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

[StephPlum]

My city doesn't take partial payments for property taxes. I have to consider that with Chase biz cards since they've been giving low CL.

That sucks on the partial payments! I just paid my Property Taxes with 10 VGCs and rest on my new CIC (didn't have time to get to Staples for more free VGS). Plus saved about $20 in fees since they charged a flat fee on debit cards (VGCs) instead of % like CCs.

 

[reliev]

That sucks on the partial payments! I just paid my Property Taxes with 10 VGCs and rest on my new CIC (didn't have time to get to Staples for more free VGS). Plus saved about $20 in fees since they charged a flat fee on debit cards (VGCs) instead of % like CCs.

Florida does a 4% discount if you pay early and amex or visa is 2% is it really worth all that work for 20$?

 

[becauseimnew]

I'm in MA and they're saying 18-22 inches for our area. I just hope we don't lose power because it's also supposed to be windy. ❄

Yeah we are going to go freeze at Magic Kingdom tomorrow and on Sunday going to Legoland....Santa brought Legoland passes for the family and I am very excited to go for the first time.

The high here in Oklahoma is in the mid 60s all weekend long.

 

[StephPlum]

Florida does a 4% discount if you pay early and amex or visa is 2% is it really worth all that work for 20$?

I don't live in FL so I don't get a discount for early payment and the CC % is 2.3%. I am also a cheapskate

 

[Arcades]

First first off, thanks to anyone for taking the time to read and offer advice!

1) First off, we are going to want you to list ALL credit cards you were approved for in the last 24 months. This would include all personal credit cards, store credit cards, business credit cards (but not things such as auto loans, mortgages or debit cards). If you have a spouse (aka Player 2) please also list their cards separately if they are participating in this as well.

Me:
03/12 - Southwest Premier - joint account
07/14 - Chase Sapphire Preferred -
09/17 - Southwest Plus
08/19 - Disney
02/21 - United Explorer
Spouse:
08/19 - Disney
03/21 - Chase Sapphire Preferred

2) Secondly we'll want to know a little bit about you. Specifically - what you spend, and what you want to earn!

• What amount of spend would you put on a card monthly (i.e. groceries, gas, insurance, cable, cell phone, other expenses)? About $2500 - everything that can be paid for with a credit card goes on a card - usually CSP.
• Do you currently payoff your CCs in full every month or do you carry any balances/pay any interest? Paid in full
• What airport(s) do you typically fly out of? Midway & Ohare (prefer Midway)
• Do you have a preference of Frequent Flyer program? Southwest is primary airline, building United points for Europe - open to any
• Does SOUTHWEST Airline service your airport? Both
• Do you have a Hotel Rewards program preference? Silver status with Hilton - open to any
• Do you currently have travel points or miles in any program? (if so, which programs and how much) UR- 223k, United- 76k, Southwest 200 (just booked a trip), Hilton -8k
• What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? Pay for flights to Disney, Europe and beyond
• When do you plan to take these trips? Disney 11/22, Europe 6/23
• Who does your travel party consist of? DH(me) DW DS5 DS8

My goal is to maximize UR bonuses, and maybe pad the United and Southwest point pool as well. Paying for Disney in November and Europe in 2023 is first priority at the moment, having plenty of points left over for future trips is second priority. We have the one joint SW Premier card, are authorized users for each on all the others.

I think it may be time to start canceling some older cards like the CSP and Southwest cards and reapplying. What happens to my UR points if I cancel the CSP?

CSP has a 48 month rule, so you're clear to cancel that card and reapply for a Sapphire. With $2500 month spend, you would have to consider some light Manufactured Spending to double dip both the CSR and CSP (to maximize UR). Your Southwest card has a 24 month rule, so you could cancel and get a new one for another bonus. The big question is, are you willing to apply for business cards as a sole proprietor? If so, there's several good options. I would suggest the Chase Ink Unlimited as it gives 75,000 UR for $7500 spend (perfect for your budget over 3 months).

If you don't want to get involved with business cards, then consider the Chase Sapphire Reserved now and wait for the Southwest personal cards to offer a higher SUB (typically can go as high as 65k, but are at 40k right now). The CSR's annual fee may be intimidating, but you can double dip the travel credit and actually make money off the cards, while enjoying all the benefits.

Your spouse cannot get another Sapphire card, but could get any number of other cards. The United Quest card is at 70k miles right now, but it has been as high as 100k before. The IHG Premier card is offering 125k points and may be a good supplement to your Hilton options. Plus the IHG program is getting a nice revamp in the near future where you can add points to your Free Night Certificate to make them more useful. If she is willing to do business cards, the United Business card is at 150k miles right now and is very attractive for those flying out of the O'Hare hub.

 

[becauseimnew]

First first off, thanks to anyone for taking the time to read and offer advice!

1) First off, we are going to want you to list ALL credit cards you were approved for in the last 24 months. This would include all personal credit cards, store credit cards, business credit cards (but not things such as auto loans, mortgages or debit cards). If you have a spouse (aka Player 2) please also list their cards separately if they are participating in this as well.

Me:
03/12 - Southwest Premier - joint account
07/14 - Chase Sapphire Preferred -
09/17 - Southwest Plus
08/19 - Disney
02/21 - United Explorer
Spouse:
08/19 - Disney
03/21 - Chase Sapphire Preferred

2) Secondly we'll want to know a little bit about you. Specifically - what you spend, and what you want to earn!

• What amount of spend would you put on a card monthly (i.e. groceries, gas, insurance, cable, cell phone, other expenses)? About $2500 - everything that can be paid for with a credit card goes on a card - usually CSP.
• Do you currently payoff your CCs in full every month or do you carry any balances/pay any interest? Paid in full
• What airport(s) do you typically fly out of? Midway & Ohare (prefer Midway)
• Do you have a preference of Frequent Flyer program? Southwest is primary airline, building United points for Europe - open to any
• Does SOUTHWEST Airline service your airport? Both
• Do you have a Hotel Rewards program preference? Silver status with Hilton - open to any
• Do you currently have travel points or miles in any program? (if so, which programs and how much) UR- 223k, United- 76k, Southwest 200 (just booked a trip), Hilton -8k
• What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? Pay for flights to Disney, Europe and beyond
• When do you plan to take these trips? Disney 11/22, Europe 6/23
• Who does your travel party consist of? DH(me) DW DS5 DS8

My goal is to maximize UR bonuses, and maybe pad the United and Southwest point pool as well. Paying for Disney in November and Europe in 2023 is first priority at the moment, having plenty of points left over for future trips is second priority. We have the one joint SW Premier card, are authorized users for each on all the others.

I think it may be time to start canceling some older cards like the CSP and Southwest cards and reapplying. What happens to my UR points if I cancel the CSP?

Me:
03/12 - Southwest Premier - joint account Close
07/14 - Chase Sapphire Preferred - downgrade to a Freedom card, you can keep the URs there or transfer to P2
09/17 - Southwest Plus Close
08/19 - Disney Keep, good for support links
02/21 - United Explorer
Spouse:
08/19 - Disney
03/21 - Chase Sapphire Preferred

The current CSP SUB is 60,000 URs, I would highly consider doing a MDD for the CSP and CSR. The CSR SUB is 70K UR. Of course your MSR would be $8,000, but is doable. Use P2s support link for the CSP. Here is the link for the CSR 70K SUB:
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-70000-points-bonus-online-offer/

After that I would consider Chase Business cards, that's an easy way to get URs.

I won't suggest Southwest right now as the SUBs are low.

 

[SamRothstein]

CSP has a 48 month rule, so you're clear to cancel that card and reapply for a Sapphire. With $2500 month spend, you would have to consider some light Manufactured Spending to double dip both the CSR and CSP (to maximize UR). Your Southwest card has a 24 month rule, so you could cancel and get a new one for another bonus. The big question is, are you willing to apply for business cards as a sole proprietor? If so, there's several good options. I would suggest the Chase Ink Unlimited as it gives 75,000 UR for $7500 spend (perfect for your budget over 3 months).

If you don't want to get involved with business cards, then consider the Chase Sapphire Reserved now and wait for the Southwest personal cards to offer a higher SUB (typically can go as high as 65k, but are at 40k right now). The CSR's annual fee may be intimidating, but you can double dip the travel credit and actually make money off the cards, while enjoying all the benefits.

Your spouse cannot get another Sapphire card, but could get any number of other cards. The United Quest card is at 70k miles right now, but it has been as high as 100k before. The IHG Premier card is offering 125k points and may be a good supplement to your Hilton options. Plus the IHG program is getting a nice revamp in the near future where you can add points to your Free Night Certificate to make them more useful. If she is willing to do business cards, the United Business card is at 150k miles right now and is very attractive for those flying out of the O'Hare hub.

Great info, thanks very much! How does one go about double dipping the travel credit for the CSR to make money? We are averse to the high annual fee cards, but if the long-term math adds up, I can convince my financier! If I'm not a business owner, how do I go about applying for a business card, can anyone apply?

 

[SamRothstein]

Me:
03/12 - Southwest Premier - joint account Close
07/14 - Chase Sapphire Preferred - downgrade to a Freedom card, you can keep the URs there or transfer to P2
09/17 - Southwest Plus Close
08/19 - Disney Keep, good for support links
02/21 - United Explorer
Spouse:
08/19 - Disney
03/21 - Chase Sapphire Preferred

The current CSP SUB is 60,000 URs, I would highly consider doing a MDD for the CSP and CSR. The CSR SUB is 70K UR. Of course your MSR would be $8,000, but is doable. Use P2s support link for the CSP. Here is the link for the CSR 70K SUB:

After that I would consider Chase Business cards, that's an easy way to get URs.

I won't suggest Southwest right now as the SUBs are low.

How risky is the MDD for CSP & CSR? The CSR looks like a great card, but not sure we travel enough to benefit from the high annual fee.

 

[Arcades]

Great info, thanks very much! How does one go about double dipping the travel credit for the CSR to make money? We are averse to the high annual fee cards, but if the long-term math adds up, I can convince my financier! If I'm not a business owner, how do I go about applying for a business card, can anyone apply?

The CSR travel credit is usable each card member year. The annual fee is $550. So, if you use the $300 credit during the first year, and then use it again during the first 30 days of your second year, when you cancel the card the 2nd annual fee will be reimbursed and you will be +$50. If you don't have travel plans, you can always book a refundable Southwest flight, then cancel the flight once the credit posts and you can use the refunded money for something else. You don't have to cancel the CSR either, you can downgrade it to a Freedom or Freedom Unlimited and enjoy those $0 AF cards and still get the CSR annual fee refund.

Business credit cards are offered to businesses. The application will have a section for the business applying and the underlying officer or owner that looks very similar to a personal credit card application. Individuals, even those without real businesses, can apply for business credit cards using their SSN as the Tax ID number and applying as a sole proprietorship (your title would be "Owner"). If you were ever asked what your business is, you could say you sell things on Amazon. Personally, I say my business is "[my real job] consultant". For business income, list at least $1,000 (I use 10% of my actual income). For time in business list 1 year -- this way you can say it is a new business and your business income is your anticipated income (e.g. no business tax returns filed). I have never been asked any of these questions by Amex or Chase -- and only once was I asked to confirm my business mailing address (same as my home address).

You can also register with the IRS to receive an EIN for your sole proprietorship (again the name of your business is your real name). Chase treats EIN sole props as different than SSN sole props so you can get more of the same business cards (e.g. 2 United Business cards for 300k miles). It's a means of expanding your number of SUBs.

For someone with as lengthy a history with Chase as you, a MDD won't be that risky. But, you would have to meet $8000 in MSR in 3 months, so you may have to spend a little beyond your budget on actual purchases or look into manufactured spending options like sending your spouse money on Venmo (and paying the 3% fee).

 

[SamRothstein]

The CSR travel credit is usable each card member year. The annual fee is $550. So, if you use the $300 credit during the first year, and then use it again during the first 30 days of your second year, when you cancel the card the 2nd annual fee will be reimbursed and you will be +$50. If you don't have travel plans, you can always book a refundable Southwest flight, then cancel the flight once the credit posts and you can use the refunded money for something else. You don't have to cancel the CSR either, you can downgrade it to a Freedom or Freedom Unlimited and enjoy those $0 AF cards and still get the CSR annual fee refund.

Business credit cards are offered to businesses. The application will have a section for the business applying and the underlying officer or owner that looks very similar to a personal credit card application. Individuals, even those without real businesses, can apply for business credit cards using their SSN as the Tax ID number and applying as a sole proprietorship (your title would be "Owner"). If you were ever asked what your business is, you could say you sell things on Amazon. Personally, I say my business is "[my real job] consultant". For business income, list at least $1,000 (I use 10% of my actual income). For time in business list 1 year -- this way you can say it is a new business and your business income is your anticipated income (e.g. no business tax returns filed). I have never been asked any of these questions by Amex or Chase -- and only once was I asked to confirm my business mailing address (same as my home address).

You can also register with the IRS to receive an EIN for your sole proprietorship (again the name of your business is your real name). Chase treats EIN sole props as different than SSN sole props so you can get more of the same business cards (e.g. 2 United Business cards for 300k miles). It's a means of expanding your number of SUBs.

For someone with as lengthy a history with Chase as you, a MDD won't be that risky. But, you would have to meet $8000 in MSR in 3 months, so you may have to spend a little beyond your budget on actual purchases or look into manufactured spending options like sending your spouse money on Venmo (and paying the 3% fee).

That double dip sounds like something we'd fail at with the timing lol. The business card sounds good - I've always stayed away because I don't own a business and I assumed any fooling around could have tax implications.

 

[djmeredith]

Anyone else supposed to get slammed with snow this weekend?
We are in CT and expected to get 14-24 inches. Going to start around 8pm. I go into to work at midnight. Fully preparing to get stuck at the hospital at least until Sunday. Hoping I’m wrong.

Just met the small MSR on my Chase flex stocking up on groceries for DH and the kids to be snowed in at home and junk food and coffee for the crew I get snowed in with at the hospital. ❄❄❄

Good luck! My mom was a nurse for almost 50 years. Back in 1993 she got snowed in at work for 4 days. My dad also got snowed in at work for 3 days at the GE factory back in 1978. He still talks about how the men were jealous when they discovered that the women's bathroom had a couch in it during that snow in, lol. They took turns sleeping on that couch. Hope you stay safe and warm!

 

[sinnika]

I called Chase again (3rd time since Monday) on a United Biz card I applied for on 1/23. Now they are asking for proof of physical address and federal tax ID. I filed as sole proprietor. They also sent me an email asking to upload documents. The agent on the phone said a copy of my SS card would suffice as well as a copy of my drivers license. This is my first time filing as sole proprietor. Hopefully the card will get approved. Guess I'll be using my SW personal or Cap One Venture X to meet the SUB and pay property taxes instead that are due Jan 31st. Really hope the United Biz card comes thru! I have more flights to book this year for Germany and we like to fly nonstop from Houston.

 

[Judique]

Florida does a 4% discount if you pay early and amex or visa is 2% is it really worth all that work for 20$?

I don't live in FL so I don't get a discount for early payment and the CC % is 2.3%. I am also a cheapskate

Trying to look at the whole picture here. 10 fee free VGC ($200 each?) bought at 5% with a CIC is 10k UR's or at least value $100 if cashed out. Minus the debit fees? The debit fees are $?? I would think the savings is more than $20 but I don't have all the info.

It would also hinge on how high the tax bill is.

 

[reliev]

I don't live in FL so I don't get a discount for early payment and the CC % is 2.3%. I am also a cheapskate

yeah, 2.3 is high one year they waived cc fees.I was like is this heaven to my wife.. she isn't as into points as I am

 

[reliev]

Just saw these people are noticing about Bonvoy. This makes me at 95% fo killing my card. I do this a few times a year tbh, to canceling my rooms or changing them, charging a fee sucks IMO. this new point table better be amazing.

If you don't want to click the link it's saying if you don't cancel in a time frame now some bonvoy properties are charging you money for canceling your award booking.

https://onemileatatime.com/insights/canceling-marriott-bonvoy-awards/

 

[havaneselover]

I don't live in FL so I don't get a discount for early payment and the CC % is 2.3%. I am also a cheapskate

It alll adds up. I've made almost $10k on swagbucks since 2015--a lot of it $0.01 at a time!

 

[calypso726]

Plans to use my Aspire credits in Dubai have been dashed I saw online that the Habtoor Palace LXR in Dubai listed an experience bookable with the hotel. The experience included getting whisked out to the desert in a Bentley limousine. From there, one would transfer to vintage Land Rovers and drive through the desert to a go on a hot air balloon before sunrise. Aboard the hot air balloon you are accompanied by an experienced falconer and you would fly with falcons while watching the sunrise from the hot air balloon. Afterwards, you have breakfast at a Bedouin camp. So, I reached out to the hotel concierge to book this experience. I was informed that it is not being offered at this time. No Bentley limo, no falcons and falconer in the hot air balloon anymore. I was so excited for this and had no problem blowing 4 Aspire resort credits on it. Now it's just the vintage Land Rovers, sunrise hot air balloon ride, breakfast at the Bedouin camp with a falconry demonstration and camel ride. The latter two of those I can do as part of my included activities at the Al Maha. Sigh. Back to square one. #firstworldproblems

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

I called Chase again (3rd time since Monday) on a United Biz card I applied for on 1/23. Now they are asking for proof of physical address and federal tax ID. I filed as sole proprietor. They also sent me an email asking to upload documents. The agent on the phone said a copy of my SS card would suffice as well as a copy of my drivers license. This is my first time filing as sole proprietor. Hopefully the card will get approved. Guess I'll be using my SW personal or Cap One Venture X to meet the SUB and pay property taxes instead that are due Jan 31st. Really hope the United Biz card comes thru! I have more flights to book this year for Germany and we like to fly nonstop from Houston.

Let me know how it works for you. They are requesting same docs from my DH for a CIC. If they told you that the SS card and drivers license is enough, then I may try that as well.

 

[lsutigers03]

Soon I'm going to be using the Venture X to book a hotel through the Capital One portal. Do I still get 10x miles even though the charge will be credited? Also will the charge count towards the MSR?

 

[ten6mom]

*deleted*

But Happy New Year, everyone!