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

[mmmears]

I was going to chat with Amex about a retention offer, but I have chat button today. Hmmm, what the heck Amex.

That's so weird. I have the chat button there today, but no luck on getting any kind of retention offer on my card.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Was it The Ritz London or the London Edition Ritz Carlton? The hotel prices in London have me . I'll look at your options for 2 rooms at these and just keep telling myself that this is probably the last big trip that will be just the 6 of us. Has anyone had trouble trying to book anything but a standard room through the Amex Travel portal? I tried to book a King Family room at the Hilton Canopy but it returned an error and the charge went pending for a few days before falling off. I'd like the $200 credit plus the benefits.

We stayed at The Ritz London because I thought it would be fun after seeing it in movies, plus at that time the prices were pretty good. In 2018 the prices were not at all reasonable, and that's when I found the Berkeley. Both are splurge hotels IMHO.

 

[afan]

Interesting. I thought someone had done chat just last week for a retention offer. If I can't get one, I need to downgrade the card, which I always do by chat. Wonder if it will be back soon?
Weird that it still there on my checking account, but not if I toggle back to my card.

Seems like it comes and goes so keep checking.

I have a question about Global Entry eligibility. If someone (not me) had a misdemeanor on their record from 20+ years ago, would that make them be denied for GE?

I would check on the GE site. I'd imagine there's info and an faq. Nothing against anyone here, but I don't know that anyone is versed enough in the intracacies of GE. And to answer it would probably have to get into more detail than you want shared as I'm sure what it's for will affect things, not just that they had one. Ex canada doesn't like things related to alcohol on someone's record.

 

[mom2febgirls]

What is the best card for earning MR points through spend? Also, how strict is AMEX on business cards?

 

[disneylover81]

I would check on the GE site. I'd imagine there's info and an faq. Nothing against anyone here, but I don't know that anyone is versed enough in the intracacies of GE. And to answer it would probably have to get into more detail than you want shared as I'm sure what it's for will affect things, not just that they had one. Ex canada doesn't like things related to alcohol on someone's record.

You are right. FYI, it wasn't anything major - just being young and dumb all those years ago and have never been in trouble again (not alcohol related). I tried to find the answer, but it just didn't seem clear to me in the FAQ so I just thought maybe someone here might know. I don't even know if stuff that like is on your record forever or if it eventually comes off. Someone just asked me if I knew because they know I like to be "in the know" when it comes to traveling stuff, and I tried to find out for them. lol

 

[amcc]

Curious what offer did you get? That section will also show you the option to upgrade (with no offer). It's gotten my hopes up before, just wanted to check that's not the case.

Ugh, I was blinded by the shiny "Upgrade" word but you are right, there is no offer attached to the upgrade. whomp whomp But I'll keep looking there.

 

[DogCat]

Speaking of Global Entry, does that help you at all if you fly domestic? I have a couple of cards that offer TSA Precheck or GE. We don't have international travel in our immediate plans but it is possible in the next 4 years. I know TSA Precheck is a much simpler process.

 

[wweazel]

Got these Amex offers:
$75 off $300 IHG
Spend $1,000, get 25k MR points Royal Caribbean

I don't usually cruise but I want those MR points

I am right now pricing RCCL cruises - I want your offer! what card is yours on? maybe my offer is coming tomorrow...

 

[afan]

You are right. FYI, it wasn't anything major - just being young and dumb all those years ago and have never been in trouble again (not alcohol related). I tried to find the answer, but it just didn't seem clear to me in the FAQ so I just thought maybe someone here might know. I don't even know if stuff that like is on your record forever or if it eventually comes off. Someone just asked me if I knew because they know I like to be "in the know" when it comes to traveling stuff, and I tried to find out for them. lol

If they have a passport I would think that would be the answer. I don't know what kind of restrictions are on it but I can't see how you could hold a us passport and not also qualify for it because it only helps with entry to the us. Figuring they have a us passport etc. But there's got to be info somewhere they can find.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Speaking of Global Entry, does that help you at all if you fly domestic? I have a couple of cards that offer TSA Precheck or GE. We don't have international travel in our immediate plans but it is possible in the next 4 years. I know TSA Precheck is a much simpler process.

We opted to go through the hassle of Global Entry since 1) it also includes precheck, 2) you can prepay before your appointment so cardholder doesn't have to be the one who uses the benefit and 3) we * might* travel internationally in addition to using the TSA benefits domestically.

Just depends on how much extra annoyance you want to deal with. Getting the appointment in a reasonable time frame required some refreshing and good luck.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Curious what offer did you get? That section will also show you the option to upgrade (with no offer). It's gotten my hopes up before, just wanted to check that's not the case.

I usually have the option to upgrade but no bonus attached. About 5 years ago, I did have an offer for maybe 150,000 points which I took, kept the card for 2 years then downgraded. Haven't had another upgrade offer like that.

Interesting. I thought someone had done chat just last week for a retention offer. If I can't get one, I need to downgrade the card, which I always do by chat. Wonder if it will be back soon?
Weird that it still there on my checking account, but not if I toggle back to my card.

I have chat symbol available on the app.

 

[wanderlust7]

I am right now pricing RCCL cruises - I want your offer! what card is yours on? maybe my offer is coming tomorrow...

I see it on all our MR earning cards.

First time tempted to book a cruise to use an offer. Usually I'm just using the offers to pay down already booked ones lol.

 

[elgerber]

I usually have the option to upgrade but no bonus attached. About 5 years ago, I did have an offer for maybe 150,000 points which I took, kept the card for 2 years then downgraded. Haven't had another upgrade offer like that.

I have chat symbol available on the app.

I have tried all day on the app and several browsers and never got it except in the checking account. I will try again tomorrow.

 

[wanderlust7]

What is the best card for earning MR points through spend? Also, how strict is AMEX on business cards?

Blue Business Plus earns 2x everything, no AF. Can keep it long term to hold your MRs. Gold earns 4x restaurant and groceries.

But SUBs are the best way to amass a lot of MRs. Plat, biz plat, biz gold all have high SUBs. Amex biz cards are easy. If you have a lot of spend, can get new cards faster than with Chase, subject to some rules.

 

[KPK02090]

When did the CSR SUB increase to 80k, was it recently? Anyone think it'll go up again in the near future or should I just go for it now?

 

[KPK02090]

A follow-up to my posts over the weekend - DH is currently in the air on an Aer Lingus flight, that he booked through skyscanner.com - I'm not saying I recommend them - but in this case it worked out and was almost 60% less than booking direct. I was kind of holding my breath until he actually took off, now I can breathe.

 

[reliev]

Speaking of Global Entry, does that help you at all if you fly domestic? I have a couple of cards that offer TSA Precheck or GE. We don't have international travel in our immediate plans but it is possible in the next 4 years. I know TSA Precheck is a much simpler process.

yes, it helps a ton I've been waiting for my other passport now for 6 months + I miss it every day sure with clear I cut the line a little but nothing beats not taking off my shoes. GE is the same thing as precheck as far as interviews at least for me I had precheck then GE was quick and painless (now finding an appointment is another thing)

 

[mmmears]

What is the best card for earning MR points through spend? Also, how strict is AMEX on business cards?

I was all set to respond, but @wanderlust7 recommended the 2 cards I was going to mention, so just take this as another person with the same recommendation.

You are right. FYI, it wasn't anything major - just being young and dumb all those years ago and have never been in trouble again (not alcohol related). I tried to find the answer, but it just didn't seem clear to me in the FAQ so I just thought maybe someone here might know. I don't even know if stuff that like is on your record forever or if it eventually comes off. Someone just asked me if I knew because they know I like to be "in the know" when it comes to traveling stuff, and I tried to find out for them. lol

It might be fine. The only one we know who was denied was denied because he traveled a lot and went to some area that was on some government watch list, so no GE for him.

Speaking of Global Entry, does that help you at all if you fly domestic? I have a couple of cards that offer TSA Precheck or GE. We don't have international travel in our immediate plans but it is possible in the next 4 years. I know TSA Precheck is a much simpler process.

It just gives your precheck domestically, but if you do happen to leave the country you'll already have it all set up. It also lasts longer than precheck, I believe.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

When did the CSR SUB increase to 80k, was it recently? Anyone think it'll go up again in the near future or should I just go for it now?

It was very recent…..no idea if it will go up or down again in the future

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I'm very tempted to try for the CIU with the 90K UR SUB. Are there links on dischurners with this offer?

I was away 4 of 7 nights last week (3 different hotels) and I'm exhausted. I don't know how some people travel that much for a living.

Hotels were all great. First was the Muir in Halifax, which opened in December of last year. Chatted on the app on the day of our arrival and managed to get upgraded from a base room to a junior suite, which gave dd her own space to study. It had a 'city' view (brick wall across the street), but we didn't mind because we preferred the additional space of the suite. Plat breakfast was $36.00 pp, which was more than adequate and we both enjoyed our food immensely (restaurant 1 day, room service the next). We have 2 more stays booked here -- November (using 1 x 35K FNC + additional points and a cash stay in December, both stays for exams for dd at Dalhousie). Hopefully the next 2 stays are equally as good.

Second hotel was the HI Express in Dartmouth for my uncle's funeral. The lobby didn't do the rooms any justice (it would have been much nicer if they had spent a bit more on furnishings for the lobby). However the room was spacious, very clean and the bed was super comfortable. The buffet breakfast was nice as I was able to have oatmeal and a piece of toast and skip their eggs and sausage patties. My sister said the eggs and sausage were good, but I didn't want to risk it with my sensitive stomach with an impending flight. I'd definitely stay here again because the price was great and I liked the room a lot. Staff was also extremely nice. Plus it's close to where both of my cousins live. However there is a Delta (Marriott family) not far away that I'd like to try (it was booked for the night that my sister and I needed).

Last hotel was the Delta Kingston, which I've stayed at many times. It was nice as usual. I got the room that I booked and it had a great view of the water. Bed was very comfortable -- I could hear noise from the hallway, but it didn't bother me at all because I was so tired. I took the points instead of free breakfast because dd and I were going to our fav spot for Sunday brunch with her 'new' old boyfriend (she dated him for 1.5 yrs in HS and it seems like they are back together).

 

[becauseimnew]

When did the CSR SUB increase to 80k, was it recently? Anyone think it'll go up again in the near future or should I just go for it now?

I wouldn’t expect it to increase again, that’s the second highest offer since the card was introduced with 100k SUB.