I love credit cards so much!

[Judique]

I am much happier that I just got the $49 IHG card for DH and that I also have the card. I doubt I would use the 4th night free benefit much, so getting the same reward certificate for $40 less is a great deal. Plus getting points back from bookings makes it a keeper for us.

And if I really wanted the 4th night free, I could just get the $29 card and still come out ahead.

ETA: And reading the details more, the 4th night free seems to only apply to points bookings. So if you pay cash, you don't get the discount. Definitely decreases it's usefulness in some situations.

I've never stayed at any IHG property more than 3 nights. So a 4th night wouldn't appear to be of value for me either.

SPG hotels - yes! I used to do a combo of cash and points to stay at the Swan (and once at the Dolphin) for from 5-7 nights. Swan used to have a club level as well - it disappeared and I'm not sure if it came back or not. I was eligible for the teachers rate of $129 a night and tax (before they started adding parking and resort fees). I would get my best rate whatever that might have been and then call and ask to have club added and they would charge me 1000 points a night. Not happening these days but I've only tried a few resorts for that little perk - was much better than 'hoping' for an upgrade at the desk.

When I go to Ocean City for my weekend summer trips it is usually just 2 nights a couple to 3 times each summer, because it's not my vacation destination but my 'weekend away' focus. That will still happen as buying points makes the hotel I use still in my price range - I've been doing this for years. Of course that price has inched up as well, but not as drastically as the nightly points increase has which has more than doubled since I started using this hotel. It's a great ocean front location, midway on the boardwalk. The Hyatt is 3 blocks away.

And, they are going to lose me to Hyatt if they don't renovate soon - a problem when a hotel is in a seasonal market. It's not bad, I just prefer to have things more upgraded and this was built in 2001. Perhaps if I was new coming in I would say 'this is nice' but I'm ready for some changes. I'm going to use Hyatt at least once this year, probably in early September and by then I'll have started collecting UR points to supplement Hyatt free nights and points.

 

[miztressuz]

The Southwest referral links are back down to 40,000. Boo

Many frownie faces

My premier one didn't even redirect to a new offer, just said it was done. The Plus redirected and the only plus side off hand is that it's only 1k in spend for the 40k. Now I'm off to Chase to check out the new Premier offer.

ETA: Premier was the same as the Plus. I'm guessing it didn't redirect because I seemed have one the old "applynow" links for that one, never noticed that before.

 

[1st*toright]

@wendow Timberline is still open as of tonight. I haven't seen anything else about it closing yet

Yay- planning to have lunch there tomorrow, provided our flight gets in on time - we only have a 1.5 hour layover in Denver and we're on Southwest (early bird), so gotta be there when boarding starts! Lunch for 4 for the cost of a tip is a great value! Oh, and I guess I could stay to pay the bill and have DH and the kiddos board in the A group. They could leave a middle seat open between DH and my little one (and maybe encourage her to be extra rambunctious during boarding so no one wants to sit next to her...) then it won't matter if I don't make it when the As are boarding

DH has 8 more stays to renew Hilton Diamond for next year, so in a couple weeks I am going to have him switch over to marriott/SPG properties so we can build our stash of points there and work on status. So it is time to decide which marriott/starwood card is best for him. It sounds like you guys think SPG is better, right? And the status is reciprocal, right? So if he does a SPG card he gets credit towards status and can do the rest through stays, and then voila have Marriott status too? I saw that Marriott gives you silver with their card, so it could work in reverse. Seems like earning 4x on the SPG is better than earning 5x on the Marriott. SPG Biz is better than personal because of the Sheraton lounge access? Where am I going wrong?

ETA: but Marriott gives the anniversary night...hmmnn

Late to respond, but with status match getting gold with Starwood is good - doesn't get you much at Starwood, but gets you lounge access/breakfast at Marriotts. Platinum at Marriott doesn't get you much (other than additional points when you stay - they aren't good about doing upgrades in the US) but Platinum with Starwood gets you an upgraded room more often than not. I used to be Marriott Platinum, and I got more value from it at Starwoods than Marriotts because of upgrades (including a suite at the Swan)! I'm traveling a lot less for work than I used to, so I'm only Marriott Gold this year, and will likely drop to (gasp...) Silver next year. That's one of the reasons I just cancelled my Marriott fee card, and am sticking with the SPG. Will start trying to use more Starwood properties in my travels after this year - maybe I can make it back up to Gold. If your DH can pick his hotels, I would recommend getting the SPG and then picking either Starwood or Marriott and getting to as high status as he can (sucks that nights at both don't count for status - you have to pick your poison). If he can do the SPG Biz, then he can at least get immediate lounge access while working on status.

 

[WVMomof3]

I think I am going crazy. I changed my SW links on Dis churners checked them and made sure they were ok. I went back to change the spend to $1000 because I didn't see it the first time and it is back to the 50,000 offer. I change again and verify that it says 40,000 and it works and I go back and it is the old 50.000 offer again! Aughhh What am I doing wrong? I hit save. I know I did because I checked the link after. I have changed for the 3rd time, lets see if it stays. I feel like I keep going to an alternate universe. All this trouble for a link nobody will probably ever use.

 

[Eeyore2142]

I decided to apply for the old IHG card before it went away. The point level for the free night is fine with me as I wanted to use it to supplement hotels on drives to Disney (19 hours so we spend one night in the middle of nowhere). After staying at a sketchy Quality Inn in Georgia last Friday, I told my husband I want Marriott or Holiday Inns, so this works. I also wanted a card to add an authorized user to with a bonus because I need to give a card to my mom for when she has expenses with my kids. Because her credit stinks, I wanted something I can watch.

Anyway...I can confirm it is not considered in 5/24 for applying. I am over that at this point and, while got the 30 day notice online, the card is showing in my portal.

Car rental - I used Costco the last few times and have been matched with Avis and Alamo. Both great rates and cheaper than I have ever gotten.

DH plans to start doing his part of this at the end of the year to get the companion pass again (I earned it early in 17, so have it all year). I am keeping on him because he also got an AA card for the bonus so we can fly to Europe in 19. I don't want him to apply willy nilly. I need to pull his credit report to see the exact number he is at. I think he is at 2/24.

Now I need to look forward. Between business expenses and personal stuff, I can easily meet the minimum spends (I have over $5000 in business expenses in the next 3 months). I will also need to pay about $3000 in June for an ortho visit. I hate to not get rewards for that. Suggestions? I am above 5/24 so chase is out. I have CSR, SW, Disney, Costco, Citi AA, Amazon, IHG, ULTA (they sucked me in with 20% off). I'm not opposed to business cards (had the SW business but have cancelled it.) I am also sick of paying for groceries and getting 1%, so advice there would be good.

Ultimate goal is free to low cost travel. I have 2 kids, so we fly Southwest when possible (cheaper), but I live near both OHare and Midway. We do Disney (alot - DVC and annual passes). We are also doing a cruise this year (ok, 2). We also love just small weekends away and I would love to expose the kids to more places. I would also take GOOD cash back since it will go into an account for travel, which I am planning to set up.

Also, primer on Plastiq? I realize I am paying mortgage, association dues, etc straight from my bank account. It's time to step up my game.

Thanks everyone. This thread is an obsession and my husband just rolls his eyes at me. You guys are so smart.

 

[miztressuz]

I think I am going crazy. I changed my SW links on Dis churners checked them and made sure they were ok. I went back to change the spend to $1000 because I didn't see it the first time and it is back to the 50,000 offer. I change again and verify that it says 40,000 and it works and I go back and it is the old 50.000 offer again! Aughhh What am I doing wrong? I hit save. I know I did because I checked the link after. I have changed for the 3rd time, lets see if it stays. I feel like I keep going to an alternate universe. All this trouble for a link nobody will probably ever use.

Not sure, it all looks good now. Both links go to the new 40k offer when I click them and your post matches it.

 

[Alexle2007]

anyone else think this new card is a 'test run' for the other cc companies- to wait and see who jumps on a card with no bonus? I sure won't bother. I have other things I'd rather do regular spend on...
ALso I just paid my Discover IT bill,I really like how easy it is to view and USE the cashback to pay the bill! I did that, is that the general way you all use it, to offset the bill,thus 'cashing' out?

I always cash mine out for the discount gift cards. Typically, UnderAmour and Banana Republic since I would be shopping there anyhow.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

A few more details on cancelling my SPG card...I wanted to try multiple times for a retention so I called once a week since the fee posted. Obviously no go - well my payment was due 4/6 and I cut it closer than I'd have liked - I had meant to close it on Saturday but just forgot. (I normally don't want to pay the AF and then request a refund as that just seems like wasted time/effort on my end). I cancelled yesterday 4/4 and the fee was refunded today 4/5 so yay, I don't have to pay the fee and ask for a refund check.

 

[Psychodisney]

I decided to apply for the old IHG card before it went away. The point level for the free night is fine with me as I wanted to use it to supplement hotels on drives to Disney (19 hours so we spend one night in the middle of nowhere). After staying at a sketchy Quality Inn in Georgia last Friday, I told my husband I want Marriott or Holiday Inns, so this works. I also wanted a card to add an authorized user to with a bonus because I need to give a card to my mom for when she has expenses with my kids. Because her credit stinks, I wanted something I can watch.

Anyway...I can confirm it is not considered in 5/24 for applying. I am over that at this point and, while got the 30 day notice online, the card is showing in my portal.

Car rental - I used Costco the last few times and have been matched with Avis and Alamo. Both great rates and cheaper than I have ever gotten.

DH plans to start doing his part of this at the end of the year to get the companion pass again (I earned it early in 17, so have it all year). I am keeping on him because he also got an AA card for the bonus so we can fly to Europe in 19. I don't want him to apply willy nilly. I need to pull his credit report to see the exact number he is at. I think he is at 2/24.

Now I need to look forward. Between business expenses and personal stuff, I can easily meet the minimum spends (I have over $5000 in business expenses in the next 3 months). I will also need to pay about $3000 in June for an ortho visit. I hate to not get rewards for that. Suggestions? I am above 5/24 so chase is out. I have CSR, SW, Disney, Costco, Citi AA, Amazon, IHG, ULTA (they sucked me in with 20% off). I'm not opposed to business cards (had the SW business but have cancelled it.) I am also sick of paying for groceries and getting 1%, so advice there would be good.

Ultimate goal is free to low cost travel. I have 2 kids, so we fly Southwest when possible (cheaper), but I live near both OHare and Midway. We do Disney (alot - DVC and annual passes). We are also doing a cruise this year (ok, 2). We also love just small weekends away and I would love to expose the kids to more places. I would also take GOOD cash back since it will go into an account for travel, which I am planning to set up.

Also, primer on Plastiq? I realize I am paying mortgage, association dues, etc straight from my bank account. It's time to step up my game.

Thanks everyone. This thread is an obsession and my husband just rolls his eyes at me. You guys are so smart.

Fellow DVC member and Chicagoan here! Looks like you've got some good cards already and have your DH with his eyes on the SW CP next year. You say you're over 5/24, when will you be under?
Have you looked at the Plastiq primer on the Dischurners page? IMO, unless you have the CIP to get 3x UR or are trying to meet a MSR, I don't think it's worth paying the fee. Maybe that's me.
I like collecting UR which can be transferred to SWA as needed or used at hotels when we're not staying at DVC.
I don't know much about cash back cards but I do have the Capital One Venture card and DH has the BOA premium rewards. Both cards can be used as statement credits against charges. For example, I use the BOA to wipe out kennel costs for our vacations. I use the Capital One to wipe out car rentals.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Got checked in at the Sheraton San Diego Marina... girl at the desk told me no club access for business cards. Might just stop by in the morning and ask again.

Tweet SPG (spgassist it looks like is the handle). I would DM them your name and hotel and explain the situation. I remember someone saying that fixed this problem for them at another hotel.
ETA: this is what I get for answering before I finish catching up! @Judique was the one whose daughter had success with this method!

 

[schmass]

I just signed up for Plastiq (someone here should be seeing the referral $ soon!) and used it for the first time. I was nervous about the process, but it was actually super easy! Now I need to refer my DH and have him use his CIP for some more payments.

Question - I used my new SPG Biz card for the payment - this should count towards the MSR, correct?

 

[miztressuz]

The Gift Card thread posted about $10 off 2 $50 and $15 off 2 $100 Visa Gift Cards at Randall's. I've got the same offer in Acme MyMixx. Acme says Sunrise and Metabank, don't know what it is at Randall's. Thought I'd repost here if that helps anyone for fee-free VGC's.

 

[schmass]

Hi, guys. I'm sorry, I haven't kept up here for a while, since we were working on a couple big spends. Now we need a new card and I'm stumped, though. We were going to get DH the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, but he was turned down (w/an 820 credit score, so I guess too many cards opened). He's over 5/24, but I'm at 4/24 (will be 3/24 in June), so thought maybe I'd get the Barclaycard Arrival Plus now and then CSP in June when one drops off. Well, as you all probably know, the Barclay got discontinued. Sooooo....now I'm thinking I go forward w/Chase now. Is the double-dipping still a thing? DH has a CSR and I have a CIP - transfer points to his CSR. Was planning to get the CSP myself and transfer points to his CSR to redeem. If double-dipping CSR and CSP for me is still possible at 4/24, remind me how to do it and what the minimum spends are? Normally, both spends would be too much for us, but we have a Disneyland Paris trip to pay off in like 10 days, so if we can get a card in time, that helps. We also have a cruise we can pay down some if needed. Advice? Thanks in advance.

Hi! It's good to see you back on the Dis! I miss your TRs. And I have to say thank you - a comment you made in your TR is what brought me over to this awesome thread and introduced me to the credit card "hobby".

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Informed delivery shows a $250 checking account bonus from TCF Bank is coming in the mail today. It doesn't seem to require a big initial deposit or direct deposit and has no maintenance fees. Will read all the details once it shows up in my box, but seems like an easy bonus to get. Has anyone else ever done a TCF Bank bonus?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

...introduced me to the credit card "hobby".

I prefer to think of it as a "lifestyle" LOL!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Informed delivery shows a $250 checking account bonus from TCF Bank is coming in the mail today. It doesn't seem to require a big initial deposit or direct deposit and has no maintenance fees. Will read all the details once it shows up in my box, but seems like an easy bonus to get. Has anyone else ever done a TCF Bank bonus?

Did see this note on DoC: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/does...count-as-a-purchase-or-cash-advance/#TCF_Bank
I'd search DoC's site and review the last offer from TCF to check if it's a hard or soft pull before jumping, and skim the newest comments on that to get an idea of people's dealings with the bank but on the surface, sweet offer

 

[Calfan]

Well, DH came through and got the golf resort charges changed to the CSR, so he is redeemed (I'm actually surprised he asked to have the charges switched, but this is a sign he definitely gets it!). On a negative note, though, it looks like our CFU was compromised when he used it at a gas station in Oregon on his drive back to Boise. The gas stations in Oregon are full service only, and an attendant takes the cc, so while it's just speculation on our part, we think either the attendant stole the cc info or there was a skimmer on whatever machine the attendant used to run the card. Right around the time of that gas station charge, three separate charges popped up on our CFU. Two were charged to VZWRLSS*MY VZVPP, and the third was to VERIZON WRL MY ACCT VN. I get email alerts for transactions that occur without the card being present. I paused at first because the amount of the first charge was pretty similar to our monthly cell phone bill, but then it clicked that, not only do we use AT&T as our cell provider, I haven't had the CFU as the auto payment for our cell phone bills in a while. I put those charges on the SPG Biz and then moved them to the CIP when we received that card. I called Chase and while I was on the phone with them, the other two charges popped up. They are expediting the new cards, so we should have them tomorrow. All in all, the win of getting the golf resort charges switched to the CSR is still outweighing the hassle of the fraud on the CFU, so it's all good.

 

[vanjust14]

I just signed up for Plastiq (someone here should be seeing the referral $ soon!) and used it for the first time. I was nervous about the process, but it was actually super easy! Now I need to refer my DH and have him use his CIP for some more payments.

Question - I used my new SPG Biz card for the payment - this should count towards the MSR, correct?

Yes, if you were able to get the payment to go through with Plastiq it will count toward your MSR!

 

[brownhaired_girl]

Well, I took the plunge and set up a plastiq account. I have to say I was really surprised how easy this was. All I set up so far is my Electric bill. I’m planning to pay ahead to meet MS for my SPG.
Used Dis Referral.

 

[peel]

Well, DH came through and got the golf resort charges changed to the CSR, so he is redeemed (I'm actually surprised he asked to have the charges switched, but this is a sign he definitely gets it!). On a negative note, though, it looks like our CFU was compromised when he used it at a gas station in Oregon on his drive back to Boise. The gas stations in Oregon are full service only, and an attendant takes the cc, so while it's just speculation on our part, we think either the attendant stole the cc info or there was a skimmer on whatever machine the attendant used to run the card. Right around the time of that gas station charge, three separate charges popped up on our CFU. Two were charged to VZWRLSS*MY VZVPP, and the third was to VERIZON WRL MY ACCT VN. I get email alerts for transactions that occur without the card being present. I paused at first because the amount of the first charge was pretty similar to our monthly cell phone bill, but then it clicked that, not only do we use AT&T as our cell provider, I haven't had the CFU as the auto payment for our cell phone bills in a while. I put those charges on the SPG Biz and then moved them to the CIP when we received that card. I called Chase and while I was on the phone with them, the other two charges popped up. They are expediting the new cards, so we should have them tomorrow. All in all, the win of getting the golf resort charges switched to the CSR is still outweighing the hassle of the fraud on the CFU, so it's all good.

We had a similar issue outside Atlanta in January, when DH used his CSP at a gas station. We were on our way to the airport and topped off the gas tank of the rental car before returning it. A couple hours later, while at the gate waiting to board, he got a fraud alert text asking if he had just made a charge for $500. Um, NO. And by the way, this is the same card that was just compromised again last week. So he's now on the third account number for the CSP.