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

[platamama]

Hmmm. When I reserve a car through Costco I don't have to enter a CC to reserve it. I usually checkin the night before on the Alamo website and put the card in then. It is confusing, DH has a CSR and I have a car reserved in my name with him as an additional driver, since I have the Alamo insiders with skip the line. Not sure if we can use his card on the rental, I have seen conflicting reports.

Since I downgraded my CSP a year ago I have been considering paying for the AU card on his CSR, can't remember if the date of the AU is used in my 5/24 or if it is the date HE originally got the card. We are doing more separate travel in the year coming up.

I meant to address this earlier. Your AU will be the date HE originally got the card. I added DH to my CSR a couple months ago, and it is not showing as a new account for him. The AU fee also hasn't shown up yet; I added him after I paid my 2021 AF and I'm hopeful that the AU fee won't post until my next AF posts in 2022 (this is what happened last time I added him as an AU).

 

[jujubiee4]

Anyone notice the quality of airlines have gone down? Even before Covid. I'm still sitting on
credit from Hawaiian Airlines from an awful experience with them. Took JetBlue to Alaska precruise
for Mother n law's birthday and flight delayed 4 to 5 hours. Didn't get to hotel till 3 am.
Just got back couple weeks ago from Hawaii. Southwest lost the luggage and we didnt get
it back for 3 days ..after it was sent to wrong airport.

Virgin America used to be my favorite airlines. Flew for YEARS with them with never a problem.
Practically cried like a baby when Alaska bought them. Alaska is ok but routes are limited. Booked
my upcoming Disney trip on Jetblue(since i have the card). Wondering if i should change. Anyone
have recommendation with airline they love?

** On a side note I guess i should be happy I haven't been on an "air rage" flight.
My best friend was on that recent Delta flight with that unruly passenger/flight attendant.
She said it was terrifying and thought they were all going down. Phew...flying like everything
else is not like it use to be. lol

 

[punkin]

Anyone have some good Saks suggestions for tge $50 platinum credit?

 

[Hoosier John]

Anyone have some good Saks suggestions for tge $50 platinum credit?

I think I've heard that you can buy Saks GCs in-store for the credit. I think that's what I'm gonna do.
Guess what DW is getting for Christmas

 

[calypso726]

Anyone have some good Saks suggestions for tge $50 platinum credit?

I like to go in store and just get a gift card. I let them pile up and then use them when there is a good shopping portal offer for Saks

 

[wisconsinmom]

I need advice on what to do to put myself in the best possible place to be approved for the CSP with the 100K bonus. I'm unsure if I should go for the MDD or not, it would put me at 4/24 if I did.

I currently hold the CSR, should I PC that to a Freedom? Is that a better option that cancelling it? How long should I wait after PCing or cancelling to apply?

Do I lower my credit limits with Chase? I currently hold the following Chase cards

CSR (will PC or close)
Freedom
Freedom Unlimited
CFF
Southwest Plus
CIC
CIU

The last Chase card I applied for was 9/20. I just want to put myself in the best possible position to be approved.

My hesitation on trying to do the MDD is that it puts me at 4/24 until 9/22 and my current CP expires 12/21. I'd like to earn a new CP early next year.

I don't want to miss the 100K deal on the CSP but I want to be as smart as possible about it.

Thanks!

 

[afan]

I think I've heard that you can buy Saks GCs in-store for the credit. I think that's what I'm gonna do.
Guess what DW is getting for Christmas

Only works if you have one nearby, there aren't any saks in my state.

Anyone have some good Saks suggestions for tge $50 platinum credit?

I normally look at clearance and sale stuff for things I may use/want/need to replace. I got jeans with my credit this time, had to pay 30ish but that's what I'd pay if I found lucky jeans at tj max or marshalls or less than if I bought jeans elsewhere.

I've also gotten Kate spade stuff on clearance/sale. I know reddit often brings up kiehls and other products like that. Gloves, socks and umbrellas are also common.

 

[Hoosier John]

Stupid question, but how do I apply for the Charles Schwab Platinum?
Opened and partially funded CS Brokerage account 1 week ago.
Temporarily lifted 3 credit bureau freezes today.
Checked MY DISchurners support and can't find the CS Plat there (not that I was going to self-support)

ETA: Looks like it's only available thru Schwab website (so no support for folks)

 

[platamama]

Stupid question, but how do I apply for the Charles Schwab Platinum?
Opened and partially funded CS Brokerage account 1 week ago.
Temporarily lifted 3 credit bureau freezes today.
Checked MY DISchurners support and can't find the CS Plat there (not that I was going to self-support)

There is no support for the Schwab Plat. When I log into my Schwab account, I hover over "Products" at the top of the screen, then you should see Specialized Solutions >> Credit Cards. Per DoC, the 1.25x redemption language is no longer on the landing page, but may be in the application (I didn't test this out myself since I already have the card).

 

[DisneyParkLover]

You could look at your official credit report from TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian, or from a credit score company like CreditKarma.
I have links to these in our private DISchurners reddit page under OFFICIAL MISC, but you won't have access until one of the moderators sees that you want access.
From there, you can see when you got the Sapphire and add 3 (or 4 months to be safe) figuring it took you a while to earn the SUB.

If it's too early for Sapphires, Amex Gold (which you can get in Rose Gold color now) is a good card for this year because you can potentially get $340 in credits on a $250 AF card. Plus it has the 4x on dining and grocery. You'll earn a 60k MR SUB for $4k spend in 6 months on this card. 60k MRs are worth $600 in cash or $750 in travel thru the Amex portal (think I got the travel rate right?)

ETA: There's also the Chase Ink Preferred (CIP) which has a 100k UR SUB for spending $15k in 3 months with a $95 AF.
For this you would need an extra $5k spend over the $10k you have planned, and would need to have some kind of business, even if it's not a real business with a Fed EID number. We can explain this further if you want to go this route. The CIP earns 3x on travel, internet, TV, and phone, and cashes out at 1.25x

It hasn’t been long enough since I got the CSP sub, so I think I’m leaning towards the Amex Gold. But I saw in here a few days back (but of course can’t seem to find now) about some sort of Marriott offer that would give a free stay at the Swan/Dolphin. Can you tell me about that? Is that maybe something additional I should do?

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I need advice on what to do to put myself in the best possible place to be approved for the CSP with the 100K bonus. I'm unsure if I should go for the MDD or not, it would put me at 4/24 if I did.

I currently hold the CSR, should I PC that to a Freedom? Is that a better option that cancelling it? How long should I wait after PCing or cancelling to apply?

Do I lower my credit limits with Chase? I currently hold the following Chase cards

CSR (will PC or close)
Freedom
Freedom Unlimited
CFF
Southwest Plus
CIC
CIU

The last Chase card I applied for was 9/20. I just want to put myself in the best possible position to be approved.

My hesitation on trying to do the MDD is that it puts me at 4/24 until 9/22 and my current CP expires 12/21. I'd like to earn a new CP early next year.

I don't want to miss the 100K deal on the CSP but I want to be as smart as possible about it.

Thanks!

Our situation is identical. Here is what we did:

1. Used all of the benefits of the CSR, including travel credit and GE/TSA (remember if it expires in the next year you can renew now). Allow those credits to post.
2. PCed the CSR to a no- annual fee freedom. Lowered Chase credit limits to under 50% of income.
3. Waited 4 days and apply for CSP.
4. Did not do MDD bc the 60k wasn’t worth it.
5. If you love your CSR, you can upgrade on of your Freedoms to a CSR. You’ll just need 10k credit to move there and they won’t do a hard pull (it won’t take up a slot)

 

[Hoosier John]

It hasn’t been long enough since I got the CSP sub, so I think I’m leaning towards the Amex Gold. But I saw in here a few days back (but of course can’t seem to find now) about some sort of Marriott offer that would give a free stay at the Swan/Dolphin. Can you tell me about that? Is that maybe something additional I should do?

Others will chime in and help you there. I'm not good at hotel or airline cards. Good luck!

And for whatever you decide, accessing our private DISchurners site (by invitation) will allow you to pay it forward for someone who helped you through the process toward whatever card you eventually land on. And we have some advanced topics covered there.

 

[Hoosier John]

There is no support for the Schwab Plat. When I log into my Schwab account, I hover over "Products" at the top of the screen, then you should see Specialized Solutions >> Credit Cards. Per DoC, the 1.25x redemption language is no longer on the landing page, but may be in the application (I didn't test this out myself since I already have the card).

I was afraid I missed the boat on converting MRs into dollars at 1.25x thru Schwab, but



And buried in the details after approval:

 

[afan]

It hasn’t been long enough since I got the CSP sub, so I think I’m leaning towards the Amex Gold. But I saw in here a few days back (but of course can’t seem to find now) about some sort of Marriott offer that would give a free stay at the Swan/Dolphin. Can you tell me about that? Is that maybe something additional I should do?

With MDE stopping, being able to stay at S&D on points is something I'm thinking about too. No idea how to make it happen since it seems like the points needed per night is kind of high vs the sign up bonus.

 

[DaveL]

With MDE stopping

I've been MIA for a bit on Disney stuff, but I was sure hoping they would have some info on this... I wonder if they realize this is hurting (YES I know its Disney) them... I was trying to figure out how to get a trip in before the end of the year with Magic Express since with it now just being DD8 and me that would be so much easier but with the 50th happening during her only break I could not find a room... Looked in Feb since she has a week off and ended up deciding to just skip it because I didn't want to deal with figuring out transportation.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

It hasn’t been long enough since I got the CSP sub, so I think I’m leaning towards the Amex Gold. But I saw in here a few days back (but of course can’t seem to find now) about some sort of Marriott offer that would give a free stay at the Swan/Dolphin. Can you tell me about that? Is that maybe something additional I should do?

With MDE stopping, being able to stay at S&D on points is something I'm thinking about too. No idea how to make it happen since it seems like the points needed per night is kind of high vs the sign up bonus.

There was a Chase Marriott offer for 5 (50k) nights as SUB last year which I jumped on. Got us 5 nights at Swan. My usual is a SUB, plus the annual free night, plus 5th night free, plus a few URs transferred to Marriott to get us there.

 

[djmeredith]

Hi everyone, I have been busy the past couple of months and have not been able to follow as closely as I would like. Hope everyone is doing well. I want to go for the CSP but I can't meet the spend for a MDD. My goal is just accumulating as many URs as possible for unknown future travel.

I am at 2/24 plus 1 SW Performance business card. All 3 cards within the past 10 months:
9/20 CFF
10/20 Marriott Bonvoy
1/21 SW Performance

Any downside to just getting the CSP now, other than waiting the 48 months for another Sapphire bonus?

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Hi everyone, I have been busy the past couple of months and have not been able to follow as closely as I would like. Hope everyone is doing well. I want to go for the CSP but I can't meet the spend for a MDD. My goal is just accumulating as many URs as possible for unknown future travel.

I am at 2/24 plus 1 SW Performance business card. All 3 cards within the past 10 months:
9/20 CFF
10/20 Marriott Bonvoy
1/21 SW Performance

Any downside to just getting the CSP now, other than waiting the 48 months for another Sapphire bonus?

CSP is a great option for you. Go for it!

 

[Psychodisney]

@SouthFayetteFan and other experts:

If you are a serious churner (not a casual dabbler), what is your perspective on trying to stay below 5/24 vs blowing past it? I'm in two player mode and dabbling with keeping one of us under 5/24 and the other free reign. We have a large family and travel a lot, so it seems our points appetite might be more than the average couple or family.

For us, the SW CP is important to us. I make sure that one of us will be under 5/24 as the cycle turns every two years. DH holds the CP right now, so any new cards will go for him in the next year.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Our situation is identical. Here is what we did:

1. Used all of the benefits of the CSR, including travel credit and GE/TSA (remember if it expires in the next year you can renew now). Allow those credits to post.
2. PCed the CSR to a no- annual fee freedom. Lowered Chase credit limits to under 50% of income.
3. Waited 4 days and apply for CSP.
4. Did not do MDD bc the 60k wasn’t worth it.
5. If you love your CSR, you can upgrade on of your Freedoms to a CSR. You’ll just need 10k credit to move there and they won’t do a hard pull (it won’t take up a slot)

I need advice on what to do to put myself in the best possible place to be approved for the CSP with the 100K bonus. I'm unsure if I should go for the MDD or not, it would put me at 4/24 if I did.

I currently hold the CSR, should I PC that to a Freedom? Is that a better option that cancelling it? How long should I wait after PCing or cancelling to apply?

Do I lower my credit limits with Chase? I currently hold the following Chase cards

CSR (will PC or close)
Freedom
Freedom Unlimited
CFF
Southwest Plus
CIC
CIU

The last Chase card I applied for was 9/20. I just want to put myself in the best possible position to be approved.

My hesitation on trying to do the MDD is that it puts me at 4/24 until 9/22 and my current CP expires 12/21. I'd like to earn a new CP early next year.

I don't want to miss the 100K deal on the CSP but I want to be as smart as possible about it.

Thanks!

I wanted to add that by PCing, our CSR annual fee was prorated and the prorated amount was refunded.