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

[havaneselover]

So my canceled FHR reservation credited to a closed account. I know I can just have Amex move that credit to another account. But it credited for the full amount (meaning no adjustment for the $200 credit). I assume at some point that gets clawed back but how does that work if I transfer the credit and the account is closed?

 

[Communicore1991]

I have 8 - United One Time Club Passes that will not be used. Can these be sold or given to someone else to use?

With that - the only United Flights we have are on our trip to Europe in May 2023. Right now all of us (Me, DH, DD, DS) have the United Biz Card, which is how we are all flying free to Europe. The cards will all be coming due for the annual $99 fee before our trip. Only reason I would keep the cards is to use the lounges. However, I do have the PP from Venture X and will also put either DH or DS as Authorized Users on the card so they will get PP also.

We fly:
MSP to ORD (Chicaco)
ORD to FCO (Rome)

ATH (Athens) to EWR (Newark
EWR to MSP

MSP - Has a PP Lounge which gets $15 in food per person. They also have 2 United Lounges. (which we would use before our flight)
ORD - Has Multiple United Lounges and no PP Lounges (right now our layover is 1-1/2 hours and wouldn't need any - but may change flights that would give us a 3 hour layover, just to give us extra time so we don't miss the flight to Rome in case of delays)
ATH - Has PP Lounge. No United Lounge.
EWR - Has Multiple United Lounges and Multiple PP Lounges.

Not sure it is worth it to keep the United Cards. Each card gets 2 passes. There are 5 of us on these flights, so would need to keep 3 cards open. As I am typing this - I am thinking the $300 in fees is not worth it for maybe 1 lounge visit. Since we are on international flights -we each get a free checked bag. Unless there is something else I am missing on keeping the cards.

Something to keep in mind with EWR. Since you're flying EWR to MSP, I'm assuming it's on Delta. Delta flies out of Terminal B and there are three "fingers" as I call them in Terminal B with separate security screening for each one. There's only one PP lounge in EWR and that's the BA lounge which is after security in the section of gates your flight will NOT be out of. So unless you're willing/they allow you to go through security for gates you're not flying out of, you won't have ANY lounge access. The United Clubs are in terminals A and C.

Be the DP you want to see? A quick google search shows yes, it probably would count, but given that the 5% on Discover comes around once a year it sure could have changed since the last time.

I think I sold one on eBay a few years ago.

I would HIGHLY discourage anyone from selling your passes on eBay. You probably would be okay selling it and probably not get caught, but if you do, United could terminate your frequent flyer account and take all your miles.

 

[happ]

Discover will be having Amazon as 5% back starting October 1st. Does anyone know if Amazon Payments would be counted as 5%?

I don't know how Amazon Payments would post but fwiw Amazon Ads do not get the 5% earnings rate with the Chase Amazon CC unlike regular Amazon purchases.

 

[EACarlson]

Something to keep in mind with EWR. Since you're flying EWR to MSP, I'm assuming it's on Delta. Delta flies out of Terminal B and there are three "fingers" as I call them in Terminal B with separate security screening for each one. There's only one PP lounge in EWR and that's the BA lounge which is after security in the section of gates your flight will NOT be out of. So unless you're willing/they allow you to go through security for gates you're not flying out of, you won't have ANY lounge access. The United Clubs are in terminals A and C.

PP specifically stated those flights are on UA. UA runs multiple flights a day nonstop from EWR to MSP. PP also would not be able to use United Clubs if not travelling on UA that day.

 

[reliev]

I've stayed at the PH Tokyo and I'd say no, it isn't worth it. I didn't care for the location and the rooms are old and in desparate need of a rehab (unless they've completed one since we were there in 2019). The service is good and the staff are friendly, but when I travel the most important factor me when choosing a hotel is the location and there was very little within walking distance of the hotel and the metro was a good 10-15 minute walk (if I recall correctly), though the hotel has a shuttle service. Everyone is different, I think that @calypso726 stayed there and loved it. But 48,000 Hyatt points would definitely not be worth it to me. That could easily get you 2 nights at a great hotel.

what Hyatt would you stay at? maybe I split up my stay always wanting to drink and stay at the lost in translation hotel. also is Kyoto and Tokyo too much for 10 days I think @FreeDiningFanatic went also no?

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

what Hyatt would you stay at? maybe I split up my stay always wanting to drink and stay at the lost in translation hotel. also is Kyoto and Tokyo too much for 10 days I think @FreeDiningFanatic went also no?

The Tokyo Station Hotel is located above the main train station -- great location and it's supposed to be a very nice hotel. Some on FT like the Hyatt Regency Tokyo but I don't know much about it. There is a nice Hilton in the Shinjuku area that gets excellent reviews -- if you have any HH points you might want to consider it.
I loved Kyoto. I think that Tokyo and Kyoto is possible in 10 days. Are you going to do Tokyo Disney? If yes, then I might consider skipping Kyoto. I would allow at least 3 park days (we had a lot of ABD fast passes so were able to do everything in 3 days, but 4 might be ideal without the FPs). The remaining days I would spend in Tokyo.

 

[becauseimnew]

Are you going to do Tokyo Disney? If yes, then I might consider skipping Kyoto. I would allow at least 3 park days (we had a lot of ABD fast passes so were able to do everything in 3 days, but 4 might be ideal without the FPs). The remaining days I would spend in Tokyo.

This is good information, we were only going to do 2 full days. Might looking at 2 full days and 2 half days.

 

[reliev]

The Tokyo Station Hotel is located above the main train station -- great location and it's supposed to be a very nice hotel. Some on FT like the Hyatt Regency Tokyo but I don't know much about it. There is a nice Hilton in the Shinjuku area that gets excellent reviews -- if you have any HH points you might want to consider it.
I loved Kyoto. I think that Tokyo and Kyoto is possible in 10 days. Are you going to do Tokyo Disney? If yes, then I might consider skipping Kyoto. I would allow at least 3 park days (we had a lot of ABD fast passes so were able to do everything in 3 days, but 4 might be ideal without the FPs). The remaining days I would spend in Tokyo.

Yes my traveling friend and i both want to do Tokyo Disney then my dw and DD will do it later. I'm supposed to just go and stop talking about it. Priorities for us are the mouse and baseball besides Japanese food ofc.

My goal originally was to just do 7 days in park Hyatt burn a suite night then do something else.

 

[LynnTH]

Something to keep in mind with EWR. Since you're flying EWR to MSP, I'm assuming it's on Delta. Delta flies out of Terminal B and there are three "fingers" as I call them in Terminal B with separate security screening for each one. There's only one PP lounge in EWR and that's the BA lounge which is after security in the section of gates your flight will NOT be out of. So unless you're willing/they allow you to go through security for gates you're not flying out of, you won't have ANY lounge access. The United Clubs are in terminals A and C.



I would HIGHLY discourage anyone from selling your passes on eBay. You probably would be okay selling it and probably not get caught, but if you do, United could terminate your frequent flyer account and take all your miles.

We are flying United.

That is what I thought about the passes. I see them on Ebay but don't want my account shut down (even though we used all the points for the Europe Trip).

 

[Haley R]

I was approved for a CIC today. We’ve been doing mostly mail offers lately because I was over 5/24 but I’m finally back under now.

 

[mmmears]

I was approved for a CIC today. We’ve been doing mostly mail offers lately because I was over 5/24 but I’m finally back under now.

Congratulations!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I was approved for a CIC today. We’ve been doing mostly mail offers lately because I was over 5/24 but I’m finally back under now.

Congrats

 

[Deeleebaker]

Ok, I closed my Aadvantage aviator with Barclays today before the annual fee hit. I screwed up and didn’t make any purchases so I didn’t get the SUB. I closed the Spirit card too and BoA convinced me to apply for their Travel Card with a 25k SUB if I spend $1000 in the first 90 days.

Pretty sure those are the only cards I got the last 24 months.
3/24 09/21 AA
10/21Spirit
9/22 BoA Travel Rewards

I spend $2500-3000 a month without working up a sweat.
I pay off the balances in full each month, except when they offer me 0%
I fly out of PHL
I have AA points (6000)
Southwest does fly here, but has limited flights
I don’t stay in hotels, we are DVC members and stay in BnBs otherwise

My goal is not to pay for flights. I have a BoA credit card that give me a 75% boost to points that I use for cash back so unless I could find something that gives me more than that, I’d only use other cards for the airfare for 2 adults and 1 kid.

Id love some advice.

 

[IFlossU]

Ok, I closed my Aadvantage aviator with Barclays today before the annual fee hit. I screwed up and didn’t make any purchases so I didn’t get the SUB. I closed the Spirit card too and BoA convinced me to apply for their Travel Card with a 25k SUB if I spend $1000 in the first 90 days.

Pretty sure those are the only cards I got the last 24 months.
3/24 09/21 AA
10/21Spirit
9/22 BoA Travel Rewards

I spend $2500-3000 a month without working up a sweat.
I pay off the balances in full each month, except when they offer me 0%
I fly out of PHL
I have AA points (6000)
Southwest does fly here, but has limited flights
I don’t stay in hotels, we are DVC members and stay in BnBs otherwise

My goal is not to pay for flights. I have a BoA credit card that give me a 75% boost to points that I use for cash back so unless I could find something that gives me more than that, I’d only use other cards for the airfare for 2 adults and 1 kid.

Id love some advice.

When looking to fly for free you need to determine which airlines have the most/best options from your airport. Look on Google flights for destinations you’re interested in, and try to determine the ideal airlines. From there you can start looking at the cards that fit your needs best. For example, I live in Arizona. I’m in a Southwest/American air area. So I look to accumulate a lot of their points, or look for points that transfer to them. Unless I’m looking for something specific, like Europe or Hawaii then I’ll find the best flight options from Phoenix and see how to accumulate those specific points.

 

[Judique]

So my canceled FHR reservation credited to a closed account. I know I can just have Amex move that credit to another account. But it credited for the full amount (meaning no adjustment for the $200 credit). I assume at some point that gets clawed back but how does that work if I transfer the credit and the account is closed?

You may be able to ask them to send you a check for the credit.

 

[havaneselover]

You may be able to ask them to send you a check for the credit.

I had them transfer it to my BCP card. I guess I need to keep an eye on the closed account and make sure a $200 charge doesn't show up (reversal of the credit).

And honestly I can't wait to check out of the Residence Inn and into the Ritz Carlton this morning But so happy to see my daughter--she seems to be doing so well which is all a mom can ask for.

 

[Judique]

I had them transfer it to my BCP card. I guess I need to keep an eye on the closed account and make sure a $200 charge doesn't show up (reversal of the credit).

And honestly I can't wait to check out of the Residence Inn and into the Ritz Carlton this morning But so happy to see my daughter--she seems to be doing so well which is all a mom can ask for.

I was just seeing a chance to recycle the money back into your bank account to buying more gift cards! I had a very small credit on one of my sock drawered Amex Bonvoy cards and after the second statement they mailed me a check - for $1.09.

 

[trenty]

Ok, I closed my Aadvantage aviator with Barclays today before the annual fee hit. I screwed up and didn’t make any purchases so I didn’t get the SUB. I closed the Spirit card too and BoA convinced me to apply for their Travel Card with a 25k SUB if I spend $1000 in the first 90 days.

Pretty sure those are the only cards I got the last 24 months.
3/24 09/21 AA
10/21Spirit
9/22 BoA Travel Rewards

I spend $2500-3000 a month without working up a sweat.
I pay off the balances in full each month, except when they offer me 0%
I fly out of PHL
I have AA points (6000)
Southwest does fly here, but has limited flights
I don’t stay in hotels, we are DVC members and stay in BnBs otherwise

My goal is not to pay for flights. I have a BoA credit card that give me a 75% boost to points that I use for cash back so unless I could find something that gives me more than that, I’d only use other cards for the airfare for 2 adults and 1 kid.

Id love some advice.

Consider Chase cards first because of the 5/24 rule. Look into the CSP and CSR first. Then, over time add the CFU and/or CFF. I have the CSP, CFU and CFF. The URs from those can all be combined onto the CSP which gives the best value of the three when redeeming UR for travel. UR can also be transferred to many travel partners. Many here have the CSR instead of the CSP. But I can't stomach the fee, even though it "pays for itself" in rewards.

Then, if you want to keep going considering adding Amex MRs to your credit card points portfolio. I had the Amex Everyday, but recently upgraded to the Amex Everyday Premier, because Amex offered me 40,000 MRs for a $2000 spend. MR can also be used to transfer to travel partners.

My other frequently used card is the Discover IT. But you already have a cashback card. I use the cashback I earn on the Discover IT to cover my AFs and other travel expenses.

I do not churn. I have my 5 or 6 main cards and use them for everything. The card I use depends on the category - whichever would earn me the most.

If you want to go even further - there are many others after the Chase cards - citi, capital one, etc. Or you can start churning for maximum rewards.

ETA: or you can look at specific airline co-branded cards. But I like the diversity of the MRs and URs since they don't tie me to a specific airline.

ETA: I am a small fish in this huge pond. Others here can describe totally different strategies which can yield you many more rewards. But what I described above is what works for me.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Well my dad loves keeping this a roller coaster! Weds I was so mad at him for giving up, I stormed out of his room. Last night the man was carrying on nearly full conversations. He also was able to hold his water cup and bring it to his mouth to drink! When he refused ALL WEEK to do ANY PT now he's determined to get moving and get in a chair, etc. He kept grabbing onto my forearm and trying to pull up his upper body. He wasn't moving much, but he was able to lift himself a little. And I told him, trying is going to help him get stronger!!!

Today he gets kicked out of the hospital to the SNF. I wasn't ready for this, but there was a SUPER NICE (well as far as SNF) center very close to my house, and on my way home from school that had 1 bed open. He managed to get it. I think it's the best place for him to go to motivate him. I'm not sure how much of the time will be "free" and how much of his stay is covered (medicare rules are confusing). But I'm hoping he gets enough time there and really starts to work. Thursday he was telling me he was going to die. So to see him Friday determined to get better again, was amazing! Maybe he is starting to believe in himself.

He was asking for an iced tea last night. So I'm going to bring him one as a bribe to behave today, LOL.

I understand how difficult this is for you. I went through similar things with my parents (both very ill at the same time and my dad never shared any of his finances). It was a ton of work to figure things out, but I was glad that my siblings didn't get involved because I found it easier to manage everything in one place. My sister means well, but she works full-time, has 3 kids and isn't the most organized person, so she's always a bit chaotic and my brother was battling cancer at the time so couldn't even visit (he lives in NY). Once you figure out his finances and get everything into a spreadsheet you should start to get a clear picture of what is going on and how to best manage it. You're an amazing daughter to step into this role for him -- he's lucky to have you.

We're you able to protect any of their assets? My fear is that he's going to need medicaid and it's going to basically wipe out everything he's managed to save Right now I'm paying his bills, and we're starting to do things that medicaid allows (like fix up his house). But it would be nice to save some of his savings! I think I can protect his house (trailer) by saying he has an intent to return. But I'm not sure.

Hang in there. I'm glad you have your BF. I know he can't do a lot of this, but at least he can listen. You are setting a great example for your kids. I'm so, so sorry about all of this. One day at a time. And it sounds like she can't/won't help much but would be nice if there was something she could do/pay for to take some of this burden off of you. But I get how complicated sibling relationships are.

It came to a head yesterday and I went off on my mom. She of course defended my sister. She said I needed to tell her what she needed to do. Ummmm, I texted a list of things! She easily could have volunteered. At this point my messages with her are limited while I work through my issues w/ her. And my mom has taken over relaying everything.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

We're you able to protect any of their assets? My fear is that he's going to need medicaid and it's going to basically wipe out everything he's managed to save Right now I'm paying his bills, and we're starting to do things that medicaid allows (like fix up his house). But it would be nice to save some of his savings! I think I can protect his house (trailer) by saying he has an intent to return. But I'm not sure.

With socialized health care, the only expense OOP for my parents was their f/t personal support worker and medical devices and medications that my dad's excellent private medical insurance covered (50% for devices and 80% for prescriptions). So all assets were protected in that sense. Mind you they lived in a gorgeous retirement home in a 2 bedroom apartment with f/t care, so their assets were somewhat reduced when they passed (13 months apart).

I hope things work out with your sister -- they are the closest link to your past and probably know you better than anyone (save for maybe your parents) and I am so glad to have my sister in my life. She's the one who always makes sure that I am safe on my solo travels by monitoring my pictures and texts and ensuring that I communicate with her every day (I give her flight numbers, dates of travel, hotel reservation numbers, etc), because dh is too busy to be concerned. I know that if something were to ever happen to me she would be on the next plane to wherever I was and she'd look after things.