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

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Amex personal plat is up for renewal on 2/16, held for 3 years. Seriously considering canceling, as I truly only value the airline credit and Saks (can you believe it?), so I value it at $250, tops. Everything else is spending just to make my AF back. I'm trying to figure out what I would accept for a retention vs close/PC.

How much will the annual fee be?
If push comes to shove, what no fee MR card can I PC it to?

As I review my Amex portfolio, every other MR earning card is on the chopping block come renewal, so might be worth it to keep it open, if it doesn't cost me.

I saw the later post that you accepted a retention offer, but it's funny as I was just having this conversation with my husband about all our premium cards being on the chopping block. Amex is not making me happy. I don't love any of their perks right now. I use the airline credits, but it's a PITA and Chase's travel credit is so much easier to use. I feel like Amex loves to offer "deals" but makes them difficult to use with tons of hoops. Between DH and I we have: 2 personal platinums, a gold, a business platinum, and 2 Aspires.

Of all those, I'm tempted just to keep the Aspires and maybe the gold for the 4x on groceries and restaurants. I use the Dell and Saks credits on the platinums, but mostly just to make me feel better about covering the huge fees and it's always a hassle to find something I "need." I'm really leaning toward trying to find cards that give me the best points on certain categories. The 6 months of 10x points at grocery stores on the platinums was awesome. Miss that.

 

[disneybirds]

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Our rental car rate is actually cheaper doing the one way (pickup in JAC, drop off in BZN) than it was renting round trip out of BZN! Crazy times. (Although the pickup location is in downtown Jackson. I guess the rental car company is off site from airport. It does say they'll shuttle you there. It's 15 minutes.) I found an economy/compact for $690. That's from pickup on a Monday late morning, drop off similar time Saturday, so only 6 days in rental terms. I think it's kind of high, and will continue to monitor to try to get a better rate. But I know car rentals since Covid have been crazy, and if this price sticks, we're ok with it. Plus, this is the pay later rate. As it gets closer (and barring nothing happens), I'll probably go with the Pay Now rate which is $560, so that would save more too.

We picked up our car there as well. My suggestion is just to make sure you buy whatever groceries you will need for the trip in Jackson Hole. The selection is not that great in the parks and the prices are crazy!

 

[SMF_mom23]

I've done several google searches and have not been able to find a definitive answer to this question, so I thought I would ask here in the hope that the goldmine of knowledge that is this group can help.

If I have a Delta AmEx gold tied to my Delta Skymiles account, can I purchase tickets using Chase UR portal (I have points I can use to pay 2/3 of the tickets I need) and still get the free bag benefit from the AmEx card?

Followup: I need to buy 3 round trip tix and two one way on our return flight from WDW. Anything special I should know about linking the reservations or potential obstacles I should look out for? TIA!

 

[kmc8826]

I've done several google searches and have not been able to find a definitive answer to this question, so I thought I would ask here in the hope that the goldmine of knowledge that is this group can help.

If I have a Delta AmEx gold tied to my Delta Skymiles account, can I purchase tickets using Chase UR portal (I have points I can use to pay 2/3 of the tickets I need) and still get the free bag benefit from the AmEx card?

Followup: I need to buy 3 round trip tix and two one way on our return flight from WDW. Anything special I should know about linking the reservations or potential obstacles I should look out for? TIA!

You should still get the free bag benefit. Be sure to bring the physical card. If for some reason the reservation is saying bags are not free and the agents insist on you paying you can always pay it with the card, save all the documentation on it, and then dispute the bag charges with Amex. I had to do that a couple years ago with a flight paid for by my work.

To link reservations I would just call Delta. Good luck.

 

[SMF_mom23]

You should still get the free bag benefit. Be sure to bring the physical card. If for some reason the reservation is saying bags are not free and the agents insist on you paying you can always pay it with the card, save all the documentation on it, and then dispute the bag charges with Amex. I had to do that a couple years ago with a flight paid for by my work.

To link reservations I would just call Delta. Good luck.

Thank you!

 

[hsmamato2]

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. ❄❄❄

Yup we're in the path of the storm, but so far not nearly as much as predicted. My sis was smart,supposed to fly to WDW on Saturday (today) but pre-empted that by leaving Thursday Night instead. Side note.....SWA currently kind of STINKS. They didn't post the weather advisory we ALL knew was coming until almost the last minute..... So that meant she couldn;t just swap for a flight on the non storm day,she had to actually make another res. But I was watching the flights all weekend, and it's obvious that the customers flying knew what was up b/c you could see the flights surrounding those days fill up FAST. Shame on SWA for not allowing a change until it was basically too late to get a decent changed flight. (I'm usually a SWA fan too) Thankfully my sis had points and decided to just avoid the stress and book her own (less convenient) flights....

 

[hsmamato2]

SO Please help me out (speaking of SWA ) I have an upcoming flight,and now I hold a Performance Biz card....it says I get upgraded boarding? what exactly is that,and how do I use it? Thanks.... (of course due to storm etc my flight next week is fully booked)

 

[Judique]

Is there ever a good time to buy bonus points for hotels, specifically Hyatt? I received the email today about the 30% more Hyatt promotion when you purchase points. This got me thinking about when it would be 1) a good idea, if ever 2) if there is a certain level that it becomes cost neutral or beneficial and 3) do they ever go more than 30% on these bonus promos?

Say I know I'm going to be 25K points short for my fall trip to Hawaii and I can buy the points now for $480 (20K points + 6000 bonus points). I won't earn 26K points on a stay for the cost out of pocket, but I will earn nights. And the cash price for the resort I'm staying at in Hawaii is way more than $480 per night cash rate.

Just contemplating and would love input.

I did that for years to cut a certain hotel's summer rate to less than half. No regrets.

In fact, if I am faced with paying cash, I almost always check on buying points to fatten up an account. It's only in the last few years that I have been able to primarily use earned points.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

SO Please help me out (speaking of SWA ) I have an upcoming flight,and now I hold a Performance Biz card....it says I get upgraded boarding? what exactly is that,and how do I use it? Thanks.... (of course due to storm etc my flight next week is fully booked)

Upgraded boarding is done at the gate. Once you get to the gate, you can ask at the desk if there is upgraded boarding available and if there is, pay with your Performance Biz card which should credit.

 

[Judique]

My favorite part of the changes is being able to contribute points to FNC to make them more versatile (essentially a 40,000 point deposit each year). A lot of the 40,000 pt stays went up to 45,000+ when they capped the FNCs, so this change is really nice.

I guess it depends on the hotel. My preferred hotel was 50K ihg points. Now it's 80K or was this past summer.

So with my existing 40k cert, I have to throw in 40k points. Not likely unless I app a couple of cards.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

SO Please help me out (speaking of SWA ) I have an upcoming flight,and now I hold a Performance Biz card....it says I get upgraded boarding? what exactly is that,and how do I use it? Thanks.... (of course due to storm etc my flight next week is fully booked)

With the performance card you are reimbursed for 4 upgraded boardings…the A1-A15 slots each card year …if they are available for your flight. When you get to the gate you can ask if one is available….they charge your card and when it hits you are automatically reimbursed.

 

[Judique]

I just received a mailer for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless - offer is for 5 FNC up to 50k pts each - sub is 5k/3mos.

I have pretty much abandoned Marriott over the last couple of years and a Marriott Credit Card was not on my radar, but have to say I am tempted by this offer. Anyone think the 50k certs are still going to be worth having after March?

Do you have a specific redemption in mind and do you have additional Marriott points to add in the event the price is greater than 50K? And are you prepared to use the FNC's within a year? Can you book in advance to lock in your redemption pending the award of the SUB? Also take into account that the SUB may take time to be deposited. I do think it is a 'good' offer but you have to be realistic about what you may get out of it.

If you can get a $300 a night room times 5 nights for a $95 fee, that's a decent return.
If you are going to be speculating and hoping for something good after applying, Marriott will find a way to disappoint you.

Meanwhile, last September I used 320K points to book an ocean view at the Westin on Maui, for son and dil's honeymoon and they got upgraded to Hokupa'a - a $1300ish a night room at the time with lanai/food access. I'm platinum with Marriott. That redemption is in the ballpark of a 50K plus 15K points(with March's upcoming new rules. Just saying there is still stuff out there but you have to shop carefully and strategize. No guarantees there will be anything you specifically would find attractive.

I still have a small boatload of Marriott points. Still getting some value. But then, value is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[iujen94]

With the performance card you are reimbursed for 4 upgraded boardings…the A1-A15 slots each card year …if they are available for your flight. When you get to the gate you can ask if one is available….they charge your card and when it hits you are automatically reimbursed.

@hsmamato2 - yes, just be aware that it’s possible the A1-15 slots may already be taken by others, in which case you’d be stuck with the boarding position you got during checkin (although I think it’s pretty rare that those “sell out” or are otherwise fully filled).

 

[Judique]

I'm excited for the new IHG business card. I love adding to my IHG points. So I guess this gives me a reason to stay under 5/24 for another month or so, LOL. I'm anxious to hear what the offer is with it.

I found this, but no mention of initial sign up bonus:

Additionally, Chase will be adding a brand-new business credit card to its suite of IHG cards — the IHG Premier Business Card. The card will have a $99 annual fee and will also debut on Mar. 24, 2022.
The new card will look very similar to the IHG Premier, but with a few differences. The new card’s bonus categories include some common business-related expenses that should appeal to small-business owners:

• 10 points per dollar at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide, in addition to points earned by being an IHG Rewards Club member
• 5 points per dollar on travel and at gas stations, dining/restaurants, social media and search engine advertising, and at office supply stores
• 3 points per dollar on all other purchases

Similar to the personal IHG Premier, you’ll earn automatic IHG Platinum elite status and the opportunity to earn Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year on the IHG Premier Business. The card also comes with the same 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year.


Also, like the IHG Premier, you’ll get a free night on every account anniversary (starting with your second year as an IHG Premier Business card holder), the fourth night free on award redemptions, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit (up to $100 reimbursement every four years) and $50 in United TravelBank Cash annually.
Aside from the bonus categories, the main difference between the IHG Premier Business card and the personal IHG Premier is that with the business card you’ll have the opportunity to earn a second free night. With the IHG Premier Business, after spending $60,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year, you’ll earn a free night certificate that can be used at any hotel costing 40,000 points or less, Or, you can add points from your IHG account to redeem the certificate at any hotel of your choice that costs more than 40,000 points.
Finally, if you have one of the old IHG business cards, you’ll want to note that all legacy IHG business card holders will be migrated to the new IHG Premier Business card when it launches, though the effective annual fee increase for legacy holders won’t go into effect until 2023.

 

[Judique]

Wouldn’t matter. I am using them for hotels that aren’t even 40000 value. I have no other use for them this year and I need to stay in specific locations. It’s all better than paying cash

I had one expiring Feb 9 that I just used Thursday night, cash price $143 plus tax. Annual fee was $49 and I used a few offers so all good.

 

[Judique]

I’m in this situation as well. My trip to Oregon has me staying at lower than 40k point hotels due to where I want to be. As long as the cash price is lower than my AF, I use my cert. Just not enough travel to hold out waiting for a better redemption. The FNC would just expire if I did that. .



that is what I did. Maxed out the credit on 50k mile transfer and had 500 on the MSR. Sweet deal.

My rule is cash price must be higher than annual fee, but if it's close, fnc it will be. Cash is sometimes king so I try to keep it in my pocket.

 

[Judique]

*deleted*

But Happy New Year, everyone!

Happy New Year back at you!!!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

@hsmamato2 - yes, just be aware that it’s possible the A1-15 slots may already be taken by others, in which case you’d be stuck with the boarding position you got during checkin (although I think it’s pretty rare that those “sell out” or are otherwise fully filled).

Agree …We fly ISP-MCO….. at MCO they can sell out…I have gotten the last upgrade slot A15

 

[Judique]

Came back a night early from Hilton Head due to the storm. Snow started to fly here about an hour later, so good decision.

Granddaughters had a great time! It was not as warm as I would like but there was no snow and one day got to 59 degrees which is balmy compared to my present 23 degrees.

On a flat calm day we sat in the sand at the beach and the girls made sandcastles and a birthday cake for a seagull. All our birthdays were Dec 31 to Jan 19. The CM's from rec remembered them from our November trip and treated them very well.

One day they swam in the pool. After about 15 minutes they moved to the hot tub which held one lone lady who seemed to enjoy talking to them. She'd been a scout leader at some point in life. This tub is slightly different from the typical jacuzzi type. Eventually, more people came so we got out and found something else to do. Not into even small crowds right now.

We enjoyed mini golf on another day. Baked cookies one evening. Walked around a lot. Did no shopping except for food, then Target as we were leaving. $60 toy budget. $57 later kept them occupied almost the whole way back. Glamorous Barbie was on sale for $12. Squishy balls are very squishy. Target is a great spot for making little kids happy.

Finding or cooking food these two will eat is getting tedious. Next trip includes their Mom and I am done with the 'we want cereal and snacks' attitude.

And if a 5 year old has a large size cereal cup of froot loops in your on the way FNC hotel, and also loves chocolate milk, combining the two will be her idea but will not make her happy to eat it. Plus all you have to do is look at your own food for 2 seconds for this to happen, and you are now going back to the breakfast room from your room to get replacements.

A 5 year old can be a princess and drama queen all rolled into one. And a 6 year old can only want to watch youtube videos on her tablet, and act like a 16 year old.

Overall a wonderful getaway with both grands and I will treasure the moments.

 

[ski_mom]

Came back a night early from Hilton Head due to the storm. Snow started to fly here about an hour later, so good decision.

Granddaughters had a great time! It was not as warm as I would like but there was no snow and one day got to 59 degrees which is balmy compared to my present 23 degrees.

On a flat calm day we sat in the sand at the beach and the girls made sandcastles and a birthday cake for a seagull. All our birthdays were Dec 31 to Jan 19. The CM's from rec remembered them from our November trip and treated them very well.

One day they swam in the pool. After about 15 minutes they moved to the hot tub which held one lone lady who seemed to enjoy talking to them. She'd been a scout leader at some point in life. This tub is slightly different from the typical jacuzzi type. Eventually, more people came so we got out and found something else to do. Not into even small crowds right now.

We enjoyed mini golf on another day. Baked cookies one evening. Walked around a lot. Did no shopping except for food, then Target as we were leaving. $60 toy budget. $57 later kept them occupied almost the whole way back. Glamorous Barbie was on sale for $12. Squishy balls are very squishy. Target is a great spot for making little kids happy.

Finding or cooking food these two will eat is getting tedious. Next trip includes their Mom and I am done with the 'we want cereal and snacks' attitude.

And if a 5 year old has a large size cereal cup of froot loops in your on the way FNC hotel, and also loves chocolate milk, combining the two will be her idea but will not make her happy to eat it. Plus all you have to do is look at your own food for 2 seconds for this to happen, and you are now going back to the breakfast room from your room to get replacements.

A 5 year old can be a princess and drama queen all rolled into one. And a 6 year old can only want to watch youtube videos on her tablet, and act like a 16 year old.

Overall a wonderful getaway with both grands and I will treasure the moments.

Sounds like a great trip!!