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

[IFlossU]

A couple of months ago when I started hearing reports of crazy rental car prices I decided to go ahead and book a car for our Dec/Jan Maui trip. I booked Alamo at $610 for 7 days. I’ve been checking prices 1-2x a week to see if prices have dropped yeah right. Today I checked and Alamo is completely SOLD OUT. 7 months in advance. Granted it’s Christmas time, I’m not completely surprised, but wow! The other companies are running around $1000 for a 7 day rental. Which from what I understand is still reasonable. Crazy times!

 

[IFlossU]

https://frequentmiler.com/office-depot-officemax-buy-300-mastercard-gift-cards-save-15/OD/OM buy $300 MCGC save $15 ends May 22nd.

 

[tink1970]

I need help redeeming a Delta Am Ex companion certificate. So I go into my DL account, select the certificate and put my dates and destination in, it searches and then I receive a message stating "the search you entered may not meet the Terms and Conditions for the certificate your redeeming or the class of service required may not be available". It says to read the T&C and select different dates. I've tried different dates and even went in searched the routes, there are plenty of seats available and I'm only looking for regular economy. Do they only have so many certificate seats available for each flight? I've read the T&C and it seems like I am meeting all the requirements. I can't figure out what the issue it is. Of course, it says I can call them but the last time I had to call the 2 hour return call time turned into 6 hours. Trying to avoid calling to do this. Anyone have any thoughts on what I am doing wrong?

ETA - It looks like maybe originating from my small local airport might be the issue. I was able to find seats booking from Atlanta to phoenix directly but even then, a lot of dates are not available. So maybe the issue is regional airlines that get you to the hubs aren't covered under the T&C's? If that's the case, it seems these certificates would be hard to use if your not near a DL hub, luckily is only about an hour and a half drive for us.

I see others have chimed in but what I've noticed is that every leg has to be in the approved "fare bucket" and there needs to be 2 seats (you+companion). So if there aren't 2 L,U,T,X, or V seats in each leg (so all 4 legs) then it's not going to apply. Now before I even try to apply the companion cert I look at dates and every leg and their fare classification to ensure I'm not frustrated.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

What about San Diego? We love SD.

Ooh, Phil’s BBQ in San Diego!

This year is will just be DH, DS and me which will be a little weird. I was trying to come up with something a little different and fun. We're from the STL area and the Cardinals are going to be in Denver and SF in the first full week of July, so I was thinking of going to each of those places for about 1/2 week each and catching a game in each place. We're big Cards fans and have seen games in a few other ballparks, but this would add two more to our list and would be fun places to visit too!

Anyway, wondering if anyone has experience with either of those parks (good places to stay) and just the areas in general.

Thanks for any thoughts and tips!

I haven’t been, but I’ve always wanted to see something at Red Rock Amphitheater. Dave Chappelle was there a few years back and I wish I had gone.

Slow Sunday...
I am officially without an MSR, well I believe I hit the BOA Biz MSR but no credit yet. I spent some money at Amazon but it took a few days for it to post to my account. Just waiting now and hope the statement credit comes prior to the due date in June.

Since I am without an MSR, applied for the CIC with DH support link. Had to time this to cover real estate taxes and our Glacier trip. Otherwise I don't know how we would hit the 7,500 MSR. Got the need more time but I anticipated that. UPDATE: as I was typing this got the Mint email and checked - new card in my account!

And in remembering the good ole days with lower MSRs, our final CIP hit the 1 year anniversary and the AF posted. I SMed to close. I do miss

Trip planning
June - Hilton Head. We're driving down, rented a condo (OOP). No big activities planned other than rest, relaxation and time with DGD (18 months).

July - Glacier. I am pretty confident this will happen with all the good news lately. Flights covered by RRs or URs, Hotels covered by FNCs, URs and Cap1 miles. Rental car (OOP); thank goodness I booked that last year before the rates skyrocketed.

September - waffling between Michigan (driving; $) and Yellowstone (flying; $$$).

Need to start on 2022. Tentative Plans
Jan/Feb - Hawaii. AA flights are now 2-3x miles than when I started thinking about this trip a few years ago. We had lie flat seats for Jan 2021 for 135K miles RT and now they are 100K one way. I am just not excited about planning this after cancelling our plans this year. I had everything booked and basically free and now have to start over. I don't know if this is going to happen.

May/June - Florida beach on Gulf side

July/August - Crater Lake and Redwoods

October - New England leaf peeping

“leaf peeping”

 

[ski_mom]

I think this plan would be a lot of fun, I am a big baseball fan. We've caught games at in both Denver and SF. DH's brother lives near the ballpark in SF so I can't recommend any place to stay around there but if you have time I would recommend taking the ballpark tour. Really interesting tour and you can go out on the field. I found the ballpark to be close to everything else in SF and we easily walked or took public transportation. You're right on the embarcadaro and the Ferry Building has lots of places to eat in it.

In Denver, there was a pedestrian mall nearby with places to eat. I think when we were there we didn't stay nearby and stayed out closer to the airport as we had a flight the next morning. When we are in Denver we don't usually stay in the city for long, we head to the mountains.

We went to a game in Denver a few years ago and stayed at the Curtis, it’s a fun, funky hotel, look up photos. It’s a Doubletree. Great location to be able to walk around and explore.

Ooh, Phil’s BBQ in San Diego!



I haven’t been, but I’ve always wanted to see something at Red Rock Amphitheater. Dave Chappelle was there a few years back and I wish I had gone.

View attachment 575608



“leaf peeping”

Thank you all for the information! I will definitely check out the places mentioned! We've done a couple of stadium tours (did one in San Diego and Yankee stadium) which we really enjoyed.

The Curtis Hotel looks great and not priced too high either! I have some Hilton points, but it may be one where the cash price works out better since it's not too bad.

I've never heard of that Amphitheater - that is awesome looking! Hopefully there would be something there when we're in town if we end up going. I would love to see it!

 

[pinkxray]

I can’t decide...

DH keeps mentioning going to Universal at the end of July. (He doesn’t love discussing travel like I do and thinks the way I obsessively talk/plan trips takes the fun out it)
About a week or two ago we decided to book it. Then, he changed his mind and said he didn’t really want to take 4 vacations in a year.
Yesterday we are talking and I said can you take off a few days in July and we will just go to our local beach and spend time with the kids. He said “I thought we were going to Universal.”

I don’t know at this point do I book, not book? He says he wants to go, then doesn’t. I can’t keep talking about it bc I never get a straight answer. We have annual passes(seasonal so I have to upgrade)

I have enough points to cover flights. However, these points will be wiped out and might mean no June 2022 Disney trip. (But seriously, that’s a year away. Pretty easy to get some more SW points.)
Hotel is $1400. Rental car is 500. I have the money in the travel fund. Probably have to pick the cheaper option of hotels in our next trip which isn’t a big deal.

I just don’t know. Is it worth it to deal with planning a trip to go melt in July in Universal? I would hate to spend this money/points and not have a good time.

 

[chattadisser]

I haven’t been, but I’ve always wanted to see something at Red Rock Amphitheater. Dave Chappelle was there a few years back and I wish I had gone.

View attachment 575608

Love Red Rocks! We saw a show there when we went on our 40th b-day trip and it was awesome. Such a beautiful, magical place to see a show. Highly recommend it if there is something playing there when you are in town.

 

[EACarlson]

I've never heard of that Amphitheater - that is awesome looking! Hopefully there would be something there when we're in town if we end up going. I would love to see it!

Red Rocks is amazing even if there isn't a show going on. If you are going to be in Denver you need to have a meal at a Tocabe's. It is the best Indigenous food I've ever had, including that made by my grandmother.

 

[becauseimnew]

I can’t decide...

DH keeps mentioning going to Universal at the end of July. (He doesn’t love discussing travel like I do and thinks the way I obsessively talk/plan trips takes the fun out it)
About a week or two ago we decided to book it. Then, he changed his mind and said he didn’t really want to take 4 vacations in a year.
Yesterday we are talking and I said can you take off a few days in July and we will just go to our local beach and spend time with the kids. He said “I thought we were going to Universal.”

I don’t know at this point do I book, not book? He says he wants to go, then doesn’t. I can’t keep talking about it bc I never get a straight answer. We have annual passes(seasonal so I have to upgrade)

I have enough points to cover flights. However, these points will be wiped out and might mean no June 2022 Disney trip. (But seriously, that’s a year away. Pretty easy to get some more SW points.)
Hotel is $1400. Rental car is 500. I have the money in the travel fund. Probably have to pick the cheaper option of hotels in our next trip which isn’t a big deal.

I just don’t know. Is it worth it to deal with planning a trip to go melt in July in Universal? I would hate to spend this money/points and not have a good time.

Do it! We are going to Universal in June, but we will be spending lots of time at Volcano Bay. Then we are going to Disney the first week in August, that is going to be hot, just glad we won’t have to wear mask outdoors.

do you need a rental car? We are using Tony for the shuttle and grocery stop, that’s $120 + tip but then we don’t have to pay for parking.

 

[Psychodisney]

Ooh, Phil’s BBQ in San Diego!



I haven’t been, but I’ve always wanted to see something at Red Rock Amphitheater. Dave Chappelle was there a few years back and I wish I had gone.

View attachment 575608



“leaf peeping”

I have a very short bucket list but seeing a show at Red Rocks is definitely on there!

 

[DisMommyTX]

I can’t decide...

DH keeps mentioning going to Universal at the end of July. (He doesn’t love discussing travel like I do and thinks the way I obsessively talk/plan trips takes the fun out it)
About a week or two ago we decided to book it. Then, he changed his mind and said he didn’t really want to take 4 vacations in a year.
Yesterday we are talking and I said can you take off a few days in July and we will just go to our local beach and spend time with the kids. He said “I thought we were going to Universal.”

I don’t know at this point do I book, not book? He says he wants to go, then doesn’t. I can’t keep talking about it bc I never get a straight answer. We have annual passes(seasonal so I have to upgrade)

I have enough points to cover flights. However, these points will be wiped out and might mean no June 2022 Disney trip. (But seriously, that’s a year away. Pretty easy to get some more SW points.)
Hotel is $1400. Rental car is 500. I have the money in the travel fund. Probably have to pick the cheaper option of hotels in our next trip which isn’t a big deal.

I just don’t know. Is it worth it to deal with planning a trip to go melt in July in Universal? I would hate to spend this money/points and not have a good time.

Book it! An extra vacation is always a good idea. Downgraded hotel is an easy swap for a whole 'nother trip!

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Well I decided to take my luck w/ Amex this morning. I tried the elevated offer on the Delta Plat, got the pop up. So then I tried the free Hilton....pop up. I have 3 active cards. The last one I closed 11/20. I put spending on my 3 current cards (pretty actively). I've been getting the pop ups probably since 11/20. I just want to get a MSR!!! Grrrr. I've always been one to put spending on my Amex cards. I'm not a sock drawer person. So I guess they don't like that I opened and closed the Hilton Biz, Aspire and Gold personal and the SPG biz (when it became Bonvoy) in my "lifetime". I've been a dang member since 1995, where's the love Amex, LOL.

On another note, I'm 8 purchases away from getting the extra 50% on my Amex Everyday. Can I do Amazon loads? I have 2 days to do them/post. I don't see myself buying anything else right now, LOL.

 

[becauseimnew]

Well I decided to take my luck w/ Amex this morning. I tried the elevated offer on the Delta Plat, got the pop up. So then I tried the free Hilton....pop up. I have 3 active cards. The last one I closed 11/20. I put spending on my 3 current cards (pretty actively). I've been getting the pop ups probably since 11/20. I just want to get a MSR!!! Grrrr. I've always been one to put spending on my Amex cards. I'm not a sock drawer person. So I guess they don't like that I opened and closed the Hilton Biz, Aspire and Gold personal and the SPG biz (when it became Bonvoy) in my "lifetime". I've been a dang member since 1995, where's the love Amex, LOL.

On another note, I'm 8 purchases away from getting the extra 50% on my Amex Everyday. Can I do Amazon loads? I have 2 days to do them/post. I don't see myself buying anything else right now, LOL.

So frustrating! Any upgrade offers?

I want to cancel DH’s Delta Biz and apply for the Hilton Biz but I’m afraid he’ll get the pop up if I cancel his Delta card. I’m also not a fan of the new tiered spend, which is why I’m hesitant.

 

[Alexle2007]

I can’t decide...

DH keeps mentioning going to Universal at the end of July. (He doesn’t love discussing travel like I do and thinks the way I obsessively talk/plan trips takes the fun out it)
About a week or two ago we decided to book it. Then, he changed his mind and said he didn’t really want to take 4 vacations in a year.
Yesterday we are talking and I said can you take off a few days in July and we will just go to our local beach and spend time with the kids. He said “I thought we were going to Universal.”

I don’t know at this point do I book, not book? He says he wants to go, then doesn’t. I can’t keep talking about it bc I never get a straight answer. We have annual passes(seasonal so I have to upgrade)

I have enough points to cover flights. However, these points will be wiped out and might mean no June 2022 Disney trip. (But seriously, that’s a year away. Pretty easy to get some more SW points.)
Hotel is $1400. Rental car is 500. I have the money in the travel fund. Probably have to pick the cheaper option of hotels in our next trip which isn’t a big deal.

I just don’t know. Is it worth it to deal with planning a trip to go melt in July in Universal? I would hate to spend this money/points and not have a good time.

Did you look at AP hotel pricing? if you are staying onsite, do you really need a car? I have made the mistake and ended up paying for their expensive parking.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

So frustrating! Any upgrade offers?

I want to cancel DH’s Delta Biz and apply for the Hilton Biz but I’m afraid he’ll get the pop up if I cancel his Delta card. I’m also not a fan of the new tiered spend, which is why I’m hesitant.

I had an upgrade offer on my delta gold biz. But the plat offer was way better. I did take the upgrade offer on the everyday amex to preferred. That got me 40k MRs. I've held the Aspire before (I have the Surpass now), so I'd be willing to upgrade that. I'm trying to avoid taking the upgrade vs the SUB. I guess it's time to look at citi and chase and figure out what's next.

 

[happ]

Well I decided to take my luck w/ Amex this morning. I tried the elevated offer on the Delta Plat, got the pop up. So then I tried the free Hilton....pop up. I have 3 active cards. The last one I closed 11/20. I put spending on my 3 current cards (pretty actively). I've been getting the pop ups probably since 11/20. I just want to get a MSR!!! Grrrr. I've always been one to put spending on my Amex cards. I'm not a sock drawer person. So I guess they don't like that I opened and closed the Hilton Biz, Aspire and Gold personal and the SPG biz (when it became Bonvoy) in my "lifetime". I've been a dang member since 1995, where's the love Amex, LOL.

On another note, I'm 8 purchases away from getting the extra 50% on my Amex Everyday. Can I do Amazon loads? I have 2 days to do them/post. I don't see myself buying anything else right now, LOL.

The only thing that seemed to work for me with the popups was not attempting to apply for almost a year.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Okay Chase Experts...HELP!

I'm not looking to redeem my URs anytime soon. I have the CSR and have had it since 10/16. So I'm eligible for SR SUB. The 80k CSP look good. But I am a fan of my CSR. To pull off the MDD, I have to hit both MSR, right? So currently that would be $8k. So I don't see a way for me to hit the $8k and do the MDD. If I do the CSP, is it normally feasible to PC back to the CSR?

I'm so hesitant to give up the CSR as I like the rental car coverage, and I have at least 2 trips planned this summer w/ rental cars. I am using the $120/peleton credits right now. I've used my $300 travel and my $60 door dash. I renew in November. Part of me is hoping they offer the $450 AF again.

So talk me into PC my CSR (if I do the CFU can I get that SUB again later?), and jumping at the CSP.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

The only thing that seemed to work for me with the popups was not attempting to apply for almost a year.

GAH! I'm not sure I can wait a year, LOL. I guess I'll try to sit out the summer.

 

[wanderlust7]

Well I decided to take my luck w/ Amex this morning. I tried the elevated offer on the Delta Plat, got the pop up. So then I tried the free Hilton....pop up. I have 3 active cards. The last one I closed 11/20. I put spending on my 3 current cards (pretty actively). I've been getting the pop ups probably since 11/20. I just want to get a MSR!!! Grrrr. I've always been one to put spending on my Amex cards. I'm not a sock drawer person. So I guess they don't like that I opened and closed the Hilton Biz, Aspire and Gold personal and the SPG biz (when it became Bonvoy) in my "lifetime". I've been a dang member since 1995, where's the love Amex, LOL.

On another note, I'm 8 purchases away from getting the extra 50% on my Amex Everyday. Can I do Amazon loads? I have 2 days to do them/post. I don't see myself buying anything else right now, LOL.

I took the EDP upgrade too. Been putting groceries on it and using Amazon reloads to get to 30 transactions. But I don't see the extra points yet, so don't know if it worked. AFAIK it's supposed to.

 

[becauseimnew]

Okay Chase Experts...HELP!

I'm not looking to redeem my URs anytime soon. I have the CSR and have had it since 10/16. So I'm eligible for SR SUB. The 80k CSP look good. But I am a fan of my CSR. To pull off the MDD, I have to hit both MSR, right? So currently that would be $8k. So I don't see a way for me to hit the $8k and do the MDD. If I do the CSP, is it normally feasible to PC back to the CSR?

I'm so hesitant to give up the CSR as I like the rental car coverage, and I have at least 2 trips planned this summer w/ rental cars. I am using the $120/peleton credits right now. I've used my $300 travel and my $60 door dash. I renew in November. Part of me is hoping they offer the $450 AF again.

So talk me into PC my CSR (if I do the CFU can I get that SUB again later?), and jumping at the CSP.

If the CSR is your preference I would apply for that first, it still has an elevated SUB of 60K URs. Then apply for the CSP.
Because if you do it the other way and don’t get approved for the CSR you won’t be able to upgrade for a year.