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

[EACarlson]

AMEX newbie question - I recently got my first AMEX, the Marriott biz card. It’s got a $5k limit (which is also the amount I need to spend to earn the SUB). I’ve got a Marriott stay next week and obviously want to put it on my shiny new Marriott card, but it’s going to be tight fitting it in within what’s left on the credit limit.
I know credit card companies don’t like repeated paying down and re-spending, but am I ok to do this this one time? I wasn’t sure if I’d get extra scrutiny because it’s AMEX, it’s in my first month of the card, and/or it’ll enable me to earn the SUB in my first month.
Thoughts??

Amex will usually allow you to make one payment before the first statement is cut, and at least it used to be, you were limited to one payment per month for the the first three months of membership.

My CSP will be coming up for renewal in July. It's my only higher UR-redemption Chase card. Do you all think the $95 AF is worth it? I don't have any immediate plans to use the URs, but I am hoping to plan for Japan again for November 2022. I would (hopefully) be using my "stranded" 200K Virgin miles to book on ANA again, and then use URs for hotels since I don't have any hotel cards/points.

I find the $95 annual fee to be well worth it, just for the travel insurance and rental car coverage. The fact I get to transfer my UR to SW is a bonus as well.

just wondering how many actually contact the CC company and let them know you are traveling. I have but probably only 10% of the time. I’ve never had a problem or mistaken fraud alert when using my card in another state.

I’m only traveling domestically. Maybe my first international trip I’d think different.

Depends on which company, I've had Capital One shut down a card when I was in FL. And I've had Citi flag fraud for multiple stupid things. No issues with AMEX, Chase or Navy Fed. Although I would let them know if I was going to be travelling internationally.

Apropos of the recent discussion, what cards are chip and pin with no foreign transaction fees to be used in UK (DD going to school there for a year)?

Looks like HSBC and PenFed are your best options. I believe Digital Credit Union offers a card with a Chip and Pin primary. NavyFed offers the Chip and Pin but it's not automatic, you have to call or set it up online.

I've been reading that the vast majority of readers in Europe are accepting chip and signature cards without issues now. And using NFC enabled cards or mobile payment options are good everywhere else. A good reason to set up a couple cards in Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

 

[mmmears]

OFF TOPIC! Motion sickness, specifically car sickness, relief recommendations please!

My 11yr old DD has mild car sickness, has only vomited once in multiple longer trips, but has been complaining about nausea more lately. Even on 10 minute rides. We have a road trip in 2 weeks and I’ve been researching options, but thought maybe you guys could offer suggestions. So far I’m looking at Sea Bands and Dramamine. I highly doubt she’ll try ginger, she’s finicky My concern about Dramamine is that it will make her sleepy. It’s not the end of the world, but I’d rather not knock her out, or make her grumpy because she’s sleepy. Do any of you have experience with either Sea Bands or Dramamine (Bonine), either personally or with kids? Thank you!

I was that kid (and I'm still that adult). Bonine helped a bit. Dramamine helped a bit. Neither helped a ton. The sea-bands were totally worthless. The patch is like a miracle (seriously) but I wouldn't take it unless I had to. It's worked flawlessly every time except for one night of rough seas sailing north in Norway, but even our server (and a bunch of other servers) were feeling bad enough that they had to go lie down, so it wasn't just me.

I still get motion sick with everything except ships*. My family would fight over who would pick us up at the airport since invariably I'd on them...and then there's the infamous story of my Grandmother's viewing (I was able to make it to the restroom, thankfully). Basically, if your DD is anything like me, she'll take a little sleepiness/drowsiness to not feel so terrible AND not still get harassed at the age of 50 about almost puking on Grandma. I find Bonine, for whatever reason, doesn't knock me out as much as Dramamine and they're both fairly helpful if I take them early on in the flight/ride. Also, definitely allow her, once she's big enough, to ride up front-that helps as well as a lot of cool air. On the bright side, with my history Shotgun For Life

I feel for her-it stinks to have a super sensitive vestibular system.

*In 20 cruises I've gotten sick twice, in 20+ foot seas after doing the elliptical so that's more my foolishness.

Yep. Shotgun for life here, or I just end up doing all the driving. It stinks, but there isn't much I can do about it.

just wondering how many actually contact the CC company and let them know you are traveling. I have but probably only 10% of the time. I’ve never had a problem or mistaken fraud alert when using my card in another state.

I’m only traveling domestically. Maybe my first international trip I’d think different.

We haven't needed to alert them. I know that in the past it was something that we did, but Amex and Chase haven't had any issues with our travels abroad.

 

[IFlossU]

Apropos of the recent discussion, what cards are chip and pin with no foreign transaction fees to be used in UK (DD going to school there for a year)?

Barclay cards are chip and pin also

Quoting myself here after looking up travel credits.

So the AF is currently $550, with a $300 travel credit. Right now it appears things like groceries and gas are coding as travel (although they may not, in the future).

So get the card, pay the $550 up front I think, buy groceries/gas (or real travel things) with the card, get credited for up to $300 of such purchases, transfer all my URs to this card to redeem for whatever (probably hotels), wait for the anniversary year to roll around, hurry and use ANOTHER $300 in the first week or so of the new card year, and then cancel the card? Thereby really wiping out the AF all together and still getting the benefit of the higher redemption on URs?

That made my head spin, but if that is accurate and I time it correctly to actually redeem the URs at the 1.5 rate, then it's actually quite a deal. I probably missed something major, though...

You got it! However, if you upgrade to the CSR right now the AF more than likely won’t hit for another few months. I upgraded DH’s CSP to CSR on September 1st. The AF, $550 was charged on December 1st. This situation gives you an extra few months to use your travel credit next year before downgrading. In my case, DH’s travel credit resets September 1st, but the 2nd AF won’t hit until December 1st. Basically giving us an extra 3-4 months to use the 2nd travel credit. This gives you a nice cushion of time to use the travel credit before downgrading.

 

[ten6mom]

You got it! However, if you upgrade to the CSR right now the AF more than likely won’t hit for another few months. I upgraded DH’s CSP to CSR on September 1st. The AF, $550 was charged on December 1st. This situation gives you an extra few months to use your travel credit next year before downgrading. In my case, DH’s travel credit resets September 1st, but the 2nd AF won’t hit until December 1st. Basically giving us an extra 3-4 months to use the 2nd travel credit. This gives you a nice cushion of time to use the travel credit before downgrading.

Oh, interesting, thank you. No way to know for sure when the AF will hit in relation to obtaining the card, I suppose?

 

[IFlossU]

Oh, interesting, thank you. No way to know for sure when the AF will hit in relation to obtaining the card, I suppose?

I’ve PC’d 3 Chase cards with AF’s, and the AF didn’t post for 3-5 months on all of them. I think it’s safe to assume you’d have about 3 months before the fee hits

 

[punkin]

Barclay cards are chip and pin also

I actually have a Barclay's card (business). I could add her as an employee. I have to double check the details. Thank you.

 

[afan]

just wondering how many actually contact the CC company and let them know you are traveling. I have but probably only 10% of the time. I’ve never had a problem or mistaken fraud alert when using my card in another state.

I’m only traveling domestically. Maybe my first international trip I’d think different.

Only when I leave the country. But also chase and my credit union both have pages you do it online so it's super simple. Amex doesn't care as they figure it out. My biggest concern is always my cu and making sure I can use my card to get cash. They don't charge foreign trans fees and reimburse up to 3 bucks a month in ATM fees.

 

[gottalovepluto]

The last time I was in Europe (Oct 2019), it really wasn't helpful since I tried using the PIN but the machines didn't need it. That said, I wasn't buying train tickets or gas (the two most quoted needs for it). Unfortunately, I would use my no AF Barclay card whenever I was overseas so Barclay cancelled my card for disuse this March. I was kind of sad (and annoyed with both Barclay and myself lol). I pc'd my arrival+ to a no AF 4 years ago-will they still do that?

This makes me wonder if Covid might kill some of the chip & pin stuff in Europe since touchless is all the rage….

 

[gottalovepluto]

Looking for some advice. DH just PCed his CSR and lowered limits in order to go for the CSP in about a week, but now I'm thinking perhaps it should be a CSP/CSR MDD. We really do like our CSR and I now only have a CSP.

We have an upcoming trip I'd like one or both cards in hand by (6/18). Thinking of applying on 6/10 and 6/11. Is this enough of a quiet period before an MDD? Nothing before that since like 2016.

Chase	Marriott Bonvoy Boundless	Personal	10/28/2020​
Amex	Platinum	Personal	12/6/2020​
Amex	Biz Platinum	Business	3/7/2021​
Chase	Ink Preferred	Business	3/10/2021​

I had a player whose last chase card took almost 3 weeks before it showed in snail mail.

 

[lsutigers03]

It’s super easy!
View attachment 577887View attachment 577888

Do you have to have a payment plan set for this or can you just make multiple payments back to back to back to back to etc........ until the total due is paid? I just made a Simon consumer account to get access to their $1,000 gift cards. The fees on what I need would be $50 instead of the $170 I would pay FACTS to use a credit card. If my account is approved before the end of May the fees will be $30 since they have a 40% off sale through the end of May.

 

[gottalovepluto]

OFF TOPIC! Motion sickness, specifically car sickness, relief recommendations please!

My 11yr old DD has mild car sickness, has only vomited once in multiple longer trips, but has been complaining about nausea more lately. Even on 10 minute rides. We have a road trip in 2 weeks and I’ve been researching options, but thought maybe you guys could offer suggestions. So far I’m looking at Sea Bands and Dramamine. I highly doubt she’ll try ginger, she’s finicky My concern about Dramamine is that it will make her sleepy. It’s not the end of the world, but I’d rather not knock her out, or make her grumpy because she’s sleepy. Do any of you have experience with either Sea Bands or Dramamine (Bonine), either personally or with kids? Thank you!

So much good stuff has already been shared with you but I’m gonna share my bit anyway because this was personally such a big deal to me!

Remember Dramamine is not Bonine. Non-drowsy Dramamine is the same ingredient as Bonine. But normal Dramamine is a different medicine. I’ve used non-drowsy Dramamine successfully in an emergency. I usually stick to Bonine (the brand) and haven’t had an issue since I started with it. For YEARS I suffered bad motion sickness, Dramamine didn’t do crap for me nor did those band things and neither did ginger no matter what form people shoved it at me in. Found Bonine after college and lifesaver. Not drowsy, eat and drink literally whatever I want. Freaking magic.

It doesn’t work for everyone. I certainly know folks it doesn’t do anything for but Dramamine works on. We’re all different. At the end of the day if Bonine doesn’t work I’d still consider Dramamine for your kid as a bit of drowsiness beats the pants off the side effects of prescription meds. Little food for thought, hormone changes can also increase motion sickness.

 

[Mopedmom1]

@IFlossU - I totally agree with gottalovepluto. Bonine all the way for me. As for hormonal changes, when I was pregnant with dd MANY years ago my motion sickness disappeared, only to return after giving birth.

 

[iujen94]

I had a player whose last chase card took almost 3 weeks before it showed in snail mail.

@FreeDiningFanatic - if you are in a rush to get a physical card, definitely SM and ask them to send your card by expedited shipping.

 

[IFlossU]

So much good stuff has already been shared with you but I’m gonna share my bit anyway because this was personally such a big deal to me!

Remember Dramamine is not Bonine. Non-drowsy Dramamine is the same ingredient as Bonine. But normal Dramamine is a different medicine. I’ve used non-drowsy Dramamine successfully in an emergency. I usually stick to Bonine (the brand) and haven’t had an issue since I started with it. For YEARS I suffered bad motion sickness, Dramamine didn’t do crap for me nor did those band things and neither did ginger no matter what form people shoved it at me in. Found Bonine after college and lifesaver. Not drowsy, eat and drink literally whatever I want. Freaking magic.

It doesn’t work for everyone. I certainly know folks it doesn’t do anything for but Dramamine works on. We’re all different. At the end of the day if Bonine doesn’t work I’d still consider Dramamine for your kid as a bit of drowsiness beats the pants off the side effects of prescription meds. Little food for thought, hormone changes can also increase motion sickness.

Thank you! I appreciate all the feedback I can get. I did order Bonine from Amazon after reading everyones’ suggestions. I also came to the same realization after reading the active ingredients, that Bonine is the same dosage as non-drowsy Dramamine. I hope it works well for her.

 

[Alexle2007]

Do you have to have a payment plan set for this or can you just make multiple payments back to back to back to back to etc........ until the total due is paid? I just made a Simon consumer account to get access to their $1,000 gift cards. The fees on what I need would be $50 instead of the $170 I would pay FACTS to use a credit card. If my account is approved before the end of May the fees will be $30 since they have a 40% off sale through the end of May.

I’m thinking yes but can’t be sure since I have a payment plan setup because seems like the key is the due date. Maybe they are different depending on who is being paid, but I have the same fee amount whether debit or credit card. My only nonfee action is directly from my bank account so that is why the NF VGCs and MCGCs for 5x come out ahead.

 

[DisMommyTX]

OFF TOPIC! Motion sickness, specifically car sickness, relief recommendations please!

My 11yr old DD has mild car sickness, has only vomited once in multiple longer trips, but has been complaining about nausea more lately. Even on 10 minute rides. We have a road trip in 2 weeks and I’ve been researching options, but thought maybe you guys could offer suggestions. So far I’m looking at Sea Bands and Dramamine. I highly doubt she’ll try ginger, she’s finicky My concern about Dramamine is that it will make her sleepy. It’s not the end of the world, but I’d rather not knock her out, or make her grumpy because she’s sleepy. Do any of you have experience with either Sea Bands or Dramamine (Bonine), either personally or with kids? Thank you!

DS and I both get car sick. Being able to look out the front window is key to my survival. I use Bonine on long drives as well. DS gets sick in stop-and-go traffic. We kept him in a booster seat for years so he could see better out the window and put him in the center of the backseat when possible.

Despite the same active ingredients, Dramamine II and generic meclizine do not work the same as Bonine for me. DS threw up Zofran every time we tried it. Both kids use Sea bands as well on cruises and we absolutely do see a difference with and without them. They don't work for everyone, but there is no harm in trying it.

One tip for Bonine, since it lasts 24 hrs, some people prefer to take it the night before travel. You sleep through the worst of the grogginess and still have the benefits for driving the next day. Don't let motion sickness keep your family from enjoying travel.

 

[happ]

Do you have to have a payment plan set for this or can you just make multiple payments back to back to back to back to etc........ until the total due is paid? I just made a Simon consumer account to get access to their $1,000 gift cards. The fees on what I need would be $50 instead of the $170 I would pay FACTS to use a credit card. If my account is approved before the end of May the fees will be $30 since they have a 40% off sale through the end of May.

Do you still have to go to Simon in person for your first purchase? I set up an account last year, but ended up not making a purchase because that was the policy and the nearest Simon is not close.

 

[wuzzle02]

Can the CSR travel credit be used to purchase Southwest gift cards?

 

[lsutigers03]

Do you still have to go to Simon in person for your first purchase? I set up an account last year, but ended up not making a purchase because that was the policy and the nearest Simon is not close.

My account is still being reviewed so I haven’t made a purchase yet but I haven’t seen this restriction. Hopefully my account review is completed soon and I can try for a purchase.

 

[GZanta77]

Can the CSR travel credit be used to purchase Southwest gift cards?

If you buy them at a grocery store - then Yes (at least during 2021). Not sure about buying them direct from Southwest.