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

[Minnie368]

With that in mind, I'm also going to beef up the credit limit on the Freedom to the 10K? that a CSR requires, if I've got that number correct. I know terms will change as time passes, but hopefully the $300 double dip will continue to be an option.

Yes it’s 10K. Just did this about 10 min ago.

I just checked a past statement to confirm. I made 2 grocery purchases on August 28th with DH’s CSP. DH PC’d this card to a CSR on September 1st. I redeemed both grocery purchases with PYB on September 12th for 1.5x. So yes, in my experience all the purchases remained available for PYB after the PC.

Thanks. I went ahead and just did the PC and happy to use PYB at 1.5x vs 1.25x. Saved me lots of points!!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So I don't recall if this looked like this the last time when we were unsure of an extension on PYB: But a new grocery charge of mine that just posted yesterday shows 71 days left to use PYB... that would be April 30th. This could mean a few things:

1. PYB is going away April 30th (probably unlikely)
2. Charges that post prior to 4/30 in eligible categories (as of posting date) will no longer be eligible for PYB on May 1st (this is what seems likely from the evidence) - new categories will come out then and start on 5/1 as well.
3. Nothing - Chase just hasn't updated their coding yet (possible but I think #2 is more likely)

At this point, until we have more clarity, I am planning to make sure that all of my PYB transactions post safely before 4/30 and that I have all the URs available by then to offset all of those charges.

 

[becauseimnew]

Interesting on the SW Priority retention. Was planning to cancel DH's when his fee hits 3/1. Would be worth keeping for a $70 credit.

I told DH that we were going to keep the card even if there wasn't any type of retention offer, it is our only SW card. Good for referral points and we do plan to use the pre-boarding upgrades.

 

[Hoosier John]

Thank you both for the responses!

I think I'll order a transponder, and just keep it for any future travel out in that part of the country.

They will cancel your transponder from non-use. I don't think they will do it for less than a year of non-use, but eventually they will cancel it. Not sure what happens to your remaining balance. I figure the unit can still be re-initiated after cancellation, but not sure of that either.

 

[sibesx2]

If I PC my CSP to a CSR will I lose my available PYB transactions? I have about $2000 of charges I can apply UR to and I’d like to do it after PC to get the 1.5x but will I still be able to redeem it on those transactions or will I be starting from scratch?

I recently upgraded to a CSR and all of my PYB transactions were still there and redeemed for the 1.5x.

 

[IFlossU]

So I don't recall if this looked like this the last time when we were unsure of an extension on PYB: But a new grocery charge of mine that just posted yesterday shows 71 days left to use PYB... that would be April 30th. This could mean a few things:

1. PYB is going away April 30th (probably unlikely)
2. Charges that post prior to 4/30 in eligible categories (as of posting date) will no longer be eligible for PYB on May 1st (this is what seems likely from the evidence) - new categories will come out then and start on 5/1 as well.
3. Nothing - Chase just hasn't updated their coding yet (possible but I think #2 is more likely)

At this point, until we have more clarity, I am planning to make sure that all of my PYB transactions post safely before 4/30 and that I have all the URs available by then to offset all of those charges.

At some point I read that PYB will be ending for the current categories, grocery, dining, etc. on April 30th. My plan is to cash out as many points as I can prior to that date, as those are obviously super easy purchases to redeem. I'm thinking PYB will remain a benefit, but as others are speculating the categories will change, and may not be as easy to work with as the current categories.

 

[snugglebug]

@snugglebug - hoping you still have some power!

We haven't heard from you since Tuesday.

Edit: reading the news San Antonio area had 300K outages yesterday but many have been restored this morning.

Thanks for thinking of me. Yes, we are still with power, pros of our proximity to police/fire departments. Internet is a little spotty. We've had no water for 2 days. While the city has restored water service as of this afternoon, it'll be a week+ before it's back to fully functioning. I've got 3+ cases of Costco bottled water and some other random drinks for the 4 of us. We're melting snow/ice for toilet flushing and dish washing. When we get water back, currently sometimes it's a trickle at most, it has to be boiled. The saute function on my instant pot ran twice seems to bring it to a boil so three times should be sufficient.

Can't get to Lowes. Tried to buy a new stove online yesterday before the sale ended, but since it can't be delivered or curb side pick up, I couldn't even purchase it. I think we could make it there right now, but dh doesn't want to chance our street yet. It's still on sale at Home Depot and I took screenshots from Lowes website, hopefully they'll honor the sale price and I can get a working stove as soon as possible.

The final storm hit this morning and things are melting. Cue the flooding any time now.

I haven't shoveled snow for 10 years now. We don't even own a snow shovel anymore. I just used a rounded shovel to somewhat clear around the van since that's all we currently have. I used to love shoveling snow, that may have been my last time lol

I know the Austin hospitals were one by one losing power and water yesterday. I've been ignoring most things today, I'm just too mentally exhausted.

 

[snugglebug]

Not snugglebug but I’m in Houston. At one point 60% of the city was without power. Most of us still don’t have water. We got power back last night at 1 am after being out since Monday morning. We went to BIL’s Tuesday to try and warm up and then the power went out there too It ending up being 65 hours or so without. Still no water but we slept warm and have Internet and fully charged devices again! We are hoping it sticks and that Austin, DFW, and San Antonio warm up soon so they don’t have to deal with ice/snow on top of everything else.

Been wondering about you. Fingers crossed for no busted pipes. Both of my sisters have that to deal with, my parents somehow managed to maintain power and water. I'm glad you had a place to go for at least a bit and could get there.

 

[platamama]

With your own transponder the bridge costs $4.

I forgot to mention the tunnels in Baltimore on your way south. Those cost both ways and are $4 each way.

And, you are going to get to that Hyatt resort before me! I've been planning to use my 15K certs there and never got around to it last fall. I have until the end of 2021, so it will be this year. The resort is very close to the Blackwater Refuge - my reason for visiting as it is a stopover on the waterfowl migration routes.

Thank you for the info. I'm really hoping this trip ends up happening! I'm not sure if the weather will be all that great at the end of March, but it's when our spring break is, and if it's bad weather then that's good for DD to know too. She knows what CO cold feels like but it's arid here (today I was out shoveling 6" of snow in 25 degree weather with just a long sleeve top and jeans) compared to whatever the humidity is like out there.

The Hyatt resort looks really nice and I'm looking at it as a treat as the end of our trip. Should I bring binoculars? I checked into a local HP yesterday for my 2nd mattress run. After the nights post, we'll be Globalist, and I'll have an extra Cat1-4 night that I'm hoping to use for another night at the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay. I was able to split the charges on both my and DH's Amex Greens with the Amex Offer for $60 off $300. That might even end up finishing off my MSR on the Green which would be nice.

They will cancel your transponder from non-use. I don't think they will do it for less than a year of non-use, but eventually they will cancel it. Not sure what happens to your remaining balance. I figure the unit can still be re-initiated after cancellation, but not sure of that either.

I ordered it from EZPass Massachusetts since I could get the transponder for free and the minimum load was $20. I can't find any info about them cancelling it for non-use though. I was also checking out the NC Quick Pass which covers all the 15 EZPass states plus GA, FL, and NC and HOV lanes in the DC area but their website clearly said each car needed to have its own transponder (with the EZPass Mass I can switch the license plate associated with the transponder so I can use it in a rental car) and there was a monthly $1 charge for non-use after 24 months. I guess each state has its own policies regarding EZPass, which made it challenging to decide on an EZPass program when I don't live in one of the EZPass states!

 

[Hoosier John]

Thank you for the info. I'm really hoping this trip ends up happening! I'm not sure if the weather will be all that great at the end of March, but it's when our spring break is, and if it's bad weather then that's good for DD to know too. She knows what CO cold feels like but it's arid here (today I was out shoveling 6" of snow in 25 degree weather with just a long sleeve top and jeans) compared to whatever the humidity is like out there.

The Hyatt resort looks really nice and I'm looking at it as a treat as the end of our trip. Should I bring binoculars? I checked into a local HP yesterday for my 2nd mattress run. After the nights post, we'll be Globalist, and I'll have an extra Cat1-4 night that I'm hoping to use for another night at the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay. I was able to split the charges on both my and DH's Amex Greens with the Amex Offer for $60 off $300. That might even end up finishing off my MSR on the Green which would be nice.

I ordered it from EZPass Massachusetts since I could get the transponder for free and the minimum load was $20. I can't find any info about them cancelling it for non-use though. I was also checking out the NC Quick Pass which covers all the 15 EZPass states plus GA, FL, and NC and HOV lanes in the DC area but their website clearly said each car needed to have its own transponder (with the EZPass Mass I can switch the license plate associated with the transponder so I can use it in a rental car) and there was a monthly $1 charge for non-use after 24 months. I guess each state has its own policies regarding EZPass, which made it challenging to decide on an EZPass program when I don't live in one of the EZPass states!

Yeah, I guess so. Mine is from VA. Sounds like you got a good deal on it!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

At some point I read that PYB will be ending for the current categories, grocery, dining, etc. on April 30th. My plan is to cash out as many points as I can prior to that date, as those are obviously super easy purchases to redeem. I'm thinking PYB will remain a benefit, but as others are speculating the categories will change, and may not be as easy to work with as the current categories.

Yep - it seems like most people are assuming that a category change is coming this go-around unlike the last time it reached it's "end point".

The bigger issue here is that expenses made before 4/30 that were eligible for PYB on 4/30 may not be eligible when we wake up on 5/1. I hope that's not the case, but it's something worth watching! I'd hate to buy $1,000 in Disney GCs on April 20th hoping to use a SUB that would post in early May to offset that... and then have the rug pulled out from under me on 5/1.

For now I'm planning for the worst case scenario and making sure all my PYB is handled within the month of April until we know more!

 

[georgina]

I told DH that we were going to keep the card even if there wasn't any type of retention offer, it is our only SW card. Good for referral points and we do plan to use the pre-boarding upgrades.

We had it originally because he didn't fly SW that much and we wanted to keep his points active. Now that is no longer a concern (points don't expire anymore) and we are moving close to Reagan airport, not sure it is worth it for the $75 travel credit and 7500 points. An extra $70 would definitely be an incentive for us. Most of his flights are on American and United for scuba trips.

 

[georgina]

Yep - it seems like most people are assuming that a category change is coming this go-around unlike the last time it reached it's "end point".

The bigger issue here is that expenses made before 4/30 that were eligible for PYB on 4/30 may not be eligible when we wake up on 5/1. I hope that's not the case, but it's something worth watching! I'd hate to buy $1,000 in Disney GCs on April 20th hoping to use a SUB that would post in early May to offset that... and then have the rug pulled out from under me on 5/1.

For now I'm planning for the worst case scenario and making sure all my PYB is handled within the month of April until we know more!

Have been using it for all dining. Just made another World Central Kitchen donation today since they are helping out with the Texas situation. Will use UR to pay that also.

 

[Haley R]

I can’t decide if I should keep my CSR when the AF hits. I was approved last year on 3/24. Dh wants to keep it but only if we can continue to PYB for groceries. We thought maybe after the travel credit resets we would book the cabin at wdw and cancel the previous reservation (that we’re planning to book tonight). Are they still allowing you to use the travel credit for groceries or is that gone?

 

[elgerber]

Just an update, my IRS mail was exactly what you guys thought it might be thanks for calming my mind earlier LOL!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I can’t decide if I should keep my CSR when the AF hits. I was approved last year on 3/24. Dh wants to keep it but only if we can continue to PYB for groceries. We thought maybe after the travel credit resets we would book the cabin at wdw and cancel the previous reservation (that we’re planning to book tonight). Are they still allowing you to use the travel credit for groceries or is that gone?

you can use the travel credit on groceries until 6/30

 

[Haley R]

you can use the travel credit on groceries until 4/30

I would think we would easily meet that $300 in groceries by then but I’m not exactly sure when the travel credit will reset

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Thank you for the info. I'm really hoping this trip ends up happening! I'm not sure if the weather will be all that great at the end of March, but it's when our spring break is, and if it's bad weather then that's good for DD to know too. She knows what CO cold feels like but it's arid here (today I was out shoveling 6" of snow in 25 degree weather with just a long sleeve top and jeans) compared to whatever the humidity is like out there.

The Hyatt resort looks really nice and I'm looking at it as a treat as the end of our trip. Should I bring binoculars? I checked into a local HP yesterday for my 2nd mattress run. After the nights post, we'll be Globalist, and I'll have an extra Cat1-4 night that I'm hoping to use for another night at the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay. I was able to split the charges on both my and DH's Amex Greens with the Amex Offer for $60 off $300. That might even end up finishing off my MSR on the Green which would be nice.

I ordered it from EZPass Massachusetts since I could get the transponder for free and the minimum load was $20. I can't find any info about them cancelling it for non-use though. I was also checking out the NC Quick Pass which covers all the 15 EZPass states plus GA, FL, and NC and HOV lanes in the DC area but their website clearly said each car needed to have its own transponder (with the EZPass Mass I can switch the license plate associated with the transponder so I can use it in a rental car) and there was a monthly $1 charge for non-use after 24 months. I guess each state has its own policies regarding EZPass, which made it challenging to decide on an EZPass program when I don't live in one of the EZPass states!

They will cancel your transponder from non-use. I don't think they will do it for less than a year of non-use, but eventually they will cancel it. Not sure what happens to your remaining balance. I figure the unit can still be re-initiated after cancellation, but not sure of that either.

Our EZ Pass from New York is still active, after having moved and not been used for 4 years. They have not cancelled or deactivated nor charged any fees, so each state must handle differently.

 

[wanderlust7]

I can’t decide if I should keep my CSR when the AF hits. I was approved last year on 3/24. Dh wants to keep it but only if we can continue to PYB for groceries. We thought maybe after the travel credit resets we would book the cabin at wdw and cancel the previous reservation (that we’re planning to book tonight). Are they still allowing you to use the travel credit for groceries or is that gone?

Travel credit for groceries goes through 6/30. Rather confusing to have different deadlines.

 

[Haley R]

Travel credit for groceries goes through 6/30. Rather confusing to have different deadlines.

We’re going to pay the initial payment on the wdw stay tonight and then will use my CSR travel credit after it resets to pay off the rest of the charge