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

[LenSnark]

Ok,that still might work out for me because this would be an early January 2023 booking. Thanks for the quick response!

You can't use a 50k certificate when the night is 60k. 60k is the category 6 peak rate. When it's the standard rate of 50k or non-peak of 40k, then you can use the FNC.

Bonvoy is coming out with the ability to add up to 15k points to your FNC, but there's no specified date ("early 2022"). Once that comes out, you'd be able to use your 50k FNC plus 10k points to book it. BUT in March, they're going to dynamic pricing. So who knows if it'll stay at 60. Though they've said 97% will stay in the range of non-peak to peak this year.

 

[Limes96]

Can ANYTHING be done with SW travel funds other than buy a ticket? Upgrades, etc? My daughter has around $180 that expires in September AND a brand new CP. Guess I didn’t think through that ticket purchase very well. Whoops. Of course at the time I hadn’t yet gotten it into my head to go for another CP.

 

[EACarlson]

Can ANYTHING be done with SW travel funds other than buy a ticket? Upgrades, etc? My daughter has around $180 that expires in September AND a brand new CP. Guess I didn’t think through that ticket purchase very well. Whoops. Of course at the time I hadn’t yet gotten it into my head to go for another CP.

After it expires you have six months to convert it to a LUV voucher for $100 that is good for six months. Not a phenomenal use, but you'd get something out of it. LUV vouchers aren't limited in who they can be used for.

 

[Alexle2007]

Charleston or Savannah for a girls trip? Any Hyatt recommendations? I seen Savannah has an Andaz and Thompson so could get my 5th brand.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Can ANYTHING be done with SW travel funds other than buy a ticket? Upgrades, etc? My daughter has around $180 that expires in September AND a brand new CP. Guess I didn’t think through that ticket purchase very well. Whoops. Of course at the time I hadn’t yet gotten it into my head to go for another CP.

Here's some info you might find helpful on this topic from a couple dozen pages back.

I too run into that situation when the companion really doesn't need much in travel funds. Sometimes I've re-designated the companion recipient to another family member when one has too many funds to use up. I believe you can change your companion 3 times a year.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I’m using a CSP. I also have a CF and a Chase Business Ink. If I can book using my points through either of them I gladly will.

The portal recently changed to run off of cxLoyalty instead of Expedia. That's probably why unfortunately.

The CSR was still on Expedia, but I don't know if that's still the case. I no longer have the card, so can't check. If your CSP or CF are older than a year, you could upgrade it to the CSR. Annual fee would be $550, but you'd get a $300 easy to use travel credit and 1.5 cent per point redemption in the portal instead of 1.25 with the CSP.

The CSR portal can change at any time though, so that would be a risk.

Pay Yourself Back (PYB) is no longer as flexible. With a CSP, you can do Airbnb or Away luggage. With CSR you have those categories plus dining and the annual fee.

@Wanderlust 's suggestion is a good one, so I checked my Chase portal through CSR and it still says powered by Expedia. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find any Seaworld or Discovery Cove tickets. There are Universal tickets and Aquatica. I'm sorry. ☹

 

[afan]

Pay Yourself Back (PYB) is no longer as flexible. With a CSP, you can do Airbnb or Away luggage. With CSR you have those categories plus dining and the annual fee.

I thought you could always pyb for travel purchases, maybe that was only at 1 and not the 1.5 though.

 

[wanderlust7]

I thought you could always pyb for travel purchases, maybe that was only at 1 and not the 1.5 though.

Not that I know of. But you can cash out at 1 cpp, no hoops required.

 

[LB002]

yeah I booked it already I'm going in less than a month *fingers crossed* I got a great deal on f tickets was like 150k points for 3 of us then they gave me 200k as credit )when I canceled for Disney)so ofc I took it!. I was able to book France Business class and get 2 nights, but then we had to reschedule, and I was able to get 3 nights (it's just me and my buddy, not the family) I figure I've been putting off the trip for years with my buddy who moving there (whos half french). It's time to do it. sorry if it's a longer TMI rant than usual just really stoked about it. The best part is with the rollover if I do one more trip like this (debating going in September again..) I might be able to squeeze of diamond so next year's trips I have a guaranteed f upgrade as well as a business class upgrade to Europe. The only downside is I couldn't take the leftover points and put them back in my account it was 200k

The best redemptions I've seen for the future if you want to go, business class, was what someone else mentioned in this thread for business for 88k via japan airlines. The flights on air France are 50-65k each way.

My plan for 2023 we are going to do Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. or London, overzealous maybe? but I plan on using the certificates if i book another trip, so i can buy economy plus on delta and upgrade, I'm going to make a calendar and schedule it in advance if I do this.

As far as the hotel goes a lot of people prob figured it out already used to be all about Star wood I have lifetime status with them which I find worthless and I jumped ship to Hyatt, Hyatt's redemptions are 20-30k depending on the hotel for Paris. I also know that at least to me staying on Disneyland property isn't worth you can take a 30 min metro there. (besides i didnt see good point redemptions there I looked)

I've learned a lot of this thread beforehand even though most of my friends call me a points guru (there is always something I can learn) but I abandoned it as we didn't travel at all the last year. So id I would be happy to help with your planning its no issue.

Next year I have 3 big trips planned so far in my head.

We are looking at London, Paris and Euro Disney for 2023 as well. We told our kids they could pick a trip anywhere in the world if they forgo the huge wedding-like Bar/Bar-Mitzvah party (we will still have ceremony and luncheon), and DD picked Paris and Euro Disney. I used to travel to London for work often and have wanted to take the family, so adding that as a second week. I'm definitely interested in any tips, advice, reviews from your trip/s! I am starting to stock up URs to use toward Hyatt. We are typically Hilton people, but Hyatt seems to have better international options.

 

[djmeredith]

I applied for the CIC tonight and got instant approval! My plane tix depleted almost all of my UR, so I am looking forward to earning some more for hotels.

 

[LB002]

DH was approved for his 2nd SW card last night, so CP here we come! We have 2 trips booked already for 2022.

I need a new card as well. Any particularly good offers out there? I am under 5/24 and it's been 4 months since my last app. I already have all the Freedom cards, not eligible for Sapphire subs until next summer. Have had some of the Amex Hilton cards. We collect SW and Hilton points (and UR & MR), but would like to expand into Hyatt. I'm thinking another Chase business card unless there's a better promo out there. Thanks!

 

[disneybirds]

I got that too! I have $25 or something from that double point offer in 2019. Hopefully we will *finally* use the Disney tickets I got through that offer in April! Our March 2020 trip was cancelled when everything shut down, and every time we rebook we have to cancel.

Part of me wishes we only had $25! I took full advantage of that offer and booked 3 trips (Portland, Burbank, and Italy). We have booked a few hotel nights with some of the credit, but hoping to book a trip somewhere overseas at some point. Our youngest is hoping to do a summer abroad in Ireland in June, so if that holds we will use some of it then. I may try to get Disney tickets with some of the credit as well. Hope you are able to go to Disney in April!!

 

[disneybirds]

Charleston or Savannah for a girls trip? Any Hyatt recommendations? I seen Savannah has an Andaz and Thompson so could get my 5th brand.

We have stayed at the Savannah Andaz twice in the last few months. It is a nice hotel right at the corner of the market. The lobby isn't very big and not impressive, but the rooms are nice and the staff are always friendly. I remember thinking the valet parking was high at $37. I would probably pick Charleston over Savannah. We love Charleston, but the Hyatt options aren't great there. We have stayed at the Hyatt House twice in Charleston. It is on King Street near some newer restaurants, but it is a long walk into the historic area. Sometimes we will walk to the historic area and then uber back. I think the last time we were there, it was cheaper to park the car in the historic area than uber.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

My DH (P2) did the MDD late last year. We used the CSR a TON of eating out at Disney ($2500+). He had almost 180K URs accumulated.

We had to do the sensible thing and use the PYB on the AF and a bunch of the dining charges. He is down to about 10k URs with more dining charges applicable. I can transfer more URs over from my cards or from his new CIC when he earns the SUB.

It is definitely the sensible thing to do based on the redemption value BUT it is so painful that the redemption was not for travel and is depleting our stash of UR that I was accumulating for future travel plans. I have no set plans yet, just wanted them available for when I start planning. It's so hard being an adult!

Btw, DH and I started collecting the 50th Anniversary gold coins while at WDW. We tried to use the CIC due to needing to meet the MSR but it got rejected (maybe went through once?). So, we switched to the CSR. The vending machine codes as entertainment and is available for PYB for some reason. Therefore, we can use 1000 UR to pay for the $15 charge. So, the 4 coins will actually cost $10 instead of $15. As there are 50+ coins (I think 53?), that would be quite a savings.

Those URs really go FAST!!! I keep wanting more and we haven't even use any for travel yet!

 

[Missyson]

We have stayed at the Savannah Andaz twice in the last few months. It is a nice hotel right at the corner of the market. The lobby isn't very big and not impressive, but the rooms are nice and the staff are always friendly. I remember thinking the valet parking was high at $37. I would probably pick Charleston over Savannah. We love Charleston, but the Hyatt options aren't great there. We have stayed at the Hyatt House twice in Charleston. It is on King Street near some newer restaurants, but it is a long walk into the historic area. Sometimes we will walk to the historic area and then uber back. I think the last time we were there, it was cheaper to park the car in the historic area than uber.

@Alexle2007 I’m usually a lurker, but agree completely with @disneybirds. I love Charleston, but the Hyatt House/Place is a long walk to the historic district. There are some nice restaurants close to the hotel and a Jeni’s ice cream. We just stayed at the Andaz in Savannah a few weeks ago. It is in a much more convenient location for walking around the historic district and the Plant Riverside area was nice. We had a great room with lots of windows overlooking the square, but could hear the noise outside. We used our white noise app and it was fine.

 

[becauseimnew]

My DH (P2) did the MDD late last year. We used the CSR a TON of eating out at Disney ($2500+). He had almost 180K URs accumulated.

We had to do the sensible thing and use the PYB on the AF and a bunch of the dining charges. He is down to about 10k URs with more dining charges applicable. I can transfer more URs over from my cards or from his new CIC when he earns the SUB.

It is definitely the sensible thing to do based on the redemption value BUT it is so painful that the redemption was not for travel and is depleting our stash of UR that I was accumulating for future travel plans. I have no set plans yet, just wanted them available for when I start planning. It's so hard being an adult!

Btw, DH and I started collecting the 50th Anniversary gold coins while at WDW. We tried to use the CIC due to needing to meet the MSR but it got rejected (maybe went through once?). So, we switched to the CSR. The vending machine codes as entertainment and is available for PYB for some reason. Therefore, we can use 1000 UR to pay for the $15 charge. So, the 4 coins will actually cost $10 instead of $15. As there are 50+ coins (I think 53?), that would be quite a savings.

Those URs really go FAST!!! I keep wanting more and we haven't even use any for travel yet!

URs are the best, they go fast but thankfully Chase is still letting us collect them fast too (thanks Biz cards). I don’t know what we’ll do if they ever start enforcing the 24 month rule.

 

[hsmamato2]

Thanks!
I don't have Chase UR or Amex MR, unfortunately.
The 5 night cash rate including extra person fee, resort fee and taxes is 2332. I would never pay that for the swan reserve; would do a disney hotel instead. I purposely got the credit card to get the free nights--we are doing 5 nights at GF and wanted 4-5 nights at an Epcot resort hotel, so this is how we are doing it. I feel better about splurging on the GF when getting free nights on the other half.
It's ok if this isn't the "best" use of marriott points. Don't have any other trips coming up, and want to use them here for Disney trip. Just trying to figure out the best way to get that 5th night taken care of.

Apparently with the new card promo, I get 10x points at grocery stores, gas, restaurants, up to 2500 in first 6 months. So I can do that to get 25k points. So that will leave me with needing another 10k points. I guess I get 2x points after reaching that 2500.

Trying to figure out if buying a Marriott gift card will help somehow--6x the points there. And trying to buy points on sale versus the 12.50 per point.

I answered late...as noted you can (and should) book it now if you can find the 50k rate,and then look into getting/buying those extra points.

 

[Alexle2007]

@Alexle2007 I’m usually a lurker, but agree completely with @disneybirds. I love Charleston, but the Hyatt House/Place is a long walk to the historic district. There are some nice restaurants close to the hotel and a Jeni’s ice cream. We just stayed at the Andaz in Savannah a few weeks ago. It is in a much more convenient location for walking around the historic district and the Plant Riverside area was nice. We had a great room with lots of windows overlooking the square, but could hear the noise outside. We used our white noise app and it was fine.

Thanks. @disneybirds also. I went ahead and booked Savannah. It is a bit further south since we will going at the end of Feb. We’ll just Uber from the airport which looks to be a short ride.

I would love to hear any recommended restaurants or to dos while there. I see Paula Dean’s restaurant is close by but heard it is not worth cost.

 

[hsmamato2]

After it expires you have six months to convert it to a LUV voucher for $100 that is good for six months. Not a phenomenal use, but you'd get something out of it. LUV vouchers aren't limited in who they can be used for.

This is super useful info thanks! I'm saving this

 

[Lorana]

My cu does the dame but there's still a foreign transaction fee. Since I normally only need to get cash once or twice a trip I just account for that as part of my vacation cost. For my Japan trip I'm going to get some yen before I go, either through my cu or give my mom cash to get it from bofa where she has checking.

I don't travel enough internationally to want the hassle of a checking account just to avoid those fees and making sure money gets transferred in soon enough for withdrawal etc. Something to consider if it's just for one or two withdrawls.

When we went to Japan, I brought USD in $100 bills. This was before I got the Schwab checking. There are many currency exchange counters at the airport and the rate wasn't too bad. We even exchanged money at Guest Services in DisneySea and the rate was good (I looked up xe.com as I was standing in line). That said, Japan is the only country I've been to that I didn't worry about carrying that much cash around.

I looked into getting some yen beforehand but it seemed pretty expensive since they ship it to you.

If you’re in the major cities, you often don’t need to worry about cash. However, if you’re traveling outside of the cities, or go to any small local workshops, you absolutely need to have cash on hand. Many of the smaller towns don’t accept credit cards in stores or restaurants. I had to withdraw money more than once on the trip as we had not anticipated how much cash we’d need on hand, since we’re so used to paying by card for everything. Admittedly, we did visit a lot of smaller towns between the major cities on our trip.