I love credit cards so much!

[Alice Sr.]

so that I can make up a cheat sheet for her to carry in her wallet that helps her make the best choices while shopping.

Can you do this for me too

 

[Alice Sr.]

I'll offer up my own DP with regards to purchasing Disney GCs. We have 1300 DVC points and pay the dues with Disney GCs. We take at least one ABD trip a year and pay that with Disney GCs. We do a short 3 day DCL cruise once or twice a year also paid with Disney GCs. Our APs are paid with Disney GCs. This totals up to far more than 15 $100 Disney GCs and I haven't had any issues over the last 5 years.

Awesome thanks. I will need a new AP for Dec and will be buying my youngest DD's family their passes so I should be good, I didn't think of that. I can put the GC's for the passes in the vaca account and get the $20 bonuses too.

 

[calypso726]

Awesome thanks. I will need a new AP for Dec and will be buying my youngest DD's family their passes so I should be good, I didn't think of that. I can put the GC's for the passes in the vaca account and get the $20 bonuses too.

You're welcome. That is exactly what we do. The $20 Disney GC bonuses come in handy. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't just direct deposit my entire paycheck to Disney

 

[eeyoresmom]

I just got the CSP and the AF is deferred for the first year. Will I be charged the AF in April of 2018 or 2019? Trying to keep track of when to cancel before AFs hit.

 

[WVMomof3]

So I finally got them to switch my CSP to Freedom Unlimited. It now shows up in my account as Freedom Unlimited. That was instantaneous. They said the new card will be here in 3-5 days. The AF is still showing. Will that go away? Do I need to request that it be removed? Should I wait to ask?

 

[WVMomof3]

I just got the CSP and the AF is deferred for the first year. Will I be charged the AF in April of 2018 or 2019? Trying to keep track of when to cancel before AFs hit.

April 2018 And I can tell you they won't product change until the fee hits and the account is 1 years old.

 

[peel]

Once time, i bought 2 iPads twice. One gave me points, the other didnt. I SM chase about it and they told me i bought it on sale which wont give me points... didnt want to argue, earning 1000 pts is better than earning none haha

Seriously? There's no rule about buying things on sale! That's pretty crazy.

 

[Kbmas0n]

WARNING: LONG!

I need a little advice. We are going to WDW/Universal in March 2018. We just got back from a blowout trip (to us, at least) to WDW/Universal. We assumed we would just do the one trip, get our Disney/Universal fill and then not go again for 4-5 years. Yeah, well...we had an amazing time and can't wait to go back! But my husband is super conservative with money, and would object if we did a huge blowout trip again. So...I would love to use cc miles to pay for as much as possible. We have a family of four and will go for 7 nights - two nights at Universal and 5 nights at Disney.

• I just completed spend on CSP, so should have 59k+ UR when the points post. My Freedom is coming in the mail, and I plan to use this to max out the categories + purchase Disney Giftcards at grocery stores/drugstores and post to the DVA. I'm all in for travel/cc hacking, so I have no doubt I will accumulate some serious points.

• My husband should be getting his business SW card (60k RR) in the mail soon and will also apply for the SW Plus (50k RR) after we complete spend on the first.
• After that, we will get him the Ink Cash. He refuses to put all of his business expenses on a different card other than the American Express Business he has had forever that just gives him cash back FOR THE BUSINESS. I'm not sure how to get him into the mind frame that putting his business expenses on a credit card that benefits his family is better than helping his business' bottom line . It's a family business and this is the way he has always done it, so it's hard to get him to think differently. I think if I could give him a card (like the Cash) that he could use for certain things like shipping + phone + internet + office supplies, and keep using his AmEx for fuel and hotel (since his guys are all AU and are used to using the AmEx). He is not one for change though. I will need to get us to WDW/Universal for cheap and then I think he will be a believer.

SO...Here's what i'm working on:

1. FLIGHTS: We should have the SW Companion pass in the next few months, so flights are paid for (YAY!).
   
2. UNIVERSAL HOTEL: We will stay onsite at the Royal Pacific Hotel for the free express pass + early hours to HP World. This hotel is on the Chase Portal at approximately 29k per night. Would love to do two nights, so around 60k in UR. Yikes.
   
3. UNIVERSAL TICKETS: These are so expensive! For our family of four (2 adults, 1 child and 1 child who is counted as an adult), tickets are almost $1,500.
   
4. DISNEY HOTEL: We love Pop Century. It's so affordable and not too huge. I'm estimating around $800 for five nights. This is for room only. We had the DDP last time, and did a ton of character dining, but my kiddos are such light eaters that I think we could pay out of pocket and come out ahead.
   
5. DISNEY TICKETS: Around $1,000 for base tickets.

With flights and Universal hotel paid for with points (although using that many UR points feels really wrong), the tickets are the biggest cost. How can I bring the cost of the tickets down? Am I crazy to use that many UR points for the hotel? I know SW offers Universal tickets to use RR on, but they are like 18k for one day.

I don't want to blow our points, but I also want to use them for something I know we will enjoy. Having these options has opened up my eyes to a world of traveling!

I also read about a deal for a two nights stay at the Royal Pacific Hotel for only $325 for both nights. Typically one night is minimum $369, so this is a great deal that would need to be paid out of pocket.

So, I could use your advise on additional cards to apply for - but it will have to be later in the year as we work on spend for the others. I am hoping the CSR will come back with another 100,000 bonus, so there will be another amazing cc bonus that will benefit our trip.

I'm so scattered. I need focus. And more coffee. Please help.

 

[Albort]

HAHAHA I am the opposite. I encourage everybody. However, I do give the standard spiel about not carrying balances or spending money they weren't going to spend anyway. Some folks are never going to take the extra step to juggle cards and maximize their potential though. I have a few friends like that. If someone is only going to get one card to maximize travel I'd steer them towards the CSR, CSP or SPG

but but but, the more friends you tell, the more they want to pay for meal and then make u pay them cash! i actually just got a friend on board last night, man we went on for hours.

Can you do this for me too

You use a smartphone? Theres an app called Wallaby, you add your cards in and it will tell u what to use and where. It has caught me off guard a few times when i forget what cards is best used at xxxxxxx place.

Seriously? There's no rule about buying things on sale! That's pretty crazy.

I think it was because of a discount code that i use... "Not eligible on purchases made with coupon or discount codes that are not found on this site. " kinda lame.

WARNING: LONG!

I need a little advice. We are going to WDW/Universal in March 2018. We just got back from a blowout trip (to us, at least) to WDW/Universal. We assumed we would just do the one trip, get our Disney/Universal fill and then not go again for 4-5 years. Yeah, well...we had an amazing time and can't wait to go back! But my husband is super conservative with money, and would object if we did a huge blowout trip again. So...I would love to use cc miles to pay for as much as possible. We have a family of four and will go for 7 nights - two nights at Universal and 5 nights at Disney.

1. FLIGHTS: We should have the SW Companion pass in the next few months, so flights are paid for (YAY!).
   
2. UNIVERSAL HOTEL: We will stay onsite at the Royal Pacific Hotel for the free express pass + early hours to HP World. This hotel is on the Chase Portal at approximately 29k per night. Would love to do two nights, so around 60k in UR. Yikes.
   
3. UNIVERSAL TICKETS: These are so expensive! For our family of four (2 adults, 1 child and 1 child who is counted as an adult), tickets are almost $1,500.
   
4. DISNEY HOTEL: We love Pop Century. It's so affordable and not too huge. I'm estimating around $800 for five nights. This is for room only. We had the DDP last time, and did a ton of character dining, but my kiddos are such light eaters that I think we could pay out of pocket and come out ahead.
   
5. DISNEY TICKETS: Around $1,000 for base tickets.

So, I could use your advise on additional cards to apply for - but it will have to be later in the year as we work on spend for the others. I am hoping the CSR will come back with another 100,000 bonus, so there will be another amazing cc bonus that will benefit our trip.

I'm so scattered. I need focus. And more coffee. Please help.

CSR might be good for tickets. You earn points for the next vacation. i recall underground tourist codes at travel. i guess 2x would work with ur CSP.
hotels, i would consider the Citibank TYP Prestige. $450 AF, $250 travel credit. what makes this card stand out is the 4th night free. so if your staying 5 nights, they will credit u $160 back. 3x on travel too.
Royal Pacific hotel states partners with American express, i wonder if theres some kind of deal redemption there. Someone with an Amex card would probably look that up for you.
i recall reading an article that the disney hotels sometimes pops up on the chase portal. CSP at 1.25 rate might drop your price down even further.

 

[Kbmas0n]

One more question! Does anyone know how long Referral Links typically "last?" For example, the public offer for the SW Plus card just dropped to 40k, screwing up my attempt at a companion pass. However, there are referral links on flyertalk that still will get you the 50k, but I was hoping to make spend on the SW Business card before getting the SW Plus.

So...do you think the referral links will last a few months, or should I just go ahead and get the SW Plus in case they close?

 

[peel]

I think it was because of a discount code that i use... "Not eligible on purchases made with coupon or discount codes that are not found on this site. " kinda lame.

Aaaahhh, that makes more sense.

 

[Albort]

One more question! Does anyone know how long Referral Links typically "last?" For example, the public offer for the SW Plus card just dropped to 40k, screwing up my attempt at a companion pass. However, there are referral links on flyertalk that still will get you the 50k, but I was hoping to make spend on the SW Business card before getting the SW Plus.

So...do you think the referral links will last a few months, or should I just go ahead and get the SW Plus in case they close?

the drop was unexpected. i would apply asap if u can. i know ink+ lasted less than a month.

Aaaahhh, that makes more sense.

its def ymmv though. i purchased many $85 iTunes gift card that gave me the extra points even though it says it shouldnt. Makes me wonder if chase does those information level data like amex does.

 

[amalone1013]

I also read about a deal for a two nights stay at the Royal Pacific Hotel for only $325 for both nights. Typically one night is minimum $369, so this is a great deal that would need to be paid out of pocket.

Would you mind sharing details?

 

[peel]

UNIVERSAL HOTEL: We will stay onsite at the Royal Pacific Hotel for the free express pass + early hours to HP World. This hotel is on the Chase Portal at approximately 29k per night. Would love to do two nights, so around 60k in UR. Yikes.

Also consider purchasing one annual pass, which will allow you to book discounted hotel rates. There isn't a set percentage discount, but you can usually knock a good chunk off of your rate by using the APH discount code when booking online, or calling in to apply the Annual Passholder rate. All levels of annual passes are eligible and you only need one. Then pay with your CSP for 2x UR points, or get a CSR--3x UR and use your $300 travel credit. Of course, rates will vary based on the time of year, but as an example, I saved close to $80/night staying at Portofino Bay in January. The rates were so good that we switched to Portofino from Royal Pacific, but if we stayed with RPR the APH rate would have been under $200/night.
Check out the Date and Rate threads on the Dis Universal Orlando Resorts & Hotels subforum to get an idea of the rates people have historically ended up with.

 

[Angrose]

I also read about a deal for a two nights stay at the Royal Pacific Hotel for only $325 for both nights. Typically one night is minimum $369, so this is a great deal that would need to be paid out of pocket.

You could get the Barclaycard Arrival Plus mastercard. I just got approved for this one. You get 50,000 points that can be used for statement credits to offset travel expenses. The annual fee is waived the first year too. I'm using this card to book a night at the Disneyland Hotel in July and then will get the statement credit to offset the cost. Be careful though, if your plan is to apply for more Chase cards then you don't want to get too many other cards that would put you at 5/24.

 

[Angrose]

I don't know if I would use this for Orlando, because then I would have to pay to get to/from MCO and that might negate the cost of 1 night (value hotel) with ME. Anyway, if I didn't use the points before I cancelled, would they be gone? Or could I transfer them out to Marriott or an airline program to save them? Would it be beneficial to get this for the airline miles specifically because after next year we won't be utilizing hotels much for our travel?

Ah, I understand about the ME. I've never been to WDW but I've heard that is an important perk. For the SPG points, from what I understand, they are tied to your SPG account, not the credit card account. Kind of like SW. Even if you cancel the card, you still keep your points.

 

[platamama]

So, I could use your advise on additional cards to apply for - but it will have to be later in the year as we work on spend for the others. I am hoping the CSR will come back with another 100,000 bonus, so there will be another amazing cc bonus that will benefit our trip.

Do you have the AMEX Blue Cash Preferred? It offers 6% cashback on groceries (so that's 1% better on the Disney gift cards) up to $6,000/yr. The extra feature of AMEX cards that can be really nice are the AMEX Offers that come up. Currently there is a AMEX Offer for Undercover Tourist (spend $150, get $30 back [these credits usually post on my account within a few days]) that expires 5/31/17 - and you can buy your park tickets for both Universal Studios and Disney through them (Tip - sign up for the Mousesavers.com newsletter and you get a link for an additional discount for Undercover Tourist* when Mousesavers send out their newsletter). The primary and authorized users can both use these AMEX offers (but you have to activate them by signing onto your individual online account and then adding the offers to your card). There's also an AMEX offer for $100 off a $600 hotel booking through Amex Travel so that could help too (Royal Pacific Hotel shows up on their list). There's a $95 annual fee, but I always make that back on the AMEX offers alone, and currently there's a $150 sign up bonus for spending $1000 in the first 90 days.

I highly doubt the 100,000 CSR offer will come back, but if there are other Chase cards you're interested in and you fall under 5/24 then you probably should try for those first and it sounds like that's your plan (with the Ink and SW cards). I read that the Chase Ink Business Preferred card has an in-branch offer of 100,000 UR signup bonus which is better than the 80,000 online offer (and the Ink Cash is $500 in-branch).

Have fun planning.

* I got $1,072.67 total for 3 adults, 1 child Universal Studios 3 day park to park tickets.

 

[mhartman09]

One more question! Does anyone know how long Referral Links typically "last?" For example, the public offer for the SW Plus card just dropped to 40k, screwing up my attempt at a companion pass. However, there are referral links on flyertalk that still will get you the 50k, but I was hoping to make spend on the SW Business card before getting the SW Plus.

So...do you think the referral links will last a few months, or should I just go ahead and get the SW Plus in case they close?

I've been following this issue on reddit since it was posted. Pretty much everyone is saying their old links are still showing the 50K offer, but of course, no one knows how long it will last. Folks have also said the new 40K referral links are giving 10K to the referrer instead of the usual 5K. No one knows yet whether or not the old links will still have the 5K, or the updated 10K bonus. Waiting to see more data points posted on all of this.


Regarding the Chase Disney Rewards Visa and the $200 gc sign-up bonus, is this something that automatically shows up under your rewards, with the other reward dollars? I met minimum spend before my statement cut and had 2 referrals for the card. The 100 reward dollars for the referrals along with reward dollars for spend are showing as available for redemption, but there is nothing noting the bonus. I wasn't sure if this is something you have to request separately. I'd appreciate any insight you guys might have.

 

[elgerber]

I've been following this issue on reddit since it was posted. Pretty much everyone is saying their old links are still showing the 50K offer, but of course, no one knows how long it will last. Folks have also said the new 40K referral links are giving 10K to the referrer instead of the usual 5K. No one knows yet whether or not the old links will still have the 5K, or the updated 10K bonus. Waiting to see more data points posted on all of this.


Regarding the Chase Disney Rewards Visa and the $200 gc sign-up bonus, is this something that automatically shows up under your rewards, with the other reward dollars? I met minimum spend before my statement cut and had 2 referrals for the card. The 100 reward dollars for the referrals along with reward dollars for spend are showing as available for redemption, but there is nothing noting the bonus. I wasn't sure if this is something you have to request separately. I'd appreciate any insight you guys might have.

If the offer was for a gift card, that will come to you in the mail. It is separate from the Disney Rewards Dollars.

 

[mhartman09]

If the offer was for a gift card, that will come to you in the mail. It is separate from the Disney Rewards Dollars.

Thanks. That totally makes sense. For some reason I was overthinking it and figured it would show up as extra reward dollars that I'd have to redeem.