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

[SleepyatDVC]

Try this to generate the support:
https://www.chase.com/referafriend/catch-all


If he hasn't had the plat before, taking the upgrade offer will lock him out of the SUB. He could apply for a plat and then take the upgrade offer, ending up with 2 plats. I think the best right now is the Resy offer, which is 125k MR with 15x restaurants/small business.




I PYB'd about 200k URs when it started. But now I'm using almost all URs for Hyatt. Feeling a little low so I miss those URs I PYB'd lol. I also cashed out a bunch of MRs with Schwab back when it was 1.25 cpp. So far no regrets on those. Maybe I'll miss them after I try lie flat seats.

I think it depends on what your plans are for the URs. If the plan was to use the travel portal, then PYB is a lot more flexible, even if it doesn't feel the same as using it for travel.

Well, what do you know? It worked to generate a support link! Thanks.

P3 (Dad) has never had the Plat before. What is the Resy offer?

That's what I'm afraid of feeling since I am a point hoarder. When I play role playing games, I'm the one running around collecting all the coins and treasure, versus completing the tasks as fast as possible. Lol.

I don't have immediate plans for the points. But I am dreaming of a future European trip.

As for my parents, I am hoarding their points for them too because they eventually want to travel to Asia (Taiwan/HK) once it is safe and convenient to do so. They need to travel in premium economy at a minimum due to the long flight. However, really want to have even more comfort but can't bear the much higher costs to do so.

ETA - I think I'm going to go ahead and use PYB for the CSR AF. And wait to decide on the rest next month...

 

[wanderlust7]

Well, what you you know? It worked to generate a support link! Thanks.

P3 (Dad) has never had the Plat before. What is the Resy offer?

That's what I'm afraid of feeling since I am a point hoarder. When I play role playing games, I'm the one running around collecting all the coins and treasure, versus completing the tasks as fast as possible. Lol.

I don't have immediate plans for the points. But I am dreaming of a future European trip.

As for my parents, I am hoarding their points for them too because they eventually want to travel to Asia (Taiwan/HK) once it is safe and convenient to do so. They need to travel in premium economy at a minimum due to the long flight. However, really want to have even more comfort but can't bear the much higher costs to do so.

ETA - I think I'm going to go ahead and use PYB for the CSR AF. And wait to decide on the rest next month...

Here's more info about the Resy offer:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/amer...hop-small-restaurant-for-6-months-resy-offer/
It's not available via support. If you have an Amex with a high support and can pull up a 125k offer, it would be worth considering which is better (depends on how much you can maximize the 15x).

There are some nice Hyatts in Europe and Asia. The best part of this hobby for me is being able to stay in places I could never bring myself to pay cash for. 30k UR/Hyatt to stay somewhere that's $1000+ a night is what has me missing the URs I PYB'd lol.

 

[havaneselover]

Yesterday when I had my car inspected, the Honda dealer told me my rear shocks were leaking. Midas replaced them almost exactly two years ago so they had two days left on their warranty. So I got the bright red Honda Fit loaner car and Midas replaced them again. I'm wondering if that's why the puppy gets carsick.

In other news, I'm living on the edge and hoping my SW card closes today and today's purchases post to next month's statement. Just ordered a $500 Target gift card. Have lots of spending to do between the bathroom remodel, putting in a fence, getting the puppy spayed, etc.

 

[ep1229]

I just booked Miraval Austin BOGO for next week. It was near impossible to get through last week to book the stay but Sundays are apparently their slower day on the phones because I was able to get through right away. Has anyone been to Miraval resorts before? Also, I would love Austin, TX recommendations. I'll be going solo.

 

[tink1970]

I just booked Miraval Austin BOGO for next week. It was near impossible to get through last week to book the stay but Sundays are apparently their slower day on the phones because I was able to get through right away. Has anyone been to Miraval resorts before? Also, I would love Austin, TX recommendations. I'll be going solo.

Congrats!
I have my third trip planned to Miraval Austin at the end of next month so if you have specific questions about the property please pm me.

 

[DaveL]

I'm wondering if that's why the puppy gets carsick.

My vet told me most pups have not yet developed balance and generally have a hard time in cars, My pup always had issues but recently now that she is 10 months she's gotten a LOT better in the car.

 

[snugglebug]

A

It's a beautiful area. You're a good 30-60min from downtown Austin, depends on traffic. The Oasis on Lake Travis is a popular dining spot. I haven't been there yet, but several friends go often. I'm a bit more north and I don't get over that way much so I don't know what's over there, but I do love driving that direction because it's just so pretty.

 

[havaneselover]

My vet told me most pups have not yet developed balance and generally have a hard time in cars, My pup always had issues but recently now that she is 10 months she's gotten a LOT better in the car.

So my puppy has ridden in my boss’ Lexus with no issues and the other day I took her in my son’s Acura with no issues. But I can’t get her out of the neighborhood in my van without her dripping in drool. Bonine helps tremendously. But I would love not to have to drug her.

 

[ep1229]

Congrats!
I have my third trip planned to Miraval Austin at the end of next month so if you have specific questions about the property please pm me.

I would love to hear tips on Miraval Austin like any must-do activities. What clothes I should pack? Since it's a last-minute trip, a lot of the activities were booked already. I got the last "Just cook for me!" spot. I'm also doing the Relax massage, preserve outdoor hike, farm tour, and the yoga essentials. I'm so excited! I was originally supposed to go to Germany and Austria this week but canceled because of all the covid restrictions. Then I was going to go to Quebec City but then I realized it's just too hard to fly internationally right now so now, I'm going to Austin!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Yesterday when I had my car inspected, the Honda dealer told me my rear shocks were leaking. Midas replaced them almost exactly two years ago so they had two days left on their warranty. So I got the bright red Honda Fit loaner car and Midas replaced them again. I'm wondering if that's why the puppy gets carsick.

In other news, I'm living on the edge and hoping my SW card closes today and today's purchases post to next month's statement. Just ordered a $500 Target gift card. Have lots of spending to do between the bathroom remodel, putting in a fence, getting the puppy spayed, etc.

We must have the same close date! I was thinking of doing the same and chickened out. Put $300 of Target gcs on a useless card.

 

[tink1970]

I would love to hear tips on Miraval Austin like any must-do activities. What clothes I should pack? Since it's a last-minute trip, a lot of the activities were booked already. I got the last "Just cook for me!" spot. I'm also doing the Relax massage, preserve outdoor hike, farm tour, and the yoga essentials. I'm so excited! I was originally supposed to go to Germany and Austria this week but canceled because of all the covid restrictions. Then I was going to go to Quebec City but then I realized it's just too hard to fly internationally right now so now, I'm going to Austin!

Those all sound great! There is a very nice gym as well, if you're in to that. I honestly always overpack-it's very casual there and yoga/exercise wear can be worn everywhere, although often people change out of that for dinnertime. When I'm there I pack shorts/capris, casual tees, exercise clothes and a swimsuit.

There is an office where you can make changes to your schedule and if classes are added they post them outside so I check on that every morning just in case something grabs my attention. Everyone there is so nice and genuinely seems to enjoy their job which makes the vacation even better!

Are you staying in Austin before or after? Miraval is away from the city so it's not like you'll see much of Austin unless you add time there (which is what I do). I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[cdurham1]

Any good resources on best ways to use airline incidentals credit for AMEX platinum?

My "go to" airline was Frontier since you have to pay for pretty much everything and I use them frequently. However, I am getting 100k status match soon and I don't see how I can really spend any money on incidentals with them. I will also have CP status on SW for 2022, so that will be my primary airline.

I am not sure what other airline I will fly that I can easily use the credit. Allegiant has some odd flights from my home airport that I MIGHT use. But I have to commit to an airline early in the year right? Or can I wait and just change airline from Frontier when I have found a flight on another airline that makes sense to use the credit?

Should I choose Southwest and hope that some of my flights are so cheap it thinks it is an incidental?

 

[ep1229]

Those all sound great! There is a very nice gym as well, if you're in to that. I honestly always overpack-it's very casual there and yoga/exercise wear can be worn everywhere, although often people change out of that for dinnertime. When I'm there I pack shorts/capris, casual tees, exercise clothes and a swimsuit.

There is an office where you can make changes to your schedule and if classes are added they post them outside so I check on that every morning just in case something grabs my attention. Everyone there is so nice and genuinely seems to enjoy their job which makes the vacation even better!

Are you staying in Austin before or after? Miraval is away from the city so it's not like you'll see much of Austin unless you add time there (which is what I do). I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you, @tink1970 I'm going to stay in Austin for two nights. I'm using a Marriott FNC and burning the rest of my points. I'm going to just stick with mostly Hyatt and some Hilton since I have the Aspire. I booked a food tour and a walking tour in Austin. This will be my first solo trip. I'm a bit nervous about it.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Debating if I want to drop another $500 on Target Cards. I did it back in Oct/Nov when they ran the offer prior. I haven't used a ton of them up yet. I go to Target often, but not sure I need to jump on other $500 right now. UGH. Of course getting "10% off" when I do use them is nice. But not sure about floating $1k in Target, LOL.

 

[afan]

Debating if I want to drop another $500 on Target Cards. I did it back in Oct/Nov when they ran the offer prior. I haven't used a ton of them up yet. I go to Target often, but not sure I need to jump on other $500 right now. UGH. Of course getting "10% off" when I do use them is nice. But not sure about floating $1k in Target, LOL.

I have a bit over 200 left from the last promo and am also debating, just because I'm not sure I want to put the cash out at the moment. But I also want the 5x ur I can get using paypal. And I think if I do it tonight it will still be pending when my statement cuts tomorrow, I hope, which would give me more time until I HAVE to pay it

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Any good resources on best ways to use airline incidentals credit for AMEX platinum?

My "go to" airline was Frontier since you have to pay for pretty much everything and I use them frequently. However, I am getting 100k status match soon and I don't see how I can really spend any money on incidentals with them. I will also have CP status on SW for 2022, so that will be my primary airline.

I am not sure what other airline I will fly that I can easily use the credit. Allegiant has some odd flights from my home airport that I MIGHT use. But I have to commit to an airline early in the year right? Or can I wait and just change airline from Frontier when I have found a flight on another airline that makes sense to use the credit?

Should I choose Southwest and hope that some of my flights are so cheap it thinks it is an incidental?

Google flytertalk airline incidental Southwest. You're definitely on the right track.

Lots of data points about messaging Amex to change your selected airline anytime in the year. Typically it's not an issue as long as you haven't used that year's credit yet.

FYI, the Frontier 100k status match is a GREAT deal if you fly frontier often. I did it last year and only flew them once but it was super cheap and we got the front row seats with extra leg room, etc. My bougie 7 yo son was super judgemental and said something like, so "we won't be flying that airline again." We actually haven't but would have if the price/dates were right with 100k status.

 

[afan]

Looked up FHR and the hotel collection for my PHX dates and those won't be an option to use the credit. But I could still use the $200 travel credit I got, that some plat holders got, if I booked the room through the regular portal right? Always kind of scares me to use a portal, but I hate leaving the money on the table. Also don't know if I'd be able to combine it with a fnc if I don't want to change rooms. I'd just rather use some of it than my points.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Noticed Dell has some Nintendo Switch games in stock again. They hadn't for a long while.

 

[mhautz]

Debating if I want to drop another $500 on Target Cards. I did it back in Oct/Nov when they ran the offer prior. I haven't used a ton of them up yet. I go to Target often, but not sure I need to jump on other $500 right now. UGH. Of course getting "10% off" when I do use them is nice. But not sure about floating $1k in Target, LOL.

Only just used up my 2020 gift card last month, so I’ve decided to pass on it this year. Even when I did use the gift card, it was mostly out of guilt because it was there.
Target used to be my go to, but the two grocery stores we shop at are by a Walmart, so it’s just more convenient to go there to supplement, especially with their grocery pick up working surprisingly well.

 

[djmeredith]

Finally found a great deal on our business class return flight from Rome next August. It is an Air France flight booked through KLM. I have been checking obsessively for weeks and finally lucked into a 55K point rate. I learned through my obsessive searching that AF and KLM often list drastically different rates for the same exact flight. Be sure to always check both before you book. I will still have to get us from ATL to home airport. However, the tix are fully refundable so I will keep checking to see if I can find something that includes that last leg. If not, I should be able to find something reasonable on Delta.