won't ship for a while so I'm fine if they don't credit but it would be great if they do. Down to 3.5 months until she heads south.

 

[Alexle2007]

In Charleston? If so, we go every year. Its our favorite beach in the Charleston area (and dogs are allowed!). Although we live close enough we either go for just the day, or stay with friends in the area, so I have no knowledge about accommodations. But yes, expect crowds at that time. And no one wearing masks.

Thanks, yes! Sadly, the resort doesn’t allow dogs so Puggles will need to go to my friend’s house. I really wanted to take him since we would be driving but I don’t want to pay a $350 fee for it.

 

[snowmanlover]

Has anyone been to the Isle of Palms? Looking at the Wild Dunes for 4th of July week. I am not sure why we decided to go on vacation that week when everywhere is crazy busy.

Was there 2 days ago! We are in Charleston and drove over for a quick look because my daughter was there a few years ago and loved it. We just drove through as it was raining. It seems to be a very laid back place. Seemed like mostly houses and condos, no big hotels, unless we missed them.

 

[afan]

I was inspired to check their website again by this thread and they have a 'new' flip flop out called bayaband flip. This is 'I think' the same flip that I usually wear so I signed up as a customer on my gmail address and ordered a couple of pairs. The difference I see is the garish crocs name on the sole - sole was plain white on the older model. I can probably live with that to feel the comfort of the foot bed. The sign up got me 25% off the order. I could never wear the enclosed crocs with the back strap - they rubbed and made a blister.

Now I have to find some 'fancier' sandals also, preferably a leather top in some medium colors. I used to get some sandals and flats in the brand 'Born' but those have mostly gone extinct, it appears. I've had Merrell and Clarks and others over the years....many that I buy, try, wear once and donate.

I like vionic but they do have a built in arch support so not for everyone. But it's what I need. They have a variety of styles but I find I don't always like them but I'm super picky too.

 

[mfly]

Spent a LOT of money on the Orlando Informer Meetup this morning... was frustrated to not have have a MS to put it toward.

We decided to get tickets at the last minute and I was flipping through my cards trying to figure out what to put it on!

Excited for the Meetup though! We did one last December and I’ll never do Universal any other way again!

 

[platamama]

I got an offer to add pay over time for 20,000 MR's.

DH got that too on his Gold within the past couple days, and the 20K have already posted. That was fast.

 

[pinkxray]

I signed up for the Dec. 3 meet up. I am so excited they release new dates that fell over our trip.

Not thrilled about spending $400 for me and DD but it did finish the spend on my CIU!

 

[pinkxray]

I think I may have convinced DH to let me sign him up for a CSP. He said he will think about it and let me know after work.
Cross your fingers he agrees. That will at least pay for a plane ticket to Hawaii.
He is anti credit cards to its always a battle to get him to open a card.