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

[pinkxray]

I applied for the Barclays Hawaii Biz card two weeks ago. Never got a phone call(unless I missed it) or mail about it. When I applied it stated they needed more info.
I tried calling them but never got through.
Finally, exactly two weeks out I opened the Barclays site and it had a screen to verify my name and income info.
A few hours later I got an email stating a I was approved. Whoo-hoo. Only a few weeks out from booking our April 2022 Hawaii trip.
I am going to really have to get creative with making all the msr I have right now.

 

[wanderlust7]

2 rather open-ended questions here:

Background: I have a CSR and AmEx plat, hit the MSR on those and have 130k MR and 82k UR. I've also got 34k Hilton points, and 5k Marriott (gold with both from the Plat). I am above 5/24 and have hit all of my MSR's.

Q1: I'd like to use these to go to Maui in 2022. What's the best way to spend these to achieve that? I'm considering the grand Wailea, but I'm not sold on it. I'm also considering the $1600 for 320k Hilton Points promotion if GW is worth it to cover most of the stay there. Edit: Nevermind, looks like I missed that promo

Q2: I just finished my AmEx plat MSR, I still have the 10x gas/grocery points. I have some vacations and big purchases coming up that I'd like to go towards an MSR; is the Hilton Aspire worth the AF and SUB? I figure that might help towards Q1?

I think the Aspire is worth it. It comes with a free night soon after opening the card, they don't make you wait until the first anniversary like the other cards with FNC. Free nights issued this year are extended until end of 2022 and can be used any night of the week (usually it's weekends only).

The SUBs on the other Hilton cards are currently elevated. There's versions of the Surpass and biz SUB that comes with 50k extra points for spending 10k total. If you spend 15k on these cards, you also get an FNC.

If the goal is the Grand Wailea, the Aspire plus another Hilton SUB would get you close to 380k for 4 nights with 5th night free. Total 6 nights with the Aspire FNC. Keep in mind that standard nights at the Grand Wailea can be hard to find. Best if you have the points/FNC in place a year in advance.

 

[snugglebug]

How can I book a specific hotel room configuration and guarantee that I get that exact set up? Or, is that not possible?

I tend to book suites- 2 beds and a pull out, so 3 sleeping surfaces. My b/g teens are not going to share a bed, in fact my DS isn't going to share a bed with anyone.

Last year I booked a suite with Marriott (I can't remember which one exactly) via UR and was given a room without a pull out. I actually booked a king with pullout knowing I would use an air mattress and was given a king only room. The pull out was important in that case, I only had 1 air mattress with me. By photos/room size/layout, I felt we could get the air mattress in comfortably. I had to spend over an hour at the front desk to get a room to fit us. I realized that my status was not to be honored since I booked via "expedia".

This past week I booked direct through Hilton (Diamond status) a 2 q + pullout at Hampton. It took 2 days of searching for a suite to show up (softball). When I arrived we were downgraded to a 2 Q room. I found out I might have 3 kids with me Sat night, tossed the air mattress in the car at the last minute. Front desk didn't know how I was able to book the room because they were sold out and this room just happened to come available just before we "checked in". Explains why I couldn't check in until 8pm. He did discount the room, no other offering, but it was barely big enough to get the air mattress in. I booked direct so my status would be honored (no bottled water/snack offered even though it was shown on the website, not that I care too much about that) and I would hopefully get some sort of preference for room type. While I appreciate the discount, I book the size room I need. I almost didn't take the air mattress.

I do understand these hotels get booked up with these tournaments and I try to do mobile checkin as early as I can. Is there anything I can do to get the room I reserve rather than being stuck with what's left?

 

[Missyson]

I went off track with my credit card plans last week. I was getting ready to apply for the Hilton card and decided to go for the Amex Platinum instead. It will be my first Amex card. I figured the 100,000 points and 10x spend on groceries and gas was a good opportunity. I could not pull the 125,000 offer. I know I am going to apply for global entry sometime this year, so can deduct that amount from the fee. I’m not used to a high fee card, but figured I might as well try it out.

Now I just have to figure out how to get the best value from all of those credits! I have been looking at what to buy at Saks for the $50 credit and noticed Rakuten is 20% back today. I think that is a good deal? Off to shop and try to find something practical.

 

[hsmamato2]

Ok super quick question...Amex Green- right now it's 45k MR for 2k spend.... Bc I made this mistake before,I want to avoid it again, but not sure how to verify- can MR earned on the Green be transferred to partner hotel programs? Thanks

 

[hsmamato2]

On other notes..... P2 (unbeknownst to him ) has apped for instant approval csp this am. Still considering mdd territory...please convince me that it's worth a try? Even tho I have an easy spend coming up due to some bills, it's "only" an extra 63k.....
........ETA...... within 5 minutes the new cc is on P2 acct page (wow) I sm'ed to expedite,and then again to lower the CL from 17,5k to 10,5k. Got to love the sm portal.

 

[Psychodisney]

On other notes..... P2 (unbeknownst to him ) has apped for instant approval csp this am. Still considering mdd territory...please convince me that it's worth a try? Even tho I have an easy spend coming up due to some bills, it's "only" an extra 63k.....
........ETA...... within 5 minutes the new cc is on P2 acct page (wow) I sm'ed to expedite,and then again to lower the CL from 17,5k to 10,5k. Got to love the sm portal.

Mine too! Instant approval. Downgraded his CSR three weeks ago (approx) to a Freedom Flex. I'm not going for the DD.

 

[SueInBoston]

I applied for the Barclays Hawaii Biz card two weeks ago. Never got a phone call(unless I missed it) or mail about it. When I applied it stated they needed more info.
I tried calling them but never got through.
Finally, exactly two weeks out I opened the Barclays site and it had a screen to verify my name and income info.
A few hours later I got an email stating a I was approved. Whoo-hoo. Only a few weeks out from booking our April 2022 Hawaii trip.
I am going to really have to get creative with making all the msr I have right now.

Hello,
I'm looking to do the exact same thing, apply for the Barclays Hawaii card to go to Hawaii in August 2022. I've never played the Credit card game before and am trying to figure out the process. I need 3 cards, Boyfriend and I and my 2 adult (employed) children with their SOs. They will each apply for their own card once I figure out when it's the best time to apply. My trip is early August (to celebrate my birthday), the kids will mostly likely cancel their cards after the trips so I'm trying to maximize without them having to pay for 2 years of fees. How did you decide when to apply for cards? and what are some of the creative ways with MSR? I told the kids I will help with the MSR. Thanks for any advice!!

 

[Grabnar]

I think the Aspire is worth it. It comes with a free night soon after opening the card, they don't make you wait until the first anniversary like the other cards with FNC. Free nights issued this year are extended until end of 2022 and can be used any night of the week (usually it's weekends only).

The SUBs on the other Hilton cards are currently elevated. There's versions of the Surpass and biz SUB that comes with 50k extra points for spending 10k total. If you spend 15k on these cards, you also get an FNC.

If the goal is the Grand Wailea, the Aspire plus another Hilton SUB would get you close to 380k for 4 nights with 5th night free. Total 6 nights with the Aspire FNC. Keep in mind that standard nights at the Grand Wailea can be hard to find. Best if you have the points/FNC in place a year in advance.

Thanks for the insight!

Last question I have is whether or not the GW is even worth it? Is there a better place so stay on Maui that I can stay, maybe with a different brand?

 

[donan1212]

Hi, I'm Donna - my approved cards from the last 24 months are as follows:

3/21 - CAPITAL ONE Quicksilver
3/21 - TJX Rewards (TJ Maxx)
11/20 - Fingerhut
7/20 - CAPITAL ONE Secured

The amount I spend on credit cards fluctuates, depending on how I'm doing financially. Ideally, I would like to start charging my groceries and gas each month and paying off at the end of the month - roughly $1500. I can also charge my misc. and incidentals budget each month which would be around $200. I would like to look into paying some bills / extracurricular activity tuition with cards, but have never done this so would have to look into it more. I currently have small balances on my cards but will be paying them off shortly. I was left with bad credit after my separation, which is why I opened the secured card and Fingerhut card. I am working my way back to good credit.

I fly out of the Albany airport (NY), Southwest does service this airport. I have no current points or miles and no preferred reward program. My travel party consists of myself and my two children. My goal is to help fund expenses for a Disney World trip with a time frame of 2-3 years.

 

[Haley R]

Here are some pictures from yesterday and today at mk! We’re having lots of fun and Ds is loving it

 

[havaneselover]

Here are some pictures from yesterday and today at mk! We’re having lots of fun and Ds is loving it

These are amazing!!!

 

[IFlossU]

Even tho I have an easy spend coming up due to some bills, it's "only" an extra 63k.....

Or “only” $960 if you decided to use the PYB feature w/64k points

Hello,
I'm looking to do the exact same thing, apply for the Barclays Hawaii card to go to Hawaii in August 2022. I've never played the Credit card game before and am trying to figure out the process. I need 3 cards, Boyfriend and I and my 2 adult (employed) children with their SOs. They will each apply for their own card once I figure out when it's the best time to apply. My trip is early August (to celebrate my birthday), the kids will mostly likely cancel their cards after the trips so I'm trying to maximize without them having to pay for 2 years of fees. How did you decide when to apply for cards? and what are some of the creative ways with MSR? I told the kids I will help with the MSR. Thanks for any advice!!

If you all apply in August the 2nd AF won’t post until September 1 ‘22. You have about 30 days to cancel after the AF posts to get a refund. They should be able to cancel after your trip and not pay the 2nd AF.

 

[ski_mom]

Bakers Cay Resort, Key Largo. Junior suite Hammock room. (Hilton Curio) Has anyone stayed in this room? It is 60k hhp per night, 5th free. Dh and I stayed in std qn room in Feb 21 and loved resort. Would like to take dd and dgd + friend for spring break 2022. (All female trip) From what I understand, they somehow take a regular size room, around 360sf, and split it into two parts? Room A is king bed, t.v. and balcony. There is a door that seperates this from second room, which is double sleeper couch w it's own t.v, and one shared bathroom. The door is key for 2 adults w 2 teen girls. Is it truly a seperation? I know it sounds small but honestly it's still bigger than some cruise ship family suites that people crowd into. The location is one of only a handful of rooms that dont face the water. It faces Ben's Garden and pool area, which I'm totally fine with. These rooms will cost over 1k a night during spring break. I am holding one with hhp. Wish I could have viewed one in feb but I'm ok with location in the Hammock wing. Thoughts or experinces or pics of crammimg 4 people in one of these?

We stayed in one of these rooms in February. There is definitely the separation - when you walk in the room, you are in the room with the sleeper couch with tv. If you walk through that, the bathroom is on your left and then you continue on and you're in the main bedroom which walks out to a balcony. Ours overlooked Ben's garden and we could see the waterfall of the pool area from our room.

I'm not going to be able to 100% tell you about your main question though because if there was a door there, we never closed it between the two rooms. We also didn't pull out the sofa sleeper to see if it would be good enough for two teens to sleep on. I can see how it would be easy for there to be a door there though, so if that's in the description, I'm sure it is probably there if that makes sense.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I've got to decide if I'm moving forward w/ the NC tickets today. I do have 4 FNC Marriott certificates. Where would you use those to get the most bang for your buck in summer?

Does anyone here have experience churning Barclay cards? Specifically Aviator Biz or personal cards. I’m having a hard time finding information on how often I can receive the bonuses.

I have an Aviator Biz that’s coming up on 1 year. Wondering if I can cancel and reapply a few months later. Also an Aviator Red coming up on 2 years since bonus. Can I get a 2nd bonus after 2 years?

Would appreciate any insight!

I've been wanting to know as well. I have a personal I've had since 9/2017. I'm willing to close that this year when the AF posts. And keep the business one for now (for the reduced mileage awards and free luggage). But I wonder do I have to wait 2 years after I close it?

No fee VGCs at Staples beginning Mother’s Day. I will make it there this time...

No Staples cards for me. I went at 11am! So I'm thinking they didn't have any to start. Grrrrr!

I don't mean to intrude on your thread. It's funny because I've been researching this all day. I opened the Red personal 3\7\2019. I applied again about 6 months ago and got a message saying I wasn't eligible for the card due to fact that I recently had it. No credit pull was done. I decided to apply again today and was instantly approved. We shall see if I get the bonus everything I've read says if Barclay approves you you'll get the bonus.

In July it will be two years for the aviator Biz. It specifically says on the app you can't get the bonus if you've had the card in the last two years. I have no idea when I closed it, but I'm going to use the same strategy and apply around 26 months. I have a lot of AA miles, but I need about 100k more to fly business class to Europe and Japan next year.

How long ago did you close your personal? I opened mine in 2017, but haven't closed it yet. I love me some AA miles.

For those who have flown Spirit, how is it? The reviews are awful but they have the cheapest for a last minute trip.

My BF is a captain w/ Spirit. Just go in knowing the seats don't recline, you have to pay for everything (short of a personal item) and bring your own water and you're good to go. They have the newest planes out there flying. I think most people who hate Spirit are somehow clueless to all the "hidden costs" which aren't hidden. Yes, they state right on the website you've got to buy everything including water.

 

[hsmamato2]

Or “only” $960 if you decided to use the PYB feature w/64k points

Oh yeahhhhh.... I forgot to value that in. So easily offsets the AF for that year.......

 

[hsmamato2]

Thanks for the insight!

Last question I have is whether or not the GW is even worth it? Is there a better place so stay on Maui that I can stay, maybe with a different brand?

We stayed next door at the Marriott resort...spent quite a bit of time walking and visiting at GW. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen...the grounds,the lobbies, the decor, the pools..... Wailea along that resort walk is my favorite place in this world.

 

[wanderlust7]

Thanks for the insight!

Last question I have is whether or not the GW is even worth it? Is there a better place so stay on Maui that I can stay, maybe with a different brand?

I have plans but haven't been yet, so I can't say. They're having some service issues due to low staffing and Covid procedures, but hopefully things will be normal next year. The pool complex is supposed to be amazing.

The other popular ones with points on Maui are the Andaz (30k) and the Hyatt Regency (25k). UR can be transferred to Hyatt 1:1. Or the Wailea Beach Resort with Bonvoy points. Category 7, so 60k Bonvoy, or 50k nonpeak, 70k peak. Bonvoy also has 5th night free, you can get pretty close on 2 SUBs. The Amex SUBs are currently elevated (ending 5/12). Brilliant is at 125k with $200 restaurant. The biz is at 100k with $150 statement credit. Both are $5000 MSRs.

 

[hsmamato2]

Here are some pictures from yesterday and today at mk! We’re having lots of fun and Ds is loving it

so precious

 

[mfly]

I have ~15k in private student loans that I need to pay off (yay!)

The provider is Firstmark.

Does anyone have a creative idea for a way I can earn cc points for this payoff?

I don’t think I have it in me to do money orders (respect to any of you that do!), but I’m open to suggestions!