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

[LynnTH]

What about Costa Rica?

Will research that one.

 

[reliev]

There is only 2 of us that would be going. So, the $1450 we have in SW Luv Vouchers will cover pretty much anywhere we want to go. Hoping to use both $300 Travel Credits from the Venture X cards for hotel. I also have 3 Marriott FN Certificates (35,000 each) plus 240,000 in Marriott Points. So, trying to get flights and hotel covered for 4 nights.

nice! don't follow Marriot anymore but what place has better availability ? yeah for 2 that will get you everywhere for sure.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Booked our flights this morning for our SW flights for our December Cruise. Back in January, me and DS and DD took a voluntary bump on a flight back from a cruise. We each ended up with $1027 in LUV Vouchers. Used some for DD and I on a trip to Nashville the end of July and then booked 3 of us today for the flights to Miami in December (DH has companion pass, so DS was free).

We still have about $1450 to use up. (Have to be used by beginning of January). Looking for somewhere to DD21 and I to go for a few days in August before she goes back to college. DS is saving his vacation days for our cruise in December and European Cruise next May. Too hard for both DH and I to go somewhere with the new puppy and he doesn't care if just DD and I go somewhere.

Between schedules - looking at probably August 14-18 (she will go back to school on the 19th or 20th, as school starts on August 22nd). And she does not get any long breaks until end of Semester in December and then we have a cruise.

I also have $300 in Travel to use for my Cap One Venture X and DH's Cap One Venture X. So, that would help with any hotel stays. We were at Disney in May and Vegas a few weeks ago. Trying to brainstorm on where to go. We are both beach/ocean people.

Thought Hawaii would be fun but flights are too long for such a short time. Maybe Cabo -have been there before and really liked it. Or Disneyland or Fort Lauderdale...

UGGHHH.... I know it is a good problem to have. So many choices. Welcome any suggestions!!

It seems Southwest is allowing travel credits which are expiring to be reissued as travel credits with an additional 6 month expiration date. Normally they take $100 off of the funds and require you to wait for them to expire, but they are waiving that temporarily. Not sure if that could apply to your situation, but something to consider if you are just using the luv vouchers now because they expire. If you went that route, my guess is you'd have to convert the luv vouchers to travel credits first before making the request, but that's just my guess. And not sure if there is an expiration date cutoff for this exception. Don't take my word for any of this!

I think Cabo is a great suggestion, especially for a girls trip. Great food and music. I think there is a JW Marriott in San Jose del Cabo which might have a few dates you can top off certificates, and some other dates you'd have to use points. We love the WA at Pedregal if you have any Hilton points/FNC or people like the Cape, booked with Hyatt points.

 

[platamama]

I was able to extend some Hilton FNC I had expiring at the end of this month, I wanted to use them at the end of July. I called the regular 800 number first, and the representative couldn't help me, and ended up transferring me to Amex and the rep there couldn't help either. I decided to HUCA, and this time used the "Call Me Now" button on my Hilton login. Got a call right away from a Diamond desk representative (I have the Aspire) and that person was able to extend the certificates so that I could book the two nights at the end of July. Not a super valuable redemption, but going for my nephew's wedding and it saves me $415 from the other booking I had made somewhere else. The representative even helped me extend DH's FNC so that I could book at room for my MIL for the wedding too.

@palhockeymomof2 Sorry to hear of your health scare, and I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. Hope you're all the way back to normal soon!

 

[djmeredith]

This hobby is so awesome!
Jan 21 Biz Class to CDG on AF one way to CDG = 55,000 pts + $329.07 ea
Today same tix on AF = $8,099.50 ea

Not sure if this has been mentioned here, but it is possible to cancel a Chase pts for credit statement redemption. My dad cashed in 83,000 UR as a stmt credit the other day not realizing what he was doing. I went to help him book a hotel room on pts tonight and his acct said 0 pts. I asked what he used them on and he said nothing, he thought they were still there. Then he said he got a "message" the other day about an $800 credit so he did it, but didn't realize it was taking his points. Ummm, dad did you think they were giving you $800 free?? (Bless his heart.)

Anyway, we called Chase to beg for help. The woman was so nice, she said "let me see if I can do that." A few seconds later she said "ok, I just cancelled it and they should be back in your acct." Sure enough, the pts were immediately redeposited. She said she had never done it before but there is literally a "cancel" button. His statement had not closed yet, so I am guessing once it did he would not have been able to cancel the redemption. Also, i was added to his acct as a "non-authorized user" so that I can communicate with Chase on his behalf without having the AU hit to my status.

 

[djmeredith]

Just a reminder to everyone Southwest opens their schedule tomorrow 6/16 …for flights to 1/4/2023

To keep it churning related…an additional reminder to have a list of accounts/passwords for your P2 or others in case anything were to happen to you.
had a major health issue on 5/2…would up in the hospital undergoing triple bypass surgery…totally unexpected ..my primary care doctor was shocked….as I had seen her less than a year ago…..Doing well now thankfully…back to driving and even have visited Staples twice this week

Oh my goodness, glad you are ok!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Has anyone done a transfer bonus paid by the airline program, rather than the bank? I've done Amex and Chase transfer bonuses, but never one by the airline program. Any concerns?

Qatar up to 40% bonus through the end of June.
https://www.qatarairways.com/en/Privilege-Club/bank-partners-conversion.html

 

[punkin]

Has anyone had any luck trying to use suite upgrades at Marriott properties? I tried to use 3 nights at a Renaissance in Manhattan and got a weird email that titanium members had priority over DH (who is a titanium member). It's not a big deal but still...I have 27 of them with no apparent ability to use them.

 

[Judique]

Has anyone had any luck trying to use site upgrades at Marriott properties? I tried to use 3 nights at a Renaissance in Manhattan and got a weird email that titanium members had priority over DH (who is a titanium member). It's not a big deal but still...I have 27 of them with no apparent ability to use them.

Do you mean 'suite' upgrades?

 

[punkin]

Do you mean 'suite' upgrades?

Yes. I'm on my phone so I get stupid autocorrects. I'll change it.

 

[Judique]

Has anyone had any luck trying to use site upgrades at Marriott properties? I tried to use 3 nights at a Renaissance in Manhattan and got a weird email that titanium members had priority over DH (who is a titanium member). It's not a big deal but still...I have 27 of them with no apparent ability to use them.

I know it's not comparable in type of hotel, but this past weekend at Courtyard I was trying to use my 'suite' upgrades to press for at least a balcony using my expiring end of June suite upgrades. (Was using FNC's plus 6K for the room.)

I was refused up until checkin, when I went to the desk to actually check in. I refrained from doing it on the app, despite several emails to try to get me checked in. I knew I wouldn't get the suite, and I also know they call anything not on your original room an upgrade. I'm platinum. So, when I got the text that my room was ready, I went to the desk and was given the first side view room behind ocean front with a balcony. I had a very decent view.

Since it was airshow weekend, I was quite satisfied. It was a handicapped room but mainly for hearing impaired so not a big deal - door bell and flashing light, the rest was normal.

Never received any kind of confirmation but they took the 2 nights of credits. I didn't care as I have 3 more that will expire, plus another 5 that expire end of the year.

So, don't give up.

 

[punkin]

I know it's not comparable in type of hotel, but this past weekend at Courtyard I was trying to use my 'suite' upgrades to press for at least a balcony using my expiring end of June suite upgrades. (Was using FNC's plus 6K for the room.)

I was refused up until checkin, when I went to the desk to actually check in. I refrained from doing it on the app, despite several emails to try to get me checked in. I knew I wouldn't get the suite, and I also know they call anything not on your original room an upgrade. I'm platinum. So, when I got the text that my room was ready, I went to the desk and was given the first side view room behind ocean front with a balcony. I had a very decent view.

Since it was airshow weekend, I was quite satisfied. It was a handicapped room but mainly for hearing impaired so not a big deal - door bell and flashing light, the rest was normal.

Never received any kind of confirmation but they took the 2 nights of credits. I didn't care as I have 3 more that will expire, plus another 5 that expire end of the year.

So, don't give up.

I will try!

 

[Judique]

And my older DD spent the night sleeping on a (padded) bench at JFK. Her connection was missed due to weather issues.

She immediately started trying to get an airport hotel but ran into 'no availability'. Her next flight was at 8 this morning, so she wanted a hotel with a shuttle.

Finally found a Wyngate by Wyndham supposedly with shuttle and booked it. Stars =3.3. Eww? Off to call the hotel and get the shuttle. I fell asleep. This morning I awoke to a text that she didn't make it to the hotel due to there was no shuttle.

This is a woman with a Plat and a CSR. She was in an Amex lounge until 9 and then the Delta lounge opened at 5am with showers available.

After conversation with the Wyngate and no shuttle, she got refunded. She didn't want to deal with surge pricing on uber, and I have no idea how she booked her flight or whether she had any flight delay protection, but it's Delta to Aruba from JFK. She's boarding now.

I'm almost relieved she stayed in the airport. She said it wasn't bad as she bought ear plugs and an eye mask, used a packing cube full of tshirts for a pillow and her backpack filled in the table space between the connected seats.

There were rooms she could have had for points further from the airport but no shuttles and whatever. Over the years she's roughed it a few times so is pretty savvy, but also knows how to enjoy the comforts of a nice lounge and good hotel.

Time was a factor as she just felt uncomfortable getting out of the airport area.

Anyway, she will spend a long weekend in Aruba and be back Tuesday.

 

[Judique]

So, 3rd airshow trip in 3 years. Doubt I'll go next year as I won't pay and I figure I've been priced out of the ocean front hotels. (The airshow is over water in front of the hotels.) Still will watch and see what is available, as the weather was fantastic and I had a nice weekend.

I had booked a non oceanfront hotel for 2 nights and the Hyatt oceanfront for the 2nd 2 nights. Then, found rooms at Hyatt for the first 2 nights and found Marriott rooms for the 2nd 2 nights that would use up my expiring 50K certs (plus 6K). I had already decided to just book a local place with a pool for the girls later in the month but was happy to get a better value for them, Marriott FNC's.

The Hyatt nights jumped from 37k to 59k points due to non weekend to weekend nights plus amount of points had also been upped since my original booking. Still a lot cheaper than cash as the nights were $637 x 2 or $1274 (or 59K Hyatt points). 2.2 cents per point. Transferred UR's to Hyatt.

 

[Communicore1991]

So I have a ~$2k expense coming up and since I don't make large purchases all too often, I usually try and find a new card to take advantage of the SUB with my larger purchase. Was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for me. I haven't been travelling too much and I know you're not supposed to just hold onto points, but call me a hoarder

As you can see I have points with all the major issuers and my primary spend is on gas and dining. The majority of my points however is currently UR with Chase.

Current cards: (Under 5/24)
CSP
CF
CFU
United Explorer
United Quest
Ink Business Cash
Disney VISA
Citi Double Cash
Discover It
AMEX BBP
AMEX Amazon
Amtrak World Mastercard
Jetblue Plus

Average monthly spend and categories: dining $300 gas: $200 other: $500

 

[Judique]

So I have a ~$2k expense coming up and since I don't make large purchases all too often, I usually try and find a new card to take advantage of the SUB with my larger purchase. Was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for me. I haven't been travelling too much and I know you're not supposed to just hold onto points, but call me a hoarder

As you can see I have points with all the major issuers and my primary spend is on gas and dining. The majority of my points however is currently UR with Chase.

Current cards: (Under 5/24)
CSP
CF
CFU
United Explorer
United Quest
Ink Business Cash
Disney VISA
Citi Double Cash
Discover It
AMEX BBP
AMEX Amazon
Amtrak World Mastercard
Jetblue Plus

Average monthly spend and categories: dining $300 gas: $200 other: $500

When you travel, where do you go and what hotels do you use? Looks like with the $2k and your regular monthly spend you can do up to 5K on a 3 month sub.

 

[mom2febgirls]

Does anyone know if you can pay your property taxes in advance if they are normally paid through escrow? Will I get a refund from escrow if I do that?

 

[Psychodisney]

Has anyone had any luck trying to use suite upgrades at Marriott properties? I tried to use 3 nights at a Renaissance in Manhattan and got a weird email that titanium members had priority over DH (who is a titanium member). It's not a big deal but still...I have 27 of them with no apparent ability to use them.

I finally got a notice yesterday for my first one! (have had about 30 go unused) Staying at the Sheraton Grand Chicago in a 1BR lake view. My DH's big 6-0 is next week. Taking two mini trips to the city for some Sox games and fun with our kids.
Then using an Amex FHR credit in a couple of weeks to go to Kohler and golf Whistling Straits! Not expecting an upgrade there, just excited about the trip!

 

[becauseimnew]

So I have a ~$2k expense coming up and since I don't make large purchases all too often, I usually try and find a new card to take advantage of the SUB with my larger purchase. Was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for me. I haven't been travelling too much and I know you're not supposed to just hold onto points, but call me a hoarder

As you can see I have points with all the major issuers and my primary spend is on gas and dining. The majority of my points however is currently UR with Chase.

Current cards: (Under 5/24)
CSP
CF
CFU
United Explorer
United Quest
Ink Business Cash
Disney VISA
Citi Double Cash
Discover It
AMEX BBP
AMEX Amazon
Amtrak World Mastercard
Jetblue Plus

Average monthly spend and categories: dining $300 gas: $200 other: $500

What about Citi Premier? 80,000 SUB, $4K MSR

or Citi AAdvantage, 75,000 SUB, $3,500 MSR

 

[Judique]

I'm 1/24 so I went ahead and applied and got approved for the Disney Visa card - the one with the $300 and $49 fee. DD referred me so another $100 Disney dollars there. So, after spend of $1000 and paying the fee, $361 clear. I have an insurance bill due end of this month that will take care of that $1k. Dues money.

Now the irrational part. I could have done another card that might have a higher payout, but it wouldn't be Disney money! And therefore designated as dues money.

And, got the crazy high credit limit. Must remember to call or maybe send a message and get it lowered to a minor amount. I won't need 20K for my 1K spend.