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

[calypso726]

Hello,
I'm looking to do the exact same thing, apply for the Barclays Hawaii card to go to Hawaii in August 2022. I've never played the Credit card game before and am trying to figure out the process. I need 3 cards, Boyfriend and I and my 2 adult (employed) children with their SOs. They will each apply for their own card once I figure out when it's the best time to apply. My trip is early August (to celebrate my birthday), the kids will mostly likely cancel their cards after the trips so I'm trying to maximize without them having to pay for 2 years of fees. How did you decide when to apply for cards? and what are some of the creative ways with MSR? I told the kids I will help with the MSR. Thanks for any advice!!

I plan most trips 2 years out. One year to find out which points will work best for the trip and get the cards I need and have the points in place for the trip. Some fights will require more miles if the airline is distance based. Some flights will require more due to dynamic pricing. I need to know what the range might be so I know how many miles I have to accumulate. I need them in place to book my flights at 331~ days out when the flights are released.

Before I apply for a card I also need to make sure that the points from that card will work best for me. I do that by making searches and practice bookings to see which airlines have the most flights to where I am going. If my flight gets canceled or grounded, I want to have options. This has happened to us several times over the years. Some airlines only release a limited number of award seats so I want to see what my chances look like especially if I am using partner miles. This is a precaution for those who are booking first and business class seats. The number will be limited. Some airlines only release 2 and others more. If you are booking in coach you have more leeway. I’d suggest finding out when Hawaii Air releases award seats, how many miles they will be and what availability looks like. Hope these suggestions on timing out card applications and strategies help.

 

[happ]

Thanks! Since I don't have a MSR, I'm focusing on maximizing the bonus categories now. The way you put it I guess I can just charge to the CIU for 1.5 and not deal with PYB.

I could be wrong, and someone please check my math on this, but I think PYB is much better than the CIU if you already have a stash of URs. For example,

$150 purchase
150 points earned on purchase (CSR)
10,000 points to erase purchase
net cost 98.50

$150 purchase
225 points earned on purchase (CIU)
net cost 147.75

 

[Princess Michele]

Now that I have cc's which earn different amounts of points/cashback for various categories I am trying to make sure that I use them to the best advantage. I have a few questions regarding using them at WDW if anyone has any answers.

If I use my CSP to pay the balance on my WDW resort room either before I arrive or on arrival I am assuming the charge will code as travel.

If I use my CSP as the card on file and I charge my dining and purchases to my resort room will those charges code as travel or would they be coded individually as dining and other?

If I use my CSP to pay for my dining at each meal instead of charging to my room would those charges code as dining?

Thank you.

 

[wanderlust7]

Thanks! Since I don't have a MSR, I'm focusing on maximizing the bonus categories now. The way you put it I guess I can just charge to the CIU for 1.5 and not deal with PYB.

I could be wrong, and someone please check my math on this, but I think PYB is much better than the CIU if you already have a stash of URs. For example,

$150 purchase
150 points earned on purchase (CSR)
10,000 points to erase purchase
net cost 98.50

$150 purchase
225 points earned on purchase (CIU)
net cost 147.75

I think the more important question is if the goal is to cash out UR at 1.5? If it is, the earning rate on the spend is not that important (IMO). I think the only category now where you can get 3x and PYB on CSR is dining? Not that easy a category to maximize.

I've PYB'd some. But the rest I'm saving for Hyatt stays where I can get more than 1.5 cpp.

ETA: On second thought, if the amount to PYB is not high and/or dining spend is high, maybe it does make sense to only do it for that category.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Now that I have cc's which earn different amounts of points/cashback for various categories I am trying to make sure that I use them to the best advantage. I have a few questions regarding using them at WDW if anyone has any answers.

If I use my CSP to pay the balance on my WDW resort room either before I arrive or on arrival I am assuming the charge will code as travel.

If I use my CSP as the card on file and I charge my dining and purchases to my resort room will those charges code as travel or would they be coded individually as dining and other?

If I use my CSP to pay for my dining at each meal instead of charging to my room would those charges code as dining?

Thank you.

I’ll try to help where I can with our experience

We own DVC so can’t answer the room resort paid in advance...

I’ve paid my room charges with my CSR and it codes as travel...and when I pay dining directly at the restaurant it codes as dining...so if you want to use PYB...pay at each restaurant

 

[NewbieMom]

I could be wrong, and someone please check my math on this, but I think PYB is much better than the CIU if you already have a stash of URs. For example,

$150 purchase
150 points earned on purchase (CSR)
10,000 points to erase purchase
net cost 98.50

$150 purchase
225 points earned on purchase (CIU)
net cost 147.75

Thanks for doing the math!

I think the more important question is if the goal is to cash out UR at 1.5? If it is, the earning rate on the spend is not that important (IMO). I think the only category now where you can get 3x and PYB on CSR is dining? Not that easy a category to maximize.

I've PYB'd some. But the rest I'm saving for Hyatt stays where I can get more than 1.5 cpp.

ETA: On second thought, if the amount to PYB is not high and/or dining spend is high, maybe it does make sense to only do it for that category.

I think you nailed it. I don't really have clear travel goals right now, and since I don't have a MSR, I'm just trying to maximize earnings and hoard points. The water heater would use up all the URs I have. Even though I'm not sure I would get more than 1.5cpp, I feel like I should save them just in case especially since Chase seems to have blacklisted me and I haven't been able to get approved and earn more.

 

[Hoosier John]

On other notes..... P2 (unbeknownst to him ) has apped for instant approval csp this am. Still considering mdd territory...please convince me that it's worth a try? Even tho I have an easy spend coming up due to some bills, it's "only" an extra 63k.....

Mine too! Instant approval. Downgraded his CSR three weeks ago (approx) to a Freedom Flex. I'm not going for the DD.

You two obviously have very wise "P2s"

hsmamato2, I had my wife do the MDD because she had a low x/24 count, and the bonus(es) only come around once every 48 months for the Sapphire line.

Hi, I'm Donna - my approved cards from the last 24 months are as follows:

3/21 - CAPITAL ONE Quicksilver
3/21 - TJX Rewards (TJ Maxx)
11/20 - Fingerhut
7/20 - CAPITAL ONE Secured

The amount I spend on credit cards fluctuates, depending on how I'm doing financially. Ideally, I would like to start charging my groceries and gas each month and paying off at the end of the month - roughly $1500. I can also charge my misc. and incidentals budget each month which would be around $200. I would like to look into paying some bills / extracurricular activity tuition with cards, but have never done this so would have to look into it more. I currently have small balances on my cards but will be paying them off shortly. I was left with bad credit after my separation, which is why I opened the secured card and Fingerhut card. I am working my way back to good credit.

I fly out of the Albany airport (NY), Southwest does service this airport. I have no current points or miles and no preferred reward program. My travel party consists of myself and my two children. My goal is to help fund expenses for a Disney World trip with a time frame of 2-3 years.

I'm thinking the Discover It card would be the next best step, to continue building credit. It has 5% in categories that rotate every quarter year. Then 12 months later Discover gives you a bonus 5% match on the first year's bonuses.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) has a 1.25x Pay Yourself Back bonus on groceries and gas, right now for $95 fee.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) has a 1.50x Pay Yourself Back bonus on groceries and gas, right now for $550 fee.
There are ways to offset the high fees

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred (BCP) cards offer 6x on groceries (and streaming) for a $95 fee.

Let's see what other folks like for you, but if I understand your situation well enough, I'm thinking the Discover It right now.

Question on PYB, I haven't really used it yet. We unexpectedly need a new water heater. Can I charge it on a CIU (1.5x) and use PYB through my CSR (another 1.5x)? Thinking not now that I typed that out. Is it only 1x if I charge on the CSR? I remember home improvement was a bonus category at one point but not sure if it's expired.

Thanks! Since I don't have a MSR, I'm focusing on maximizing the bonus categories now. The way you put it I guess I can just charge to the CIU for 1.5 and not deal with PYB.

I could be wrong, and someone please check my math on this, but I think PYB is much better than the CIU if you already have a stash of URs. For example,

$150 purchase
150 points earned on purchase (CSR)
10,000 points to erase purchase
net cost 98.50

$150 purchase
225 points earned on purchase (CIU)
net cost 147.75

I think the more important question is if the goal is to cash out UR at 1.5? If it is, the earning rate on the spend is not that important (IMO). I think the only category now where you can get 3x and PYB on CSR is dining? Not that easy a category to maximize.

I've PYB'd some. But the rest I'm saving for Hyatt stays where I can get more than 1.5 cpp.

ETA: On second thought, if the amount to PYB is not high and/or dining spend is high, maybe it does make sense to only do it for that category.

I was thinking like happ that the CSR's PYB has the best reward, unless like wanderlust7 suggests that you are saving URs. In that case I would say use a CF to earn 5% this quarter on Home Improvement stores.

 

[WVMomof3]

There are more Chase bonus points offers out. Chase is offering spend bonuses on their co-branded cards from May 15 – August 15, 2021. The offers are basically 5x on travel and gas stations (and 6x, 7x or 8x on the specific brand). You can check your cards at the mybonus link.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chas...-hyatt-ihg-avios-cards-disney-aarp-starbucks/

 

[elgerber]

There are more Chase bonus points offers out. Chase is offering spend bonuses on their co-branded cards from May 15 – August 15, 2021. The offers are basically 5x on travel and gas stations (and 6x, 7x or 8x on the specific brand). You can check your cards at the mybonus link.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chas...-hyatt-ihg-avios-cards-disney-aarp-starbucks/

Sure, this one I get on my primary card LOL. At least I do have a hotel stay in a couple of weeks.

 

[donan1212]

Thank you!

 

[ski_mom]

If anyone is planning on using the Saks credit soon, Rakuten has 20% back at Saks today - would make it a good time to order.

 

[snugglebug]

Circling back on this one, did anyone else receive it? I'm wondering how many times it can be used.

"*$10 Statement Credit: To be eligible for this offer, you must activate by 07/31/21, 11:59 p.m. E.T. You’ll earn a $10 statement credit when you make bill payments totaling $20 or more in the reward categories listed below during the promotional period. For a purchase to qualify for this offer, the merchant must submit charges to your credit card by the last day of the promotional period 07/31/21. All of your eligible purchases during the promotional period will be automatically counted, as long as you have enrolled by 07/31/21. Please allow up to 8 weeks after qualifying purchases post to your account for statement credit to post to your account. "

I'm not sure I can, or even would, but if my internet provider allowed partial charges (looks like cell is included and I know T-mobile allows it) would I be able to do 3 to 4 charges and save $30-$40?!
I completely forgot about this promo and already paid bills this month, saw a Twitter from Doc about Chase promo offers and remembered it.

Got this email for Freedom:
Spend $20 on a monthly bill, get $10 statement credit. Exp 7/31. Good for phone service, internet, cable utilities and insurance.

You might be able to try this link: https://www.chase.com/mybonus

View attachment 571450

 

[ctinct]

Just found an interesting new offer on my CSR. 10% back at Stop and Shop, up to $11,00. I don’t buy many groceries there because they’re expensive, but plan to do a gift card with a few groceries thrown in.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I was able to get the bonus offer activated for my disney card. Question about the Disney purchases and the bonus 5%. So pretty much anything Disney will get the 5% bonus?

From 5/15/21 to 8/15/21, you'll earn 5% total in Disney Rewards Dollars for every $1 you spend at most Disney locations, gas stations and on other travel purchases on up to $1,500 in total.

*What the fine print says:
You will earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars total for each $1 spent on qualifying purchases made at Disney locations that are solely owned and operated by Disney

 

[Judique]

There are more Chase bonus points offers out. Chase is offering spend bonuses on their co-branded cards from May 15 – August 15, 2021. The offers are basically 5x on travel and gas stations (and 6x, 7x or 8x on the specific brand). You can check your cards at the mybonus link.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chas...-hyatt-ihg-avios-cards-disney-aarp-starbucks/

I already had Disney and Hyatt. Now I have IHG and Marriott. The first 2 are finished but I doubt I'll spend on the last 2 as gas for me is about $10 a month or less, travel is minimal and I have points bookings at the Marriotts. I interpret travel as airplane and hotels.

 

[sinnika]

Hope you are feeling better...but how frustrating..what are your total CLs with Chase..business and personal cards...Chase does not like to extend more than 50% of household income or around $75k....you could offer to reallocate credit from an existing business card to the new card
I also make sure to pay off any outstanding balances prior to applying for a new card

for the SW card I would look at my RR account to see when the points posted last year

Sorry for the long delay in replying. I am finally going back to work today after some scary lung complications from outpatient surgery. I’m feeling so much better. I reduced my CL on all of my Chase cards and closed my SWbiz card which had a $15,000 CL. I did get my anniversary points credited. I even reduced my CL from myCapitolOne biz from $20,000 to $5,000 last Friday. All statement balances are paid in full before due date but when I applied for the CIC I did have current balances. I called the renumeration line yesterday to discuss and tell them that I reduced all of my CL on Chase cards but they still denied. Letter states I have too many active accounts or too much available credit, and I had a new Chase biz card recently opened. I opened a CIP on Jan 16, 2021. I may go to our Chase bank which handles our biz account to discuss in person. We have so any other banking options nearby so I may explore other options for our business.

 

[hsmamato2]

OMG I think it worked!!! instant approval for mdd part 2! I wasn't breathing when I hit 'enter'......

 

[havaneselover]

Trip 3 to Staples today. Always the same manager working there but he's super nice (although I'm sure he thinks I'm nuts).

And Rakuten's birthday needs to end. I keep buying things

 

[Limes96]

I tried searching but couldn’t find...someone a while back advised me on using miles on the Barclay A+ to pay the annual fee. Is there a way to get more than .5 cents/mile for the AF? All I can find is just a regular cash back statement credit that’s half a cent per mile. And I only have 6600 miles.

 

[trenty]

Just found an interesting new offer on my CSR. 10% back at Stop and Shop, up to $11,00. I don’t buy many groceries there because they’re expensive, but plan to do a gift card with a few groceries thrown in.

I got this too....more Disney GCs in my future - paid for by PYB! Yay.