I love credit cards so much!

[Albort]

@Albort - Please share for those of us waiting a year or more and living vicariously

NSFW
https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/50qwm5/chase_knows_how_we_feel_about_their_af/

 

[AmyAnne]

Looks like DH and I are getting deeper into this . . . We just got the CSP but DH really wants the CSR too. Would it be better to go to a branch office first to check for pre-approval before applying on-line? Also thinking about the possibility of Chase Private Client (mostly so family can also apply) -- I have done a little research on-line but there seem to be no hard and fast criteria. I have seen the figure $250,000 but am not really sure what would be included in that figure. Anyone here know more specifics?

 

[AmyAnne]

Another question. We are ready to stick our toes in the manufactured spending waters. If I wanted to open a Bluebird account, do I do that on-line? It looks there is a $5 fee to get a card in a store (not sure what store) but do I need a card or just an account?

Then after I open the Bluebird account, I buy Visa prepaid cards with the CSP and then transfer the money from the Visa prepaid cards to the Bluebird account. It seems that I can do that at Wal-Mart or online?

Any tips for a total beginner are welcome!

 

[hsmamato2]

Another question. We are ready to stick our toes in the manufactured spending waters. If I wanted to open a Bluebird account, do I do that on-line? It looks there is a $5 fee to get a card in a store (not sure what store) but do I need a card or just an account?

Then after I open the Bluebird account, I buy Visa prepaid cards with the CSP and then transfer the money from the Visa prepaid cards to the Bluebird account. It seems that I can do that at Wal-Mart or online?

Any tips for a total beginner are welcome!

ARe you total beginner? Have you ever churned ccs at all? I'm asking b/c I personally don't think a BB/WM MS route is great when you're truly just learning.... This method is SO YMMV,I haven't ever bothered with it simply b/c all the experiences I've read about call for sleight of hand, quick thinking,and possible shutdown at every step of the game. (from what I know, you have to 'pretend' that one of your cards you're loading your bb with is an actual bank debit card,not a purchased gc with a pin,etc) do a LOT of reading on flyertalk .com in the appropriate forum before trying it, there are a LOT of details,and each store seems to run differently(i.e. back when 'Kate' was still around there were NO stores in my area that even had that at all) There are ways to dip a toe in carefully and try things out, but my best advice if you're truly newbie is go SLOW. You can lose your $ easily if a rule changes quickly.Also be aware that on FT they only answer certain questions.... not as newbie friendly as the Disboards

 

[Pooh2]

For those with two Ultimate Rewards cards, do the points from both cards pool into one account?
For instance: if I have 30,000 points from my CSP and then get approved for CSR, can I use the 100,000 bonus points then close CSR before the next Annual Fee hits and retain my points from CSP?
Do they keep the Ultimate Rewards points separate for each card?

 

[CaterFamily]

After 9 total days of waiting for recon to finish - got approved for CSR!!!

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

For those with two Ultimate Rewards cards, do the points from both cards pool into one account?
For instance: if I have 30,000 points from my CSP and then get approved for CSR, can I use the 100,000 bonus points then close CSR before the next Annual Fee hits and retain my points from CSP?
Do they keep the Ultimate Rewards points separate for each card?

You can easily combine your UR points to whichever card you want. I would keep them with CSR since they will have the highest redemption value. When you are ready to close it (better to downgrade to Freedom) switch all your URs to CSP. It's super easy and happens immediately!!

 

[Albort]

Another question. We are ready to stick our toes in the manufactured spending waters. If I wanted to open a Bluebird account, do I do that on-line? It looks there is a $5 fee to get a card in a store (not sure what store) but do I need a card or just an account?

Then after I open the Bluebird account, I buy Visa prepaid cards with the CSP and then transfer the money from the Visa prepaid cards to the Bluebird account. It seems that I can do that at Wal-Mart or online?

Any tips for a total beginner are welcome!

ARe you total beginner? Have you ever churned ccs at all? I'm asking b/c I personally don't think a BB/WM MS route is great when you're truly just learning.... This method is SO YMMV

This statement is so true. Ive been sitting on it for the past year, waiting for one that is dualable. Bluebird is very YMMV as well. Sometimes the walmart wont do it, sometimes they will... @calypso726 will have more details for you. I believe she does some MS in this field. The only other option i know that confirms to work is buying GC, then going to the post office to buy Money orders, then depositing them back into your account. This will, however with major banks be a red flag, and u can get an entire ban from it(if chase, they will cancel ur bank account AND all your credit cards you have with them). It is recommended you deposit into a bank you dont care losing. Am currently looking into RadPad if you pay rent, it codes as 3x via applepay/android pay... u basically pay the fee for points since it evens out at the end.

For those with two Ultimate Rewards cards, do the points from both cards pool into one account?
For instance: if I have 30,000 points from my CSP and then get approved for CSR, can I use the 100,000 bonus points then close CSR before the next Annual Fee hits and retain my points from CSP?
Do they keep the Ultimate Rewards points separate for each card?

they are shown total on your bank account side but in the UR site, it is split. You can transfer UR pts around with ease...

 

[CaterFamily]

This will, however with major banks be a red flag, and u can get an entire ban from it(if chase, they will cancel ur bank account AND all your credit cards you have with them). It is recommended you deposit into a bank you dont care losing. Am currently looking into RadPad if you pay rent, it codes as 3x via applepay/android pay... u basically pay the fee for points since it evens out at the end.

This is why I have a business banking account - its normal for me to receive $$ for services rendered in my actual name not business name.

I'd even go as far as talking to a personal banker about being a "consultant" and getting paid via money orders for services rendered. Letting them know ahead of time that you intended to start accepting MO's a a form of payment. Just so they don't flag your account. YMMV.

If you want to get technical - we're all "consultants" here.

 

[pbb&j]

Good Morning! I have a question. I am somewhat new to cc churning, but not new to using loyalty rewards. My husband travels frequently for work, so we have accumulated Marriott, Delta, and Southwest points.

After hearing about the CSR card, last night I applied in my name and in my husband's, and both accounts were approved. As soon as we receive the cards, I'll use them to pay down college tuition (fee free - and don't worry, we won't pay that crazy interest!), so we should each have 100,000+ points quickly.

I just made a room only Disney World reservation for Christmas 2016, through a Disney travel agent. I already have free flights for this trip, and some other upcoming travel. I have the Southwest companion pass through 2017, so that is our current airline of choice. My question is, I know that the best use for the Chase points is to transfer them to another reward program, but is there any way to use them to chip a little off this Disney reservation? Booking a room at Disney through the Chase portal is crazy; rates are way more than what we're paying. Do I buy discounted gift cards at Sam's Club for example, and then use my $2,000 credit to pay the bill? Is there any other way to use these to save at Disney World?

I know that I could just hang onto them until I could REALLY maximize them, but do you ever just take the money and run? Thanks!

 

[Alice Sr.]

This is so fascinating. I only have 2 cc, BoA platinum plus rewards and CapOne platinum. I don't know what my credit score is but both these cards have doubled my limit in the last three to four weeks. I also just did a pre-approval with cap one for a new car purchase ( they promised it wouldn't affect my credit score ) and they approved me at 40k. My mortgage is with BofA. I have two circumstances that are causing additional uncertainty on what my 1st step should be.
1) I just started a new job the first of September and will be moving to a new state, they will be buying my house as part of a relocation package so I won't have a mortgage after 10/15.
2) I am going to Hawaii in January but haven't bought airfare yet. I assume that it's too late to do anything by getting points but what credit card should I open so I'll at least be able to take advantage of purchasing the airfare. We will be flying on United so I think the best card to open would be United.? but maybe one of the other Chase cards would be actually better.

I have read through this thread and also gone to the point guy and registered there and will continue to educate myself. But because of my time crunch and the relocation issue l am seeking your advise and input. TIA

 

[calypso726]

Another question. We are ready to stick our toes in the manufactured spending waters. If I wanted to open a Bluebird account, do I do that on-line? It looks there is a $5 fee to get a card in a store (not sure what store) but do I need a card or just an account?

Then after I open the Bluebird account, I buy Visa prepaid cards with the CSP and then transfer the money from the Visa prepaid cards to the Bluebird account. It seems that I can do that at Wal-Mart or online?

Any tips for a total beginner are welcome!

I am going to echo @hsmamato2 here be very very careful. Read a LOT, then go really slow. Do NOT MS where you eat if you go the money order route. Open up a credit union account for this and do not deposit MOs into banks that issue credit cards you want. Be ready to float the money if you are unable to liquidate gift cards due to a shut down or rule change. Flyertalk is NOT newbie friendly in any way shape or form. Only certain Visa GCs will work. I believe Frequent Miler has a good Bluebird tutorial that hopefully has been updated.

After 9 total days of waiting for recon to finish - got approved for CSR!!!

CONGRATS!!!!

This statement is so true. Ive been sitting on it for the past year, waiting for one that is dualable. Bluebird is very YMMV as well. Sometimes the walmart wont do it, sometimes they will... @calypso726 will have more details for you. I believe she does some MS in this field. The only other option i know that confirms to work is buying GC, then going to the post office to buy Money orders, then depositing them back into your account. This will, however with major banks be a red flag, and u can get an entire ban from it(if chase, they will cancel ur bank account AND all your credit cards you have with them). It is recommended you deposit into a bank you dont care losing. Am currently looking into RadPad if you pay rent, it codes as 3x via applepay/android pay... u basically pay the fee for points since it evens out at the end.

I don't MS all that much but will probably start to now since I am waiting a year for my 10/24 to go by and hit 4/24. The most MS we did was with BB to get the British Airways companion pass which we were able to use today to book our flights to go on our Adventures by Disney Italy trip in first class next year. YAY It was $30,000 of MS in 4 months since at one point we were using 2 BB accounts. I am now up to 4 Bluebird account shut downs. I've got 3 or 4 more family members I can convince to open up a BB account for me to abuse but would rather save them for a rainy day. Therefore, I will likely be going the money order route so I will be looking into credit unions or banks I can fund with with credit card and not care if they close my account for depositing money orders.

Good Morning! I have a question. I am somewhat new to cc churning, but not new to using loyalty rewards. My husband travels frequently for work, so we have accumulated Marriott, Delta, and Southwest points.

After hearing about the CSR card, last night I applied in my name and in my husband's, and both accounts were approved. As soon as we receive the cards, I'll use them to pay down college tuition (fee free - and don't worry, we won't pay that crazy interest!), so we should each have 100,000+ points quickly.

I just made a room only Disney World reservation for Christmas 2016, through a Disney travel agent. I already have free flights for this trip, and some other upcoming travel. I have the Southwest companion pass through 2017, so that is our current airline of choice. My question is, I know that the best use for the Chase points is to transfer them to another reward program, but is there any way to use them to chip a little off this Disney reservation? Booking a room at Disney through the Chase portal is crazy; rates are way more than what we're paying. Do I buy discounted gift cards at Sam's Club for example, and then use my $2,000 credit to pay the bill? Is there any other way to use these to save at Disney World?

I know that I could just hang onto them until I could REALLY maximize them, but do you ever just take the money and run? Thanks!

Personally, the only time I take the money and run is when the points can only be valued as cash back and have no better value. We did that with a Cap One Venture, Wells Fargo Propel and Barclay Arrival Plus for both DH and myself. 6 cards and after the spend and bonus points we had $3,000 worth of points that could only be redeemed as cash. So we had $3,000 worth of excursions and on board expenses during our Disney cruise to Norway, Iceland and Scotland last year. We spread them across all 6 cards and had a fabulous vacation. I never opt for cash back when I can use the points for airline miles since I will get way more value out of them. But that's me.

The Starwood Preferred Guest Amex points can be used for stays at the Swan & Dolphin starting at 10,000 points per night. The also do a nights and flights promo where you can exchange 70,000 SPG points for 5 nights at the Dolphin and 50,000 airline miles. We save money on Disney vacations by purchasing Disney gift cards through category bonuses. Earning those extra UR points helps us save on airfare since we can transfer them to an airline. We pay all of our Disney vacations (DCL, WDW, DLR, ABD, DVC) with Disney gift cards that we load into our Disney Vacation account so we can get an additional 2% back in Disney gift cards for every $1,000.

This is so fascinating. I only have 2 cc, BoA platinum plus rewards and CapOne platinum. I don't know what my credit score is but both these cards have doubled my limit in the last three to four weeks. I also just did a pre-approval with cap one for a new car purchase ( they promised it wouldn't affect my credit score ) and they approved me at 40k. My mortgage is with BofA. I have two circumstances that are causing additional uncertainty on what my 1st step should be.
1) I just started a new job the first of September and will be moving to a new state, they will be buying my house as part of a relocation package so I won't have a mortgage after 10/15.
2) I am going to Hawaii in January but haven't bought airfare yet. I assume that it's too late to do anything by getting points but what credit card should I open so I'll at least be able to take advantage of purchasing the airfare. We will be flying on United so I think the best card to open would be United.? but maybe one of the other Chase cards would be actually better.

I have read through this thread and also gone to the point guy and registered there and will continue to educate myself. But because of my time crunch and the relocation issue l am seeking your advise and input. TIA

I would not recommend opening up the United card since you'd get more points opening up a CSP or CSR card and the points can transfer to United :1. With the CSR you'd also earn 3 points per dollar for the airline ticket purchase and it would also trigger the $300 travel credit. You could get lucky and still find something with miles though.

 

[CaterFamily]

The Starwood Preferred Guest Amex points can be used for stays at the Swan & Dolphin starting at 10,000 points per night. The also do a nights and flights promo where you can exchange 70,000 SPG points for 5 nights at the Dolphin and 50,000 airline miles. We save money on Disney vacations by purchasing Disney gift cards through category bonuses. Earning those extra UR points helps us save on airfare since we can transfer them to an airline. We pay all of our Disney vacations (DCL, WDW, DLR, ABD, DVC) with Disney gift cards that we load into our Disney Vacation account so we can get an additional 2% back in Disney gift cards for every $1,000.

Like using the UR link: Shopping with Chase? Or general category (Like Ink+ office supply store bonus)? This is something that I thought was near impossible - using points to stay at the mouse.

 

[calypso726]

Like using the UR link: Shopping with Chase? Or general category (Like Ink+ office supply store bonus)? This is something that I thought was near impossible - using points to stay at the mouse.

Yes, like purchasing Disney gift cards at Sam's or BJs with the Freedom card for 5x points per dollar and 5% off face value during wholesale club bonus quarter. Then again at grocery stores when that is the category bonus and at Lowes when it the category bonus. Those Freedom UR points get transferred to the CSP card account so they can be used as miles when we transfer to United or British Airways. When the $1500 max is reached each quarter we purchase Disney gift cards at the office supply store with the Ink Plus at 5x points per dollar.

All non bonus category spending goes on our SPG card. It is these points that can be used to stay at the Swan or Dolphin.

Our next Adventures by Disney trip is Winter in Wyoming this December. We are paying for that trip with Disney gift cards entirely. All the Disney gift cards were purchased at 5 points per dollar and some of it with an additional 5% off the face value via Sam's. We will earn over 43,500 UR points for purchasing those Disney gift cards at 5x points/$. That is enough for two domestic round trip flights depending on the destination in economy if you transfer to BA and fly AA or another partner. On Southwest if you're flexible that will get you 3 round trip flights. Since we will be paying using our Disney Vacation Savings account we will also be getting back $160 in Disney gift cards.

We do use the shopping portals to earn extra points as well. In addition, we are joined the dining rewards program for our preferred airline. This also helps us earn extra points towards airfare.

 

[AmyAnne]

Thanks for the info about manufactured spending. I have to say that I really don't understand the Bluebird process -- I think I have the general gist of it but apparently only certain gift cards can be transferred. If we do get the CSR I might try to figure it out with a $50 experiment but right now there seem to be a lot of ways that it could go wrong.

I do have one question about the money orders -- might it be worthwhile to cash the money order at Walmart rather than deposit it in a bank account? It looks like it would cost $3 to cash a $1000 money order at Walmart -- so that would make the total cost about $10 per $1000 of manufactured spending. Is that considered high?

 

[calypso726]

Thanks for the info about manufactured spending. I have to say that I really don't understand the Bluebird process -- I think I have the general gist of it but apparently only certain gift cards can be transferred. If we do get the CSR I might try to figure it out with a $50 experiment but right now there seem to be a lot of ways that it could go wrong.

I do have one question about the money orders -- might it be worthwhile to cash the money order at Walmart rather than deposit it in a bank account? It looks like it would cost $3 to cash a $1000 money order at Walmart -- so that would make the total cost about $10 per $1000 of manufactured spending. Is that considered high?

You also have to figure the cost of purchasing the pin enabled gift cards to be used as debit cards in order to purchase the money order. Most are purchasing the MO at Walmart so you;d have to make it out in someone else's name and send them to cash it or go to a different Walmart. To make the spend you can just as soon PayPal someone and pay the fee. For making the spend to get the 100,000 bonus I wouldn't be bothered about the fee. For ongoing MS it wouldn't make sense.

 

[Albort]

keep in mind, there is many other ways to make minimum spending...

 

[Alice Sr.]

Yes, like purchasing Disney gift cards at Sam's or BJs with the Freedom card for 5x points per dollar and 5% off face value during wholesale club bonus quarter. Then again at grocery stores when that is the category bonus and at Lowes when it the category bonus. Those Freedom UR points get transferred to the CSP card account so they can be used as miles when we transfer to United or British Airways. When the $1500 max is reached each quarter we purchase Disney gift cards at the office supply store with the Ink Plus at 5x points per dollar.

I will apply for the CSR 1st and join Sam's to buy Disney GCs. My dues are a little over 4k so that should pretty much cover the spend requirements for CSR. I will then apply for the Freedom and United this year, and Southwest and possibly Alaska after the 1st of the year. That would take me to the limit on the 5/24 rule.?

keep in mind, there is many other ways to make minimum spending...

Is there a site you would recommend to find additional spend options? I searched the points guy site and did not find an article. I read in a previous post someone recommended a site for prepayment for taxes (ingenious, would never have thought of that). I have a signing bonus for my new job so I am hoping that would be a good option to offset the EoY hit (will confirm with my accountant).

 

[Aanna]

You also have to figure the cost of purchasing the pin enabled gift cards to be used as debit cards in order to purchase the money order. Most are purchasing the MO at Walmart so you;d have to make it out in someone else's name and send them to cash it or go to a different Walmart. To make the spend you can just as soon PayPal someone and pay the fee. For making the spend to get the 100,000 bonus I wouldn't be bothered about the fee. For ongoing MS it wouldn't make sense.

Paypal was the way I'd figured to help my mom make her spend: it seemed to me to be the simplest and most legit, and, considered the benefit, the fee seemed a reasonable one time expense.

 

[calypso726]

I will apply for the CSR 1st and join Sam's to buy Disney GCs. My dues are a little over 4k so that should pretty much cover the spend requirements for CSR. I will then apply for the Freedom and United this year, and Southwest and possibly Alaska after the 1st of the year. That would take me to the limit on the 5/24 rule.?


Is there a site you would recommend to find additional spend options? I searched the points guy site and did not find an article. I read in a previous post someone recommended a site for prepayment for taxes (ingenious, would never have thought of that). I have a signing bonus for my new job so I am hoping that would be a good option to offset the EoY hit (will confirm with my accountant).

Sounds like a good plan. I would replace the Freedom application with the CSP unless you are definitely planning on keeping the CSR despite the $450 annual fee. You will need a CSR, CSP or Ink+ to transfer UR points to air miles and hotel points. If questioned, why you would want the CSP when you have a CSR tell them it is to keep business and personal expenses separate. You can then product change the CSR to a Freedom when the AF hits again next year. When I apply next year for the CSR I will be product changing my CSP to a Freedom unlimited since I plan to keep the CSR. Having done the math on what I spend yearly on dining and travel I come out ahead with the CSR.

TPG didn't write the article it was Frequent Miler http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/the-complete-guide-to-bluebird-redcard-serve-and-softserve I'd check to see if he updated the info though.

Making spend http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/2016/08/30/3-easy-ways-to-meet-the-sapphire-reserve-minimum-spend-requirement
Here's one from MMS http://millionmilesecrets.com/2016/09/05/ways-to-meet-chase-sapphire-reserve-spending-requirement

Paypal was the way I'd figured to help my mom make her spend: it seemed to me to be the simplest and most legit, and, considered the benefit, the fee seemed a reasonable one time expense.

Totally agree!