I love credit cards so much! v5.0 - 2022 (see first page for add'l details)

[GZanta77]

Forgive me this long tale of woe....but it does demonstrate how this churning hobby can be invaluable in an emergency.....

We were supposed to be in Key West this week, and a few weeks ago I posted that we had to cancel due to DD's state swim championships getting moved. Well, last week we decided to book 3 days in Charleston as a quick getaway for just DW and I. We were due to leave tomorrow. Yesterday evening, we got news that DWs 94yr old grandmother had a stroke and is hospitalized. She lives in Puerto Rico, so yesterday was a mad scramble to organize flights for DW and her mother to get to San Juan - a complete nightmare as it is the beginning of Feb Vacation week here in the North-East. We were getting quotes of $1800 for one way flights with multiple connections - even overnight on some. Despite my recent disappointment with Southwest and their reduced schedule and frequent changes - they came up trumps this time. Managed to get them on a flight early this morning. It was a lot of points, and a poor redemption at any other time, but in this situation not having to shell out over $1300 on flights in cash was a welcome relief at a trying time.

As for the Charleston trip, we had booked using a Delta companion voucher, which we cannot get back, but at least we get an e-credit for the paid flight. Our hotel in Charleston, on Hyatt FNC's had passed the cancelation date, but I was relieved to see that my Globalist status extended that to 24hrs before check-in (from 48) so we don't have a penalty there.

So as horrible as the situation with DWs grandmother is, the points and status gained through this hobby helped to take a little stress out of the panic that was yesterday evening.....and that is priceless.

 

[LynnTH]

What do we think is the easiest currency to accumulate fastest that I can use for flights to get from BWI to Athens spring break 2023. I have to do 4 people so economy is fine. Relevant information might be I have a P2, we do biz credit cards and we’re both under 5/24. Chase business and use UR?

We are doing European Cruise in May 2023. Flying into Rome and out of Athens. I have been collecting United Points with their Biz Card. Would rather use those if possible than using my UR's (although I can always transfer them to United if I need a few more points). Looks like I can get flights (not Biz Class or anything) for like 30,000-35,000 United Points each way.

DH got the Biz card, then referred me. I got it and referred DS. Then I will have DS refer DD and see if she can get it too. (We got the card with 75,000 points when you spend $5000 in 3 months. Fee waived the 1st year plus 20,000 referral points) When all is done - we should have around 380,000 United Points. Better than paying the $6000 - $7500 for 5 flights. So, I am determined to make United flights work....

We did have Tuition bill, plus new furniture and bed, so that helped. Going to have to do some venmoing for DS's and DD's cards. Hope to have all points in place when the flights come out in June.

 

[SueInBoston]

So...I've been following this thread for years but never had the gumption to try to play this credit card points game. I'm basically a cash back "so I don't need to think" type of user. well a year ago I decided I'm going to take my 2 kids and their SO to Hawaii for my BIG birthday. So I started thinking about Hawaiian Miles credit card. I applied for 3 cards (myself and one each for my 2 adult kids (with their approval). I fulfilled all initial purchase requirements and each of us got about 80k points. on the Hawaiian Miles website, it states that one way East Coast to Oahu is 52,500 so I thought we would at least each get a one way tix. Time to book....well..at booking time, it shows that one way is 70,000 and between buying the additional points and cash, it costs more to use points then to pay cash for the flights. I tried different combinations, cleared cookies, incognito mode, with no success. I even had my daughter login from a different state and got same result. It is very frustrating. Finally I decided to cut my emotional loss and fly Alaska Airline instead. I plan to transfer all the points from the 3 accounts into mine, then maybe I can use it for an Island to Island flight for my boyfriend and I (2nd part of the trip, kids going home after first week).
After that, I will close all 3 cards. I kowtow to all your masters at this game.

 

[becauseimnew]

So...I've been following this thread for years but never had the gumption to try to play this credit card points game. I'm basically a cash back "so I don't need to think" type of user. well a year ago I decided I'm going to take my 2 kids and their SO to Hawaii for my BIG birthday. So I started thinking about Hawaiian Miles credit card. I applied for 3 cards (myself and one each for my 2 adult kids (with their approval). I fulfilled all initial purchase requirements and each of us got about 80k points. on the Hawaiian Miles website, it states that one way East Coast to Oahu is 52,500 so I thought we would at least each get a one way tix. Time to book....well..at booking time, it shows that one way is 70,000 and between buying the additional points and cash, it costs more to use points then to pay cash for the flights. I tried different combinations, cleared cookies, incognito mode, with no success. I even had my daughter login from a different state and got same result. It is very frustrating. Finally I decided to cut my emotional loss and fly Alaska Airline instead. I plan to transfer all the points from the 3 accounts into mine, then maybe I can use it for an Island to Island flight for my boyfriend and I (2nd part of the trip, kids going home after first week).
After that, I will close all 3 cards. I kowtow to all your masters at this game.

I'm so sorry. Hawaii airlines didn't work for you all hopefully you can use the miles for another trip.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

So...I've been following this thread for years but never had the gumption to try to play this credit card points game. I'm basically a cash back "so I don't need to think" type of user. well a year ago I decided I'm going to take my 2 kids and their SO to Hawaii for my BIG birthday. So I started thinking about Hawaiian Miles credit card. I applied for 3 cards (myself and one each for my 2 adult kids (with their approval). I fulfilled all initial purchase requirements and each of us got about 80k points. on the Hawaiian Miles website, it states that one way East Coast to Oahu is 52,500 so I thought we would at least each get a one way tix. Time to book....well..at booking time, it shows that one way is 70,000 and between buying the additional points and cash, it costs more to use points then to pay cash for the flights. I tried different combinations, cleared cookies, incognito mode, with no success. I even had my daughter login from a different state and got same result. It is very frustrating. Finally I decided to cut my emotional loss and fly Alaska Airline instead. I plan to transfer all the points from the 3 accounts into mine, then maybe I can use it for an Island to Island flight for my boyfriend and I (2nd part of the trip, kids going home after first week).
After that, I will close all 3 cards. I kowtow to all your masters at this game.

I've never flown Hawaiian Airlines, but it is loved by many in the game. Is this a done deal- have you already booked alternative flights?

When I check their website I see lots of availability for 37-40k one way in main cabin? Perhaps you were wanting first class?
Is it possible you have enough points to book one way flight and then only pay for one-ways on Alaska?

Many people here try to book their award flights as soon as the schedule is released, which is often about 330 days out. Is that the time frame you were looking at or sooner?

We'd love to help you use your hard earned points if it's still possible.

 

[Albort]

So...I've been following this thread for years but never had the gumption to try to play this credit card points game. I'm basically a cash back "so I don't need to think" type of user. well a year ago I decided I'm going to take my 2 kids and their SO to Hawaii for my BIG birthday. So I started thinking about Hawaiian Miles credit card. I applied for 3 cards (myself and one each for my 2 adult kids (with their approval). I fulfilled all initial purchase requirements and each of us got about 80k points. on the Hawaiian Miles website, it states that one way East Coast to Oahu is 52,500 so I thought we would at least each get a one way tix. Time to book....well..at booking time, it shows that one way is 70,000 and between buying the additional points and cash, it costs more to use points then to pay cash for the flights. I tried different combinations, cleared cookies, incognito mode, with no success. I even had my daughter login from a different state and got same result. It is very frustrating. Finally I decided to cut my emotional loss and fly Alaska Airline instead. I plan to transfer all the points from the 3 accounts into mine, then maybe I can use it for an Island to Island flight for my boyfriend and I (2nd part of the trip, kids going home after first week).
After that, I will close all 3 cards. I kowtow to all your masters at this game.

you can also try repositioning yourself to the west coast, perhaps make a trip to disneyland or something and then fly east to hawaii. should be lesser miles and there should be more availability and more cities u can reposition to. you can use cheaper cash tickets on the reposition. the downside is that if u miss the flight on 2 separate legs, u will have a harder time rebooking them.

 

[VdoesDisney]

Hi All - I am sorry if this has been answered here but after multiple searches I still can’t find the full answer to my question.

I am wondering what’s the best credit card for Disney related spending, currently I have DVC dues and Annual Passes on monthly payments but neither my Amex nor my Costco Visa have good rewards on those, I’m only getting 1% back, is there a way to maximize rewards on both of these?

 

[Pixiedustspreader]

Just curious what some of your long weekend trips have been? I keep saying DH and I are going to do the same, but we haven't really yet now that the kids are all gone (mostly). I need to start getting some laid out. We do definitely travel more now though. We're leaving this week for a cruise but I'd love to do some short trips too.

Here are a few of the most recents…Milestone Bday in Miami. Spring Training / Clearwater Beach. Navy Football in Annapolis. Niagara Falls. Of course Disney. And this weekend was Virginia Beach which included whale watching!

 

[ski_mom]

Here are a few of the most recents…Milestone Bday in Miami. Spring Training / Clearwater Beach. Navy Football in Annapolis. Niagara Falls. Of course Disney. And this weekend was Virginia Beach which included whale watching!

That's great - sound like great trips! I need to get planning some quick trips too!

 

[calypso726]

Hi All - I am sorry if this has been answered here but after multiple searches I still can’t find the full answer to my question.

I am wondering what’s the best credit card for Disney related spending, currently I have DVC dues and Annual Passes on monthly payments but neither my Amex nor my Costco Visa have good rewards on those, I’m only getting 1% back, is there a way to maximize rewards on both of these?

There are a number of cards that offer more than 1 point per dollar on non category spending and travel categories. Some have no fee and some have an annual fee. Which card you would want to use would also depend on what type of points you'd like to earn. For straight cash back, the Citi Double cash card earns 1 point per dollar for each purchase and and second point per dollar once you pay your bill. So effectively, it is a 2x card. The Amex Blue Business Plus card earns 2x MRs per dollar. The Chase Ink Preferred (business card) earns 3x on travel categories and DVC dues should code as travel. The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5 URs per dollar.

Here is how I maximize points earning for my DVC annual dues. I do not pay them monthly. I do pay them each year. The Chase Ink Plus and Chase Ink Cash (both business cards) earn 5x at office supply stores. So, I purchase Disney gift cards at office supply stores and then use those to pay for my annual dues. I will also utilize the Freedom 5x bonus categories each quarter to buy Disney GCs if possible. The only times I do not purchase a Disney gift card for 5x at Staples, Office Depot/Max or with a Freedom 5x bonus is when I have an offer on a credit card that offers me a savings of 10% or better for a store that sells Disney gift cards or I am hitting a new MSR and can buy discounted Disney GCs with the new credit card through BJs or Sam's.

There are other cards that earn extra points at grocery stores like the Amex blue cash and the Capital One Savor and you can buy Disney gift cards at grocery stores too. I don't know if you can use Disney gift cards to pay dues monthly. Hope this helps

 

[Abatts]

Hi! Not new to the “points game” but first time trying to hack Disney with it. We have 500k UR & 230 MR. Trying to piece together flights (delta looks to be best redemption now) and a stay - staying on site bc it’s a short trip and I’d like to take advantage of EME. Looking for a card to help offset the tickets (probably purchasing from somewhere other than Disney). Before I would just purchase gift cards at a discount.
Currently :
P1 : 7/19 - Chase Freedom unlimited (downgraded from Chase Sapphire Preferred
12/19 - Chase Ink Business Preferred (closed after first year)
4/20- Chase Ink Cash
01/21 - Chase Ink Unlimited

P2 - 2/24
05/19 - Chase Sapphire Preferred
10/19 - Chase Ink Business Preferred (closed)
1/20 - SW biz (closed)
1/20!- SW p
11/20 - Chase Ink Cash
4/21 - Chase ink unlimited
7/21 - Chase Freedom Flex
7/21 - Amex Platinum

My Thoughts : Citi Premiere & Delta (one with waived fees). This will get us a little to use as cash back and pad the delta account a little bit (otherwise I have to transfer almost all MR to delta for our 5 tickets)

OR church one of the Chase Ink (I don’t see the 24 months verbiage anymore). But do I need to cancel it before I get another? I thought I remembered reading that you don’t have to for the business cards.

basically we need 230k points for delta flights (I know but we have very specific times due to work and a medical appt that we’re working this trip around), around $1200-$1500 for lodging (this would be UR), and then $2600-$3500 for tickets (my parents may be coming). I don’t what to drain all 500k UR and can pay some cash for tickets but I would rather save cash for meals, incidentals, etc.

Also - would it be worth it to buy tickets through Disney if I get the GC at staples for 5x points? It looks like it’s $150 less to buy from UC.

 

[elgerber]

Hi! Not new to the “points game” but first time trying to hack Disney with it. We have 500k UR & 230 MR. Trying to piece together flights (delta looks to be best redemption now) and a stay - staying on site bc it’s a short trip and I’d like to take advantage of EME. Looking for a card to help offset the tickets (probably purchasing from somewhere other than Disney). Before I would just purchase gift cards at a discount.
Currently :
P1 : 7/19 - Chase Freedom unlimited (downgraded from Chase Sapphire Preferred
12/19 - Chase Ink Business Preferred (closed after first year)
4/20- Chase Ink Cash
01/21 - Chase Ink Unlimited

P2 - 2/24
05/19 - Chase Sapphire Preferred
10/19 - Chase Ink Business Preferred (closed)
1/20 - SW biz (closed)
1/20!- SW p
11/20 - Chase Ink Cash
4/21 - Chase ink unlimited
7/21 - Chase Freedom Flex
7/21 - Amex Platinum

My Thoughts : Citi Premiere & Delta (one with waived fees). This will get us a little to use as cash back and pad the delta account a little bit (otherwise I have to transfer almost all MR to delta for our 5 tickets)

OR church one of the Chase Ink (I don’t see the 24 months verbiage anymore). But do I need to cancel it before I get another? I thought I remembered reading that you don’t have to for the business cards.

basically we need 230k points for delta flights (I know but we have very specific times due to work and a medical appt that we’re working this trip around), around $1200-$1500 for lodging (this would be UR), and then $2600-$3500 for tickets (my parents may be coming). I don’t what to drain all 500k UR and can pay some cash for tickets but I would rather save cash for meals, incidentals, etc.

Also - would it be worth it to buy tickets through Disney if I get the GC at staples for 5x points? It looks like it’s $150 less to buy from UC.

You can use a Cap One Venture card miles to erase ticket charges from UCT.

 

[Judique]

.

There are other cards that earn extra points at grocery stores like the Amex blue cash and the Capital One Savor and you can buy Disney gift cards at grocery stores too. I don't know if you can use Disney gift cards to pay dues monthly. Hope this helps

This is what I do. I collect offers as I go along and add them immediately as I get the cards. That way I'm not holding a lot of cards at any one time. Most of the time the dues get paid before the end of the year. Then I do hold whatever cards I get on offers until I can pay again. Usually that's not too much and I also spend some cards at Disney and Hilton Head.

Having the account set up as a monthly debit doesn't preclude paying it off or paying extra. But to avoid a debit, the payment has to be made before the debit date.

I don't know how the annual pass monthly payment works, but guessing it may be similar.

 

[Judique]

Hi! Not new to the “points game” but first time trying to hack Disney with it. We have 500k UR & 230 MR. Trying to piece together flights (delta looks to be best redemption now) and a stay - staying on site bc it’s a short trip and I’d like to take advantage of EME. Looking for a card to help offset the tickets (probably purchasing from somewhere other than Disney). Before I would just purchase gift cards at a discount.
Currently :
P1 : 7/19 - Chase Freedom unlimited (downgraded from Chase Sapphire Preferred
12/19 - Chase Ink Business Preferred (closed after first year)
4/20- Chase Ink Cash
01/21 - Chase Ink Unlimited

P2 - 2/24
05/19 - Chase Sapphire Preferred
10/19 - Chase Ink Business Preferred (closed)
1/20 - SW biz (closed)
1/20!- SW p
11/20 - Chase Ink Cash
4/21 - Chase ink unlimited
7/21 - Chase Freedom Flex
7/21 - Amex Platinum

My Thoughts : Citi Premiere & Delta (one with waived fees). This will get us a little to use as cash back and pad the delta account a little bit (otherwise I have to transfer almost all MR to delta for our 5 tickets)

OR church one of the Chase Ink (I don’t see the 24 months verbiage anymore). But do I need to cancel it before I get another? I thought I remembered reading that you don’t have to for the business cards.

basically we need 230k points for delta flights (I know but we have very specific times due to work and a medical appt that we’re working this trip around), around $1200-$1500 for lodging (this would be UR), and then $2600-$3500 for tickets (my parents may be coming). I don’t what to drain all 500k UR and can pay some cash for tickets but I would rather save cash for meals, incidentals, etc.

Also - would it be worth it to buy tickets through Disney if I get the GC at staples for 5x points? It looks like it’s $150 less to buy from UC.

Just a quick note to let you know DME is gone. It ended end of 2021.

You don't need to cancel the Chase ink to get another. Probably your best bet for a new biz card.

 

[trenty]

This is what I do. I collect offers as I go along and add them immediately as I get the cards. That way I'm not holding a lot of cards at any one time. Most of the time the dues get paid before the end of the year. Then I do hold whatever cards I get on offers until I can pay again. Usually that's not too much and I also spend some cards at Disney and Hilton Head.

Having the account set up as a monthly debit doesn't preclude paying it off or paying extra. But to avoid a debit, the payment has to be made before the debit date.

I don't know how the annual pass monthly payment works, but guessing it may be similar.

This is what I do to pay my dues. I have auto-draft set up but I pay with discounted gift cards when I get them. I am currently paid through March and part of April and I have several offers that I will use before them to keep paying ahead.
In previous years I also used free gift cards earned from sites like Swagbucks, etc. but I have slowed down earning from those and when I do earn, I have been opting for other rewards.

 

[onelove8187]

How long is normal for time between statement close and RR showing up in sw account? My statement closed on the 18th (w/ 100k+ and enough to reach CP) and still no points... FWIW, statement closed previous 2 months on 18th and points were in RR account on 18th and 19th...

 

[SueInBoston]

I've never flown Hawaiian Airlines, but it is loved by many in the game. Is this a done deal- have you already booked alternative flights?

When I check their website I see lots of availability for 37-40k one way in main cabin? Perhaps you were wanting first class?
Is it possible you have enough points to book one way flight and then only pay for one-ways on Alaska?

Many people here try to book their award flights as soon as the schedule is released, which is often about 330 days out. Is that the time frame you were looking at or sooner?

We'd love to help you use your hard earned points if it's still possible.

you can also try repositioning yourself to the west coast, perhaps make a trip to disneyland or something and then fly east to hawaii. should be lesser miles and there should be more availability and more cities u can reposition to. you can use cheaper cash tickets on the reposition. the downside is that if u miss the flight on 2 separate legs, u will have a harder time rebooking them.

Thank you both for your advice. I already purchased the kids ticket from Alaska Airline as I had to firm those up so they can request time off from work. Now that I'm emotionally calmer...lol. this morning I will purchase one way from Boston to Oahu for boyfriend and I on same flight as kids. and then will look into flying Hawaiian from Oahu to Boston with miles. I know Hawaiian is increasing my points needed for a flight base on my account. My boyfriend and I sat side by side and logged into our separate account and priced the same itinerary and my flights cost more points and cash than his.

 

[MarBee]

Hello! I have a question about purchasing Disneyland tickets using a Capital One card. I recently saw a very vague post on social media about how one woman buys her tickets through a travel agency using a Capital One card (she didn’t specify which) with points. She said they were laid entirely with points. Of course I’m having difficulty finding any more info on this, so I was hoping you kind Disney and award travel loving folks would have some insight.
1) Which card would allow me to do this? I currently have zero Capital One products.
2) is this possible to also do with Disney World tickets?
3) Do you all have any other “hacks” to purchase tickets using points?
I have some large purchases coming up this summer so I’m hoping to open up a new card that would let me buy tickets to Disney if possible.

 

[elgerber]

Hello! I have a question about purchasing Disneyland tickets using a Capital One card. I recently saw a very vague post on social media about how one woman buys her tickets through a travel agency using a Capital One card (she didn’t specify which) with points. She said they were laid entirely with points. Of course I’m having difficulty finding any more info on this, so I was hoping you kind Disney and award travel loving folks would have some insight.
1) Which card would allow me to do this? I currently have zero Capital One products.
2) is this possible to also do with Disney World tickets?
3) Do you all have any other “hacks” to purchase tickets using points?
I have some large purchases coming up this summer so I’m hoping to open up a new card that would let me buy tickets to Disney if possible.

Cap One Venture miles can be used on any travel purchase. Buying tickets through Undercover Tourist codes as travel, so if you purchase there, you can then erase that charge with your miles.

 

[Psychodisney]

How long is normal for time between statement close and RR showing up in sw account? My statement closed on the 18th (w/ 100k+ and enough to reach CP) and still no points... FWIW, statement closed previous 2 months on 18th and points were in RR account on 18th and 19th...

I'm guessing you'll see them today or tomorrow. It's usually a day or two after statement. But that was a weekend with a bank holiday on Monday.