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

[lynzi2004]

Here with some questions regarding international travel! My father has prostate cancer and has recently been referred to Istanbul, Turkey for a new treatment option over there. We do have passports, but have never traveled overseas. The extent of out of the country traveling we have done is all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Once referred they move quickly and have already given us a potential first treatment date of Aug 6. I know that isn't enough time to accumulate credit card rewards, but he will likely be going back for a second treatment sometime in late September, early October. These trips are not covered by insurance, so if I signed up for a card now, once we pay for the first trip, I was hoping to use rewards to pay for part of the next trip. (he could potentially make up to 6 trips) Almost any card is on the table, I have a Sapphire Preferred Card and the Southwest cards. That has been plenty to cover our Disney habit so far! lol St. Louis is our home airport.

So my first question is what card would be my best option to start with? Due to my dad's illness, I haven't been as active on here as I was in the past, but I am familiar with the terminology and how signup bonuses and annual fees work. So although I don't necessarily want a $500 annual fee, I understand the benefit, so give me all your thoughts!

Secondly, setting up international plans on cell phones? Is that just a simple phone call to the company, do some of these cards come with international calling included or a credit for it? And using a credit card internationally, how do the fees work on that?

Third, the Hyatt House Gezbe was the recommended hotel, so Hyatt rewards might be an option although we would only be there for 3-4 nights at a time.

I know for many of you who travel frequently, several of these questions likely seem trivial so any help would be greatly appreciated! The hospital is Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul, has anyone been there or sought treatment before?

Thank you!

 

[wanderlust7]

Well that was a struggle. First, P2 tried using the nll link on iPad but it kept freezing on the second page and would not let us page down to submit. After repeatedly trying in vain, we switched to my computer (first I cleared my history and cookies so as not to confuse amex). This time it allowed P2 to hit submit and then a screen came up that asked if additional cards were wanted. We didn't want any but it would not allow that. There was no button (that we could find) that said No, thanks. Neither Continue nor Submit worked. It kept highlighting the cells to add an additional card member. Finally, P2 added another family member. It only asked for a birthdate (SSN was optional). Then it went through - Hallelujah!!

We still have 2 more Hilton apps to do and I am dreading it. I wonder if it's worthwhile to even try to use a support link or just go straight to doc's links. Am I going to be forced to add an additional card member or is that a fluke?

I would still try the support first since you never know and it doesn't hurt to try.

This was a Hilton personal card? I've read that even when you don't add SSN, they can link it to the person and it gets on their credit report (and count towards 5/24). I think at the point of adding additional users, you're already approved. So if it happens again, I'd look for other ways to verify like approval e-mail, application status website, or if the card shows up in your account.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Here with some questions regarding international travel! My father has prostate cancer and has recently been referred to Istanbul, Turkey for a new treatment option over there. We do have passports, but have never traveled overseas. The extent of out of the country traveling we have done is all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Once referred they move quickly and have already given us a potential first treatment date of Aug 6. I know that isn't enough time to accumulate credit card rewards, but he will likely be going back for a second treatment sometime in late September, early October. These trips are not covered by insurance, so if I signed up for a card now, once we pay for the first trip, I was hoping to use rewards to pay for part of the next trip. (he could potentially make up to 6 trips) Almost any card is on the table, I have a Sapphire Preferred Card and the Southwest cards. That has been plenty to cover our Disney habit so far! lol St. Louis is our home airport.

So my first question is what card would be my best option to start with? Due to my dad's illness, I haven't been as active on here as I was in the past, but I am familiar with the terminology and how signup bonuses and annual fees work. So although I don't necessarily want a $500 annual fee, I understand the benefit, so give me all your thoughts!

Secondly, setting up international plans on cell phones? Is that just a simple phone call to the company, do some of these cards come with international calling included or a credit for it? And using a credit card internationally, how do the fees work on that?

Third, the Hyatt House Gezbe was the recommended hotel, so Hyatt rewards might be an option although we would only be there for 3-4 nights at a time.

I know for many of you who travel frequently, several of these questions likely seem trivial so any help would be greatly appreciated! The hospital is Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul, has anyone been there or sought treatment before?

Thank you!

I am sorry to hear of your dad's diagnosis and hope for the best with his treatment.

What points currency do you and your dad currently have (hotels and airlines)?

If you have anything that you can transfer to a Star Alliance partner, Lufthansa posts rewards seats within 2 weeks of travel. You should be able to snag seats to Frankfurt or Munich and maybe to Istanbul. I did a quick check and see that Lufthansa has 1 biz class seat from JFK --> FRA --> Istanbul on August 4th for 70k points.

Please consider insurance for your dad while traveling. My dad's 3rd chemo treatment landed him in the hospital in kidney failure (not trying to scare you, it was a few days after his treatment and he was so sick that he got dehydrated and didn't tell us how sick he was until it was almost too late -- he recovered, but it was a slow recovery). I don't know the cost of health insurance for a person traveling for treatment, but it would be worthwhile researching.

Hotels may be harder to snag on points for the first treatment, but easier for dates further out. The Chase Hyatt SUB isn't worthwhile signing up for (at least to me). Chase URs transfer 1:1 to Hyatt; I use URs to transfer to Hyatt to book hotels (transfer time is less than 1 minute).

I play a long points game, but I find URs to be the most flexible currency. There is a Chase offer for a CIP (biz) card for 120k points for $8k spend. You or your dad could apply, meet the MSR, then refer the other with a potential 40k referral bonus (there are rumors it's going down to 20k at the end of this month). To me this is one of the best SUBs going.

For international cell plan, we don't sign up for anything. Anytime AT&T detects that I am out of the country I get unlimited cell data for $10/day, no phone call to them required. Usually as soon as my plane lands I get a text from AT&T notifying me that the international plan is active. Super easy and cheap. Check with your cell carrier and see what they offer.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

The two cars that are going are the BMW X5 and a Buick Enclave (which I have loved, loved, loved). Thinking of replacing these with an SUV (small or large) and a fuel-efficient sedan.

We have always had a mini-van or an SUV that seats 7. We are handy people, so shlep lumber and what not. And when we travel as a family 2x a year, it would be nice to have the 8 seats of a Pilot (just to the airport), because we typically travel as a party of 8. This time I'm paying an extra nearly $200 for airport parking for an extra car. But our household is only 4, plus two dogs. Youngest is 11.

So I really don't need an 8 seater. It's maybe a want?? A want I'm not sure I want. I did a calculator and the fuel cost savings is probably around $1000 year.

Has anyone downsized a car and regretted it?


We have a Honda/Toyota theft problem in the city, but luckily it hasn't reached our suburban areas.

When ds was young I had a Yukon XL and I was always the mom taking all the friends places (yay?)! I downsized to an Acura MDX and loved the reduced kid capacity lol. Seriously though, so much easier to park and lighter on gas. Never had any regrets about downsizing.

 

[leeniewdw]

For international cell plan, we don't sign up for anything. Anytime AT&T detects that I am out of the country I get unlimited cell data for $10/day, no phone call to them required. Usually as soon as my plane lands I get a text from AT&T notifying me that the international plan is active. Super easy and cheap. Check with your cell carrier and see what they offer.

We didn't sign up for anything either and we've got Verizon. Last year it charged us $10 up to 10 days and then it was just $100 for 30 days. This year while traveling in Ireland/England, I got a text saying we had 10 free travel pass days. Have no idea what or what, but probably something that's changed in the last year. I ended up just getting charged for 2 days over our 14 days of travel (guess I didn't use it for a few days).

I think most carriers are similar, but it's probably worth googling "[insert carrier name] international plan" and see what comes up.

Good luck to your Dad and his treatment and recovery, lynzi!

 

[Judique]

Has anyone downsized a car and regretted it?

That's a complicated question for me, but yes.

I bought a Kia Niro while I still owned a full sized van and a Jeep. Took the van to Florida and it was so comfortable! Jeep was fine also. With 4 people and luggage both were just fine. I sold the Van and gave the Jeep to my DD. My 2017 Niro barely has 50K on it.

I've had two longer trips - one way from South Carolina to Maryland, and one way from Disney to Maryland with 2 adults and 2 kids in the Kia. Too crowded and uncomfortable for me!

So for those 2 trips, I regretted not driving my bigger vehicles.

As far as the Niro is for one adult person and the two girls, we are comfortable. It actually seats five but even kids would be too crowded (or we are spoiled). Driving alone is perfect!

Son just upsized from his Mitsubishi Lancer to a 2024 Mazda Cx5. He was able to get a good amount off the MSRP and a 0% interest rate from the dealer. He did a LOT of research and has that $700+ payment for 36 months. I like his choice. That 0% is pretty hard to get, but he targeted a car that had been sitting on the lot for quite a while. Apparently you can check inventory and find new cars that might be easier to get.

The Mazda seems roomier than his wife's RAV4. It's definitely a bit more luxurious, with nice leather seats. I've been reading a lot of car reviews and the Cx5 is said to be due for a revamp in the next model. 2025's are out. And apparently our area is flooded with 2024's for sale. I almost went to look at some at the dealer after sitting in my son's - that new car thing.

My son was ready for a 'new' vehicle with all the updates and safety features not on his 2010 Lancer. And my Niro is fully equipped with all the features so I'm having a hard time when I look at new cars - the last one I priced out was 1K per month for 60 months with 5k down. That didn't take into account any car money from selling my Niro or my van.

 

[DogCat]

I would still try the support first since you never know and it doesn't hurt to try.

This was a Hilton personal card? I've read that even when you don't add SSN, they can link it to the person and it gets on their credit report (and count towards 5/24). I think at the point of adding additional users, you're already approved. So if it happens again, I'd look for other ways to verify like approval e-mail, application status website, or if the card shows up in your account.

Yes it was the Hilton Honors No fee card. We were exasperated by the time that happened as it was our 4th attempt. I knew we were approved but could not get past that page for some odd reason. We added younger DD who only has one card in her name - a student Discover card so I guess it's okay if it shows up in her 5/24, but it's certainly not ideal. She is authorized user on some other Chase cards that are older than 24 months plus employee on several biz cards. Maybe after some time passes, we should close this authorized user card so it goes away before the 24 months is up?

 

[newski_mom]

Just shy of 200,000 miles on our BMW X5, and was hoping to ride it into the sunset for a year or two longer. But needs a $6,000 repair, so we gotta throw in the towel. Our other car is also approaching 200k and it's been lovely not to have any kind of car "payments." Did y'all know the average new car payment is $700+/mo and used car is $500+/mo? That is insane.

Will likely pay cash and credit card if they allow. Looking at these used cars- any recommendations?:

Honda CR-V EX-L
Toyota RAV4 Limited
Honda Pilot EX-L

The two cars that are going are the BMW X5 and a Buick Enclave (which I have loved, loved, loved). Thinking of replacing these with an SUV (small or large) and a fuel-efficient sedan.

We have always had a mini-van or an SUV that seats 7. We are handy people, so shlep lumber and what not. And when we travel as a family 2x a year, it would be nice to have the 8 seats of a Pilot (just to the airport), because we typically travel as a party of 8. This time I'm paying an extra nearly $200 for airport parking for an extra car. But our household is only 4, plus two dogs. Youngest is 11.

So I really don't need an 8 seater. It's maybe a want?? A want I'm not sure I want. I did a calculator and the fuel cost savings is probably around $1000 year.

Has anyone downsized a car and regretted it?


We have a Honda/Toyota theft problem in the city, but luckily it hasn't reached our suburban areas.

We are starting to look into a new car too. I currently have a 2015 Toyota HIghlander with 150K miles on it. No problems yet, but honestly I'd like some of the new features - signals on mirrors for changing lanes, car play and a few others. Definitely not in a hurry though.

I'm also trying to decide whether to go from a SUV with 3rd row seating to standard SUV. We don't use the 3rd row too often now that that kids are adults, but we do a time or two a month probably, so just need to decide.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

When are you going? We are staying there in September, and would love your thoughts on the hotel.

Next week! I'll try to post my thoughts after the trip.

 

[Psychodisney]

We are starting to look into a new car too. I currently have a 2015 Toyota HIghlander with 150K miles on it. No problems yet, but honestly I'd like some of the new features - signals on mirrors for changing lanes, car play and a few others. Definitely not in a hurry though.

I'm also trying to decide whether to go from a SUV with 3rd row seating to standard SUV. We don't use the 3rd row too often now that that kids are adults, but we do a time or two a month probably, so just need to decide.

We decided to keep the 3rd row when I traded in my Odyssey. Bought a VW Atlas which I love. Lots of room for cargo(easily fits multiple golf bags) and comfortable for adults in all three rows when needed. We keep that in FL. Added a Lexus RX350 to our fleet this spring. I like the size but miss the cargo space.

 

[hsmamato2]

Just shy of 200,000 miles on our BMW X5, and was hoping to ride it into the sunset for a year or two longer. But needs a $6,000 repair, so we gotta throw in the towel. Our other car is also approaching 200k and it's been lovely not to have any kind of car "payments." Did y'all know the average new car payment is $700+/mo and used car is $500+/mo? That is insane.

Will likely pay cash and credit card if they allow. Looking at these used cars- any recommendations?:

Honda CR-V EX-L
Toyota RAV4 Limited
Honda Pilot EX-L

I test drove a crv and rav4 ( different package levels) I loved the rav4 handling etc, not so much the 'feel' of the CrV....I ended up with an HrV bc it was just the right fit for me and my life..... Love this car! Most of my fam drives Hondas,and they love their Pilots- (I found a dealership that let me put 5k on my cc woohoo!)

 

[hsmamato2]

Has anyone downsized a car and regretted it?

I downsized from My 2012 Hyundai sonata to my HRV and I LOVE my new smaller vehicle. It fits my life perfectly. Even tho the car is smaller, it has more useable space than my old sedan did

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

Morning all. I would like my daughter, who just turned 18 and is enrolled in college in the fall, to apply for a student credit card (or -- rather -- me to do it for her I'd imagine).

Which is the best card for a college freshman AND does she need to have a job to apply?

Also hehe - how do I make her get a job? Kinda kidding, kinda not. She says no jobs "speak to her". I told her my "job" doesn't speak to me either, but I've got one!

Edited to add that I've had her as an AU on my Discover card for about 3 years now. So she should have some sort of credit worthiness, right?

 

[Haley R]

Morning all. I would like my daughter, who just turned 18 and is enrolled in college in the fall, to apply for a student credit card (or -- rather -- me to do it for her I'd imagine).

Which is the best card for a college freshman AND does she need to have a job to apply?

Also hehe - how do I make her get a job? Kinda kidding, kinda not. She says no jobs "speak to her". I told her my "job" doesn't speak to me either, but I've got one!

I would start with a discover card

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Morning all. I would like my daughter, who just turned 18 and is enrolled in college in the fall, to apply for a student credit card (or -- rather -- me to do it for her I'd imagine).

Which is the best card for a college freshman AND does she need to have a job to apply?

Also hehe - how do I make her get a job? Kinda kidding, kinda not. She says no jobs "speak to her". I told her my "job" doesn't speak to me either, but I've got one!

Edited to add that I've had her as an AU on my Discover card for about 3 years now. So she should have some sort of credit worthiness, right?

I'd say it depends on what points currency you want (assuming that you will meet the MSR for her). I had dd as an AU on my Hyatt card for about 2 years before I applied (for her) for a CSP (approved). She didn't have a job at the time -- I used household income. She has now been approved for several cards (most recently a CIP). With the $95 AF I think it's a good 'starter' card.

If you're interested in HH points and FNCs then the basic HH card could also be a great card for you (her), though I'd meet the SUB and cancel when a year is up. If you also get the HH card then you'd have 2 FNCs for a nice weekend getaway (Hilton allows the FNCs to be used 'gifted').

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

I'd say it depends on what points currency you want (assuming that you will meet the MSR for her). I had dd as an AU on my Hyatt card for about 2 years before I applied (for her) for a CSP (approved). She didn't have a job at the time -- I used household income. She has now been approved for several cards (most recently a CIP). With the $95 AF I think it's a good 'starter' card.

If you're interested in HH points and FNCs then the basic HH card could also be a great card for you (her), though I'd meet the SUB and cancel when a year is up. If you also get the HH card then you'd have 2 FNCs for a nice weekend getaway (Hilton allows the FNCs to be used 'gifted').

I really just want to get her a "student" credit card. Am I thinking wrong? Should I be thinking bigger?

 

[platamama]

Morning all. I would like my daughter, who just turned 18 and is enrolled in college in the fall, to apply for a student credit card (or -- rather -- me to do it for her I'd imagine).

Which is the best card for a college freshman AND does she need to have a job to apply?

Also hehe - how do I make her get a job? Kinda kidding, kinda not. She says no jobs "speak to her". I told her my "job" doesn't speak to me either, but I've got one!

Edited to add that I've had her as an AU on my Discover card for about 3 years now. So she should have some sort of credit worthiness, right?

A couple years ago, my rising college freshman signed up for a free Chase student checking account ($100 sign up bonus) and at the same time opened a Chase Freedom Rise card (that earned 1.5x on all purchases) which is targeted toward students just starting their credit journey. While my student did have a job, opening a Chase Checking account with $250 "increases the chances of approval" so I think in reality that might be the only requirement. The Rise card has a $25 sign up bonus for linking it to an autopay from a checking account. Recently, Chase auto-upgraded that card to a Chase Freedom Unlimited with a higher credit limit due to a history of on-time payments. My kid knows I've been churning for years, but wanted something simple while in college, so I haven't pushed any specific cards.

ETA: We made sure there was a Chase branch nearby college before doing this.

 

[first*toright]

I really just want to get her a "student" credit card.

I second the Discover recommendation. They have good low-limit intro cards for kids - nothing fancy.

I'd also recommend having her apply for it herself (even if you're right next to her helping her answer the questions).

As far as "making" a young adult get a job, there is no motivator like the need for cash! People handle college finances so differently, and lots of different approaches work. My parents gave me a flat amount of money per semester to cover everything (room/board/tuition/extras) and then it was up to me to live within what they gave me or get a job to make up the difference. For a kid living on campus the problem of running out of money before the end of the semester probably isn't life threatening, as long as they have a dorm room and a pre-paid meal plan. I made it work by mostly eating at the dining hall (yuk) my freshman year and not doing a lot of other spendy stuff (I also had a summer job, which gave me a little cushion going in to my first semester). My sophomore year I became an RA (a job!) which gave me free housing, so I had some spending money. I then decided I wanted to live off campus, so I needed to get a job to make up the difference.

I took a similar approach with my college-age kid (who chose to do community college before heading to a 4 year school) - gave her a fixed amount she could expect from us each month, which would have been plenty had she decided to live at home. She wanted to move out, so she needed to work to be able to pay her rent.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

oops

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

A couple years ago, my rising college freshman signed up for a free Chase student checking account ($100 sign up bonus) and at the same time opened a Chase Freedom Rise card (that earned 1.5x on all purchases) which is targeted toward students just starting their credit journey. While my student did have a job, opening a Chase Checking account with $250 "increases the chances of approval" so I think in reality that might be the only requirement. The Rise card has a $25 sign up bonus for linking it to an autopay from a checking account. Recently, Chase auto-upgraded that card to a Chase Freedom Unlimited with a higher credit limit due to a history of on-time payments. My kid knows I've been churning for years, but wanted something simple while in college, so I haven't pushed any specific cards.

ETA: We made sure there was a Chase branch nearby college before doing this.

I think we'll either do Chase or Discover. I hadn't heard of the Chase Rise -- thanks for that.

Also have you done your Bora Bora trip yet this year?