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

[ski_mom]

Thanks for posting this! We are flying into the San Francisco area. It has opened up SFO, SJC and OAK as options - this is really going to save us on flights as well as a rental car, but I didn't know if there's a preference (easier to navigate) between SFO and SJC? We will be flying Southwest if that matters.

Then SFO will be a lot more convenient. For the days you're in SF, it's probably easier to not have a car. Parking's a pain.

Thanks again - I was able to rebook 2 of our 3 flights and saved almost 25,000 points. Our 3rd flight from STL to DEN was not eligible. Not sure if it's because of the dates or the locations, but I couldn't change it for free. I think with this flight, I had the cheapest already, but would have liked to change the times a bit, but I guess we'll just have to live with what we have unless it opens up again before we go.

 

[Sheree]

Does MDD on SW cards still work? So, I could apply for one of the personal cards and, if I get instant approval, apply for one of the other personal cards? If I have to first close an existing SW Chase card, how long should I wait before attempting the MDD? I have an offer for 65k points with a $2k MSR - I know that the general thought is to try to apply near year end so that you hit the MSR early in the next year, maximizing the length of the companion pass, but we have 2 trips coming up this year that I could use the companion pass for, so I'd be fine with having it for this year & next if I can get it all done in time for our first trip (late July). We already have flights booked with points, so getting the companion pass would return points to my account (and, for one trip, to my mom's account, as she booked flights for us when I used up my points, lol)

I think I am currently at 2/24 (from two AmEx cards opened earlier this year). While I'd much prefer to do a MDD with the CSR and CSP, I've only had my current CSP since 6/2019, so I still have a while to go before that's an option. My only other thought is that I am planning more international travel in the next couple of years, so maybe I should look at some other card - tentatively planning a trip to Greece and Italy in either late May/ early June or late June / early July 2022 (Athens, Santorini, and Venice), but I am not sure yet what airline will have the best options for us or which tends to have the best miles redemptions, or if I should consider a hotel branded card instead. I am also hoping to possibly plan a trip to Bora Bora in 2023. We are on the east coast, so if it makes sense to go with the SW cards, I could use SW points to get us as far as California for that trip, and then switch to another airline to get to Bora Bora. Our preferred / closest airport is BDL (Hartford) but we can also easily fly from Providence or, for international trips, Boston, JFK, and LGA are all possible options as well.

I did an MDD on SW earlier this year. got my companian pass and it''s good thru 2022!!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Does MDD on SW cards still work? So, I could apply for one of the personal cards and, if I get instant approval, apply for one of the other personal cards? If I have to first close an existing SW Chase card, how long should I wait before attempting the MDD? I have an offer for 65k points with a $2k MSR - I know that the general thought is to try to apply near year end so that you hit the MSR early in the next year, maximizing the length of the companion pass, but we have 2 trips coming up this year that I could use the companion pass for, so I'd be fine with having it for this year & next if I can get it all done in time for our first trip (late July). We already have flights booked with points, so getting the companion pass would return points to my account (and, for one trip, to my mom's account, as she booked flights for us when I used up my points, lol)

I think I am currently at 2/24 (from two AmEx cards opened earlier this year). While I'd much prefer to do a MDD with the CSR and CSP, I've only had my current CSP since 6/2019, so I still have a while to go before that's an option. My only other thought is that I am planning more international travel in the next couple of years, so maybe I should look at some other card - tentatively planning a trip to Greece and Italy in either late May/ early June or late June / early July 2022 (Athens, Santorini, and Venice), but I am not sure yet what airline will have the best options for us or which tends to have the best miles redemptions, or if I should consider a hotel branded card instead. I am also hoping to possibly plan a trip to Bora Bora in 2023. We are on the east coast, so if it makes sense to go with the SW cards, I could use SW points to get us as far as California for that trip, and then switch to another airline to get to Bora Bora. Our preferred / closest airport is BDL (Hartford) but we can also easily fly from Providence or, for international trips, Boston, JFK, and LGA are all possible options as well.

You have a good handle on the SW MDD. I tend to try to wait and do it for the nearly 2 full years, but you make a good case with your upcoming flights.

My concern for you is that you are tight on time. I understand you need to wait 30 days from closing a SW card for it to clear the system. Then you’ll need time to apply, receive cards and meet MSRs. Points post when the statement closes. The timing seems unlikely, to me.
Any chance a P2 who doesn’t have a SW card now could do the MDD?

You could apply for any Chase card that earns UR and transfer to SW if you are in need of points anytime soon. Otherwise, UR are very versatile, as is using points on the Chase travel portal.

 

[Alexle2007]

Do you by any chance do this through FACTS? Just wondering as this may open up a new option for me.

Yep! It allows you enter the payment amount. It’s a lot of steps but worth it for the 5x.

 

[chattadisser]

Yep! It allows you enter the payment amount. It’s a lot of steps but worth it for the 5x.

I never realized you could input the amount to pay in FACTS, I just have it set on autodraft. I need to investigate this more, there may be a lot more trips to Staples for VGC's in my future.

 

[Alexle2007]

I never realized you could input the amount to pay in FACTS, I just have it set on autodraft. I need to investigate this more, there may be a lot more trips to Staples for VGC's in my future.

It’s super easy!

 

[Shannon G]

You have a good handle on the SW MDD. I tend to try to wait and do it for the nearly 2 full years, but you make a good case with your upcoming flights.

My concern for you is that you are tight on time. I understand you need to wait 30 days from closing a SW card for it to clear the system. Then you’ll need time to apply, receive cards and meet MSRs. Points post when the statement closes. The timing seems unlikely, to me.
Any chance a P2 who doesn’t have a SW card now could do the MDD?

You could apply for any Chase card that earns UR and transfer to SW if you are in need of points anytime soon. Otherwise, UR are very versatile, as is using points on the Chase travel portal.

Good point - I wasn't really focused on the short timeline to get the points to post in time to have the companion pass by late July. I do love the flexibility of URs, but I already have a CSP, and would rather not apply for a CSR until enough time has passed that I can drop the CSP and do a MDD with those two cards.

 

[Shannon G]

I did an MDD on SW earlier this year. got my companian pass and it''s good thru 2022!!

Yes, when you get the companion pass it's good for the year you earn it and the following year. Many people suggest trying to time it so that you earn the companion pass very early in a year, so that it is good for almost 2 full years. If I were to earn it now, it would be good for about a year & a half, since we're already almost halfway through 2021.

 

[wanderlust7]

DH earned one of his Hilton FNC last April and it was issued with an expiration of 8/31/21. It was before they made the expiration dates go through 2022 instead of 2021. Did Hilton extend these or do I need to use it by this August? I was hoping to save it for Hawaii but that trip won’t be happening by then so I can’t really think of a good use for it. He has 3 others that expire Aug thru Nov of 2022 and I was hoping to earn one more to string together a 5 night stay at GW instead of using points.

Just got e-mail that Hilton FNC expiring on 8/31/21 are extended to 1/3/22.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I'm able to change my 7/4 and 8/5 flights on sw. But not 6/26 and not 8/8.

That’s great...must depend on airports...since unfortunately I’m unable to change any dates ISP-MCO...

 

[lsutigers03]

It’s super easy!
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What denomination VGC's are you able to buy. I've had issues seeing $500 cards at Office Depot to get the 5% on the CIC. My son's tuition hasn't been loaded into FACTS yet but I'll look at this for future payments.

 

[elgerber]

Wow instant approval for a CIC! I don't know if I have ever had an instant Chase biz approval. That spend is going to be a stretch, but hopefully the venmo will still work if necessary.
It's an addiction to not allow myself to be without an MSR LOL.

 

[Alexle2007]

What denomination VGC's are you able to buy. I've had issues seeing $500 cards at Office Depot to get the 5% on the CIC. My son's tuition hasn't been loaded into FACTS yet but I'll look at this for future payments.

I’ve been buying the no fee VGCs and MCGCs from Staples. But any will work. The Safeway $15 off deals are another option.

 

[Alexle2007]

The Hilton customer service is on point! I had to call to use my FNC for the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for this Sun. I asked about breakfast and the rep actually called to find out what they are doing. Still 2 free continentals and $10 to upgrade to hot breakfast that you order off of the menu. I’ll take it! She noted my milestone birthday on the reservation so we’ll see if that get us anything. I meant to app DH for the Aspire but ran out of time.

 

[afan]

Hanging out in the DL lounge eating pretzels hoping the 20 to 30 min wait the centurion said they have is really that short. Person on reddit the other day said they had better fopd having been in both the other day. It's also right by my gate instead of down the hall and around the corner.

Will be curious to see if the DL lounge in SLC has different food on Monday. I hope as these options are my taste. Also who offers meatballs in marinara without pasta or rolls to go with it? DL you are weird.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Wow instant approval for a CIC! I don't know if I have ever had an instant Chase biz approval. That spend is going to be a stretch, but hopefully the venmo will still work if necessary.
It's an addiction to not allow myself to be without an MSR LOL.

Congrats on the instant approval

 

[afan]

Was a 40 min wait which is clearly because they aren't able to fill to capacity yet. However there's fewer food options and they are worse options. Guess I should've had the meatballs

But it's quieter. I like that the DL has self serve drinks. Had to get my coke from the bar here then feel bad I have no 1s to tip with but it's also just a coke I can only get from her.

Ok but the important comparasion I never see. The bathrooms are the best at DL. Stalls big enough for your suitcase and doors that go floor to ceiling. Centurion has 3 unisex bathrooms which are big enough too but weren't as clean. Both of the clubs have normal size stalls so your suitcase can't go in with you.

Drink wise the club is nice because they generally have little cans of coke and sprite and bottles of juice so easy to take with you. To go snacks are best at DL because it's all prepackaged. Food none except for breakfast unless you aren't a picky/more plain food person. Or you know want something to go with the meatballs and marinara.

Now if alaska will just keep letting PP in when I fly them the end of July. Not holding my breath but I'll take a train to the north satellite if they still are. But also will get to the airport around 530p on a Friday so not holdong my breath anyway. Otherwise I've now been to all we have access to with the plat or PP.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Hello DISchurners! This is my first port here, I will try to follow the instructions from the first page closely.

In the last 24 months the only card we got was CFF (actually, it's DH's, we haven't added me to the account yet). We've maximized the rotating categories every time.
12/20 - Chase Freedom Flex

Cards I have:
Chase Amazon
BoA Cash rewards
Chase Disney Premier

Other cards we have jointly:
Amex Cash Preferred (plan to downgrade before anniversary in a few days)
Chase Southwest Priority

• We put all our spending save for mortgage/car lease/HOA on credit cards ~$5000 monthly, though that's an average, it varies a lot.
• We don't carry balances (DH says he has interest charge allergies)
• Typically fly out of RDU, which SW Airline services
• Southwest is our favorite frequent flyer program
• Hilton is usually our go to Hotel Reward program but don't necessarily like it any better than others (also use Hyatt and Marriott).
• Have small balances in various programs rn because reddemed everything for summer plans once we got vaccinated
• Travel party is just us two usually
• I do a lot of traveling for work and DH comes along when possible for a bit. We also take a lot of leisure trips. The goal is to maximize rewards from both everyday purchases and travel to put back into travel. We plan travel usually a year in advance, sometimes mroe, and travel every two months or so.

 

[chattadisser]

It’s super easy!
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Thank you for the tutorial, I'm going to start buying more VGC's. I can't believe I hadn't realized this before, I've been using FACTS for five years. Oh the UR's I've left on the table.

The Hilton customer service is on point! I had to call to use my FNC for the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for this Sun. I asked about breakfast and the rep actually called to find out what they are doing. Still 2 free continentals and $10 to upgrade to hot breakfast that you order off of the menu. I’ll take it! She noted my milestone birthday on the reservation so we’ll see if that get us anything. I meant to app DH for the Aspire but ran out of time.

I don't know if you've been to the WA in Orlando before but I loved it there. So nice and relaxing and such good service. When we stayed there we were upgraded to a one bedroom suite with views of the Disney fireworks. It made me spoiled for staying there. Have fun!

 

[becauseimnew]

It's an addiction to not allow myself to be without an MSR LOL.

I agree!!