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

[MinnesoTristan]

I made a mistake - I was upset with American Express because I have had my account since 2016, I had never been late, and they charged me a $29 late fee on a $30 balance. I called on Monday and was told my request for a waiver would take 72 hours. I called back on Thursday (and used the online chat) and the phone rep didn't have a record of my request, but the online rep said that I would receive my credit in two days. Called back on Saturday and the rep said that I wasn't eligible for a late fee waiver and although he did waive it for me, he would rather defend the late fee policy than value the relationship.

I was disappointed with customer service (and upset with the third rep for using the wrong pronouns), so I decided to downgrade my card from Gold to Blue. Well, I didn't realize that they would take away the free checked bags on a reservation I had already booked! I was traveling to Disneyland with two friends, one checked a bag on the way there, and two checked bags on the way back - $90! I only got $81.46 back as a prorated annual fee, so I lost money. I wish I had waited until after my trip to downgrade, but I was so disappointed and upset that it felt like the right thing to do.

I decided that I'm going to keep my American Express because I have a lot of available credit with them and don't want to hurt my score, but I will not be paying them any more annual fees. I compared my Gold Delta SkyMiles card side-by-side with my IHG Rewards card, and the IHG Rewards card gives you so much more for the same $99 annual fee - 5x on travel, dining, and gas stations, 3x on everything else, free anniversary night, fourth night free, DashPass, and Global Entry. American Express just doesn't feel competitive to me anymore, and I don't feel like my loyalty was valued.

 

[afan]

Got an email with a 20k mr pay over time offer on my gold card. Hadn't gotten one on this card before. Will turn it back off once the mr post.

 

[Judique]

My vet just called for an appt reminder and let me know that cc will now incur a 2% fee. I think the glory days of cc points are coming to an end.

I've been able to run the vet charges on the $200 fee free Visa Gift Cards I buy at Staples when they have the promo with my CIC - Chase Ink Cash, which gives 5% in UR's.

Good thing too as last month was over $1300 in vet charges - 3 cats and a dog.

Staples is running the promo this week until Saturday.

 

[GZanta77]

I made a mistake - I was upset with American Express because I have had my account since 2016, I had never been late, and they charged me a $29 late fee on a $30 balance. I called on Monday and was told my request for a waiver would take 72 hours. I called back on Thursday (and used the online chat) and the phone rep didn't have a record of my request, but the online rep said that I would receive my credit in two days. Called back on Saturday and the rep said that I wasn't eligible for a late fee waiver and although he did waive it for me, he would rather defend the late fee policy than value the relationship.

I was disappointed with customer service (and upset with the third rep for using the wrong pronouns), so I decided to downgrade my card from Gold to Blue. Well, I didn't realize that they would take away the free checked bags on a reservation I had already booked! I was traveling to Disneyland with two friends, one checked a bag on the way there, and two checked bags on the way back - $90! I only got $81.46 back as a prorated annual fee, so I lost money. I wish I had waited until after my trip to downgrade, but I was so disappointed and upset that it felt like the right thing to do.

I decided that I'm going to keep my American Express because I have a lot of available credit with them and don't want to hurt my score, but I will not be paying them any more annual fees. I compared my Gold Delta SkyMiles card side-by-side with my IHG Rewards card, and the IHG Rewards card gives you so much more for the same $99 annual fee - 5x on travel, dining, and gas stations, 3x on everything else, free anniversary night, fourth night free, DashPass, and Global Entry. American Express just doesn't feel competitive to me anymore, and I don't feel like my loyalty was valued.

Sorry to hear that. You're the 2nd person recently posting about Amex refusing to waive the late fee. Has there been a change in policy? How late were you?

As for the Delta cards - unless you fly DL a lot, I think the cards are underwhelming save for the SUB if you apply when it is elevated.

 

[AmyAnne]

A question about strategizing applications: I'd like to apply for both the Venture and the Venture X in the next year. Right now the SUB is the same for both. Does anyone have a sense which one I should apply for first, to increase the odds of getting approved for both? For some reason I'm thinking I should apply for the Venture first but that's just a hunch based on what a "normal" person might do (apply for the more basic card first and then want the upgraded one).

 

[havaneselover]

saw this today on Reddit just a heads-up seems like they killed the back-to-back FHR loop hole if you are at the same hotel.

https://www.reddit.com/r/amex/comments/x7844j

Yikes. I have two nights booked using two Platinum cards at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta for next week. Wonder what I should do.

 

[Eastern]

Sorry to hear that. You're the 2nd person recently posting about Amex refusing to waive the late fee. Has there been a change in policy? How late were you?

Listen, I had an Amex around 30 years ago. I was a GOOD customer. Somehow I forgot to pay a very small bill on time and I requested a fee waiver. *Denied!* I cancelled my card right there. I'm still mad at Amex, lol. I'm not in the habit of missing payments but it happens. Since then I think I was late one other time on another cc and got a waiver np.

There's no reason not to waive a fee for a loyal, previously on-time customer. They give plenty of accommodations to people who don't pay at all! They work with them!

 

[Eastern]

American Express just doesn't feel competitive to me anymore, and I don't feel like my loyalty was valued.

It wasn't. Good decision.

 

[Judique]

Anybody know if Christmas Tree Shops sell gift cards?

 

[gottalovepluto]

I made a mistake - I was upset with American Express because I have had my account since 2016, I had never been late, and they charged me a $29 late fee on a $30 balance. I called on Monday and was told my request for a waiver would take 72 hours. I called back on Thursday (and used the online chat) and the phone rep didn't have a record of my request, but the online rep said that I would receive my credit in two days. Called back on Saturday and the rep said that I wasn't eligible for a late fee waiver and although he did waive it for me, he would rather defend the late fee policy than value the relationship.

I was disappointed with customer service (and upset with the third rep for using the wrong pronouns), so I decided to downgrade my card from Gold to Blue. Well, I didn't realize that they would take away the free checked bags on a reservation I had already booked! I was traveling to Disneyland with two friends, one checked a bag on the way there, and two checked bags on the way back - $90! I only got $81.46 back as a prorated annual fee, so I lost money. I wish I had waited until after my trip to downgrade, but I was so disappointed and upset that it felt like the right thing to do.

I decided that I'm going to keep my American Express because I have a lot of available credit with them and don't want to hurt my score, but I will not be paying them any more annual fees. I compared my Gold Delta SkyMiles card side-by-side with my IHG Rewards card, and the IHG Rewards card gives you so much more for the same $99 annual fee - 5x on travel, dining, and gas stations, 3x on everything else, free anniversary night, fourth night free, DashPass, and Global Entry. American Express just doesn't feel competitive to me anymore, and I don't feel like my loyalty was valued.

Mistakes happen. But over the last few years of churning I’ve learned to keep the emotions out of it. So what if I have to pay $50 in I Was Dumb fines? I make $$$ off all the banks/issuers that makes it up as a churner. Getting mad they won’t waive a fee will inhibit my ability to think clearly about my current cc’s and next cc’s. Any large issuer is just a bank. There is no relationship. They don’t- and have never unless you’re a millionaire spending lots of money - care about you as a customer. It’s only, ever, just business. So, I check my emotions at the door and remind myself it’s just business.

I also learned AutoPay is Life

 

[platamama]

A question about strategizing applications: I'd like to apply for both the Venture and the Venture X in the next year. Right now the SUB is the same for both. Does anyone have a sense which one I should apply for first, to increase the odds of getting approved for both? For some reason I'm thinking I should apply for the Venture first but that's just a hunch based on what a "normal" person might do (apply for the more basic card first and then want the upgraded one).

Given Capital One's unpredictability in terms of approvals, I would go for the card you really want first. To me, that would be the Venture X. But if you really want the Venture then I'd apply for that one first.

 

[Psychodisney]

Yikes. I have two nights booked using two Platinum cards at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta for next week. Wonder what I should do.

If your check out and check back in maybe you're good? It seems like the big no no is staying in the same room.

 

[afan]

Listen, I had an Amex around 30 years ago. I was a GOOD customer. Somehow I forgot to pay a very small bill on time and I requested a fee waiver. *Denied!* I cancelled my card right there. I'm still mad at Amex, lol. I'm not in the habit of missing payments but it happens. Since then I think I was late one other time on another cc and got a waiver np.

There's no reason not to waive a fee for a loyal, previously on-time customer. They give plenty of accommodations to people who don't pay at all! They work with them!

I disagree about the last part. They are the only bank I continually see people posting on reddit that they got their accounts closed due to a returned payment. Mistake or not, they often don't get their accounts reinstated.

While I agree it's crap that it seems banks aren't as willing to waive a late fee lately, they are there to make money and I'd imagine there are more people missing payments lately and they are just done. They never had to waive the fee to start with.

I also learned AutoPay is Life

Would be careful with this too. Seen some bad stuff lately with autopay, esp if it lands on a weekend. Someone's didn't get pulled and was then late, huge issues with amex.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

I received an offer from Kabbage funding to set up and be approved for Kabbage Funding line of credit to earn $200. I vaguely remember hearing other people talk about doing a Kabbage bonus, but I thought it was for bank accounts. Is this a different offer? I have a “business” so not sure I’d want to sign up for this one, but just was curious if anyone has done this offer or if what I’d heard/read about was something else?

 

[georgina]

Would be careful with this too. Seen some bad stuff lately with autopay, esp if it lands on a weekend. Someone's didn't get pulled and was then late, huge issues with amex.

Would like to hear more about this. All my CC are on autopay for the statement balance, some I set up to pay a few days before the due date. Usually goes smoothly. Was it a pull from AmEx or a payment sent by a bank?

I had a slight issue last month because REI switched their co-branded card from US Bank to Cap One. I couldn't find the account online on either website and my scheduled autopay didn't happen. I caught it the next day and called Cap One who fixed it and removed the $10 late pay fee.

 

[Judique]

Credit cards - specifically Amex Marriott Brilliant. My statement is about to close and my $450 annual fee is about to become due, should be charged this weekend.

I want to downgrade the card to the regular $95 Bonvoy, not close it. I get value out of the 35K night.

It's been a while since I dealt with this situation and I want to make sure I'm thinking correctly. I should have earned my 50K FNC.

Not happy with the new credit. $25 a month restaurant. The $300 was easy to be one and done.

So do I call now or wait until the annual fee posts? I've had the card since 2018 and do want to keep the ability to switch it back, when things change again or if I find a need for it.

 

[Judique]

Another credit card semi rant: 2 cards I've had have changed. The Radisson Rewards card and now my BOA AAA card. I use AAA and usually will use the card at their garage for stuff.

AAA is going with Commenity Bank. Now I have to set up a new online account if I keep it. Ugh.

RR which was US Bank kept the account and turned it into a US Bank something card. And charged the annual fee than refunded it as a credit. I've spent it down to the last few pennies.

I'm contemplating closing both cards. Any good reason to keep the US Bank relationship?

 

[platamama]

I made a mistake - I was upset with American Express because I have had my account since 2016, I had never been late, and they charged me a $29 late fee on a $30 balance. I called on Monday and was told my request for a waiver would take 72 hours. I called back on Thursday (and used the online chat) and the phone rep didn't have a record of my request, but the online rep said that I would receive my credit in two days. Called back on Saturday and the rep said that I wasn't eligible for a late fee waiver and although he did waive it for me, he would rather defend the late fee policy than value the relationship.

I was disappointed with customer service (and upset with the third rep for using the wrong pronouns), so I decided to downgrade my card from Gold to Blue. Well, I didn't realize that they would take away the free checked bags on a reservation I had already booked! I was traveling to Disneyland with two friends, one checked a bag on the way there, and two checked bags on the way back - $90! I only got $81.46 back as a prorated annual fee, so I lost money. I wish I had waited until after my trip to downgrade, but I was so disappointed and upset that it felt like the right thing to do.

I decided that I'm going to keep my American Express because I have a lot of available credit with them and don't want to hurt my score, but I will not be paying them any more annual fees. I compared my Gold Delta SkyMiles card side-by-side with my IHG Rewards card, and the IHG Rewards card gives you so much more for the same $99 annual fee - 5x on travel, dining, and gas stations, 3x on everything else, free anniversary night, fourth night free, DashPass, and Global Entry. American Express just doesn't feel competitive to me anymore, and I don't feel like my loyalty was valued.

Years and years ago, I had a late payment on a Chase card...by 5 minutes, due to my not understanding how my time zone differed from theirs and what their cutoff was. My payment posted as late and I was charged a fee which they wouldn't waive. [They have since changed their payment cutoff times from 8PM EST to 11:59 EST.] I was mad, but I've more than made up for the fee churning their cards ever since. I considered it a lesson learned, and it has not deterred me from taking advantage of SUBs numerous times since then. I am NOT a profitable customer for them.

FWIW, IHG points are generally valued at $0.008/pt ( and SkyMiles are called Skypesos for a reason).

 

[afan]

Would like to hear more about this. All my CC are on autopay for the statement balance, some I set up to pay a few days before the due date. Usually goes smoothly. Was it a pull from AmEx or a payment sent by a bank?

I had a slight issue last month because REI switched their co-branded card from US Bank to Cap One. I couldn't find the account online on either website and my scheduled autopay didn't happen. I caught it the next day and called Cap One who fixed it and removed the $10 late pay fee.

It was set to autopay on the due date. Was probably on r/amex vs r/churning but honestly don't remember. And it was pulled from amex not pushed from their bank.

Either way, if I was going to use autopay, I'd do like you and have it done a couple days before. Also make sure and have alerts set so you know when payments are made unless you check your accounts for them. I'd rather just make the payments myself. Esp when meeting msr as I may not fully pay it off before a statement closes and may not want to pay that balanxe plus all new charges before my next statement. Getting paid once a week makes it more that I need to pay myself imo.

 

[Eastern]

I disagree about the last part. They are the only bank I continually see people posting on reddit that they got their accounts closed due to a returned payment. Mistake or not, they often don't get their accounts reinstated.

I'm talking about people who can't/won't pay their bill. I know someone who called them up and said basically, 'bill is too high' and ended up paying back half the amount to close it. Yes, the account was closed, but at half price and with minimal effort on the part of the account holder. Meanwhile people can't get one $30 late fee waived.

Not sure about the returned payment thing: maybe it's a hyperactive fraud department. CC fraud is out of control.