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

[Sheree]

Are you looking as far out in the 2026 calendar as possible? AC website usually has a lot of availability for LOT, not sure if that helps you, but they are a transfer partner of Chase. About the only decent use of AP points now is for partner bookings since AC uses dynamic pricing (and their redemptions are sky high). In order to search AC availability you need an account (like BA and Singapore Air).

looking for March 2026
I have a BA account.
is AC air canada? are you saying possibly transfer points to AC and book LOT thru them? or would BA Avios work?

 

[becauseimnew]

yeah the comments say it ended 8/1 on reddit. Would you do the 80k? I have called 3 branches 3 days in a row no luck.

https://online.citi.com/US/ag/cards...836c2e711ebb84f1ea40ab0fd6e3766f4529c2f922bad

 

[becauseimnew]

looking for March 2026
I have a BA account.
is AC air canada? are you saying possibly transfer points to AC and book LOT thru them? or would BA Avios work?

Yes, you should be book through Air Canada, they are a Chase transfer.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

@calypso726 Thanks for the great trip report. It's really inspired me to look into safari more than the limited research I've already done. The camera comparison was so eye-opening! Thank you for sharing that.

The JW prices are around 900-950k for 5 nights (225k ea nt/5th nt free), so certainly an investment.

I have been looking at Mapito Safari Camp, Luxury Collection, opening this fall, in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Cash prices are around $1500-1800/nt or pts prices around 190k/nt outside of their first few months of opening. There is very limited info out there about this resort, but supposedly includes "park and concession fees, private vehicle, all-inclusive, camera rental program, possibly night safaris and retracting tent roofs", according to randos on the internet. Have you looked into this at all; any word on this camp?

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

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.

So excited to hear about your trip when you return! Congrats on Q-suites both ways!!!

 

[calypso726]

@calypso726 Thanks for the great trip report. It's really inspired me to look into safari more than the limited research I've already done. The camera comparison was so eye-opening! Thank you for sharing that.

The JW prices are around 900-950k for 5 nights (225k ea nt/5th nt free), so certainly an investment.

I have been looking at Mapito Safari Camp, Luxury Collection, opening this fall, in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Cash prices are around $1500-1800/nt or pts prices around 190k/nt outside of their first few months of opening. There is very limited info out there about this resort, but supposedly includes "park and concession fees, private vehicle, all-inclusive, camera rental program, possibly night safaris and retracting tent roofs", according to randos on the internet. Have you looked into this at all; any word on this camp?

You're welcome! Yes, I have and it is fantastic for points or cash! I couldn't find any info on camera rentals on their website, so I would absolutely be sure they have that or make arrangements to rent one and bring it with you. IMHO that is a must for what may be a once in a lifetime trip. If you are like me and don't know how to use a proper camera and lens, keep it on auto and make sure the lens is a 100-500. That will handle 95% of your pictures. I see they have night game drives and for those one would need to adjust the camera beyond auto for low light.

Park fees included is a huge money saver! Ours were $200 per person per day. Having your own private safari vehicle without an additional cost is also outstanding. I see the website states that 4 of the big 5 roam the area. I would ask if they take you to the area where the rhinos frequent if the Big 5 is on your list.

Now, the reasons that I personally am unlikely to book Mapito have nothing to do with the resort and what I think they will offer or anything like that. It is a fantastic deal and I am sure well worth the points or cash. I discovered a new irrational fear as we got closer to our trip with regards to lions. The population of lions is higher in Tanzania than Masai Mara. The layout of the lodge camp is a non starter for me. At night, one must be escorted back to the lodge for safety reasons. Hyenas, lions etc. I was in lodge 20 at JWMM and that was way too long of a walk or golf cart ride after dinner which left my anxiety about nocturnal wildlife shooting through the roof. All 15 of the tents at Mapito would require that long walk/golf cart ride. I'm just not doing that again. I've already spoken with the staff at JWMM and was assured that if/when we come again, we could make arrangements so that I will be in the tent right next to the restaurant. I explain this for anyone considering this type of an amazing experience that may also have trepidation or is downright panic stricken over the wildlife. Don't get me wrong, I would absolutely do the trip again despite my fear. I just now know the steps that I need to take to be sure I am able to mitigate them at a manageable level. For me that is a tent right next to the restaurant, a very experienced guide and a private vehicle so I can request we do not go anywhere near any lions at all. Hope this helps

 

[hsmamato2]

Unfortunately I don't have anything WF. Googling gets me this from WalletHub:
The minimum Wells Fargo credit card requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a good credit score of 700 or better, and earning enough income to afford monthly bill payments. You also need to have a Social Security number or International Tax Identification Number. Some requirements may vary depending on the card.

Does he have any personal cards on his report? Might just be lack of credit history since no revolving credit. Might want to get an entry personal card to build his history.

he's got a score between 750 and 800 (depends on where you check) and credit history about 7 years ( started him as my au pretty young) that's why he was all confused (kind of made me laugh, it felt personal to him) this was the only time he's ever gotten a 'no' from a cc app. I told him to wait a month and he could prob try again (?) I just think it's odd they're saying no mortgage when it's a renters card....

 

[hsmamato2]

So I can say this here bc it's rambling... I'm looking at all the cc's for airlines right now, and I have no loyalty ATM. I'm coming off my SWA loyalty (can't app for their cc anyway right now) with just a few thousand points to use up and then who knows? Starting to get into AA,but they have no direct flights to MCO for me,and I know I'll be wanting those in future....but I love AA in general now that I've tried it.... I have a few leftover Jetblue points from some trips a few years back,and considering the new (very good) offers I'm seeing to use for Florida flights in the future (what kind of upside down world is this where JB flights are coming up cheaper than SWA?) It's really hard to make a decision about next cc,anyone else having this problem? Prob overall AA is more valuable to me I guess....

 

[reliev]

https://online.citi.com/US/ag/cards...836c2e711ebb84f1ea40ab0fd6e3766f4529c2f922bad

View attachment 992737

thanks got approved

 

[Limes96]

https://online.citi.com/US/ag/cards...836c2e711ebb84f1ea40ab0fd6e3766f4529c2f922bad

View attachment 992737

I’m ready for a new card. Was considering the United Quest but might go with this. Is this a safe link or one of the ones considered risky? I know there was a link when the card was first released that (I think?) DoC said use at your own risk.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

So I can say this here bc it's rambling... I'm looking at all the cc's for airlines right now, and I have no loyalty ATM. I'm coming off my SWA loyalty (can't app for their cc anyway right now) with just a few thousand points to use up and then who knows? Starting to get into AA,but they have no direct flights to MCO for me,and I know I'll be wanting those in future....but I love AA in general now that I've tried it.... I have a few leftover Jetblue points from some trips a few years back,and considering the new (very good) offers I'm seeing to use for Florida flights in the future (what kind of upside down world is this where JB flights are coming up cheaper than SWA?) It's really hard to make a decision about next cc,anyone else having this problem? Prob overall AA is more valuable to me I guess....

Me. I am also having this problem.

 

[becauseimnew]

I’m ready for a new card. Was considering the United Quest but might go with this. Is this a safe link or one of the ones considered risky? I know there was a link when the card was first released that (I think?) DoC said use at your own risk.

It's a use at your own risk.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

@calypso726 Thanks for the great trip report. It's really inspired me to look into safari more than the limited research I've already done. The camera comparison was so eye-opening! Thank you for sharing that.

The JW prices are around 900-950k for 5 nights (225k ea nt/5th nt free), so certainly an investment.

I have been looking at Mapito Safari Camp, Luxury Collection, opening this fall, in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Cash prices are around $1500-1800/nt or pts prices around 190k/nt outside of their first few months of opening. There is very limited info out there about this resort, but supposedly includes "park and concession fees, private vehicle, all-inclusive, camera rental program, possibly night safaris and retracting tent roofs", according to randos on the internet. Have you looked into this at all; any word on this camp?

I was also looking at Mapito; we have just shy of 400k BonBlah points, but I don't think there's any way that we can get another 400k in the next few months. Maybe a good transfer offer from AmEx or Chase will roll around, then I'd consider moving points to make the trip happen.

@calypso726 I understand your fear -- those night walks back to your cabin are no joke. Biggest scare we had was in Zambia, leaving our cabin in the morning for the walk to breakfast; the cabins were round-ish, as I was coming around the side of our cabin, about 4' from me was a hippo munching the grass. I grabbed my dd (who was on her phone just behind me) and we ran for our lives back to our cabin. I called for an escort to breakfast once inside. It was broad daylight -- for a hippo to be out of the water was unusual, so it was very unexpected. People asked if I got a picture -- duh, no I didn't stop to take a pic, that split second could be the difference between life and death. Hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa to people.

 

[nlenguyen]

I wanted to follow up with a post I made a few weeks ago about Hertz Presidents Circle. I booked directly on their website. I got to the HLE and apparently there was only 1 mid-size SUV (category I booked). They really did not give me a choice for any upgrade. When I went to drop off the car 5 days later there were many more choices so I am not sure if it was by chance that they did not have many cars to rent or it is not showing on my account to get available upgrades if possible.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

Chase data point: I applied for the United Quest 100k card. I got the review page followed by a call from Chase (thank God I answered) verifiying that it was me who applied for the card followed by an immediate approval of $13k. She said the card should arrive in 1-2 weeks.

I'm almost at premier gold so I thought this, combined with my upcoming flights would likely put me there. I have college tuition due, and a minimum of 4 United flights in the next few months (work related), but will pay for my husband's flights with this card.

I still need to drop my SW card. Why am I dragging my feet?

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Approved for CIC with DH's referral (and DH got one, too, a couple of weeks ago). So looking forward to fee free Visa week later this month. I guess these will be our last INKS with referral kickbacks, sad about that. I guess it might be worth it to try for one more for DH in early October (2.5 month velocity), though Chase might not like that

 

[reliev]

I still need to drop my SW card. Why am I dragging my feet?

nostalgia? I would move over the credit before closing, though.

 

[wanderlust7]

Approved for CIC with DH's referral (and DH got one, too, a couple of weeks ago). So looking forward to fee free Visa week later this month. I guess these will be our last INKS with referral kickbacks, sad about that. I guess it might be worth it to try for one more for DH in early October (2.5 month velocity), though Chase might not like that

I think it's fine if your previous velocity has been 3 months or more and you can get your open biz cards to 2 or less. I'm on a similar timeline and plan to get one for each of us in early October. I'll make sure the next Chase card after that is spaced longer so it still averages out to 3 months.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

re LOT airlines
doesn't look like amex or chase transfers to them. they are a united partner but every flight with stops turns up but not the non stop I want! using miles
i could buy it thru Chase using URs but would rather book thru an airline
any other thoughts? noone else does a non stop to warsaw or krakow

I had to login to my AC account and ran a random date for LOT. Not sure where you're departing from or your date, but first try I found this flight:

 

[becauseimnew]

With Hawaii Airline miles going away, has anyone thought about applying for the Hawaiian Airlines Business card?

Any data points on approvals?
https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/hawaiianmiles2/credit-card-business