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

[afan]

So I have a CSP which is coming up for the annual fee next week. I have barely used it since MSR - and can't really see much point in keeping it. P2 has a CSR that we use for redemptions and the earnings rates on the freedoms seem to be better than the CSP since the refresh last year.

So before I cancel - I just want to check with the wisdom of this forum - Am I missing anything?

PC to one of the freedom cards.

 

[lsutigers03]

So I messed up timing on the Bank of America Biz card. I thought I met MSR but was off. My/DH's statement closed Friday. I just spent the necessary amount to hit MSR (still have until June 3). So I won't owe anything next statement but will have a ~$600 credit. Do I have to spend $600 more on this card or can I get that as a check somehow?

Have you had your credit post or has bonus points added? I hit my MSR on 05/05 and have been waiting for either to happen.

 

[IFlossU]

Oh wow, this is a game changer. I can book a flight from our home airport to OGG. Only one option for return flight. But this is awesome.

I agree! Being in Phoenix we have some good options with AA and Hawaiian. I’m super excited about having even more non-stop options!

 

[afan]

Looking ar stuff in Ogden for my trip to visit the bff and am now way more excited. They have both In n Out and Zaxby's. I put my requests in this afternoon

Also takes a bit of the, if I get to go to DLR in July how do I squeeze in In n Out when I get there at 10pm and want to maximize park time. I won't feel as bad about missing it now.

 

[platamama]

So I have a CSP which is coming up for the annual fee next week. I have barely used it since MSR - and can't really see much point in keeping it. P2 has a CSR that we use for redemptions and the earnings rates on the freedoms seem to be better than the CSP since the refresh last year.

So before I cancel - I just want to check with the wisdom of this forum - Am I missing anything?

Which Freedoms do you have?

Unless you have a CIP/CSP/CSR in your name, you won't be able to transfer URs to any loyalty programs you belong to (unless you can do the transfer within the program itself). My DH has elite status with United and Hyatt and I have elite status with Marriott and a SW CP so in our case it's nice to be able to transfer URs into the account that belongs to the person with elite status. If your P2's CSR was opened over 24 mo. ago, you can be an AU on that card without affecting your x/24 status since Chase backdates AUs. Depending on when the AF is due on your P2's CSR, you might wait. I don't expect to be charged for DH's AU card until my next AF in Feb (I added him after my AF posted this year), if the pattern stays consistent with the last time I added him as AU (before I took him off so that he'd fall under 5/24). The $75 AU fee is less than either CIP or CSP, and gives him a card to use for car rentals that has primary rental coverage. I've had rental car companies insist that the name on the credit card match the name on the rental agreement.

ETA: I downgraded his CSP to a CFU when it came time for that. We have three Freedoms and one CFU between us.

 

[GZanta77]

Which Freedoms do you have?

Unless you have a CIP/CSP/CSR in your name, you won't be able to transfer URs to any loyalty programs you belong to (unless you can do the transfer within the program itself). My DH has elite status with United and Hyatt and I have elite status with Marriott and a SW CP so in our case it's nice to be able to transfer URs into the account that belongs to the person with elite status. If your P2's CSR was opened over 24 mo. ago, you can be an AU on that card without affecting your x/24 status since Chase backdates AUs. Depending on when the AF is due on your P2's CSR, you might wait. I don't expect to be charged for DH's AU card until my next AF in Feb (I added him after my AF posted this year), if the pattern stays consistent with the last time I added him as AU (before I took him off so that he'd fall under 5/24). The $75 AU fee is less than either CIP or CSP, and gives him a card to use for car rentals that has primary rental coverage. I've had rental car companies insist that the name on the credit card match the name on the rental agreement.

ETA: I downgraded his CSP to a CFU when it came time for that. We have three Freedoms and one CFU between us.

I have CFF, CFU and the old Freedom - so not interested in any more Freedom cards. Will probably upgrade one of those to a CSR next year. Good point about the transfers into programs in my name, but only likely to transfer to Hyatt and can always work that through P2s account and then transfer to mine. If necessary I can always upgrade to a CSR sooner if necessary, but I prefer not to overlap P2 .

So if transfers are the only area of concern, I think I'm still leaning towards canceling it - I have six Chase cards currently and thats about the limit I am comfortable with any provider - though I did have 7 with Chase at one point.

 

[StephPlum]

Have you had your credit post or has bonus points added? I hit my MSR on 05/05 and have been waiting for either to happen.

Still waiting .....

 

[Hoosier John]

In CC news, still haven't found the $400 VGC missing. I have no MSR I'm working on as my Amex upgrade points just posted. So I guess it's time to figure out what I want to do. I hate when I look at my wallet and don't know which card to use since I'm not on a mission, LOL. I mean I try to maximize categories, but when there's nothing I'm left trying to decide which get the points, LOL

Guess I'm only hitting 50% on the finding a card under the seat "vision". It worked for the first guy who said he lost his card, but not for you. 1 outta 2 still aint bad! I'll let you know if I have any other "premonitions"

 

[ep1229]

Hi everyone! I haven't been around for a while but I have a question for the airline redemption experts... I'm thinking of going to Italy at the end of October.
1) Do you guys think it'll be safe to fly by then.
2) I'm flying into Rome. Any advice on what airline I should use? I usually fly Delta. I found a Delta one redemption for 210K round trip. Is that good? I could also use UR for 230K
3) Any good hotels in Rome? I have Hyatt Globalist and Hilton Diamond status. I have Marriott points too.
Thanks in advance.

 

[WVMomof3]

Any ideas on where to go for a 50th birthday? It will be last week in August. I was thinking Aruba but DH says please no more beach. We have been to Miami Beach and Hilton head this year and we both actually hate the beach. Lol. Best if we can fly SW to use that companion pass that’s been hardly used. And also prefer Hyatt just because we are globalist. We like outdoor hiking/biking/kayaking and such. I was actually thinking we would go somewhere in October because DH is 50 in August and I’m in November so thought we could just do one trip to celebrate both of us but I’m just itching to plan a trip. Hoping to pick something while change window is open.

 

[chattadisser]

Any ideas on where to go for a 50th birthday? It will be last week in August. I was thinking Aruba but DH says please no more beach. We have been to Miami Beach and Hilton head this year and we both actually hate the beach. Lol. Best if we can fly SW to use that companion pass that’s been hardly used. And also prefer Hyatt just because we are globalist. We like outdoor hiking/biking/kayaking and such. I was actually thinking we would go somewhere in October because DH is 50 in August and I’m in November so thought we could just do one trip to celebrate both of us but I’m just itching to plan a trip. Hoping to pick something while change window is open.

My suggestion is to fly into Denver and then head to the mountains. So many outdoor options. My DH and I went there for our joint 40th birthdays and it was one of our best trips ever (no kids might have had something to do with it to). We went over Labor Day weekend and the weather was perfect. We've been back several times since, mostly in the summer, and have been in early October. I wouldn't go too far past that time as in the high elevations they can get snow and it will close roads.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Hi everyone!

We are new at this and looking for advice for our next step. So far we've only opened two cards in the last 24 months:

02/21 Chase Sapphire Reserve (P1)
04/21 Chase Sapphire Reserve (P2)

Both MSRs have been met as we had some home improvement expenses recently. We also have a Chase Amazon that we've had for years.

About us: We typically put $1500 to $2000 spend on one card a month, but we have some larger purchases coming up. We pay off the card every month and do not carry any other balances. We fly out of BNA when we fly. We haven't flown recently because our family is so big, but now that the kids are older, the two of us may fly more often. We have good SW and Delta service. We have no loyalty programs so far with airlines or hotels. We currently have about 154,000 URs. We will be using a good portion of that for our trip this fall to Disney--we are booking a vacation rental through the UR portal, using PYB for tickets, and driving down (12 hours). We will have 6 adults traveling (me and dh, our teenage son, two adult children, and one fiancé). Adult children and fiancé are buying their own tickets.

Our goals for next year would be a cruise around May and another Disney trip in the fall. Cruise will be just dh and me. Disney trip may be just us or some or all of the kids. If it's just dh and me, I'd like to stay either Hilton or Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Generally, though, we aren't loyal to one hotel brand.

So, lots of variables! I like the Chase products for their flexibility. I'd like a card(s) to maximize points earned through daily spend. But the SUBs are awesome too! I'm thinking either a Chase Freedom Unlimited card for maximizing spend, or either the Hilton or SW card? Trying to put a strategy together for what's next.

Thanks!!!

Since you like Chase URs are you at all interested in opening one of their business cards...both the CIC and CIU don’t hVe an annual fee...the sign up bonus is 75,000 URs after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months...iI sell stuff on eBay..others here have different side gigs

if you fly SW their cards are good for earning RR points, I’m not familiar with Delta or hotel cards...others here may be able to help with those

 

[snowmanlover]

Any ideas on where to go for a 50th birthday? It will be last week in August. I was thinking Aruba but DH says please no more beach. We have been to Miami Beach and Hilton head this year and we both actually hate the beach. Lol. Best if we can fly SW to use that companion pass that’s been hardly used. And also prefer Hyatt just because we are globalist. We like outdoor hiking/biking/kayaking and such. I was actually thinking we would go somewhere in October because DH is 50 in August and I’m in November so thought we could just do one trip to celebrate both of us but I’m just itching to plan a trip. Hoping to pick something while change window is open.

2 years ago DH and I flew into San Francisco, rented a car and drove up the coast to see the Redwood trees. It was an amazing trip (once we got out of SF). Only regret, we didn’t stay longer.

 

[stitchfan18]

I made a cash reservation at the DoubleTree in Disney Springs to use the $250 resort credit on my aspire. When I made the reservation, it said the reservation required a credit card deposit equal to the total amount of the room + fees. When do they actually charge the deposit? I don't see a pending charge for any amount, will I need to call to have them charge the card in advance? The night I booked is after my Aspire anniversary, but I'm hoping to use my $250 resort credit from this year for the stay.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Any ideas on where to go for a 50th birthday? It will be last week in August. I was thinking Aruba but DH says please no more beach. We have been to Miami Beach and Hilton head this year and we both actually hate the beach. Lol. Best if we can fly SW to use that companion pass that’s been hardly used. And also prefer Hyatt just because we are globalist. We like outdoor hiking/biking/kayaking and such. I was actually thinking we would go somewhere in October because DH is 50 in August and I’m in November so thought we could just do one trip to celebrate both of us but I’m just itching to plan a trip. Hoping to pick something while change window is open.

I would second San Francisco- October is perfect weather. Lots to do in and around San Francisco.

Also, I know you said no beach, but Hawaii or Riviera Maya. Lots pf non-beach activities there.

 

[Psychodisney]

Any ideas on where to go for a 50th birthday? It will be last week in August. I was thinking Aruba but DH says please no more beach. We have been to Miami Beach and Hilton head this year and we both actually hate the beach. Lol. Best if we can fly SW to use that companion pass that’s been hardly used. And also prefer Hyatt just because we are globalist. We like outdoor hiking/biking/kayaking and such. I was actually thinking we would go somewhere in October because DH is 50 in August and I’m in November so thought we could just do one trip to celebrate both of us but I’m just itching to plan a trip. Hoping to pick something while change window is open.

Another vote for CO. Don't wait until October though. Take a look at Summit County. Great hiking and paved bike trails. Beautiful lake in Dillon, CO. You could do some time in Denver and some time up in Summit county. Not sure about Hyatt properties...maybe in Breckenridge or Vail?

 

[Psychodisney]

I would second San Francisco- October is perfect weather. Lots to do in and around San Francisco.

Also, I know you said no beach, but Hawaii or Riviera Maya. Lots pf non-beach activities there.

True! and not far from Napa Valley for biking....Yosemite for hiking!

 

[Killer Fish]

Almost feel like this is a silly question but if you are just working on MSRs back to back there is not really a reason to do the Chase 5X offers on those targeted cards right?

I feel the MSR bonus is always going to be more valuable but want to make sure I am not missing something staring me in the face.

 

[wanderlust7]

Any ideas on where to go for a 50th birthday? It will be last week in August. I was thinking Aruba but DH says please no more beach. We have been to Miami Beach and Hilton head this year and we both actually hate the beach. Lol. Best if we can fly SW to use that companion pass that’s been hardly used. And also prefer Hyatt just because we are globalist. We like outdoor hiking/biking/kayaking and such. I was actually thinking we would go somewhere in October because DH is 50 in August and I’m in November so thought we could just do one trip to celebrate both of us but I’m just itching to plan a trip. Hoping to pick something while change window is open.

Happy to see the Northern California recommendations, my neck of the woods. There are some great, high-value Hyatt redemptions here. Top would be Ventana Inn in Big Sur. 30k for a standard room (might be hard to find though) and all inclusive. Great hiking and you can go kayaking down around Monterey. We've gone before in Elkhorn Slough, the sea otters are really cute. We also enjoyed our stay at Carmel Valley Ranch (25k points). The resort has several guided hikes and it's next to a regional park.

If you go to Napa, there's a new Alila there (30k points). We have plans to go next year. The reviews I've seen have been really great. Or you can stay in town at the Andaz (25k points, but sometimes cash is a better deal on weekdays). We have plans to go there next month.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Anyone know where to find historical/past SUB offers on various cards? I'm at 3/24, with no Chase cards calling my name (unless the drop the damn spend on the inks). So I'm thinking of adding to my AA miles, but I have no clue if the offers out there are great or not. Or maybe I'll see if Amex still hates me, LOL. I'm sure they do.

Also is AA still allowing mileage award cancels w/ no fees? I am debating when I hit NC solo. I have the first week of my summer break on hold, and I have a week in July. But my IHG FNC could be used in Vegas in June, so I'm trying to talk the BF into that. Have a mentioned how much it SUCKS that I can't plan anything w/ him, LOL. Sure HE can hop on any flight for free last minute, but I can't!

My trips to NC this year, I'm using my IHG points since it's stay 3 get 4th free. Part of me is like, I don't need to say 4 nights. But I wanna stay at least 3, and when the 4th is free, why not, LOL. But these 2 trips will drain a lot of my points. What's Chase's policy on churning that card? I got it 10/2018. I don't want to necessarily be without it, as I use it for the free cell phone coverage. So if I cancelled, I'd want to reapply right away. I have the free one now (just got it 1/21), so I could always try to churn that down the road. As long as I'm under 5/24 does Chase normally play nice?

Looking ar stuff in Ogden for my trip to visit the bff and am now way more excited. They have both In n Out and Zaxby's. I put my requests in this afternoon

Also takes a bit of the, if I get to go to DLR in July how do I squeeze in In n Out when I get there at 10pm and want to maximize park time. I won't feel as bad about missing it now.

You've spoken my love language....Zaxbys

Guess I'm only hitting 50% on the finding a card under the seat "vision". It worked for the first guy who said he lost his card, but not for you. 1 outta 2 still aint bad! I'll let you know if I have any other "premonitions"

Well I wish I was the 50% you got right, LOL.

True! and not far from Napa Valley for biking....Yosemite for hiking!

San Fran to Yosemite, took WAYYYYYYYYY longer than we were expecting. I think the day we went it turned into a 27 hour day. UGH. I missed the Ansel Adams tour/walk. And the only wildlife we saw were chipmunks by the dumpsters.