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

[CyndiLouWho]

The key part is you called them. There is no security threat that the person doesn’t work for Citi when you call Citi.

So there's no threat it's a scam when I click on the phone number in the text? I get scam texts all the time.

 

[afan]

So there's no threat it's a scam when I click on the phone number in the text? I get scam texts all the time.

You always call the number on the back of the card. They may have to transfer you, but I never call a number from an email or a text for one of my credit cards. It'll be flagged in your account if there was fraud that needs to be cleared up and they'll help or transfer you to that dept.

 

[IFlossU]

I agree. If you don't like it by now, it probably won't get any better for you by the end. I loved it but not all books are for everyone and as I get older, I realize I don't want to waste my time on a book when there are so many other good ones out there waiting for me.

Part 1 was just so random to me. Odd stories that didn’t seem to go together at all. I thought I knew the story was about a murder but you have to get halfway through the book before that even happens and those characters weren't even mentioned that much in the first half. I’m not sure if the second half somehow ties things together or not. My library loan expired today so I did not finish. I really tried to get through it but it was very boring to me, I kept falling asleep. I had 14 uninterrupted hours in the car last week and I still couldn’t finish. Does the book go into all 4 trials? Reading the actual back story seems like the book should be interesting. I put another hold on the book. I may try again in a few weeks. Almost all the negative reviews gave up on the book so I keep thinking I just need to finish it.

Now I’m intrigued, and think I need to read this book

 

[wanderlust7]

I occasionally comment but just wanted to see others opinions. Been churning for a long time and I used to have no trouble with decisions to close cards. However, since all the rules have been instituted (lifetime rules for Amex), marriott restrictions, 5/24, etc, I have analysis paralysis around closing cards because of hesitation around not being able to get them again. For example, between P2 and I we have 7 cards that provide a marriott free night certificate. I used those free night certificates for 2 weekend trips a year (football) and loved the value. The football team has now moved to a location where hyatts are the better choice. Part of me thinks I should just close all the cards but 3 (2 ritz carlton and 1 bonvoy business) but then I think "may use those in the post covid world."
Currently debating what to do with an amex gold that is up for renewal. I took a retention offer last year so I won't be eligible for another one until after the AF refund cancellation period. Current options are to: 1) Keep as is & pay the 250 fee 2) upgrade to amex platinum for 25k points and get the 200 airline credit, uber and saks credit for $550 annual fee, 3) downgrade to green card with 150 fee or 4) cancel
I am leaning towards cancelling as I have both the personal and business amex plat currently. Option 2 sounds good with the airline credit, uber and saks credit but I also have to do some fuzzy math to really justify another $550 fee card.
What would ya'll do?

I'd probably do the upgrade offer. 25k is a bit low, but I value MRs at 1.25 cpp, so that's $312. With the credits, I'd come out ahead after the AF even if I don't value them at face value.

 

[Alexle2007]

Except I gave them all the info. I gave them the account number. Then they want my login. Then my security word. So pretty much I gave them all the access I have. The security word I refused the second time. How do I know the phone number in the email is not a scam? My mom got a scam email just like that last week. Chase shut her accounts and reissued cards.

This is typical Citi. I have had to speak to the fraud dept so many times after I get through the first line and sometimes the second line. It’s just question after question and repeat the questions when they transfer for you. Super annoying!

 

[Alexle2007]

Thank you United! I am not throwing away my shot.

 

[Judique]

Except I gave them all the info. I gave them the account number. Then they want my login. Then my security word. So pretty much I gave them all the access I have. The security word I refused the second time. How do I know the phone number in the email is not a scam? My mom got a scam email just like that last week. Chase shut her accounts and reissued cards.

You should call from the number on the card. If you are calling from an emailed number, it's possibly a scam.

 

[Judique]

I occasionally comment but just wanted to see others opinions. Been churning for a long time and I used to have no trouble with decisions to close cards. However, since all the rules have been instituted (lifetime rules for Amex), marriott restrictions, 5/24, etc, I have analysis paralysis around closing cards because of hesitation around not being able to get them again. For example, between P2 and I we have 7 cards that provide a marriott free night certificate. I used those free night certificates for 2 weekend trips a year (football) and loved the value. The football team has now moved to a location where hyatts are the better choice. Part of me thinks I should just close all the cards but 3 (2 ritz carlton and 1 bonvoy business) but then I think "may use those in the post covid world."
Currently debating what to do with an amex gold that is up for renewal. I took a retention offer last year so I won't be eligible for another one until after the AF refund cancellation period. Current options are to: 1) Keep as is & pay the 250 fee 2) upgrade to amex platinum for 25k points and get the 200 airline credit, uber and saks credit for $550 annual fee, 3) downgrade to green card with 150 fee or 4) cancel
I am leaning towards cancelling as I have both the personal and business amex plat currently. Option 2 sounds good with the airline credit, uber and saks credit but I also have to do some fuzzy math to really justify another $550 fee card.
What would ya'll do?

In a similar situation with Amex and the Rose Gold but haven't done too much churning other than one year where I app'd about 9 cards. Last couple of years have been 1-2 per year and back to 1/24.

First the gold. For me it's going this year and I don't cancel easily. I'm just not using it enough because my offers on other cards are better. They did just give me 20,000 points for that sign up for making payments and paying a fee - pay over time. I signed up but never have a need to carry a balance. If I can't manage a few big spends I shouldn't be messing with credit cards, lol. I'm on my 3rd year with this card and used my MR's to buy a riding lawn mower, so I'm not flying to the Maldives, or anywhere for that matter. I also have an old, no fee MR card - I believe that no fee and MR is pretty rare these days. Once I couldn't get a gift card for the airline credit, and I could get offers on my other cards, the remaining value was no longer optimal for me. I'm now riding it out until year's end close to renewal when I will cancel. I, did have an incentive when I called after the first year but nothing last year. So, it's history in November. Will not downgrade or upgrade as no value in that for me.

Marriott cards. I jumped on that in 2018 and got additional cards. I already had a couple. Brought my single person total to 5 (daughter has 6 inc RC card).

Amex gave the phone and restaurant credits that made their 3 worth it to me - Brilliant, Biz and original SPG. (also these credits were better than the gold's credits) They pay their way and I'm mostly passive about them. The Chase cards - I will for now keep the Biz - I can find a use for this 35K cert. I will close the personal very soon and maybe app again next year, if I see a need for another cert. Right now, I have 8 in my account and have to use a few by January 3rd.

So, I'm culling 2 cards out of 6. I should be able to get the Chase Marriott back if needed.

I also have an outlier for this group that I intend to try to churn - BOA's Amtrak card. Got to get on that as I believe my AF is due. They have a no fee card with a bonus that I'll use to up my points and keep them alive.

And, I'll be downgrading my CSP to a Freedom. I do love some UR's to transfer to Hyatt.

 

[Judique]

With the announcement of Big Pine Key becoming DVC, I crawled out on the DVC ledge. Started thinking about a guaranteed week at VGF.

Close to MK - walking distance on the way back in the evenings.

And then I started feeling that with 200 more rooms, there is a chance of 7 month rooms. I've been able to do split stays there in the past up to 3-4 nights by stalking. A couple hundred points would be bigger bucks for me - maybe 50k and I'd want to pay cash. This is all so grands can enjoy during their younger years. Right now it's all about the grands for me. DD won't buy as she rides on my points with me.

Anyway, I'd have to up my credit on the Disney visa and split into 2 contracts to get the points before paying it off so there goes the GW - would need that to manage school schedule. I think I need to reevaluate this spending idea. Or I could just get another DV and split payment.....

 

[hsmamato2]

well it's been a busy week for me (after what seems like forever at standstill) we just got back from a driving trip to Acadia....I had forgotten how absolutely beautiful it is there! Loved our hotel (IHG on FNC & points) we had a balcony room overlooking the hot tub and water views....what a way to get back into travel (at least a bit) and relax! Of course we hiked and explored too, but we also treated ourselves to all the yummy seafood takeout options in town (that CSR TC disappeared FAST!) It was lovely. I don't think we'd realized how much a few days away from everyday life at home could refresh us..... in other stuff still working on the Amex Bonvoy retention offer (spend 2k get $150 cash) and the MDD csr/csp for P2. We're halfway there without even breaking a sweat, I put down payment on DS's hairdressing school- once I pay our realty taxes we'll be done! It feels good to back in 'the game' even at a modified rate...

 

[CyndiLouWho]

You should call from the number on the card. If you are calling from an emailed number, it's possibly a scam.

Except that's not the fraud number and I can't get transferred. Citi just makes it difficult.

 

[Hoosier John]

Except that's not the fraud number and I can't get transferred. Citi just makes it difficult.

Would they at least verify the number you were given is THEIR number?
If not, I would suspect fraud and be changing my account info.

PS. My recommendation would have been to only call a known Citi number, too (like on your card). I don't know what to do otherwise, but I wouldn't trust an email/text/phone call, except those that came immediately after the denied purchase

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Just to be clear, are you trying to use FNCs to cover 5 nights but only pay with 4 FNC? If so, it doesn’t work that way. When you use actual points, you get the 5th night free but for FNC, you would use 5. To use FNC, you need to call Hilton. The number is on the email about your FNC.

I have to say, they have the worst system since you can’t see the certs in your account and the need to call.

Just be sure they mark that you are using the FNC! I had this fun! I booked using my FNC, they apparently didn't mark that and instead took 90k out of my account. It took a few calls but I finally got it straighten out. UGH

My neighbor used my referral for CSP and got the card last week. I don't even see the referral points as pending - does this normally take longer to see?

Still have $2900 MSR on CSP and $600 on CSR. I just Venmo'd both my kids $1500 so hoping that works to finish out the CSP one. Hopefully it codes correctly - it did last week when I sent DD some money by Venmo for some bills. Then will be buying my dad a computer this week and that will take care of the CSR.

DH is next in line for cards. (He got CSP and CSR last fall) and he is 4/24 so needs to be a Biz card. Was originally looking at the Chase Ink Unlimited or Ink Cash ($7500 spend for 75,000 UR's) but thinking I may be able to get the Chase Ink Preferred to work ($15,000 MSR for 100,000 UR's) any of the cards I would use one of my Ink Card referrals and get another 20,000 UR's. Going to be booking a DVC stay in a few weeks at the 11th month mark and the company takes MC/Visa for no fees. So that is $4500-$5500 (depending on what view we get). DD's tuition for fall will be coming up in a month or so. That at the minimum will be $5000 and then books for Nursing are expensive so probably another $2000 there. So, if everything falls into place this is doable. I just SM'd Chase to lower credit limits on the cards he does have . Going to wait and see if the Venmo charges are credited on my CSP before proceeding - just in case I need to get one of the other Ink cards instead.

So Venmo is okay to "MS" w/ Chase? What's the fee? This might be a way for me to pull off the MDD. Hmmm.

So my United card gives me up to a $100 credit for either precheck or global entry. I'm thinking of going ahead with global entry but it seems like a big hassle. I travel internationally at least once, maybe twice a year, then another 2-3 domestic flights a year. For those of you who do have GE, is it worth going through all that or should I just get the precheck?

I just signed up for GE last week. Took a day to approve me. They had next day appts in Detroit. I chose the airport instead (it's closer) so I'll go next week.

The kids and I got our conditional approval in a week. DH's took like 3 months. Not sure how things are looking now. Hope you can get yours quickly!

I got my approval next day last week. And my appt could have been next day but I wanted the closer one.

I occasionally comment but just wanted to see others opinions. Been churning for a long time and I used to have no trouble with decisions to close cards. However, since all the rules have been instituted (lifetime rules for Amex), marriott restrictions, 5/24, etc, I have analysis paralysis around closing cards because of hesitation around not being able to get them again. For example, between P2 and I we have 7 cards that provide a marriott free night certificate. I used those free night certificates for 2 weekend trips a year (football) and loved the value. The football team has now moved to a location where hyatts are the better choice. Part of me thinks I should just close all the cards but 3 (2 ritz carlton and 1 bonvoy business) but then I think "may use those in the post covid world."
Currently debating what to do with an amex gold that is up for renewal. I took a retention offer last year so I won't be eligible for another one until after the AF refund cancellation period. Current options are to: 1) Keep as is & pay the 250 fee 2) upgrade to amex platinum for 25k points and get the 200 airline credit, uber and saks credit for $550 annual fee, 3) downgrade to green card with 150 fee or 4) cancel
I am leaning towards cancelling as I have both the personal and business amex plat currently. Option 2 sounds good with the airline credit, uber and saks credit but I also have to do some fuzzy math to really justify another $550 fee card.
What would ya'll do?

No suggestion, just that I also have FOMO on my cards. Like there are a few I totally want to hold, but I could cancel now and churn. It's a hard choice. Hmmmm.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

For those with upcoming Swan Reserve reservations:

Marriott was holding Swan RESERVE reservations from the Disney system- but promised to push them through in late May. Wanted to share that today I was able to link my Swan RESERVE Marriott confirmation in MDE for our November trip. I was previously unable to do so- so it seems Marriott must have pushed those reservations through now, as promised. Happy linking!!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Would they at least verify the number you were given is THEIR number?
If not, I would suspect fraud and be changing my account info.

PS. My recommendation would have been to only call a known Citi number, too (like on your card). I don't know what to do otherwise, but I wouldn't trust an email/text/phone call, except those that came immediately after the denied purchase

Today I called the number on the back of the card. Was asked last 4 digits of account, then they sent a code to my phone to confirm, and asked if the questionable charges were mine and did I want them approved. No I don't want them approved, they were for my dinner order in Saturday but today was easy compared to the last 2 calls.

 

[gottalovepluto]

So there's no threat it's a scam when I click on the phone number in the text? I get scam texts all the time.

Please don’t EVER do that!

Everyone- when you have fraud issues or any other issues call the number on the back of your card. That way you know you aren’t calling a fraudster.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Today I called the number on the back of the card. Was asked last 4 digits of account, then they sent a code to my phone to confirm, and asked if the questionable charges were mine and did I want them approved. No I don't want them approved, they were for my dinner order in Saturday but today was easy compared to the last 2 calls.

Glad it’s settled now

 

[wanderlust7]

For those with upcoming Swan Reserve reservations:

Marriott was holding Swan RESERVE reservations from the Disney system- but promised to push them through in late May. Wanted to share that today I was able to link my Swan RESERVE Marriott confirmation in MDE for our November trip. I was previously unable to do so- so it seems Marriott must have pushed those reservations through now, as promised. Happy linking!!

Cool! Did not know this was a possibility. Last time we were at WDW was 7 years ago...so kinda a noob lol. Is the only benefit to linking these days the 60+10 dining? That and looking nice in my MDE.

 

[platamama]

Don't know what's making Pittsburgh such a desirable spot, but I booked a Hyatt House that was $426 cash rate for 8000 pts. lol 5.3cpp

 

[Albort]

Don't know what's making Pittsburgh such a desirable spot, but I booked a Hyatt House that was $426 cash rate for 8000 pts. lol 5.3cpp

sporting event maybe?