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

[Sheree]

heading to Poland and Hungary next March. only airline to fly non stop from ewr, jfk or phl is LOT. of course I can book LOT using my United miles for all flights except the non stop. I can thru chase portal.
flying back from Budapest no non stops. I have 200k FB poins to use so hopefully thru cdg works

for hotels, I can use amex for marriott with my loyalty number but not hilton. I have HH points and am Diamond but it was a lot less MRs to book and I have 500k of them!
the jfk-warsaw flight using MRs was crazy.

any other ideas?
probably use chase portal for trains (warsaw-krakow, and sleeper train krakow to budapest)

 

[Daddybear]

Hi everyone first post here, and would love some advice from the credit card and reward experts!

I'll try to make this as brief as possible. We plan to make a first Disney and Universal trip next year, likely sometime between May and August. 4 of us, me, wife, and 2 kids who will be 8 and 10. I'd like to both earn some and use some travel cards/rewards. We plan to drive from Virginia and would likely stay on site at a value for both parks.

Goals:
it's a little late to plan and accumulate a ton for this trip, so main long term goal would be accumulate points/miles for annual vacations or every other year and shorter trips. Examples- a yearly/every-other-year WDW or Universal trip, week at the beach either hotel or rental house (we live in VA, so examples might be Outer Banks, Ocean City, Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, or other east coast beaches), shorter 2-3 day trips to VA beach oceanfront for marathon events held there, possible cruises- either from FL or Norfolk where Carnival has added a ship port, and possible international travel in the future to somewhere like Ireland or Italy. We would prefer to drive to most destinations. We're also pretty simple- don't need luxury hotels or fancy restaurants, airport lounges, etc. For the most part we're happy with low-mid to mid-tier stuff.

Have Now:
Me with wife as auth user- Barclay Arrival Plus with about 350,000 points that I believe only gets redeemed with booking travel and then redeeming for statement credit. Old card with pretty high credit limit, have had for many years. Also have Amex green for many years, don't even know where the card is and don't use.

11/24- Wells Fargo Active Cash also under me with wife auth user

Spending:
Been trying to cut down on wasteful spending, but major purchases are:
Grocery, including Sam's Club and Costco
Gas, including sometimes at Sam's/Costco
Utilities, some allow using CC as payment method, most don't
Online purchases, Amazon and occasionally others
Kids' expenses- clothing, costs for swimming, tennis, gymnastics,
Home expenses, residence and we have a rental home
Small business expenses- part time business doing junk removal, expenses are gas, dump fees, and commercial insurances but not a whole lot
Healthcare- I've hit my insurance's max OOP last 2 years of $5000 and pay with CC and reimburse through HSA
We don't travel much but would like to do so more so no travel expenses now
We also don't eat out much. Occasional take-out

Been watching a lot of youtube videos about cards, and plan on:

Citi Strata Premier: due to 3x on grocery and gas, some of our biggest expenses and then 10x on travel when we use it and the different points transfers. From all the card breakdowns I've seen and card comparisons it seems like it would be the best option- i Prefered 1 to 4 and choice 1 to 2 and plenty of air for when we need it.

Citi Double Cash: for SUB which transfers 20000 points, then open up Citi Custom Cash for the 5% highest category spend of gas/grocery. Then convert CDC to another CCC for separate category 5%. Funnel all points to the Strata premier.

Bilt, once they launch their cards that allow mortgage payments w/o processing fee sometime in 2026 as I understand

This should take care of most or any expenses we pay and allow build-up over time and with SUB for the type of trips mentioned above without loyalty to an airline or hotel group and redeem/transfer for whichever partner is best for trips we take.

Also wanted to confirm that for my Barclaycard, my understanding is that undercover tourist codes universal and disney as travel, so I can use my 350K points there and redeem for statement credit but if I purchase through WDW they code as entertainment. Is this still accurate?

TLDR: We rarely travel but want to more, want to build up SUB and max our monthly expenses to built over time for short or longer trips, rarely fly but may in the future. Expenses are: gas and grocery (regular and Sam's/Costco), regular online shopping, medical, homeowner expenses, bills, mortgage, some but not much small business. Looking at Citi products as the best fit, with Bilt once they add mortgage points w/o transaction fee in 2026

Expert questions and advice welcome

 

[VGCgroupie]

Sorry, I have been MIA.

I was decluttering, staging , and listing my house in NY. MLS listing went live on 6/18/2025.
We went under contract on 7/3/2025 with a tentative closing date of 8/5/2025.

To keep this credit card related, we had $20k MSR on P2's AmexBizPlat that I was going to use the move to complete. But with the attorney fees, water testing fee, septic pump out fee, auto insurance, auto repair/maintenance, a cruise we are are taking in December, and the first payment on the moving containers, we will meet the MSR easily before the 8/8/2025 cut off date and still have the rest of the move to pay.

I really don't want the stress of trying to apply for another card and MSR to try to put the rest of the move on in less than a month with an address I need to change in 3 weeks... Not to mention ALL the changes to Chase/AMEX I have been seeing but not researching recently.

Getting to my REAL question now!

Anyone use either PODs or PackRat for their move? We are trying to decide which one to pick.

I got quotes from both companies and they are within $100 different between them (I got PODs to match the Pack Rat lower quote), so it is a wash on price. $5103.53 (PODS) vs $5135 (PackRat) for a 16ft container plus an 8ft container.

The PODs quote breakdown is much clearer in writing online. The PackRat one is just the total price. I did get the customer rep at Pack Rat to confirm in an email that the quoted price was the final price including any fuel surcharges after watching a YT video about hidden fuel surcharges by PackRat.

Here's the pros and cons:
PODs:
Pros - Customer service seems better and the pricing breakdown is very clear.
Cons - We had to move the dates back one day (to a Tuesday drop off) because they don't deliver in our area on Mondays, apparently. We read that the garage doors may be difficult to open upon delivery if items shift inside the box during transportation.
Pack Rat:
Pros - We got the exact drop off dates we wanted (Monday). We liked the fact that the container was all metal and that they had barnyard doors that opened out.
Cons - Customer Service was not bad but not as good. I had to email multiple times to get the rep to reply and confirm that my quoted price "was the full price." The quoted price listed in the website portal did not include a detailed breakdown, just the total price plus the taxes and fees.

So, please help me decide between the 2 companies. I need to cancel the one of them ASAP.

TIA

It may be too late now but I just got new Pack rats offers on my Amex cards.

 

[trenty]

Hi everyone first post here, and would love some advice from the credit card and reward experts!

I'll try to make this as brief as possible. We plan to make a first Disney and Universal trip next year, likely sometime between May and August. 4 of us, me, wife, and 2 kids who will be 8 and 10. I'd like to both earn some and use some travel cards/rewards. We plan to drive from Virginia and would likely stay on site at a value for both parks.

Sounds like you have a good plan for your needs. I am no expert as I don't like to churn and stick with my set of cards (Chase/Amex/Discover). I don't have personal experience with the cards you researched, so wait for others to chime in there. The only suggestion I have for you is to look into the Chase cards:

I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Some here like the Chase Sapphire Reserved, but I can't stomach the AF, even with the enhanced benefits. The CSP is my least used card, but I keep it to transfer points from my other Chase cards. I also keep it for rental cars and any overseas travel expenses.

My P2 (DH) has the Chase Freedom Unlimited. This is probably our most used card. It gets 1.5x UR on all purchases. DH can't be bothered to figure out which card to use so I got him this for all of his purchases. I use it when there is not a bonus category on my other cards. I have the Chase Freedom Flex and the Chase Freedom. These are used for 5x rotating categories. The URS from these cards get transferred to the CSP to be used for travel. I usually tranfer to travel partners as needed but ocasionally use the Chase travel portal to book hotels.

I also have the AMEX everyday (no longer available). It is my oldest card (1989). I use it for groceries when there is no bonus on Chase and some everyday small purchases. I like having some MRs too - but URs are my go to travel currency.

I have the Discover IT card - use it only for rotating categories. I use the cash back to pay for the AF on my CSP and other smaller travel expenses when the cash back builds up.

 

[hsmamato2]

Question on the Bilt cc.... ds app'd for the CiC last week, (approved) same day tried for Bilt, denied. He's waiting for a letter, should he call in to ask?

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Citi Double Cash: for SUB which transfers 20000 points, then open up Citi Custom Cash for the 5% highest category spend of gas/grocery. Then convert CDC to another CCC for separate category 5%. Funnel all points to the Strata premier.

The only cards in our portfolio that you mentioned are the Citi Double Cash and Custom Cash. We use the Custom Cash to fill in categories that aren't covered by Freedom Flex or Discover. Most often it's either grocery or gas we put on the custom cash, if that's not covered by another quarterly category card. I give my DH the Double Cash to use as our every day card, for spend that doesn't get any special treatment on other cards, like Walmart and such.

While I don't have the Citi Strata Premier yet, it's on my radar to finish off my Citi trifecta. My main use for that card will be to transfer points to AA travel partner. Also note that the 10x on travel is only for travel booked on the Citi portal. I usually find hotels and car rentals are cheaper by booking elsewhere, than using travel portals, so this wouldn't be useful to me personally.

 

[Sheree]

Hi everyone first post here, and would love some advice from the credit card and reward experts!

I'll try to make this as brief as possible. We plan to make a first Disney and Universal trip next year, likely sometime between May and August. 4 of us, me, wife, and 2 kids who will be 8 and 10. I'd like to both earn some and use some travel cards/rewards. We plan to drive from Virginia and would likely stay on site at a value for both parks.

Goals:
it's a little late to plan and accumulate a ton for this trip, so main long term goal would be accumulate points/miles for annual vacations or every other year and shorter trips. Examples- a yearly/every-other-year WDW or Universal trip, week at the beach either hotel or rental house (we live in VA, so examples might be Outer Banks, Ocean City, Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, or other east coast beaches), shorter 2-3 day trips to VA beach oceanfront for marathon events held there, possible cruises- either from FL or Norfolk where Carnival has added a ship port, and possible international travel in the future to somewhere like Ireland or Italy. We would prefer to drive to most destinations. We're also pretty simple- don't need luxury hotels or fancy restaurants, airport lounges, etc. For the most part we're happy with low-mid to mid-tier stuff.

Have Now:
Me with wife as auth user- Barclay Arrival Plus with about 350,000 points that I believe only gets redeemed with booking travel and then redeeming for statement credit. Old card with pretty high credit limit, have had for many years. Also have Amex green for many years, don't even know where the card is and don't use.

11/24- Wells Fargo Active Cash also under me with wife auth user

Spending:
Been trying to cut down on wasteful spending, but major purchases are:
Grocery, including Sam's Club and Costco
Gas, including sometimes at Sam's/Costco
Utilities, some allow using CC as payment method, most don't
Online purchases, Amazon and occasionally others
Kids' expenses- clothing, costs for swimming, tennis, gymnastics,
Home expenses, residence and we have a rental home
Small business expenses- part time business doing junk removal, expenses are gas, dump fees, and commercial insurances but not a whole lot
Healthcare- I've hit my insurance's max OOP last 2 years of $5000 and pay with CC and reimburse through HSA
We don't travel much but would like to do so more so no travel expenses now
We also don't eat out much. Occasional take-out

Been watching a lot of youtube videos about cards, and plan on:

Citi Strata Premier: due to 3x on grocery and gas, some of our biggest expenses and then 10x on travel when we use it and the different points transfers. From all the card breakdowns I've seen and card comparisons it seems like it would be the best option- i Prefered 1 to 4 and choice 1 to 2 and plenty of air for when we need it.

Citi Double Cash: for SUB which transfers 20000 points, then open up Citi Custom Cash for the 5% highest category spend of gas/grocery. Then convert CDC to another CCC for separate category 5%. Funnel all points to the Strata premier.

Bilt, once they launch their cards that allow mortgage payments w/o processing fee sometime in 2026 as I understand

This should take care of most or any expenses we pay and allow build-up over time and with SUB for the type of trips mentioned above without loyalty to an airline or hotel group and redeem/transfer for whichever partner is best for trips we take.

Also wanted to confirm that for my Barclaycard, my understanding is that undercover tourist codes universal and disney as travel, so I can use my 350K points there and redeem for statement credit but if I purchase through WDW they code as entertainment. Is this still accurate?

TLDR: We rarely travel but want to more, want to build up SUB and max our monthly expenses to built over time for short or longer trips, rarely fly but may in the future. Expenses are: gas and grocery (regular and Sam's/Costco), regular online shopping, medical, homeowner expenses, bills, mortgage, some but not much small business. Looking at Citi products as the best fit, with Bilt once they add mortgage points w/o transaction fee in 2026

Expert questions and advice welcome

open cards as individuals, do not have souse as authorized user. open her own car for sub.

dh had a blt we used for his mom's a/l apartment. it was a nice way to accumulate points. didn't know they were heading into the mortgage payment world!

 

[calypso726]

Thanks for sharing, I was planning to book a stay there for February/March 2026 and the rates went up shortly before the booking dates opened up so I started to look for other options as I wanted to go next year and would not have enough Bonvoy points for Masai Mara. I found Leopard Sands, Krueger Park which is in South Africa https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/szkak-leopard-sands-kruger-park/overview/ so I have a 5 night stay booked for May next year, it was 472,000 for the 5 nights with one night free. It doesn't look like it will be as luxurious as the JW Marriott (and they don't have cameras to borrow which looks like have given you some amazing pictures!) but the reviews I have found have been good (not a ton of information out there compared to Masai Mara). We will also visit Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. I have Q-suites flights booked there and back from Chicago.

You're welcome! Congrats on getting a safari trip booked and getting Qsuites

The luxury idea is cool but we were not in our room very often. I never did use the spa. It looks like Leopard Sands also includes your laundry which is good. I dunno about Krueger, but game drives in the Masai Mara will leave you covered in dust at least during the dry season.

I have had Victoria Falls on my to do list as well, awesome that you will get to see that! Maybe one day for me.

 

[ten6mom]

Good morning all!

Can someone please refresh my memory on being an AU?

My dad has a United card that gives him two lounge passes annually and he NEVER uses them. In the past he has given them to me but I understand they no longer allow this- but I think they would if I were an AU on his card.

I don't fly United often, but I have a couple times in the last couple years and it might be nice to be able to visit a lounge when I do.

What are the potential drawbacks of adding me as an AU in this instance? I am currently 5/24... does it affect my /24 status? If so, I definitely want to avoid that, but anything else?

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Good morning all!

Can someone please refresh my memory on being an AU?

My dad has a United card that gives him two lounge passes annually and he NEVER uses them. In the past he has given them to me but I understand they no longer allow this- but I think they would if I were an AU on his card.

I don't fly United often, but I have a couple times in the last couple years and it might be nice to be able to visit a lounge when I do.

What are the potential drawbacks of adding me as an AU in this instance? I am currently 5/24... does it affect my /24 status? If so, I definitely want to avoid that, but anything else?

Yes, it will add to your 5/24. Do you have any ccs that give you lounge access (AmEx Plat, Cap 1, CSR, etc.)?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Can't answer any of your questions, but just came to say I admire those of you who can pull together international trips in such a short time! I am a very Type A over planner. If I can't plan the trip 8-11 months out, we are not going! I am envious of those who can take advantage of last minute type deals as well. My brain just cannot function like that.

We recently did a weekend trip that I planned a few weeks ahead. It was fun but disappointing. Both the restaurants I wanted were booked as well as the activities I most wanted to do. I said "see this is what happens when I try to be spontaneous." I prefer planning, maybe not 8-11 months but longer than a few weeks.

I second this -- hiking poles are a good idea. Going down, while it should have been easier, is considerably more difficult on the knees than going up (aging sucks!). Poles will help in this regard. I can't remember if I had them or not, I'm thinking that I didn't to stay light, but wished that I did.

Going down requires far more strength and balance. On a down step, one leg is controlling your fall/descent. It's the issue I have with stairs and hiking. I have had knee surgery 3 times on the right knee and now after years of using my left leg for everything that knee is going bad.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

We recently did a weekend trip that I planned a few weeks ahead. It was fun but disappointing. Both the restaurants I wanted were booked as well as the activities I most wanted to do. I said "see this is what happens when I try to be spontaneous." I prefer planning, maybe not 8-11 months but longer than a few weeks.

Oh I am horrible at being spontaneous. It’s just not me
I usually plan international or very involved trips 8-11 months out. But for weekend trips, I can usually plan those 2-5 months out, depending on what it is. Disney I could plan with like 1-2 weeks notice cuz it’s my second home
We just did a quick 3 day trip up to New River Gorge NP, and I planned that about 4 months in advance, mainly so I could get the Airbnb we really wanted. Our jobs also require pretty advance notice for vacations, so I tend to plan out our trips for the year. If I need to plan anything in a few weeks time, I’m majorly stressing.
For those interested in national park trips, NRG was better than we expected! We didn’t have high expectations, since we’ve been to some of the better NPs (Yellowstone/GT, Utah Big 5, Grand Canyon, Volcanoes & Haleakala), but it was a vibe! Very cool seeing the “coal country”, and dogs were allowed on every trail, so it was a fun trip with our pups!

 

[Daddybear]

Sounds like you have a good plan for your needs. I am no expert as I don't like to churn and stick with my set of cards (Chase/Amex/Discover). I don't have personal experience with the cards you researched, so wait for others to chime in there. The only suggestion I have for you is to look into the Chase cards:

I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Some here like the Chase Sapphire Reserved, but I can't stomach the AF, even with the enhanced benefits. The CSP is my least used card, but I keep it to transfer points from my other Chase cards. I also keep it for rental cars and any overseas travel expenses.

My P2 (DH) has the Chase Freedom Unlimited. This is probably our most used card. It gets 1.5x UR on all purchases. DH can't be bothered to figure out which card to use so I got him this for all of his purchases. I use it when there is not a bonus category on my other cards. I have the Chase Freedom Flex and the Chase Freedom. These are used for 5x rotating categories. The URS from these cards get transferred to the CSP to be used for travel. I usually tranfer to travel partners as needed but ocasionally use the Chase travel portal to book hotels.

I also have the AMEX everyday (no longer available). It is my oldest card (1989). I use it for groceries when there is no bonus on Chase and some everyday small purchases. I like having some MRs too - but URs are my go to travel currency.

I have the Discover IT card - use it only for rotating categories. I use the cash back to pay for the AF on my CSP and other smaller travel expenses when the cash back builds up.

Thank you! I've taken a quick look I think for us the rewards and multipliers come out a little better on the Citi cards. But if the portals are better for redemption then that might help. Can anyone offer a good comparison of the pros and cons of Citi vs Chase portals?

 

[ten6mom]

Yes, it will add to your 5/24. Do you have any ccs that give you lounge access (AmEx Plat, Cap 1, CSR, etc.)?

Ah, thank you.

No, I don't have any other lounge access cards. I still don't fly a ton so I've never felt it worth it so get/keep one. No big deal; thank you for taking the time!

 

[Daddybear]

The only cards in our portfolio that you mentioned are the Citi Double Cash and Custom Cash. We use the Custom Cash to fill in categories that aren't covered by Freedom Flex or Discover. Most often it's either grocery or gas we put on the custom cash, if that's not covered by another quarterly category card. I give my DH the Double Cash to use as our every day card, for spend that doesn't get any special treatment on other cards, like Walmart and such.

While I don't have the Citi Strata Premier yet, it's on my radar to finish off my Citi trifecta. My main use for that card will be to transfer points to AA travel partner. Also note that the 10x on travel is only for travel booked on the Citi portal. I usually find hotels and car rentals are cheaper by booking elsewhere, than using travel portals, so this wouldn't be useful to me personally.

Thank you- I could be wrong but it looks like CDC and CC match well with our expenses which also match well with Strata Premier.

I have no experience using point transfers- how is AA as a point transfer to use for hotels? Although I haven't mentioned it, I know you can book some DW resorts through 3rd party websites. Able to do that through any portals/transfers? Or like Swan/Dolphin with Marriott Bonvoy. But I doubt we would travel or stay enough with them to make any marriot card worth it.

 

[StephPlum]

Oh I am horrible at being spontaneous. It’s just not me
I usually plan international or very involved trips 8-11 months out. But for weekend trips, I can usually plan those 2-5 months out, depending on what it is. Disney I could plan with like 1-2 weeks notice cuz it’s my second home
We just did a quick 3 day trip up to New River Gorge NP, and I planned that about 4 months in advance, mainly so I could get the Airbnb we really wanted. Our jobs also require pretty advance notice for vacations, so I tend to plan out our trips for the year. If I need to plan anything in a few weeks time, I’m majorly stressing.
For those interested in national park trips, NRG was better than we expected! We didn’t have high expectations, since we’ve been to some of the better NPs (Yellowstone/GT, Utah Big 5, Grand Canyon, Volcanoes & Haleakala), but it was a vibe! Very cool seeing the “coal country”, and dogs were allowed on every trail, so it was a fun trip with our pups!

This park is on my list, only a 4 hour drive from me. Was 3 days plenty of time for the park? Would you share the area you stayed in? I can't figure out where to stay. Not as easy as those with must stay in-park lodges or easy gateway towns like Zion/Springdale.

Now that I am retired, I am trying to see how to be spontaneous. No need to request PTO, it is all PTO! That said I am an uber planner and have 2026 planned and booked for the first half of the year; planned for second half of the year. And rough ideas for 2027.

 

[afan]

Good morning all!

Can someone please refresh my memory on being an AU?

My dad has a United card that gives him two lounge passes annually and he NEVER uses them. In the past he has given them to me but I understand they no longer allow this- but I think they would if I were an AU on his card.

I don't fly United often, but I have a couple times in the last couple years and it might be nice to be able to visit a lounge when I do.

What are the potential drawbacks of adding me as an AU in this instance? I am currently 5/24... does it affect my /24 status? If so, I definitely want to avoid that, but anything else?

It will add but how long has he had the card? If I remember/understand correctly, it should add it with the card open date, not when you are added as an AU.

 

[Daddybear]

open cards as individuals, do not have souse as authorized user. open her own car for sub.

dh had a blt we used for his mom's a/l apartment. it was a nice way to accumulate points. didn't know they were heading into the mortgage payment world!

Thank you, we will do that. Should we limit how soon we apply for cards for each of us? Can we each apply for a card on the same date since we have the same address? and we should wait 30 days before applying for a second if I recall correctly what others have said on youtube videos.

With any bank (Citi, Chase, etc) can we pool points together or use use rewards/redemptions consecutively- like would we have to use rewards with mine to book 2 nights, and then 2 with hers for 2 different reservations for 4 consecutive nights? Doubling up on SUB for cards is something I had not thought about!!


Follow up for anyone that knows- Is one platform better than another for purchasing park tickets? For 4 of us any trip to Disney/Universal they will be the biggest expense as we like to go with inexpensive accommodations and will spend some but not a ton on food. Is UC the best way since they are coded as travel vs entertainment?

 

[miztressuz]

Good morning all!

Can someone please refresh my memory on being an AU?

My dad has a United card that gives him two lounge passes annually and he NEVER uses them. In the past he has given them to me but I understand they no longer allow this- but I think they would if I were an AU on his card.

I don't fly United often, but I have a couple times in the last couple years and it might be nice to be able to visit a lounge when I do.

What are the potential drawbacks of adding me as an AU in this instance? I am currently 5/24... does it affect my /24 status? If so, I definitely want to avoid that, but anything else?

Unless it has changed and I missed it, Chase back dates the AU to the original card open date of the cardholder. So if he opened the card more than 2 years ago, then even when it shows up on your report it will be outside the 24 months. If it was less, then it could affect your 5/24 state.

Only other drawback is just in general AU stuff. Being an AU on an account with good credit is helpful, if the account has any negatives then it is not so helpful. The AU sword swings both ways.

 

[StephPlum]

Oh definitely! We've just recently shifted our Europe trip planned for next year to exchange it for Washington instead (Mt rainier, Olympic national park) kind of because of the same mindset... How many years do we have left to do some of the more intense hikes?! At least that’s my reasoning. Europe will be there, but in my mind that is a trip we can still easily do in 10-20 years if we want to.

Olympic and MtRainier are beautiful. If you have time, add in N. Cascades. I didn't and kick myself all the time. I'll have to get back out there. In Mt Rainier, we stayed in Paradise at the Paradise Inn. Great location and I used to see it on the Chase Portal. No idea if it is still there or not. Books up very quickly.
Unfortunately, Grove of the Patriarchs is still closed due to flood damage. It was one of our favorite spots.

Have fun!