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

[elgerber]

I was wondering what the highest SUB was... Wish it was more. Yeah those fees add up a lot. Was thinking I could use my BOA Premium Rewards Card for the fees (Comes with $300 for Airline Incidentals). Of course, not able to use on Sun Country. UGGGHH!

Wow, that is dumb. I think the sub I got was 40000 points. I do like how you use their points, it's just a dollar credit off your total cost, seats and everything. And then you can just pay for the difference.

 

[LynnTH]

Wow, that is dumb. I think the sub I got was 40000 points. I do like how you use their points, it's just a dollar credit off your total cost, seats and everything. And then you can just pay for the difference.

Just applied and Instant Approval (which was nice since Chase says I have too much unused credit with them). Do have 1 trip booked with them which I have not bought bags yet and 2 more possible trips to book when they open the booking window for December and January. So, this will definitely help with all those extra fees.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

We're in the early plannings of a Germany/Italy trip next May. We can do direct flights from our home airport (CLT) to Munich on AA, but then we'd be looking for flights from Rome back to USA. I can't find any directs anymore from FCO to CLT on AA (which I'm pretty sure there used to be). Who all do you use to fly from Rome? We have URs we can transfer, and not opposed to doing a flight into JFK or ORD or whatever, since it's then a quick short flight home.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Yes, the physical cards work. I tried to order e-gift cards, and my orders kept getting cancelled by Walmart. So I just ordered $50 physical cards. Received the email from Amex almost immediately that I redeemed my offer.

You probably already do this but thought I’d chime in anyway. Be sure to check your cards when they arrive. I’ve ordered many physical cards from Walmart but my most recent order I got one card that was never activated. Walmart ended up refunding me but it took many phone calls and many online chats to finally get someone to clearly understand and make it right.

 

[ahself]

Southwest just announced the new credit card benefits when assigned seating starts on their website….will probably keep my business performance card and cancel the priority.

Ts&Cs

Re: checked bags - "The primary Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember and up to eight Passengers traveling on the same reservation are each eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free."

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

We're in the early plannings of a Germany/Italy trip next May. We can do direct flights from our home airport (CLT) to Munich on AA, but then we'd be looking for flights from Rome back to USA. I can't find any directs anymore from FCO to CLT on AA (which I'm pretty sure there used to be). Who all do you use to fly from Rome? We have URs we can transfer, and not opposed to doing a flight into JFK or ORD or whatever, since it's then a quick short flight home.

I'm surprised that you aren't seeing a flight from FCO--> LHR-->CLT. Maybe play around with the dates by a day or two; if nothing shows up, then I'd definitely look at flying into JFK or ORD, then back to CLT. I do not like to transfer MRs or URs to airlines when I can find availability on airline currency that I have (AA, BA, AC and United TB cash). For reference, I just booked a flight from Bologna-->LHR-->YYZ using dh's AA points as a backup plan (also have a flight booked on AC). When connecting in London I am most comfortable with at least 3 hours between flights (since you have to go through security again upon arrival and security at Heathrow is next level and slower than you possibly imagine).

Found the below flights -- would either of the Iberia ones work for you? I'm always willing to transfer at least once to avoid having to transfer MRs or URs to an airline.

 

[newski_mom]

Ts&Cs

Re: checked bags - "The primary Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember and up to eight Passengers traveling on the same reservation are each eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free."

Interesting - seems like it would be worth it to keep a biz performance or priority if you fly southwest very often. My CP expires at the end of this year. I'm hoping that the option will still be there to get the CP by opening a credit card or two. I'd like to start the process for DH at the end of this year to earn early next year if that path is still there.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

I'm surprised that you aren't seeing a flight from FCO--> LHR-->CLT. Maybe play around with the dates by a day or two; if nothing shows up, then I'd definitely look at flying into JFK or ORD, then back to CLT. I do not like to transfer MRs or URs to airlines when I can find availability on airline currency that I have (AA, BA, AC and United TB cash). For reference, I just booked a flight from Bologna-->LHR-->YYZ using dh's AA points as a backup plan (also have a flight booked on AC). When connecting in London I am most comfortable with at least 3 hours between flights (since you have to go through security again upon arrival and security at Heathrow is next level and slower than you possibly imagine).

Found the below flights -- would either of the Iberia ones work for you? I'm always willing to transfer at least once to avoid having to transfer MRs or URs to an airline.

View attachment 961177

Huh, that’s so crazy. These flights don’t show up for me if I input the same exact dates. The only way they show up is if I do it as a multi city trip, and input FCO->MAD and then MAD->CLT, and then it’s like 55k. I wonder if it has to do with the fact that you’re searching from Canada? Also jealous about the points price it’s showing you vs me, lol.

 

[iujen94]

Huh, that’s so crazy. These flights don’t show up for me if I input the same exact dates. The only way they show up is if I do it as a multi city trip, and input FCO->MAD and then MAD->CLT, and then it’s like 55k. I wonder if it has to do with the fact that you’re searching from Canada? Also jealous about the points price it’s showing you vs me, lol.

The Frequent Miler podcast was JUST talking last weekend about a strategy of changing your location to Canada on airline websites to potentially see expanded availability! Although they did caution to be extra sure that expanded availability isn’t phantom space.

 

[Frwinkley]

Any down side to prepaying utilities?

Trying to meet a spend amount (the last $1k), while avoiding the service charge that many charge for using a credit card. They don’t charge for recurring payments, only for one time charges.

My water company does not in either case, so I was thinking about throwing the $1k there.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

The Frequent Miler podcast was JUST talking last weekend about a strategy of changing your location to Canada on airline websites to potentially see expanded availability! Although they did caution to be extra sure that expanded availability isn’t phantom space.

WOW, this is SO crazy. I just tried it, changing my location to Canada, and then sure enough, the flights DO show up like how they show in @*WDW*Groupie* image!!! Very, very sneaky. Thank you for posting about this! It is actually a very interesting strategy that I will likely use!!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

My CP expires at the end of this year. I'm hoping that the option will still be there to get the CP by opening a credit card or two.

VERY curious about whether this is going to be around much longer. Our family has gotten an incredible value out of CPs, SW is definitely losing money on them with us, and it makes me think they are not long for this world (or at least not with CC spend that can be generated without actually giving SW any of your real money).

 

[newski_mom]

VERY curious about whether this is going to be around much longer. Our family has gotten an incredible value out of CPs, SW is definitely losing money on them with us, and it makes me think they are not long for this world (or at least not with CC spend that can be generated without actually giving SW any of your real money).

That's my worry too - DH and I have taken many short trips that we would have never taken without the CP. I'm hoping it holds on just a little longer!

STL is our home airport and last I heard over 60% of the flights there are SW. I've started looking at the other airlines and most of the trips that we take would require a layover where SW has direct routes. I'm hopeful that the changes will not hurt our options too much here in the midwest.

 

[reliev]

The Frequent Miler podcast was JUST talking last weekend about a strategy of changing your location to Canada on airline websites to potentially see expanded availability! Although they did caution to be extra sure that expanded availability isn’t phantom space.

Yep, I saw that, too. I forgot to post. I have failed this thread, lol. To be honest, I think it's because Canada's travel is down in general; they have more availability, but this is pure speculation.

 

[reliev]

VERY curious about whether this is going to be around much longer. Our family has gotten an incredible value out of CPs, SW is definitely losing money on them with us, and it makes me think they are not long for this world (or at least not with CC spend that can be generated without actually giving SW any of your real money).

I read somewhere, maybe it was DoC, that it was May 12th, then it's going back to 60k.

 

[reliev]

I'm surprised that you aren't seeing a flight from FCO--> LHR-->CLT. Maybe play around with the dates by a day or two; if nothing shows up, then I'd definitely look at flying into JFK or ORD, then back to CLT. I do not like to transfer MRs or URs to airlines when I can find availability on airline currency that I have (AA, BA, AC and United TB cash). For reference, I just booked a flight from Bologna-->LHR-->YYZ using dh's AA points as a backup plan (also have a flight booked on AC). When connecting in London I am most comfortable with at least 3 hours between flights (since you have to go through security again upon arrival and security at Heathrow is next level and slower than you possibly imagine).

Found the below flights -- would either of the Iberia ones work for you? I'm always willing to transfer at least once to avoid having to transfer MRs or URs to an airline.

View attachment 961177

Thanks for reminding me of this I just searched availability using Canada too for the flight for my friend Is he able to just change it now to Canadian and book it? It shows availability both ways. And ofc he's not answering.
Edit its working in US currency now too so weird. Also, this is the first time I've ever seen first class availability on British Airways for partner bookings.

 

[miztressuz]

Any down side to prepaying utilities?

Trying to meet a spend amount (the last $1k), while avoiding the service charge that many charge for using a credit card. They don’t charge for recurring payments, only for one time charges.

My water company does not in either case, so I was thinking about throwing the $1k there.

For me, mostly only that my savings account is sadder.

My water charges a flat fee per payment, so last few years I pay for roughly the year in one go. I know I'll spend it. I don't have a choice in providers so doesn't seem to make a difference if I pay it as I go or pay once and let them work it off.

But if it's someone you can change out, I don't like to overpay because refund policies can change.

We used to have Waste Management for our trash collector. One year AmEx had an offer so I prepaid essentially a year's worth to trigger it. Conveniently they raised their rates the 20% or so that I just got at a discount But ok whatever. But by the 3rd quarter it was egregious, they were more than double the competitor. I negotiated a "courtesy" discount but they couldn't apply ahead so I'd have to call the next quarter. Well that fell apart when I tried to get them to honor it the following quarter and long story a bit shorter, I had to cut ties with them with a $40 credit on the account. They do not refund. Period. So that's $40 bucks I literally (or ironically) threw away by prepaying.

Sad to say I still saved waaay more even with the $40 loss, and I knew that risk when I prepaid. I just really didn't think they were going scorched earth in the neighborhood that fast. I had already decided it was going to be my last pay ahead with them to try to avoid any cancellation issues, just a little late on my timing! But that's my cautionary tale for pre-payments. Just assess your situation both financially and policy wise. And even if someone has a reasonable refund policy now, they could change in the future.

 

[havaneselover]

Wondering if anyone can help me think through trip insurance for my Canada/NE cruise with my mom. When I price it out using insuremytrip or squaremouth, it's expensive because of my mom's age (about 10% of the vacation price). I can add Princess' coverage which has CFAR (you basically get your money to apply to a future cruise which I can live with). But then I looked on Costco and they have travel insurance (through Zurich) and it doesn't seem age dependent and it's about 5% of the trip cost with decent coverage. I need to figure this out soon because I know if I don't go through Princess I need to buy it within 14 or 21 days of booking. Of course I have my CSR which I'm using to pay the deposit (using points for the balance), but I'm just not sure I'm comfortable relying on it with my mom going with me.

 

[amcc]

Wondering if anyone can help me think through trip insurance for my Canada/NE cruise with my mom. When I price it out using insuremytrip or squaremouth, it's expensive because of my mom's age (about 10% of the vacation price). I can add Princess' coverage which has CFAR (you basically get your money to apply to a future cruise which I can live with). But then I looked on Costco and they have travel insurance (through Zurich) and it doesn't seem age dependent and it's about 5% of the trip cost with decent coverage. I need to figure this out soon because I know if I don't go through Princess I need to buy it within 14 or 21 days of booking. Of course I have my CSR which I'm using to pay the deposit (using points for the balance), but I'm just not sure I'm comfortable relying on it with my mom going with me.

For our cruise last year, I priced it out on those websites but then called in about some questions I had (I think to insuremytrip). The price they quoted me on the phone was less than half of what I was getting online and as far as I could tell, included all the benefits that I was getting online.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

I'm surprised that you aren't seeing a flight from FCO--> LHR-->CLT. Maybe play around with the dates by a day or two; if nothing shows up, then I'd definitely look at flying into JFK or ORD, then back to CLT. I do not like to transfer MRs or URs to airlines when I can find availability on airline currency that I have (AA, BA, AC and United TB cash). For reference, I just booked a flight from Bologna-->LHR-->YYZ using dh's AA points as a backup plan (also have a flight booked on AC). When connecting in London I am most comfortable with at least 3 hours between flights (since you have to go through security again upon arrival and security at Heathrow is next level and slower than you possibly imagine).

Found the below flights -- would either of the Iberia ones work for you? I'm always willing to transfer at least once to avoid having to transfer MRs or URs to an airline.

View attachment 961177

Also thanks for posting this search! I would have never even known these flights existed... I would much rather use AA miles for the flights as well. URs are far more valuable used elsewhere, imo.