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

[chattadisser]

I don't think Hyatt extends FNC. They might give you 10k points for a 15k FNC, but you'd have to wait closer to expiration. Chances are better if you're Globalist.

I'm sure Globalist does give you a better chance. I may end up using them as a treat for my girls somewhere locally. Just to burn the FNC.

I think with the current airline situation everyone should be using their CSP/CSR to pay for flights. I regret not using our CSR when we ended up being stranded in Orlando for 2 nights.
CSP Benefit: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

CSR Benefit: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

I agree, CSR or CSP is the way to go right now given most situations. I just had never seen the PayPal option and with it being a bonus category for UR's this quarter an interesting option.

Is this for any FNC or just the anniversary one? I got one this year for spend i think but it expires in Oct and I won’t use it. I guess it can’t hurt to ask. Is there an SM feature on Hyatt app or do I have to call?

I chatted online with a rep last night. Didn't do anything but tell me how generous Hyatt has been this past year.

I've never been able to get an extension with Hyatt. I did get 10K once for an expired FNC.

After I chatted online I tried the Hyatt concierge line and was told to book the nights I wanted and then call the month my FNC were set to expire and they could see about applying them to my reservation. I booked 2 nights in February and the FNC expire 12.31 so I will see if this works on December 1st. I'm not holding my breath but we'll see. Maybe if they can't apply them to the reservation they will at least give me some points for them.

 

[PrincessDJC]

I don’t have the attention span to go through 777 pages to see if this has been asked and answered so forgive if it has. Do most of you opt for rewards cards over cash back cards and if so why? I’m researching options and wondering why a reward card like sapphire is better than a cash back card with say a 200 or more statement credit bonus. Tia

 

[catsinawindow]

I think with the current airline situation everyone should be using their CSP/CSR to pay for flights. I regret not using our CSR when we ended up being stranded in Orlando for 2 nights.
CSP Benefit: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

CSR Benefit: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

Do you happen to know if this also applies if you book Southwest tickets using RR points, but pay for the taxes & fees with a CSP/CSR?

 

[GZanta77]

I don’t have the attention span to go through 777 pages to see if this has been asked and answered so forgive if it has. Do most of you opt for rewards cards over cash back cards and if so why? I’m researching options and wondering why a reward card like sapphire is better than a cash back card with say a 200 or more statement credit bonus. Tia

The basic problem is that you are somewhat limited by the number of credit cards you can obtain in a given period time. e.g. Chase 5/24 rule, Citi/Barclays can be inquiry sensitive. So it makes sense to apply for cards that give the biggest return. My usual baseline sign up bonus for a new card is $500. Often I can obtain sign up bonuses worth more than $1000. The problem with cashback cards is that they usually offer less than $200 in bonus.

On a more subjective note, I have held cashback cards and actually have one now. It just doesn't seem the same level of reward to offset cashback for a statement credit. I like to use my rewards to obtain free flights and hotels, or upgrades for a travel experience I would never pay cash for. It just feels more rewarding to me. Now I happen to currently be in the fortunate position of being able to pay my bills without stressing too much - I can totally understand that for some folks - a $200 cashback award would feel very rewarding indeed. In fact many years ago, I used to think getting a $200 bonus for spending $500 on a credit card was a no-brainer. But then the credit card game changed, and more restrictions came into play affecting how many cards you can get in a certain time frame. Consequently I have to be more selective about which cards I apply for.

ETA: I should also note that many of the higher sign up bonuses come with much higher spend requirements and/or annual fees. Many people are either uncomfortable with this or cannot meet those spend levels. It never worth getting into debt and carrying a interest incurring balance on your cards just to chase a sign up bonus. Figure out what is affordable and take the best deal you are comfortable with.

 

[Psychodisney]

Do you happen to know if this also applies if you book Southwest tickets using RR points, but pay for the taxes & fees with a CSP/CSR?

Yes! I've used the insurance a couple of times on flights booked with RR points paying the $5.60. It's actually a very easy process. It has covered hotel room, rental cars and meals for us. I make sure at least one of us is covered.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I don’t have the attention span to go through 777 pages to see if this has been asked and answered so forgive if it has. Do most of you opt for rewards cards over cash back cards and if so why? I’m researching options and wondering why a reward card like sapphire is better than a cash back card with say a 200 or more statement credit bonus. Tia

$200 is nothing when it comes to SUB. My mom did that. The next card I had her get was the CSP, and with the 100K URs, that can be cashed out for $1k. I have a discover card that gives 5% back, as does my Chase Freedom on certain categories. I'll use them, but I try to focus more on getting new cards and SUBs. I have a BOA card that gives 3% back on all online purchases, and now the CIU which gives back 1.5x URs.

At the end of the day you have to do what make sense for you. If you don't want to use points for travel, it still makes sense to get a card like CSP as it's $800 more if you take the cash. I like the IHG card, and I see value in Hilton points. Others live and die by Hyatt. Most people love SW (though after last week, maybe not), but SW doesn't fly direct to many places from DTW, and I often don't find it to be cheaper. If a $200 SUB and a cash back card works better for you, then do that

 

[MinnieMay]

So I saw that Staples is doing VGC Sunday. I guess I'll try my "local" one Sunday morning. I discovered there's one kinda by my son's hockey rink and he has practice Sunday and Monday. So I think I'll try there. I'm hoping my CIC is here. Should I SM them to see if I could get it expedited? I think I was approved Monday? Or Tuesday (I think Monday).

Yes. I SM'd to get mine expedited and received it in 2 days.

 

[jenmsmith]

For our SW flights from Monday that were cancelled by SW, shouldn't they refund my RR's that were used to book the flight? I rec'd an email today with a $250 Luv voucher but so far no points back. Seems strange to me. I kinda think I should get both, is that too much to ask? I ended up having to rebook with a different airline and driving 3 hours to a different airport, plus pay for parking for s week. Any thoughts on what the normal policy would be or what others have rec'd in similar situations?

FWIW, I was caught in last weekend’s SW meltdown. I was flying on RR points and my son was flying as my companion. Our flight out of MCO was cancelled about an hour before boarding. We checked bags and couldn’t use the app to rebook so I found the shortest line I could and waited for options. They couldn’t reschedule me until three days later, so she encouraged me to book the late flight with a layover on AA I found. So I did, and also asked to be put on standby for the SW flight that was to leave just an hour and a half after my original flight. Praise be, we made it on standby and I was never so happy to see two middle seats. so I cancelled the AA flight. I have emailed SW customer service and politely outlined my issues (including bags taking four days to arrive) and asked for reimbursement for my AA flights ($600 total). I received a confirmation email that mine had been received, although not a formal response yet (I’m sure they have many, many to go through).

In the meantime, I have received the email that must have been the standard email to those affected saying I have a $100 LUV voucher. Nothing for my companion as they are expressively excluded. I’ll wait for a response to my customer service email, because $100 voucher and no RR points returned nor paying for my other flights is not ok with me.

 

[Arcades]

I don’t have the attention span to go through 777 pages to see if this has been asked and answered so forgive if it has. Do most of you opt for rewards cards over cash back cards and if so why? I’m researching options and wondering why a reward card like sapphire is better than a cash back card with say a 200 or more statement credit bonus. Tia

In addition to better sign up bonuses, the multipliers for organic spending on travel rewards cards typically exceed those of the best cash back cards (typically 2% cash back). For instance, the average UR is worth about 1.8 cents per point (if converted to Hyatt), but could be higher for certain airlines (particularly internationally). Chase Ink Unlimited gives 1.5 UR per dollar. So, effectively you're getting 2.7% back on your purchases. Of course, you have to be able to use all of your points before you realize that value; but that's one of the secondary reasons.

 

[GZanta77]

FWIW, I was caught in last weekend’s SW meltdown. I was flying on RR points and my son was flying as my companion. Our flight out of MCO was cancelled about an hour before boarding. We checked bags and couldn’t use the app to rebook so I found the shortest line I could and waited for options. They couldn’t reschedule me until three days later, so she encouraged me to book the late flight with a layover on AA I found. So I did, and also asked to be put on standby for the SW flight that was to leave just an hour and a half after my original flight. Praise be, we made it on standby and I was never so happy to see two middle seats. so I cancelled the AA flight. I have emailed SW customer service and politely outlined my issues (including bags taking four days to arrive) and asked for reimbursement for my AA flights ($600 total). I received a confirmation email that mine had been received, although not a formal response yet (I’m sure they have many, many to go through).

In the meantime, I have received the email that must have been the standard email to those affected saying I have a $100 LUV voucher. Nothing for my companion as they are expressively excluded. I’ll wait for a response to my customer service email, because $100 voucher and no RR points returned nor paying for my other flights is not ok with me.

Congrats on being proactive and finding a solution to get yourself on a flight. Sucks to be scrambling for a solution at the last minute.

Won't AA give you a credit for the canceled flight? Or was it a basic economy ticket? I can't see SW reimbursing you to be honest - hope you got the name of the SW employee who told you to book the AA flight.

 

[platamama]

I'm just throwing this out there in case it benefits anyone...you can book SW paying with PayPal. I was booking a flight using RR's and saw that you could pay with PayPal. I didn't know that. I know most of us are booking SW with RR's but in case you have to pay, use the PayPal and get 5X UR's with it right now.

I think with the current airline situation everyone should be using their CSP/CSR to pay for flights. I regret not using our CSR when we ended up being stranded in Orlando for 2 nights.
CSP Benefit: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

CSR Benefit: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

You could utilize both approaches. Buy a SW ticket and checkout via PayPal. Cancel the ticket. Apply the travel funds to a pricier ticket, i.e. the one you actually want, and pay the rest on a CSP/CSR.

 

[platamama]

Leaving for a trip flying on SW and staying at a Marriott tomorrow. Based on stories shared here, I'm gonna need a big helping of good luck .

 

[Psychodisney]

Leaving for a trip flying on SW and staying at a Marriott tomorrow. Based on stories shared here, I'm gonna need a big helping of good luck .

Good luck! My DH got out from ORD today. Delayed about 30 minutes but not cancelled!!

 

[WVMomof3]

Twitter. Here’s a TPG article that talks about how you need to constantly follow up with them.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/thepointsguy.com/news/walked-at-marriott-compensation/amp/

thanks. I guess I will wait a week and try again but I’m not expecting much at this point. Much like this article I tweeted again yesterday saying I still hadn’t heard anything and they were less than helpful. They told me each hotel manages their own billing and basically they couldn’t help me. I almost wrote back #Bonvoyed but will refrain for now. Lol

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I received an Amex Offer for 3% off Ruggable. Just wanted to give a shout-out to how great Ruggables are. Pull the rug up from it's "velcro" base and throw it in the washer. I even have their very biggest size 9x12 and it fits in our home washer. With dogs (and kids), it has been a lifesaver. You can often find coupon codes as well.

 

[elgerber]

I received an Amex Offer for 3% off Ruggables. Just wanted to give a shout-out to how great Ruggables are. Pull the rug up from it's "velcro" base and throw it in the washer. I even have their very biggest size 9x12 and it fits in our home washer. With dogs (and kids), it has been a lifesaver. You can often find coupon codes as well.

Ooooh, what card was it on??

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Ooooh, what card was it on??

Amex Plat (personal)

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I received an Amex Offer for 3% off Ruggable. Just wanted to give a shout-out to how great Ruggables are. Pull the rug up from it's "velcro" base and throw it in the washer. I even have their very biggest size 9x12 and it fits in our home washer. With dogs (and kids), it has been a lifesaver. You can often find coupon codes as well.

I have been looking at those. Good to have a positive review.

Ooooh, what card was it on??

I have it on Hilton and BCP.

 

[jenmsmith]

Congrats on being proactive and finding a solution to get yourself on a flight. Sucks to be scrambling for a solution at the last minute.

Won't AA give you a credit for the canceled flight? Or was it a basic economy ticket? I can't see SW reimbursing you to be honest - hope you got the name of the SW employee who told you to book the AA flight.

In my haste, I booked the first flight listed once I realized it was available (availability was draining quickly). So it must not have been a refundable fare, as it has been charged to my credit card.

SW may not reimburse me, but it was definitely worth asking, as their operational issues were within their control (this was Saturday afternoon, so weather and ATC were not widespread issues). They had a brittle system and it broke. Instead of alerting customers as soon as possible, they allowed us to check in and wait at the airport thus limiting our options when they knew they didn’t have a plane or crew for us. I was very impressed with the gate agents who were working so hard to take care of customers in a problem they did not create.

If SW really won’t budge, I’ll see what coverage my CSR will take care of. I know they mention lodging and meals in their coverage, but I haven’t seen clear indication if they’d cover alternate flights. I can also check with AA, although I would assume it would be a goodwill gesture to refund my money. I didn’t take the flight, but not due to any fault on their part.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

In my haste, I booked the first flight listed once I realized it was available (availability was draining quickly). So it must not have been a refundable fare, as it has been charged to my credit card.

SW may not reimburse me, but it was definitely worth asking, as their operational issues were within their control (this was Saturday afternoon, so weather and ATC were not widespread issues). They had a brittle system and it broke. Instead of alerting customers as soon as possible, they allowed us to check in and wait at the airport thus limiting our options when they knew they didn’t have a plane or crew for us. I was very impressed with the gate agents who were working so hard to take care of customers in a problem they did not create.

If SW really won’t budge, I’ll see what coverage my CSR will take care of. I know they mention lodging and meals in their coverage, but I haven’t seen clear indication if they’d cover alternate flights. I can also check with AA, although I would assume it would be a goodwill gesture to refund my money. I didn’t take the flight, but not due to any fault on their part.

Airlines are required to by the U.S. Dept of Transportation to refund your money if you cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking, regardless of fare type. AA should refund your money.