I love credit cards so much!

[Jen and Ashwin]

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

I did look through DOC before posting and saw that all of the TCF offers were expired that he has listed. That is why I wanted to ask here. They all say soft pull though, so seems alright there. And data points from previous offers say up to $1000 in credit card funding. I haven't tried credit card funding a bank account before, but I am considering trying this with DH's IHG card once it arrives. Can I send an SM to get the cash advance limit set as low as possible?

 

[WDWRook]

So which hotel card is currently considered the best? I have only UR cards currently, we don't stay in hotels a ton (besides Disney), but I'm hoping to change that a bit and to start taking more mini vacations. SPG? Marriott? Radisson? Hyatt?

 

[calypso726]

get the easy one first... yes, i do have an SPG Biz.

We know for a fact that Amex will offer the premium version of the Stariott. Therefore, there is a fair chance that Amex will convert the SPG personal to it. The guess is also that they probably wouldnt be charging people the $450 fee, but would most likely offer the benefits of it until the AF approaches again. This alone, makes me want to keep the SPG Personal in case of the higher offer.
Another thing i was also considering is that since SPG is getting closer and closer together, there is also a potential chance of SPG card to getting an anniversary night.

edit: also it makes me wonder if they are hiding the SPG personal card down so there would be less people to give the extra benefit to.

and of course, We can learn a bit from the Citi --> Amex transition of Hilton... which brings up what @peel asked earlier, there will probably be a reboot on the signups, no HP

I am glad DH and I don’t currently have the personal card. We have had it before, so we aren’t eligible for another bonus. A new premium card would be considered a different product so we can get the bonus for the new card. If the premium card is a $450 AF card I think it there would be a safe assumption that it would have a $200 or better airline credit. So that would mitigate the fee to an effective $250.

My biggest optimistic hope is that they keep the airline transfers. Who knows, maybe only the premium version would have that as an option. My next optimistic hope is that they at least follow the model they did for the Aspire card. I would hope the new Starriott premium card comes with Platinum elite status, 100,000 points, free weekend anniversary night at any property, $250 resort credit, $250 airline credit. I’d be happy about that and stop maybe mourning the devaluation of my IHG card.

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?

Yup! I hope this test run fails miserably and comes to a screeching halt. I did see one of the bloggers posting how this was a great card for the serious MS folks.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I did look through DOC before posting and saw that all of the TCF offers were expired that he has listed. That is why I wanted to ask here. They all say soft pull though, so seems alright there. And data points from previous offers say up to $1000 in credit card funding. I haven't tried credit card funding a bank account before, but I am considering trying this with DH's IHG card once it arrives. Can I send an SM to get the cash advance limit set as low as possible?

You should be able to, if they say no just have him call the number on the back of the card. I would request it be set to zero and then Chase (at least for me they always have) should come back and say something like the lowest we can set it is $100.

 

[gottalovepluto]

...Yup! I hope this test run fails miserably and comes to a screeching halt. I did see one of the bloggers posting how this was a great card for the serious MS folks.

Serious MS folks are pretty limited group! And I can't help but think they have better fish to fry than that card? But if a blogger is pushing it it's possible Barclays has put out referral offers for the bloggers in which case we might see some interesting, uh, perspectives on the card...

 

[1st*toright]

So which hotel card is currently considered the best? I have only UR cards currently, we don't stay in hotels a ton (besides Disney), but I'm hoping to change that a bit and to start taking more mini vacations. SPG? Marriott? Radisson? Hyatt?

Another question where it depends on how you will use the points and where you want to stay.

One of the key benefits of the SPG is its ability to transfer to airline partners. It also earns points at both Marriott and Starwood properties (a huge range of different brands at a lot of different price points) and earns more points at Marriotts than a Marriott card (because it transfers at 3 to 1 to Marriott points). So if you like Marriott/Starwood properties, I think the SPG is the winner (really like my SPG Biz, which also gives you lounge access at Starwood properties). To me, the flexibility of the Starwood wins, even though the Marriott card does give you one free night (but only at a Category 1-5 property, which are fairly limited and often don't cost that much more than the annual fee).

I don't know as much about the Raddisson or Hyatt cards, but I almost never stay at Raddison properties, and Hyatts are not as common in the places where I tend to travel, so SPG wins for me!

 

[gottalovepluto]

...So if you like Marriott/Starwood properties, I think the SPG is the winner (really like my SPG Biz, which also gives you lounge access at Starwood properties)...

*Sheraton properties

 

[speedyfishy]

All transactions posted for my SPG on April 2nd and I hit the 7k in minimum spend. My points haven’t posted yet, but the statement doesn’t close until the 18th. An Amex chat agent confirmed I met the spend and said it could take 6-8 weeks. I thought with my delta card it was instant. I also have the points for the spend, but not the bonus yet. Should I be worried yet? This was pretty much all MS at 711, Giant, and memory bank.

 

[amalone1013]

@Lain @Albert @we Dow @Judique @3 DD love princesses @gottalovepluto made it in this morning. Last night there was a line at the desk and we were tired so I decided I'd just ask in the morning, and the girl this morning said yes right away and recorded our cards.

 

[Lain]

All transactions posted for my SPG on April 2nd and I hit the 7k in minimum spend. My points haven’t posted yet, but the statement doesn’t close until the 18th. An Amex chat agent confirmed I met the spend and said it could take 6-8 weeks. I thought with my delta card it was instant. I also have the points for the spend, but not the bonus yet. Should I be worried yet? This was pretty much all MS at 711, Giant, and memory bank.

SPG Biz signup bonus should post 2-3 days after you've met MSR; you don't have to wait for the statement to close. You'll get your spend points when the statement closes.

 

[WDWRook]

Another question where it depends on how you will use the points and where you want to stay.

One of the key benefits of the SPG is its ability to transfer to airline partners. It also earns points at both Marriott and Starwood properties (a huge range of different brands at a lot of different price points) and earns more points at Marriotts than a Marriott card (because it transfers at 3 to 1 to Marriott points). So if you like Marriott/Starwood properties, I think the SPG is the winner (really like my SPG Biz, which also gives you lounge access at Starwood properties). To me, the flexibility of the Starwood wins, even though the Marriott card does give you one free night (but only at a Category 1-5 property, which are fairly limited and often don't cost that much more than the annual fee).

I don't know as much about the Raddisson or Hyatt cards, but I almost never stay at Raddison properties, and Hyatts are not as common in the places where I tend to travel, so SPG wins for me!

Thanks. Other than the UR, I'm still learning, and we don't travel a ton so I don't have any set loyalties on hotels. Airlines we have been flying Spirit due to low cost direct fights to MCO (only Spirit and Delta are direct nonstop); but it's a Delta hub so I'll eventually get into the Delta points. Southwest have flights but very few nonstop flights to really anywhere. UR transfer to IHG, Hyatt and Marriott. It would seem Marriott and SPG would be the most likely to have hotels where ever the future plans take us.

 

[speedyfishy]

SPG Biz signup bonus should post 2-3 days after you've met MSR; you don't have to wait for the statement to close. You'll get your spend points when the statement closes.

Thanks, today is the third day Hopefully, it posts soon.

 

[Lain]

Thanks, today is the third day Hopefully, it posts soon.

Could be 4-5 days. lol But yeah, the signup bonus should post to your SPG account just a few days after hitting MSR, no need to wait for statement close.

 

[WVMomof3]

So should I still be considering the SPG and Marriott personal cards? I think I am running out of time though as I am knee deep in the SPG Biz spend and I think it will take me the full 3 months, which puts me to beginning of June. I just went to 4/24, my next plan was CIP and then was thinking the Marriott personal that my DH can refer me to. I think his annual fee is due in June and I am planning on cancelling his, so I guess I need to change my mind or move up the timeline somehow. I was thinking I could get the SPG personal after the Marriott since I will be over 5/24 anyway at that point. Trying to load up on Marriott/Spg points though I have no immediate plans for them right now.

 

[Albort]

All transactions posted for my SPG on April 2nd and I hit the 7k in minimum spend. My points haven’t posted yet, but the statement doesn’t close until the 18th. An Amex chat agent confirmed I met the spend and said it could take 6-8 weeks. I thought with my delta card it was instant. I also have the points for the spend, but not the bonus yet. Should I be worried yet? This was pretty much all MS at 711, Giant, and memory bank.

haha, im also worrying about my bonus with SPG as well. i made my first 5k leap for the bonus and i still havent received it yet. if i get disqualify, this could mean bad news for Plastiq users... :\ 1/3 of the $5k spendings were met with plastiq.

but if the rep said u made it, im sure ur okay. I think my 2nd portion of the SPG biz bonus came in a week later for me.

 

[wendow]

haha, im also worrying about my bonus with SPG as well. i made my first 5k leap for the bonus and i still havent received it yet. if i get disqualify, this could mean bad news for Plastiq users... :\ 1/3 of the $5k spendings were met with plastiq.

NO!!!!!!!!!! I hope you get your bonus. Using plastiq is the ONLY way I'll meet the 7k for the spg biz!

 

[platamama]

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.

You have a good cache of cards (except the ULTA maybe ). With your CSR and SW Companion Pass, I think you'd really benefit ramping up your UR balance by product changing one of your other Chase cards (Amazon? Disney?) to either Chase Freedom (5% rotating categories [and Q2 is GROCERIES]) or Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% everywhere). Since you're over 5/24, that would be your only way of getting one of those cards until you have other cards fall off your rolling 24 months. Also, as soon as your 5th card falls off, I'd say get the Chase Business Ink Preferred as long as the signup bonus is as generous as it has been and Plastiq keeps coding it at 3xUR.

If you get the Chase Freedom, say you max out Q2 in groceries by spending $1500 in that category - that gives you 7500 UR points. Transfer those points to your CSR, now they are worth $112.50 in value (due to CSR's 1.5 multiplier) OR transfer them to your SW RR account and get ~$200 value out of them since you have a SW CP. That's what I do.

For groceries, I don't think anything beats the AMEX Blue Cash Preferred card. Current sign up offer is $200 on $1000 spend in the first 90 days ($250 is possible to find incognito, or through links referenced below), 6% cash back at grocery stores up to $6000 spent per year, and although it has a $95 annual fee, that can usually be wiped out (or you can actually come out ahead) by utilizing AMEX Offers.

There is a great primer on Plastiq over on our reddit DisChurners board by @Lain. There's also lots of tips over there to help get the most out of your UR points with Disney. PM @SouthFayetteFan or @Albort to get in on the action.

If you're so inclined, there are "support links" over there too (where you can find the $250 offer on the AMEX BCP).

ETA: Regarding your upcoming spend, I would echo what @Psychodisney suggests in terms of the BoA Premium Rewards card (get $500 for $3000 spend in first 90 days, $95 AF with $100 annual travel credit). I like that card better than the Cap1 Venture because of the $100 travel credit, $100 toward Global Entry/TSA, and also because I hate that Cap1 uniquely does a hard pull from all 3 credit agencies.

So for $4000 of your upcoming spend, you could get $560 in signup bonuses ($750 - two $95 AF) between the AX BCP and the BoA PR card, with the potential for great cash back. If you have assets that could get you into BoA's tiered Preferred Rewards program, those offer a boost - 25%/50%/75% - on your rewards too. For example, at the Plat Honors (the highest) BoA level the Premium Rewards card can earn 2.625% everywhere and 3.5% on travel/dining.

 

[speedyfishy]

haha, im also worrying about my bonus with SPG as well. i made my first 5k leap for the bonus and i still havent received it yet. if i get disqualify, this could mean bad news for Plastiq users... :\ 1/3 of the $5k spendings were met with plastiq.

but if the rep said u made it, im sure ur okay. I think my 2nd portion of the SPG biz bonus came in a week later for me.

I’m sure we are fine. I haven’t seen any DPs of plastiq or groecery store VGC not counting yet so I’m probably just overreacting.

 

[Tenacious K]

I'm just learning about the changes to my IHG credit card! Can someone help walk me through this? I have the IHG Select Card ($49/year) and just got it in January.

If I sign up for the new IHG Premier card, am I eligible for the 80,000 point bonus? Is it even possible to have two IHG cards at once?

What do you think the chances are that they will terminate the Select credit card altogether?

I'm worried that they will discontinue the Select card altogether and automatically sign me up for the Premier card and then I will lose out on the bonus sign up.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So which hotel card is currently considered the best? I have only UR cards currently, we don't stay in hotels a ton (besides Disney), but I'm hoping to change that a bit and to start taking more mini vacations. SPG? Marriott? Radisson? Hyatt?

Thanks. Other than the UR, I'm still learning, and we don't travel a ton so I don't have any set loyalties on hotels. Airlines we have been flying Spirit due to low cost direct fights to MCO (only Spirit and Delta are direct nonstop); but it's a Delta hub so I'll eventually get into the Delta points. Southwest have flights but very few nonstop flights to really anywhere. UR transfer to IHG, Hyatt and Marriott. It would seem Marriott and SPG would be the most likely to have hotels where ever the future plans take us.

I think a hotel card is a somewhat personal decision. People have different preferences - IHG is obviously a hot topic right now with new cards coming. I think if your goal is to earn A LOT of hotel points then SPG/Marriott is the way to go because they have more hotel cards available than anybody (2 personal, 2 Biz AND new cards on the horizon). SPG Biz just came off of that high offer of 35k but still has a nice 25k offer. IF you are under 5/24 you could determine whether Marriott personal or Starwood Personal could make sense.