I love credit cards so much! v7.0 - 2025 (see first page for add'l details)

[mmmears]

Amex targeted me for the Blue Business Plus 75k for 6k spend 0% for 12 months. I cant decide if I should go for it or not. I currently hold 3 Amex business credit cards, 2 Amex business charge cards, 1 Amex personal credit card. Any downside to getting this card? I got Cap One Venture, CIP, and Hawaiian within the last month. I have 50k in expenses (federal taxes and DVC)

I have the offer, too, but they only want to give me 25k points. I'd take it for 75k. The 2 points on anything is good when you have non category spend.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Okay another question, I should expect an Amex clawback on the Delta Stay credit? I prepaid $550ish. I got the $150 credit back in Dec. When I cancelled last week, I got the $550 back. Should I expect a $150 "charge" from Amex?

That's what I am hoping for as DH has the CSP. There are no guarantees, so we just keep waiting, watching and hoping. And the in branch in a rumor right now, according to DOC.


Virtually anything you spend being a 1099 employee can be deducted. I don't want to give advice on specifics as I am not an accountant. I am a 1099 employee and did a lot of "google research" to see what I can deduct as a business expense. Then, I verified some of my research with my accountant.

My ex is a CPA....so I ask him, but it's always a long string of texts I don't want to read, LOL. I need to stay onto of tracking things I'm using/doing, etc. And hopefully it all balances out, or gets pretty close!

 

[VGCgroupie]

I have the offer, too, but they only want to give me 25k points. I'd take it for 75k. The 2 points on anything is good when you have non category spend.

Keep an eye out on your email. They had been offering me a much lower amount and got the email about the new offer. Im seeing more reports of it. Hopefully you get the upgraded offer soon.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Assuming the SUB was earned at least 24 months ago, she'll need to cancel the card. But if she applies for a different SW cc, then she only needs to wait 4-7 days.

Hm, I didn't realize the flavor of SW card would factor in--of course! Thanks. I'll help her look for the date she earned the bonus

 

[trenty]

If it becomes available online via support, it's usually a few weeks later after in branch offer is released, right? So maybe sometime in April?

How long do these elevated offers typically last? I can't recall...

I last earned a CSP bonus in March/April 2021, can't remember which month exactly, so I'm coming due and was planning to apply around May/June this year. Any chance we think this may stick around for at least like 6-8 weeks? If so, I'm golden on this! lol

I don't have the answers to your questions. If only we had a crystal ball to see into the churning future.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

I don't have the answers to your questions. If only we had a crystal ball to see into the churning future.

I know, right?! It would make planning so easy I didn’t expect anyone to have any actual real answers, maybe just speculations based on previous experience, lol

 

[elgerber]

Why do people do this? I'm the yellow circle traveling solo. So many other windows in economy without someone in the aisle. I'll move back a row. Uggh.
View attachment 949064

Ugh, this is a HUGE pet peeve of mine at the movies too!!!

 

[VGCgroupie]

Just did taxes and I don't owe nearly as much as we had estimated. Amazing. So I wont need as many new cards, I am now needing to decide on Amex Blue Business Plus 75k offer 0% no AF. Or moving forward and having P2 apply for CapOne Venture 100K offer with my referral. Hard to decide. Im not sure if 5/24 is as important as all the CC blogs make it out be. P2 is currently only at 1/24 Im pretty sure. Thoughts?

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Wanted to write a brief update of my AF flight to Paris and first impressions of the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal.

AF — super impressed. Can’t believe I’ve never flown them before. Booked using 55k MR—>FB. Lounge at Pearson was nice — clean and decent food. I had read up on the plane and booked myself the first row in biz class for the extra room and boy did it deliver. Dinner was a cream stew with leeks and carrots and 5 large pieces of perfectly cooked chicken. The appetizer was amazing — some kind of meat with mustard, 3 cheeses and a bun. I didn’t touch the dessert. After dinner the FA passed out wrapped pieces of Valhrona chocolate — yum! Once the lights went out the biz class cabin went silent and stayed that way until the lights slowly came on way too soon (the flight flew by, no pun intended). Blanket was on the thin side, pillow perfect. I’d def fly with AF again and will likely make them my go-to option to CDG.


Non-bulkhead seat:

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Since I just got here my impression may change, but so far I’m obsessed with the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal. I took the RERB from CDG (you can buy your tickets before leaving on an iPhone with Navigo in your Apple wallet — super easy). I could’ve transferred to the metro, but elected to walk 10 mins to the hotel. The final escalator up wasn’t working and it was taxing walking up the large flight of steps with my bag and travel backpack, but I survived. I later saw people with bags looking for an elevator or another escalator, but I didn’t see (sure there was somewhere, but not at the exit I needed).

Got to the hotel around 8:45am and my room wasn’t ready, which is to be expected. I was led to the spa showers, where I had a divine shower (there were a few fancy overhead jets that felt wonderful after an overnight flight). Interesting, I was under the impression that I was in the ladies change room. That would be incorrect — they were unisex!!! Darn good thing I had the place to myself because the shower room was wet so I changed outside of the room; that would’ve been extremely embarrassing if a gentleman had walked in. Didn’t happen so I can chuckle about it now. Doubt I would’ve cared at the time because I really loved the shower and it made me feel alive and ready for the day!

Headed off to La Vallee Village, the designer outlets. This requires taking the RERA just one stop shy of Disney Paris. I’m thrilled to report that nothing untoward happened this time and we arrived on schedule. I did some serious shopping (YSL, Moncler, Golden Goose, Longchamp [gifts] and a birthday gift for my nephew at Lacoste). Stopped for a cheese quiche at Pret-A-Manger and headed back to the city after several hours weighted down nicely with shopping bags.

Since it was close to 5pm my room was ready and I was instantly smitten! I would take this room (smallest room — exactly what I booked) over an upgrade for the gorgeous view. The hotel is capacity for a few nights of my 6 night stay, so no upgrade — didn’t care since I love my room. While it is perfect for me, I don’t know how a couple would stay in the room — the closet barely fits the clothes I brought and I’m team carry-on only. The bathroom has little to no space for my toiletries. This doesn’t bother me at all, but I want to make anyone aware who is considering booking this with a partner or child — it might feel cramped and there is *no way* there would be space for makeup, etc. for 2 people. Welcome gift of a bottle of champagne (no fake stuff here) and 2 luxury chocolate bars! Turn down service was another luxury chocolate bar. I need to ask that they stop spoiling me because I want to move in (I’d need a MUCH larger closet of course LOL).

Breakfast can be enjoyed in the restaurant or in-room. I checked the in-room menu and it looks alright. I’ll probably order on my last day.

Location is AMAZING. Two mins max from the metro station and 8 mins (w/o bags) from Chatalet les Halles (RER station). I have fallen in love with the 1st again (my first time in Paris in 2012 was in the first, but different part).

If anyone recognizes the outside of the adjacent building, it is the exterior of the building that the advertising company that Emily of Emily in Paris worked at when she arrived in Paris! The concierge told me that Emily (Lily Colins) stays here when they are filming!

Tomorrow I have a ticket to get inside of Notre Dame at 10am and then I’ll wander around St Germain des Pres with a stop at Queen Elizabeth Flower Market. I have a dinner reservation at Le Soufflé at 7pm so I’ll probably head back to the hotel around 5 to freshen up and relax for a bit before dinner.








Random street pic around the corner from the hotel:

 

[djmeredith]

If it becomes available online via support, it's usually a few weeks later after in branch offer is released, right? So maybe sometime in April?

How long do these elevated offers typically last? I can't recall...

I last earned a CSP bonus in March/April 2021, can't remember which month exactly, so I'm coming due and was planning to apply around May/June this year. Any chance we think this may stick around for at least like 6-8 weeks? If so, I'm golden on this! lol

I'm in a similar situation, but I did my MDD in June 2021. So I have longer to wait than you. I could REALLY use those 100K pts, so I'm hoping for a miracle.

 

[afan]

Does anyone have a packing list app they use/like? The one I used years ago stopped and I couldn't get it on a new phone and I couldn't find one that I liked so I've been using a notebook. I'm tired of having to write it all done each time.

I don't want to use a spreadsheet because I don't like using it on my phone and I don't want to deal with my laptop when I'm packing. I like being able to mark or cross things off.

I found PackPoint which if you buy the premium for 2.99, pulls your trips from TripIt and it allows you to customize lists so that's intriguing.

The one I used to have let you save lists so I could save a WDW one or a city trip one and adapt them a little for the trip without having to start over since each of those type of trips are similar each trip.

 

[wanderlust7]

Does anyone have a packing list app they use/like? The one I used years ago stopped and I couldn't get it on a new phone and I couldn't find one that I liked so I've been using a notebook. I'm tired of having to write it all done each time.

I don't want to use a spreadsheet because I don't like using it on my phone and I don't want to deal with my laptop when I'm packing. I like being able to mark or cross things off.

I found PackPoint which if you buy the premium for 2.99, pulls your trips from TripIt and it allows you to customize lists so that's intriguing.

The one I used to have let you save lists so I could save a WDW one or a city trip one and adapt them a little for the trip without having to start over since each of those type of trips are similar each trip.

I use Packr. It's free and easy to duplicate trips.

 

[afan]

I use Packr. It's free and easy to duplicate trips.

Looks good but it's not available for android.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Does anyone have a packing list app they use/like? The one I used years ago stopped and I couldn't get it on a new phone and I couldn't find one that I liked so I've been using a notebook. I'm tired of having to write it all done each time.

I don't want to use a spreadsheet because I don't like using it on my phone and I don't want to deal with my laptop when I'm packing. I like being able to mark or cross things off.

I found PackPoint which if you buy the premium for 2.99, pulls your trips from TripIt and it allows you to customize lists so that's intriguing.

The one I used to have let you save lists so I could save a WDW one or a city trip one and adapt them a little for the trip without having to start over since each of those type of trips are similar each trip.

I am admittedly old school and usually just travel to visit my son in Orlando and Disney so have a list I have copied a bunch of times and add/subtract from…cross everything off as I pack

 

[SleepyatDVC]

yes thank you! One more question..... if My friend has a 2.5 hour layover, (AA) say she lands at 9 am, can make an appt for 10 am, and that should work fine right? (on layover in Miami) I see there are plenty of free appts on that date she'll be going thru

I don't know the time needed for layovers in Miami, as we drove to the airport for our appointments.

However, depending on if their flights are on time arriving and they can see if security is crazy busy BEFORE they exit the secured terminal, I think they should have enough time. To be safe, they can ask before leaving the secured terminal area, if they have time for their GE appointments (walk-ins).

Good luck to your friends!

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Does anyone have a packing list app they use/like? The one I used years ago stopped and I couldn't get it on a new phone and I couldn't find one that I liked so I've been using a notebook. I'm tired of having to write it all done each time.

I don't want to use a spreadsheet because I don't like using it on my phone and I don't want to deal with my laptop when I'm packing. I like being able to mark or cross things off.

I found PackPoint which if you buy the premium for 2.99, pulls your trips from TripIt and it allows you to customize lists so that's intriguing.

The one I used to have let you save lists so I could save a WDW one or a city trip one and adapt them a little for the trip without having to start over since each of those type of trips are similar each trip.

We use Google Keep. We have Google speakers and can ask the assistant "add [blank] to the packing list" and it does it. It puts it on top and then DH moves it to the appropriate subsection. We have a subsection for Disney trips, for instance. We also use this for grocery lists as I'm often cooking when I realize I need something, so then I tell Google to add it to that list. And like the ability to share, so that if DH checks off an item I can see that on my phone as well.

 

[Arcades]

Okay another question, I should expect an Amex clawback on the Delta Stay credit? I prepaid $550ish. I got the $150 credit back in Dec. When I cancelled last week, I got the $550 back. Should I expect a $150 "charge" from Amex?

My ex is a CPA....so I ask him, but it's always a long string of texts I don't want to read, LOL. I need to stay onto of tracking things I'm using/doing, etc. And hopefully it all balances out, or gets pretty close!

I haven't specifically cancelled a reservation where I already received a Delta Stays credit, but in the past when a Delta airline credit posted and I later cancelled the flight, there was no clawback (nor reinstatement of my $200 airline credit). You could periodically check your benefits tracker tab and if the DS credit doesn't "refresh" to be reused, then you're probably safe from a clawback too.

 

[hsmamato2]

Does anyone have a packing list app they use/like? The one I used years ago stopped and I couldn't get it on a new phone and I couldn't find one that I liked so I've been using a notebook. I'm tired of having to write it all done each time.

I don't want to use a spreadsheet because I don't like using it on my phone and I don't want to deal with my laptop when I'm packing. I like being able to mark or cross things off.

I found PackPoint which if you buy the premium for 2.99, pulls your trips from TripIt and it allows you to customize lists so that's intriguing.

The one I used to have let you save lists so I could save a WDW one or a city trip one and adapt them a little for the trip without having to start over since each of those type of trips are similar each trip.

Whering,I like to take the pics of my clothes and organize them into outfits- it's free

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Just wanted to write a brief update on an AA booking issue I've been facing. Was trying to book JAL one way with miles, from SGN, through HND, and onto USA. The flight would appear in my search randomly. Most days it wouldn't be there, but some days the flight would appear, but then disappear just as quickly. Sometimes I would be able to select the flight to try and book it, but then I would get thrown into a loop with an error "Please select another flight or fare". The same flight appeared again when it reloaded, so I would select it a second time, threw me in the same loop/error, but now the flight disappeared. I was baffled. I really wanted this specific flight, because it has a long layover in HND (we are trying to do some shopping before we return home). The alternative was through HKG on Cathay Pacific, which we didn't find too interesting, taxes were more, etc. So I have been resolved to get this flight for weeks now, to no avail.

After doing some digging on Reddit, and many people mentioning "phantom JAL availability", I decided to take some other people's advice and call. The agent in the Int'l dept searched for the flight, and it did not appear for her. She had to piecemeal the flight together as a multi-city, with the exact stops input, and THEN it did appear for her. She said when this loop error occurs, it usually means the flight is unavailable/full (no partner awards). (But on Reddit, there are theories that in the past 6 months there was some kind of update to AA, and now JAL flights are harder to book.) Anyways, she was able to put the flight ON HOLD, not book it. She said I had to wait 24 hours for the partner carrier to approve/deny the reward flight, since her thought was that it's not available.

This morning 24 hours had passed so I called back, and now the new Int'l agent I spoke to said "I have NEVER heard such a thing. If the flight is available to put on hold, then it's available to be ticketed." So she claimed the first agent was incorrect (which matches with Reddit's theory of just a problem booking these partner flights online). She ticketed the flight, charged me the miles and taxes, and I got confirmation email and the flight appears in my AA app.

Just wanted to add my experience in case anyone is going through anything similar, or finds themself in this situation in the future (as I know a lot here travel to/from Japan).