I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 & 2024 (see first page for add'l details)

Status
Not open for further replies.
If you're a AAA member - Discover has a special 9 month CD that is still paying 5.02% (5.15% APY). Seems a lot better than their standard rates. Not sure if applicable to all regions but link ------> AAA Discover CD
Thanks, wish this worked for me, but after inputting my zip I get "Unfortunately, the AAA club associated with this zip code does not participate in the AAA/Discover Bank program.". Bummer. I did mean to move some money to a 9 month CD (at a rate 5.20) when I got an email direct from Discover like 3 weeks ago, but I waited too long. I tried about 10 days ago, and the CD rates had already gone down to 4s also.
 
Last edited:
What's the timeline between Chase cards again? I was approved for the CIP 8/24. I'm pretty close to hitting the spend (thank you taxes, medical bills, and new tires). So I'm looking at what card to get next. I see that the IHG 5 FNC is still an option. But I also see the IHG Biz card is elevated. I'm leaning towards the Biz, (I can get either as I've cancelled both cards and it's been over 2 years for both). While I like the idea of the 5 FNC, I'm hearing people are struggling to find good redemptions. Plus, I have a lot of FNC right now, LOL. I realize in theory the 5 FNC = 300k but I think using the 200k will be easier. So when I can I go for either?


Wealthfront is still showing 5%. I guess I need to transfer over more of my money from my discover account!
The recommendation is one Chase card every 90 days
 

I have my DD's friend who can't seem to manage her FNC's, so I watch for close to expiration and this weekend had her book one night while I booked two nights. She came for 2 nights and enjoyed herself with me, DD and grands! I used it last year but I was more direct this year in making sure she booked in time to actually get a room.

This worked well as she kept thanking me. And, she wants me to use her Hyatt night, which is more of a challenge. Meanwhile I'm offering to pay her annual fee and she says no, but I managed to pay for some food to even it out a bit. The extra nights are a bargain for me at annual fee cost.
I haven’t had use for Marriott FNC or Hyatt last year or this year. Just can’t find a hotel within the points allowed. Next year we have Yellowstone and no Hyatts nearby. Marriotts n that area all above 35k. That will be our only trip next year excepting a soccer tournament or 2, which are usually in Wisconsin for us (very few Hyatts in WI.).
 
I haven’t had use for Marriott FNC or Hyatt last year or this year. Just can’t find a hotel within the points allowed. Next year we have Yellowstone and no Hyatts nearby. Marriotts n that area all above 35k. That will be our only trip next year excepting a soccer tournament or 2, which are usually in Wisconsin for us (very few Hyatts in WI.).
We used an IHG FNC in Bozeman. There's two HI locations. But we went the week before Memorial Day. In June, that's probably peak pricing. If you have a IHG Premier card, you can top off your FNC with points.
 
We used an IHG FNC in Bozeman. There's two HI locations. But we went the week before Memorial Day. In June, that's probably peak pricing. If you have a IHG Premier card, you can top off your FNC with points.
Nope, I have both Hyatt and Marriott cards with FNC. There are a few Marriott properties, so I'll probably go that route and add points to the FNC.
 
Hooray, good for you! Iceland is one of our favorite places! We've only been in Winter (including Christmas) and it was one of our most memorable Christmases as our holiday lights that year were the Aurora borealis on two nights in a row. Since you're going in the cold season, you might want some hot chocolate -- highly recommend the hot chocolate at 12 Tónar in Reykjavik. It's a record store but they also serve hot drinks :-)

I think it might be too early in the season, but if it's possible: do an ice cave tour at Vatnajökull National Park. It's fantastic! If not, a reason to go back in the deep of winter! Truly magnificent, it's like being inside an ice cathedral. Here's a picture I took of part of the ceiling:
View attachment 895268
Every year, the ice caves melt in summer and then reform when the glacier water freezes in winter, which means they are never the same and make new shapes and corridors each time.

We are planning to go back next May, Memorial Day weekend, to see other parts in the warmer season.

I will add 12 Tonar to the list. Thanks for the recommendation. I hope I get as lucky as you with Aurora at least once! We having dining ressies for Rok and Messinn in Reykjavik. LMK if you have other suggestions please!

We did an ice cave tour on our first trip and it was a pretty amazing experience. Now with the recent tourist death when an ice cave collapsed this summer, I really look back on that experience differently, all four kids and us in a cave in the summer. Sounds like winter is very safe, but I think it's a one and done for us.
 
You've probably checked out now, but that's how I remember the instructions from here. Charge as Amex (not a gift card) using exact amounts on the cards.
Please share the DP of how checkout went.




I didn't stay at either but in Lisbon we stayed at the Vignette Collection Convent Square for 38-40k pts/nt. Review in my signature.
I tried. No dice. I told them to run as Amex for the exact amount and was told that wasn't possible. I'm guessing it's a training issue.
 
I tried. No dice. I told them to run as Amex for the exact amount and was told that wasn't possible. I'm guessing it's a training issue.
so are these Hilton gc's basically worthless? I have a couple I'd like to use at some point but has anyone been successful?
 
so are these Hilton gc's basically worthless? I have a couple I'd like to use at some point but has anyone been successful?
Reports make it sound like they are more trouble than they are worth. With that said, I was able to use a $50 gift card at The Boulders in Phoenix back in April. It did require quite a bit of time and effort, and the manager had to finally step in to figure it out, but ultimately it worked. I went ahead and bought another $50 for our upcoming stay next month, but I fully expect it to be another hassle. I will say that the manager who helped us was incredibly apologetic about the hassle of it, and was determined to make sure we got the credit. So I would speculate that most properties can make it work, it’s just a matter of whether or not they’re willing to put in the effort.
 
I used them at a HGI in NC. Our room was free on points/FNC but we used the GCs to pay for all the meals and snacks charged to the room. I was worried about it so I didn't wait until checkout to try them out. I ended up using 4 different GCs to pay all the outstanding charges. If a card was partially used, I told them the exact amount remaining on the card and it was no problem for them. I have since purchased more cards and am planning to use them for room charges on an upcoming trip but tbh I am very worried about it with all of these bad reports.
 
I applied a few weeks ago for a CIU and had auto approval. "DH" applied for a SW Biz Premier on Saturday. He has the same stats as me re: number of cards, credit limit, and household income. It's been crickets. I've always either had a denial letter or a card show up in his account within 36 hours. Should he call recon? If it's a must, he will. But I know he doesn't prefer it. Or just let it ride? Is it possible to be approved with this days-long wait?
 
Can someone remind me when the best time to apply for SWA cards to earn CP for 2025-2026 is? In my mind, I am thinking the first one in October?? I will need to get both the Biz and Personal cards. When I did it a couple of years ago, I got the Biz card first, then the personal one. Does it have to be done in that order? I see the personal card currently has an elevated 85k RR points offer, which says limited time only so I am not sure when that would expire. And how far apart do I apply for them? I want to book a flight for early Feb so I would like to have earned CP by then if possible.
 
I applied a few weeks ago for a CIU and had auto approval. "DH" applied for a SW Biz Premier on Saturday. He has the same stats as me re: number of cards, credit limit, and household income. It's been crickets. I've always either had a denial letter or a card show up in his account within 36 hours. Should he call recon? If it's a must, he will. But I know he doesn't prefer it. Or just let it ride? Is it possible to be approved with this days-long wait?
I would let it play out…I have had it take over a week to get approved
 
Can someone remind me when the best time to apply for SWA cards to earn CP for 2025-2026 is? In my mind, I am thinking the first one in October?? I will need to get both the Biz and Personal cards. When I did it a couple of years ago, I got the Biz card first, then the personal one. Does it have to be done in that order? I see the personal card currently has an elevated 85k RR points offer, which says limited time only so I am not sure when that would expire. And how far apart do I apply for them? I want to book a flight for early Feb so I would like to have earned CP by then if possible.
Usually I do one the middle to the end of October and one in December…….don’t think it matters which you go for first, unless the personal card would put you at 5/24
 
Usually I do one the middle to the end of October and one in December…….don’t think it matters which you go for first, unless the personal card would put you at 5/24
Perfect. Hopefully that personal card offer will stick around for another month. He hasn't gotten a new card since May 2022, so he's probably 0/24 honestly. Chase is always pre-approving him for lots of cards, but we never take advantage. I handle all the finances and just tell him which card to use each quarter. He can't handle anything complicated when it comes to which card to use at which store the way I do. He only spends on food and gas though so I just give him the card that has 5% cash back on either of those categories.
 
Perfect. Hopefully that personal card offer will stick around for another month. He hasn't gotten a new card since May 2022, so he's probably 0/24 honestly. Chase is always pre-approving him for lots of cards, but we never take advantage. I handle all the finances and just tell him which card to use each quarter. He can't handle anything complicated when it comes to which card to use at which store the way I do. He only spends on food and gas though so I just give him the card that has 5% cash back on either of those categories.
He sounds like my DH, he’s fine with me handling everything, but will not make any phone calls and will only carry 2 cards…..he usually remembers which to use
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.













Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE














DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter

Back
Top