I love credit cards so much!

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Not entirely off topic as we are on the Disboards after all...I would just rather ask you all than do a separate post somewhere else on the forum. If you don't want to clutter this thread than pm me. I just feel like I "know" you guys and appreciate your input. We are counting down the days to our next WDW. Leave in a month for 6 nights. I booked it as a bounce back with 2 rooms at CBR. Travel party is myself, husband, 3 girls who are 11, 9, 7. We stayed at CBR in January with UR points and it worked really well being in the two rooms. Everyone got their own bed and 2 bathrooms so that was the huge plus. The construction was not a big issue as we always rent a car. Last couple of years we have been off site only so being in the Disney bubble was nice. Sad but true. Now I am thinking about switching the CBR reservation to a one bedroom at Old Key West. We have never stayed there. It would cost $350 more but I think it is probably a wash as we would be able to buy some food and not eat out all the time. Bad part is girls would have to share bed and only one bathroom. Possible drama for sure. Worth it?!? Would give us a chance to stay DVC which leads me to my next question:

I keep obsessing about just buying into DVC with a small contract. Prices keep going up! I know @calypso726 you have DVC points as do a couple of you others. Are you glad you are in? Buyers regret? Worth buying at least the 75 for benefits direct from Disney? Is it bad that I am more than partially swayed to buy direct so I can put the money on cards? (Sweet UR"s coming our way).

At any rate any thoughts appreciated. I realize this is a huge tangent and if you want to just PM me responses that's great too. Thanks guys!

Absolutely no regrets here! We bought VGC direct in 2008 or 9--160 pts. As we normally did two hotel rooms at the GC hotel, the 1 bedroom was a great deal for us. I think we "paid" for it in 7 trips. For us that was about 2.5 years. Now, it's just the $800 in Mouse Fees on that contract that would pay for about 1.5 nights in one room at the GC hotel. Even better, we could sell those points today for twice as much (if not more) than the $92ish we initially paid per point. We love VGC so much we bought another 160 pts resale in January 2017 (those points have gone up, too), and we just added on BLT resale this January 200 pts thanks to my falling in love with RunDisney. It has been totally worth it to us. The one bedroom with two bathrooms (BLT, VGC and AK Kidani) are huge for a family of four with two adult "kids." I love having the extra points now to splurge for the occasional 2 bedroom. Our hotel costs were so high it was pretty much a no-brainer for us. If you've seen prices at the Grand Californian hotel (x2) you can see what I mean After paying out of pocket for a 1 bedroom Villa at AK Kidani last summer--which was also really expensive--I decided something on the East Coast made sense, too. If you stay at moderate resorts in one room and/or don't mind renting points (I wasn't comfortable doing this), it might not be as good of a deal, especially at today's high prices.

 

[thevalley]

Yeah - I think you nailed it here! This is the extremely frustrating part of that rule for anybody who has opened 1 Southwest personal card in the past year or so. If you've opened no Southwest personal cards it's not as big of a deal. If you opened 2 personal southwest cards then you were waiting anyways.

Well then......lol
I guess I can cancel it now and wait till April 2019 when the 24 month rule is up. I checked and got the bonus in early April 2017. So really it doesn’t matter for me when I really get it because the major trip would be 2020. Thanks for clarifying the new rules.

 

[Psychodisney]

Not entirely off topic as we are on the Disboards after all...I would just rather ask you all than do a separate post somewhere else on the forum. If you don't want to clutter this thread than pm me. I just feel like I "know" you guys and appreciate your input. We are counting down the days to our next WDW. Leave in a month for 6 nights. I booked it as a bounce back with 2 rooms at CBR. Travel party is myself, husband, 3 girls who are 11, 9, 7. We stayed at CBR in January with UR points and it worked really well being in the two rooms. Everyone got their own bed and 2 bathrooms so that was the huge plus. The construction was not a big issue as we always rent a car. Last couple of years we have been off site only so being in the Disney bubble was nice. Sad but true. Now I am thinking about switching the CBR reservation to a one bedroom at Old Key West. We have never stayed there. It would cost $350 more but I think it is probably a wash as we would be able to buy some food and not eat out all the time. Bad part is girls would have to share bed and only one bathroom. Possible drama for sure. Worth it?!? Would give us a chance to stay DVC which leads me to my next question:

I keep obsessing about just buying into DVC with a small contract. Prices keep going up! I know @calypso726 you have DVC points as do a couple of you others. Are you glad you are in? Buyers regret? Worth buying at least the 75 for benefits direct from Disney? Is it bad that I am more than partially swayed to buy direct so I can put the money on cards? (Sweet UR"s coming our way).

At any rate any thoughts appreciated. I realize this is a huge tangent and if you want to just PM me responses that's great too. Thanks guys!

Another DVC member with no regrets. We bought our first points directly through Disney in 2002 and have added on a few times since (both resale and direct)! As far as OKW goes, just remember, in a 1 BR at OKW, the girls will be sharing a sofa bed and a sleeper chair (not a real bed). As a family of 5, we liked having a 2 BR so the kids could each have their own beds. That was the main reason we bought DVC...more space in the accommodations. We've never squeezed our group onto a 1 BR.
IMO, I think buying on the resale market and saving the upfront costs outweighs the benefits of buying direct. Offers like AP discounts come and go. And as far a the credit card points, again , what you save is worth more than the points!

 

[platamama]

Personally, I'm in the cancel camp. Assuming the free night won't come into play until next years annual fee hits, that is potentially $180 in fees for that 'free' night - you could potentially cancel after next years AF and get it refunded, but who knows how quickly the free night will post. I just can't see myself using the SPG Personal for any spend, so I think freeing up a slot for another Amex product is a better option for me.

As for the 'upgrade' bonus - has there ever been a time when the upgrade has offered a better bonus than applying new outright? I know for some the upgrade may be more attractive due to 5/24 considerations, but otherwise I would expect to see a larger bonus for new apps.

My Amex personal SPG annual fee posted 5 days ago. Paid off outstanding balance last night and called today about cancelling it. A lot of scripted talk about how my "points will now be 3 times as much!" And a free night (less than 35,000 points). So question for you experts offer to keep it was spend $500 in 30 days and get 7000 star points. I asked if I would still have to pay annual fee. She said the alternative offer was a $75 statement credit if spend $2000 in 90 days (much worse in my opinion). Any thoughts of keep or cancel? Since I just got SPG business plus DH has a personal as well.

Edited to add stupidest part of conversation: "I see you have taken advantage of many categories. Did you take advantage of no foreign transaction fees?" I wanted to say "no of course not there are better cards for that and overseas it is hard to find places that take Amex!"

I've spent a lot of time on the phone with AMEX today about my personal SPG. HUCA 3x and chat. Eventually, I got the same offer as @kmc8826, 7000 pts for $500 spend and paying the annual fee. The stupidest part of this conversation: "This card earns you 2 points per $1! That's better than the 1 point per $1 you are getting now!" Eee-diots. I told her she was being disingenuous.

I'm so torqued at them right now, because if someone opened this card 8 months ago (Aug 2017) they would be getting the free night when their AF hits in Aug 2018, but I don't get that free night even though I've had the card for 7 years. I tried the "well 35,000 Marriott points is closer to 12,000 Starpoints currently so that would seem more in line with what newer cardholders are getting the equivalent of" but she said she can't change the offer that's on my account.

@GZanta77, I'm leaning toward the cancel camp too.

I have to decide by 4/26 (30 days post closing date of statement with AF). I'll consider the new "luxury" SPG AMEX when it comes out. Fortunately, DH & I both have the SPG Biz so non-category spending can go there (after I finish the $17K MSR I have on AMEX right now...only $4K done so far, geez AMEX makes it hard).

 

[thevalley]

Does either the spg biz or personal have a referral links?

 

[GlamMistress]

Today is my 180 booking window for dining, so I made some reservations for my food and wine trip! We'll be eating at Beaches & Cream, Sanaa, Homecoin' and Kona Cafe for sure.

Checked the Amex and DH's 70k Delta points posted, holla!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Today is my 180 booking window for dining, so I made some reservations for my food and wine trip! We'll be eating at Beaches & Cream, Sanaa, Homecoin' and Kona Cafe for sure.

Checked the Amex and DH's 70k Delta points posted, holla!

#GreatDay

 

[kmc8826]

seriously. what in the world!?!? That is less than my first cards when I was early 20s.

I'm going to have to make daily payments I guess...and then to the sock drawer it goes until my free night rolls around.

ETA: it even says on my card member since 2008. ummm, well way to treat your long time customers.

I thought my approval for the CIP with only a $5k limit was stingy. Is it possible you put down lesser income than you actually have? It might be with a phone call at least to see.

DH's personal AF posted 7 days ago. I think we'll try for the Biz tonight (don't want to do it from work) and have him call to cancel the personal. Fingers crossed for the retention offer that @kmc8826 was offered.

I have never done a retention call before (surprisingly enough) but I still thought it was an odd call. Before I called last night I paid off the entire statement minus AF. I don’t know if that had an impact or not. She didn’t say anything about that but did review my account and what I had made spend on. Let me know what happens. I was just either keep or cancel DH’s card as not worth making him call but if they are giving similar retention offers might be worth it. Good luck!

 

[GZanta77]

I've spent a lot of time on the phone with AMEX today about my personal SPG. HUCA 3x and chat. Eventually, I got the same offer as @kmc8826, 7000 pts for $500 spend and paying the annual fee. The stupidest part of this conversation: "This card earns you 2 points per $1! That's better than the 1 point per $1 you are getting now!" Eee-diots. I told her she was being disingenuous.

I got that same speech about how the earnings on the card had "improved". I did not get a retention offer though, so just canceled as planned. Am quite happy to free up an Amex slot.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Does either the spg biz or personal have a referral links?

SPG Biz only right now, but most people can only get the link to generate using the app and the current referral offer expires today so if you have someone in mind to use yours I'd consider trying to get them to do it tonight. Also, both cards are supposed to be transitioning to a $200 statement credit bonus any day now.

 

[gottalovepluto]

In case anyone is still on the fence about SPG cards Frequent Miler is stating that today is it for the current SPG Bonuses: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/2018/04/18/marriott-spg-windows-of-opportunity/
Even DoC is citing it and says this jives with when the Canadian bonus changes. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/should-you-sign-up-for-the-american-express-spg-cards-now/
(FM is not certain the new bonus will be "as bad" as DoC's rumored $200 statement credit so it should be interesting to see what manana brings...)

 

[thevalley]

SPG Biz only right now, but most people can only get the link to generate using the app and the current referral offer expires today so if you have someone in mind to use yours I'd consider trying to get them to do it tonight. Also, both cards are supposed to be transitioning to a $200 statement credit bonus any day now.

Thanks. I was thinking about apply for the spg biz and have my wife do the personal. Just trying to help each other out by using a referral if available.

 

[JKalai]

Oh my goodness I am 3 pages behind in the last 4 hours!

Question for ebay sellers....macbook laptop good idea to sell on eBay? New for $699, + 2% back swagbucks, +5% back CF/PP, and 1pt/$1 Best Buy rewards.
Seem like a good flip?

Have you received any selling offers from eBay? I just received a 50% off fees offer last week. I would wait until another one of those pops up.

 

[miztressuz]

I haven't kept up since this morning but just wanted to throw out there, I applied for the CSR on Monday and when I got home I had an UPS envelope waiting for me with the card already! I wasn't expecting it this fast, I made sure I gave myself at least a week before I needed the card this time. Feels wrong to not use it now since they rushed it but I'm not sure what to use it for until next week

 

[Lain]

I haven't kept up since this morning but just wanted to throw out there, I applied for the CSR on Monday and when I got home I had an UPS envelope waiting for me with the card already! I wasn't expecting it this fast, I made sure I gave myself at least a week before I needed the card this time. Feels wrong to not use it now since they rushed it but I'm not sure what to use it for until next week

Congratulations again! I love that Chase will rush their cards to you so you can start spending on them ASAP. *Glaring at you, Amex* You don't plan to buy coffee, lunch or eat out? Pay for parking or tolls? Not big ticket items, but I love that you earn 3x UR on these little things that add up.

 

[wendow]

ummmm.....so good news and bad news.

My SPG personal just arrived via ups overnight. Great, I can spend away.

EXCEPT, the credit line is $1k!?!?!?!? Is that some kind of error!? I am insulted. Score in 800s, income well into 6 figures, and all my limits on chase cards are more like $30k and I pay them off monthly. Do I call them or what? Even my Costco amex was $10k probably 10 years ago. Only other amex is SPG biz with $5k limit but I attributed that to the fact that I put $5k business revenue so seemed fine.

Any insight?

So far behind on this thread, can't wait to see if you were given more. That is completely insulting!!! That's like a kid out-of-college, first CC kind of amount...

 

[wendow]

Not entirely off topic as we are on the Disboards after all...I would just rather ask you all than do a separate post somewhere else on the forum. If you don't want to clutter this thread than pm me. I just feel like I "know" you guys and appreciate your input. We are counting down the days to our next WDW. Leave in a month for 6 nights. I booked it as a bounce back with 2 rooms at CBR. Travel party is myself, husband, 3 girls who are 11, 9, 7. We stayed at CBR in January with UR points and it worked really well being in the two rooms. Everyone got their own bed and 2 bathrooms so that was the huge plus. The construction was not a big issue as we always rent a car. Last couple of years we have been off site only so being in the Disney bubble was nice. Sad but true. Now I am thinking about switching the CBR reservation to a one bedroom at Old Key West. We have never stayed there. It would cost $350 more but I think it is probably a wash as we would be able to buy some food and not eat out all the time. Bad part is girls would have to share bed and only one bathroom. Possible drama for sure. Worth it?!? Would give us a chance to stay DVC which leads me to my next question:

I keep obsessing about just buying into DVC with a small contract. Prices keep going up! I know @calypso726 you have DVC points as do a couple of you others. Are you glad you are in? Buyers regret? Worth buying at least the 75 for benefits direct from Disney? Is it bad that I am more than partially swayed to buy direct so I can put the money on cards? (Sweet UR"s coming our way).

At any rate any thoughts appreciated. I realize this is a huge tangent and if you want to just PM me responses that's great too. Thanks guys!

You may have already decided cause I'm late to the party lol! But we have rented DVC many times and I love having a villa! We save a bundle on food cause I still like to cook, even on vacation...yeah, weird, I know...but my tummy thanks me for it We also go for 9-11 nights each trip so having laundry in the room is a lifesaver for our packing. Packing for 6 people (or your 5!) is a lot of stuff for long trips. I do laundry even when we stay in regular rooms but I love being able to do it in the room, overnight and not have to take time out of our day.

We are not DVC owners...hope to be someday...but I highly recommend you try it before you buy it. One bathroom is the only downside I can think of. And that is a biggie to me but my fam of 6 lived in a Marriott Townplace with 1 bathroom for 3.5 mos. One was in dipes though lol! I remind myself of that though every time I start to stress about only having one bathroom for a week.

 

[Judique]

If you're already at 5 (or if they won't give you 5 and you're stuck at 4) you have to close an existing card to get a new one opened.

As stated, daughter was at 5 and had to cancel one to get another - so I believe what you are saying is the way it is with Amex. She was instantly approved for a delta business card. No fuss no muss with amex and the business cards.

The charge card thing...I've not dipped into that so have no knowledge.

 

[Lain]

For those of you whose SPG Biz links died and/or you can't generate a "support" link for your SPG Biz, call Amex to complain that you're trying to refer someone but can't get a working link and they might credit you some courtesy SPG points to offset your loss.

https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/8d4i1h/daily_discussion_thread_april_18_2018/dxl03pa

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

As stated, daughter was at 5 and had to cancel one to get another - so I believe what you are saying is the way it is with Amex. She was instantly approved for a delta business card. No fuss no muss with amex and the business cards.

The charge card thing...I've not dipped into that so have no knowledge.

Yes - some will experience a 4 Card limit. Others will be at 5. And that policy counts all CCs regardless of Biz or personal.

There is definitely no limit on charge cards. I personally had 8 open at one time (in addition to my 4 personal cards, so 12 cards open simultaneously at my peak).