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

[VGCgroupie]

DH got a United biz card a few weeks ago. Offer was 100K for $5K in 3 months. Yesterday with all the changes, I noticed a new higher SUB of 125K, same spend. SMed to match but Chase said no!

Here's their message:
Thank you for contacting us about the bonus offer on your account. The new offer you are requesting is not available for a richer offer so the original offer will remain.
You will receive 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5000o n purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Hadn't heard the "richer offer" terminology before... Should we try again in a few days? I wonder if I asked too soon after the new offer came out.

Id try again. I would honestly lie and say you saw the new offer in the mail and since it was sent to me Id like the higher offer.
Edit: I just read more comments, since the AF is now higher then it could be that its not an apples to apples deal so that could be why, the terminology used was odd though I agree

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Id try again. I would honestly lie and say you saw the new offer in the mail and since it was sent to me Id like the higher offer.
Edit: I just read more comments, since the AF is now higher then it could be that its not an apples to apples deal so that could be why, the terminology used was odd though I agree

Yeah, the AF is higher but regardless it's waved the first year so it doesn't make a difference. Next year we'll pay the higher one either way, or cancel the card (more likely as I'm not looking forward to another coupon book and we don't fly United as often).

If there are other DPs saying it's a no go, then I guess that's it. At least I'm not alone--misery loves company!

 

[wanderlust7]

Yeah, the AF is higher but regardless it's waved the first year so it doesn't make a difference. Next year we'll pay the higher one either way, or cancel the card (more likely as I'm not looking forward to another coupon book and we don't fly United as often).

If there are other DPs saying it's a no go, then I guess that's it. At least I'm not alone--misery loves company!

Was there an AF waived offer on the United biz? The new offer does not have AF waived.

The Explorer usually has a waived AF offer. I wonder if that's why the AF increase for existing customers is later for that card. If they advertise $0 first year, $95 second year, I'd think they'd need to keep to that. Though having the AF go up after 1/1/26 doesn't seem like it would cover everyone.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Interesting DP: My friend did a SW Priority card in early 2023 for one of the bonus CP offers. When she called to close in 2024, retention gave her the $150 statement credit to cover the next year's annual fee and she kept it a year.

This week, her fee hit and she called to close again. She specifically mentioned that she wasn't happy with SW's changes and didn't expect to use the card. They sent her to retention and offered a $150 credit for another year of the card.

I haven't heard of folks getting the fee waived two years running, so I was intrigued to say the least. Anyone else managed to get Chase to waive the SW Priority AF for back to back years?

 

[chattadisser]

Yes, I was thinking of using it for a local property and doing exactly that--putting my name on the reservation as well. Thank you for the condolences--still hard to wrap my head around.

Hmm. Interesting. I suspect it wouldn't be treated as points in this case because it was given in error? In other words, if I try to call attention to it, I suspect it will be quickly rescinded. He did have points in his account but I was able to transfer them soon after his death as I have access to his accounts.

I did leave out a conversation I had with the diamond desk a couple months ago when I was booking my own FNC. I mentioned the death of my husband and that I wanted to book his FNC (this one was earned correctly) and she said i could do it as long as I had access to his account and phone. I didn't end up doing it as it was about to run out, but now I have a use for this one, so I'm considering chancing it.

But maybe too risky and bad karma ... still debating.

I'm sorry for your loss. I've used FNC from my husband many times. I just put both names on the reservation and when they go to check me in, I just ask for 2 cards "since my husband won't be in till later". I don't know if the comment is really necessary but I like to think that it tells them that I'm not a solo traveler and that he will be there. Even though it's not true. Find someplace to enjoy, he'd want you to relax.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

For anyone looking to book SW the new booking window opens tomorrow 3/27 for flights 11/2/25 to 1/5/26

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I am cancer free and trying to live life to the fullest.

THAT'S the update I was hoping to hear!! Glad you are doing well.

 

[Arcades]

I was wondering the same thing. Probably won't know until someone tries it because this is basically a new credit--you get it in the form of travel bank instead of a statement credit. I'm hoping there will be some positive DPs soon because I don't want to try it into l unless I'm pretty sure it will work.

Makes sense. If nothing rolls in soon, I'll be the DP I want to see because I'm not worried about the $500 front since I fly United enough that I'm sure sometime in the next 4 years I'll use it up on seat upgrades or otherwise.

 

[Arcades]

DH got a United biz card a few weeks ago. Offer was 100K for $5K in 3 months. Yesterday with all the changes, I noticed a new higher SUB of 125K, same spend. SMed to match but Chase said no!

Here's their message:
Thank you for contacting us about the bonus offer on your account. The new offer you are requesting is not available for a richer offer so the original offer will remain.
You will receive 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5000o n purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Hadn't heard the "richer offer" terminology before... Should we try again in a few days? I wonder if I asked too soon after the new offer came out.

The new SUB is attached to a higher annual fee, so that's probably the reason they aren't matching. I've been matched before on Ink SUBs, but the $0 AF is static on those. At least you get to try out the new coupon benefits without paying the extra $55 in year one (I'm in that same boat).

 

[DogCat]

I have seen DP of people buying Starbucks GC. Probably those were Starbucks franchises and not operated by the hotel.

Do you see that particular location on the Starbucks store locator? Wonder if that would be one way to tell the difference.

One week ago, I got take-out from a nearby Hilton's restaurant and ordered appetizers and drinks at another Hilton Garden Inn's restaurant. So far, no credits have hit my account.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I haven’t posted in a while, but I check in from time to time to read some posts. I saw the one about the 125,000 bonus points for the United business card. Last year I applied for the Southwest business card in September and was denied. Then I tried to get a World of Hyatt personal card in October and was denied. My last approval was a CSP in April 2024.Then I tried for an American Express Business gold which I was accepted for, but I needed the card number to do an immediate spend and they said I could not get that. So I asked them to cancel the card. It still came in the mail, I called American Express, they told me to reapply which I did, of course I got rejected because they say I already have an American Express gold business card but that card was cancelled. So then I tried for a Capital One venture card in November which I was denied. Tried again in January and was denied. Since September I canceled several cards, including my Southwest personal card and the Chase freedom unlimited as well as my CIP. I also reduced my credit limit on a few cards.I had several large expenses that I had no new credit card to use so those charges got put on existing cards. I also just did a decent spend on my CIC to get Visa gift cards at OfficeMax last week. I was fully expecting to get denied for the United business card. I currently have the United Gateway, which I will keep as long as it is free. Long story short, I was surprised to get immediate approval for the United business card. I had hoped to earn a Southwest companion pass this year, but with all the changes, I may start looking at flying United more, especially since I live near Houston. I just hate going to intercontinental airport for US flights. Hobby is so much easier to get in and out of. And also closer to me.
Anyway, I really appreciate this thread. I’ve been able to take advantage of lots of free flights to visit family. And right now family is so important. You get a different perspective when you get a breast cancer diagnosis. So last year was full of lots of medical bills and this year as well however, I am cancer free and trying to live life to the fullest.

Congratulations on being cancer free !!
Enjoy all your time with family

 

[jujubiee4]

Note to self avoid cards that @jujubiee4 gets unless you want the AF to go up and play the coupon book game

I think im a permanent member of the day late and a dollar short club.

 

[VGCgroupie]

@Duckbug.Ducktales I just read in another group someone being denied for match and they stated that it couldn't have been more than 2 weeks that has passed since original app. Seems like they are giving just random excuses to deny.

 

[eticketplease]

@Duckbug.Ducktales I just read in another group someone being denied for match and they stated that it couldn't have been more than 2 weeks that has passed since original app. Seems like they are giving just random excuses to deny.

Yes I read somewhere else it seems to be the cobranded cards that they are not matching offers for at this time.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

@Duckbug.Ducktales I just read in another group someone being denied for match and they stated that it couldn't have been more than 2 weeks that has passed since original app. Seems like they are giving just random excuses to deny.

Oh well, thanks anyway!

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I always call to use my DH's FNCs and all they do is send a code to the e-mail on the account, which I have access to. They've never asked to speak to him. I used it once without him by addiing myself as the additional guest and that went smoothly. It wasn't international though.

Since you're using it at a local property, I'm thinking there's not much risk to trying.

That's great to hear. I've been putting off the call all day, but that makes me feel better.

I don't think risky and also not bad karma. Many people look at the annual FNC as the reward for the fee you paid the prior year, which you did.
I often book DH's FNC's with the diamond desk- that's never been an issue. Like they said, as long as you have access to his 2 factor identification, it should not be an issue. And, I think if you are using it locally, it also shouldn't be an issue.

Thank you for making me feel better I may give it a shot tomorrow.

I'm sorry for your loss. I've used FNC from my husband many times. I just put both names on the reservation and when they go to check me in, I just ask for 2 cards "since my husband won't be in till later". I don't know if the comment is really necessary but I like to think that it tells them that I'm not a solo traveler and that he will be there. Even though it's not true. Find someplace to enjoy, he'd want you to relax.

Thank you for the kind comments. Much appreciated. I will be with my daughter so I may just avoid the desk entirely (or have her stay in the car).

 

[afan]

Called AMEX Again (third time). Spoke with a really nice gal in the department for Upgrading/Downgrading cards. Asked again to change my Delta Plat Biz to Delta Gold Biz, was told the same thing that this cannot be changed to Gold. Reason is that the Plat has Expanded Buying Power, where the Gold does not. She said this change took place recently in 2024.

I tried applying for the Delta Gold Biz again - I can get it but without any SUB. I may just keep the Plat for another year and then reevaluate next year. You do get the companion certificate with Plat but I find it harder to use as you can't use with points...

UGHH!

Now on to the CSP or Ink dilemma. DH Could get a CSP but would need to DG to Freedom or Cancel first. I did just cancel one of his INKs in January and he only has 2 Biz cards now. So, may try for that as the SUB is similar but will not take up a 5/24 spot....

So many decisions!!!

Bit late but here's another dp of not being able to downgrade.

 

[Cfabar1]

Amex Plat retention dp: My AF hit last week, I chatted this morning, of course the agent went over all the benefits of the card and then told me there was no retention offer on my account and suggested I downgrade to the gold or green. Sigh, I guess I'll try again and maybe pick up the phone (ugh), anyone have better luck with calling vs chat?

I have not found that to be the thing that makes a difference.

 

[cookiecar]

Does anybody have a workaround for the fact that Hilton gift cards sales are still suspended?

We had drinks and appetizers at a restaurant inside a Hilton (St Louis Union Station) on March 15th. We received the $50 credit some time in the last couple days.

 

[reliev]

@calypso726 it's supposed to be with some bank account in between private client, with multipliers. it had a lot of steam last year; I'm not sure what happened. But from what I remember, it was 175k and 4x on travel and 2x on everything else. I'm not sure of the requirements. It was to compete with BOA and others, offering a multiplayer option for banking/investing with them.

Also, for SW flyers, it looks like there are a ton of boarding zones now, and the points are dynamic now.