I love credit cards so much!

[Alice Sr.]

This has been our experience. The account has to be open for 120 days. The funds don't need to be there for 120 days.

Oh wow, that is a way better deal than I thought. I am waiting for the 19 x $100 cards I ordered from BJ's. I was going to combine them in my Disney GC account to one GC before calling MS to pay for dues. Can I load the 19 GCs directly into the DVA account and then call MS, or combine in the GC account and then use the one combined card to enter in DVA as a one time payment, and then call MS to apply for dues? I need to repeat this process for the SW business spend (an additional 21 GCs). So I will earn $80 in GCs at the end? Thanks

 

[AmyAnne]

Oh wow, that is a way better deal than I thought. I am waiting for the 19 x $100 cards I ordered from BJ's. I was going to combine them in my Disney GC account to one GC before calling MS to pay for dues. Can I load the 19 GCs directly into the DVA account and then call MS, or combine in the GC account and then use the one combined card to enter in DVA as a one time payment, and then call MS to apply for dues? I need to repeat this process for the SW business spend (an additional 21 GCs). So I will earn $80 in GCs at the end? Thanks

I agree that this makes opening a DVA much more of a priority. I haven't seen any new horror story threads about DVA in a while. Plus being able to open an account with a minimum deposit and then fully fund it once we know if we're actually taking the DCL cruise we have booked for next summer (as in 2018) - I think my reasons for not opening a DVA are pretty much gone.

 

[AmyAnne]

I have the personal card and so does DH.

I have been gravitating to the business cards in an effort to hedge my bets with Chase, given that some business cards won't show up on a credit report. I'm curious how others decide whether to apply for a personal or business card.

 

[wendow]

After I asked for advice and received good advice, I was set on opening a Marriott personal card. Now I am second guessing what to do...I have room for a Chase card so feel I should go with Chase...even though I really want to get started on earning SPG points so we can stay at Swolphin (we need two rooms everywhere so if we can save on hotel, I am thrilled!!).

But back to Chase...I am at 4/24 so focus on Chase, right?? We always fly SWA to MCO. Would it be more beneficial to get another SW card? We have a lot of points right now but would still need to cover a couple of airfares next time we go. Getting another 50k would cover airfare completely. I could definitely get a bonus on the Plus and I think I am just past 24 mos for when I last received a bonus on the Premier.

As enticing as the Marriott card is, I am not sure if it makes sense. We fly SWA. My kids love staying onsite. We've never stayed offsite. If I got the Marriott card, I'd probably hoard the points for Hawaii in 2019. So, it makes sense to do what helps with the 2018 trip first...which is to WDW for my ODD's graduation...and that either needs to be SWA points or UR points.

 

[Albort]

After I asked for advice and received good advice, I was set on opening a Marriott personal card. Now I am second guessing what to do...I have room for a Chase card so feel I should go with Chase...even though I really want to get started on earning SPG points so we can stay at Swolphin (we need two rooms everywhere so if we can save on hotel, I am thrilled!!).

But back to Chase...I am at 4/24 so focus on Chase, right?? We always fly SWA to MCO. Would it be more beneficial to get another SW card? We have a lot of points right now but would still need to cover a couple of airfares next time we go. Getting another 50k would cover airfare completely. I could definitely get a bonus on the Plus and I think I am just past 24 mos for when I last received a bonus on the Premier.

As enticing as the Marriott card is, I am not sure if it makes sense. We fly SWA. My kids love staying onsite. We've never stayed offsite. If I got the Marriott card, I'd probably hoard the points for Hawaii in 2019. So, it makes sense to do what helps with the 2018 trip first...which is to WDW for my ODD's graduation...and that either needs to be SWA points or UR points.

if u got the spending powers, hit both at once. it should push u up to 6/24...

 

[wendow]

if u got the spending powers, hit both at once. it should push u up to 6/24...

I wish I did have that spending power, or knew how to MS. I can only hit one min spend at a time. We are a single income, 4-kiddo family, and I stress over meeting one min spend. No way could I do that for two cards.

 

[Albort]

I wish I did have that spending power, or knew how to MS. I can only hit one min spend at a time. We are a single income, 4-kiddo family, and I stress over meeting one min spend. No way could I do that for two cards.

tough one, honestly, id probably go for the marriott card because 1, u have a SW card already. 2, if you want to stay at an SPG hotel, u will have that option. 3. you can still transfer back and forth. marriott --> RR is 1:2.8 ratio so 112k Marriott points transfers to 40,000 RR.

 

[wendow]

tough one, honestly, id probably go for the marriott card because 1, u have a SW card already. 2, if you want to stay at an SPG hotel, u will have that option. 3. you can still transfer back and forth. marriott --> RR is 1:2.8 ratio so 112k Marriott points transfers to 40,000 RR.

Thank you. good thoughts, Albort. I hadn't thought about how I could still transfer Marriott back to SW if I needed to.

 

[Alice Sr.]

After I asked for advice and received good advice, I was set on opening a Marriott personal card. Now I am second guessing what to do...I have room for a Chase card so feel I should go with Chase...even though I really want to get started on earning SPG points so we can stay at Swolphin (we need two rooms everywhere so if we can save on hotel, I am thrilled!!).

But back to Chase...I am at 4/24 so focus on Chase, right?? We always fly SWA to MCO. Would it be more beneficial to get another SW card? We have a lot of points right now but would still need to cover a couple of airfares next time we go. Getting another 50k would cover airfare completely. I could definitely get a bonus on the Plus and I think I am just past 24 mos for when I last received a bonus on the Premier.

As enticing as the Marriott card is, I am not sure if it makes sense. We fly SWA. My kids love staying onsite. We've never stayed offsite. If I got the Marriott card, I'd probably hoard the points for Hawaii in 2019. So, it makes sense to do what helps with the 2018 trip first...which is to WDW for my ODD's graduation...and that either needs to be SWA points or UR points.

It's such a matrix. I have similar scenarios to figure out. I did double up on SW as I am paying for everyone's airfare (7 if I don't convince my DD's to get seats for the two infants) for our Dec trip but will be able to cover the spend by paying off my DVC dues. We are all also going to Aulani in 2019 and I have the same airfare goals (that will definitely be 9 seats) so I am going to try to double up again for the United 70k offer and either the United business or Ink (100k offer). But I wanted to mention I have been using the shopping portals for both SW and United (although going forward I will focus on United) and am surprised how fast the points are adding up. I would check it out if you have not already, with your day to day opportunities (keeping the babies in clothes and shoes alone) it could add up to a free flight by the time your HI trip rolls around. Regarding doubling up on Chase, have you ruled out paying your mtg with Platiq (I think that's the card) for 3 months? To me it seems to be a pretty short term commitment for the value. I know I would not want to hassle with that as a long term plan (but that's because I am paranoid about being accused as MSer) but for the option of doubling up on Chase accounts and bonuses I think I would go for it. Plus you are going to have to purchase the park tickets so if you added one ticket a month it would help meet your spend and spread out the cost a little bit. Of course you wouldn't be getting the 3% from your CSR if you were planning on using Undercover Tourist for your park passes. Anyway just trying to throw out some ideas.

 

[calypso726]

Good to know, that significantly reduces my desire for AMEX. Glad I found that out before I applied. Thanks

@Alice Sr. - I wouldn't rule them out completely. It depends on where you are transferring. Some are instant. Now that MR has 50% MR points back with the Amex Platinum business card they are a little higher on my radar. Here is the list of transfer time per partner and point transfer ratio:

Aeromexico Club Premier 1000 : 1600 ~ 4 to 5 days
Air Canada Aeroplan 1000 : 1000 Instant
Air France KLM FlyingBlue 1000 : 1000 Instant
Alitalia MilleMiglia Club 1000 : 1000 Instant
ANA Mileage Club 1000 : 1000 ~ 2 to 3 days
British Airways Executive Club 250 : 200 Instant
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 1000 : 1000 ~ 1 day
Delta SkyMiles 1000 : 1000 Instant
El Al Matmid 1000 : 20 Instant
Emirates Skywards 1000 : 1000 Instant
Etihad Guest 1000 : 1000 Instant
Hawaiian HawaiianMiles 1000 : 1000 Instant
Iberia Plus 1000 : 1000 ~ 1 to 2 days
JetBlue TrueBlue 250 : 200 Instant
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer 1000 : 1000 ~ 12 to 24 hours
Virgin America Elevate 200 : 100 Instant
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club 1000 : 1000 ~ 1 to 2 days
Choice Privileges 1000 : 1000 Instant
Hilton Honors 1000 : 1500 Instant
Starwood Preferred Guest 1000 : 333 Instant

 

[Alice Sr.]

@Alice Sr. - I wouldn't rule them out completely. It depends on where you are transferring. Some are instant. Now that MR has 50% MR points back with the Amex Platinum business card they are a little higher on my radar. Here is the list of transfer time per partner and point transfer ratio:

Aeromexico Club Premier 1000 : 1600 ~ 4 to 5 days
Air Canada Aeroplan 1000 : 1000 Instant
Air France KLM FlyingBlue 1000 : 1000 Instant
Alitalia MilleMiglia Club 1000 : 1000 Instant
ANA Mileage Club 1000 : 1000 ~ 2 to 3 days
British Airways Executive Club 250 : 200 Instant
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 1000 : 1000 ~ 1 day
Delta SkyMiles 1000 : 1000 Instant
El Al Matmid 1000 : 20 Instant
Emirates Skywards 1000 : 1000 Instant
Etihad Guest 1000 : 1000 Instant
Hawaiian HawaiianMiles 1000 : 1000 Instant
Iberia Plus 1000 : 1000 ~ 1 to 2 days
JetBlue TrueBlue 250 : 200 Instant
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer 1000 : 1000 ~ 12 to 24 hours
Virgin America Elevate 200 : 100 Instant
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club 1000 : 1000 ~ 1 to 2 days
Choice Privileges 1000 : 1000 Instant
Hilton Honors 1000 : 1500 Instant
Starwood Preferred Guest 1000 : 333 Instant

Thank you for this, very helpful/reassuring. I will probably get to a point where AMEX makes since for me so I appreciate this info.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

It's such a matrix. I have similar scenarios to figure out. I did double up on SW as I am paying for everyone's airfare (7 if I don't convince my DD's to get seats for the two infants) for our Dec trip but will be able to cover the spend by paying off my DVC dues. We are all also going to Aulani in 2019 and I have the same airfare goals (that will definitely be 9 seats) so I am going to try to double up again for the United 70k offer and either the United business or Ink (100k offer). But I wanted to mention I have been using the shopping portals for both SW and United (although going forward I will focus on United) and am surprised how fast the points are adding up. I would check it out if you have not already, with your day to day opportunities (keeping the babies in clothes and shoes alone) it could add up to a free flight by the time your HI trip rolls around. Regarding doubling up on Chase, have you ruled out paying your mtg with Platiq (I think that's the card) for 3 months? To me it seems to be a pretty short term commitment for the value. I know I would not want to hassle with that as a long term plan (but that's because I am paranoid about being accused as MSer) but for the option of doubling up on Chase accounts and bonuses I think I would go for it. Plus you are going to have to purchase the park tickets so if you added one ticket a month it would help meet your spend and spread out the cost a little bit. Of course you wouldn't be getting the 3% from your CSR if you were planning on using Undercover Tourist for your park passes. Anyway just trying to throw out some ideas.

Undercover Tourist codes as travel for CSR. I got 3x points when I bought 4 tickets from them in February.

 

[calypso726]

I have been gravitating to the business cards in an effort to hedge my bets with Chase, given that some business cards won't show up on a credit report. I'm curious how others decide whether to apply for a personal or business card.

First - sign up bonus
Second - benefits

These are my two priorities. I am resigned to the fact that I will never again be able to get Chase cards under 5/24. I am at 11/24 right now. Getting the CSR while being at 10/24 last year left me overjoyed and as such I am content with my lot in "Chase cards life". The bonus is always what will drive me to apply or not apply and that goes for business and personal. Delta miles were barely a blip on my radar since they have the worst reputation when it comes to their Sky Miles (pesos) program. The cards were routinely at 30,000 or so for a bonus. Not worth my time as I am not near a Delta hub. However, when Amex came out with a 70,000 miles bonus for both the personal and business Delta cards, I applied for both. I even looked into MSing my way to status but quickly realized it would not be worth the effort for me.

I had the SPG personal card for some time and then the business SPG came out with a 35K bonus. SPG points are very valuable and 35k is a high bonus for SPG cards. At the time Amex had a rule of only allowing you to have 4 credit cards and 4 charge cards. I was at my 4 credit card max so I had to cancel the SPG personal to make way for the business card. This one I will keep simply to continue to earn SPG points on spend in non-category areas.

Chase Ink+ was my first business card. 50k points and amazing earning potential at 5x. Keeper for me.

Amex Platinum is the most recent. I had a mailer come in for 100,000 MR points with $10,000 spend and an additional 50,000 points for $20,000 in 3 months. I had DVC dues coming up for 1300 points so the first $10,000 was do-able. I had to get help from family to make the second $10,000 but managed it. I like the benefits, so I will be keeping this card long term.

 

[calypso726]

Help please, those who purchase from Undercover Tourist. I am a FL resident so we have never used UT. Amex offers has a spend $250 get a $75 statement credit for UT. We are planning to go with my family to MNSSHP this year. Does UT sell the Halloween and Christmas party tickets? Thanks in advance!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Help please, those who purchase from Undercover Tourist. I am a FL resident so we have never used UT. Amex offers has a spend $250 get a $75 statement credit for UT. We are planning to go with my family to MNSSHP this year. Does UT sell the Halloween and Christmas party tickets? Thanks in advance!

I have never seen those offered on their website.

 

[trstno1]

Help please, those who purchase from Undercover Tourist. I am a FL resident so we have never used UT. Amex offers has a spend $250 get a $75 statement credit for UT. We are planning to go with my family to MNSSHP this year. Does UT sell the Halloween and Christmas party tickets? Thanks in advance!

Is that a new offer? I've only got the $30 off $150, which isn't useful for me. $75 off a 6 or 7 day hopper is almost 20% off with little effort.

 

[Lain]

Amex Platinum is the most recent. I had a mailer come in for 100,000 MR points with $10,000 spend and an additional 50,000 points for $20,000 in 3 months. I had DVC dues coming up for 1300 points so the first $10,000 was do-able. I had to get help from family to make the second $10,000 but managed it. I like the benefits, so I will be keeping this card long term.

Thumbs way up for the 150k MR points offer!

 

[eeyoresmom]

Is that a new offer? I've only got the $30 off $150, which isn't useful for me. $75 off a 6 or 7 day hopper is almost 20% off with little effort.

I think the Amex offers are targeted. I got the $30 off $150 also but would.much prefer Calypso's offer

 

[wendow]

It's such a matrix. I have similar scenarios to figure out. I did double up on SW as I am paying for everyone's airfare (7 if I don't convince my DD's to get seats for the two infants) for our Dec trip but will be able to cover the spend by paying off my DVC dues. We are all also going to Aulani in 2019 and I have the same airfare goals (that will definitely be 9 seats) so I am going to try to double up again for the United 70k offer and either the United business or Ink (100k offer). But I wanted to mention I have been using the shopping portals for both SW and United (although going forward I will focus on United) and am surprised how fast the points are adding up. I would check it out if you have not already, with your day to day opportunities (keeping the babies in clothes and shoes alone) it could add up to a free flight by the time your HI trip rolls around. Regarding doubling up on Chase, have you ruled out paying your mtg with Platiq (I think that's the card) for 3 months? To me it seems to be a pretty short term commitment for the value. I know I would not want to hassle with that as a long term plan (but that's because I am paranoid about being accused as MSer) but for the option of doubling up on Chase accounts and bonuses I think I would go for it. Plus you are going to have to purchase the park tickets so if you added one ticket a month it would help meet your spend and spread out the cost a little bit. Of course you wouldn't be getting the 3% from your CSR if you were planning on using Undercover Tourist for your park passes. Anyway just trying to throw out some ideas.

First, you seem like such an awesome mom/grandma! Adopt me please Second, thanks for the advice. I need to look more at Plastiq for paying my mortgage. I looked way back in the fall but never revisited the idea b/c I opened a bank account to meet the min spend quickly instead. If I had something like that, I could do both cards. Just depends on the fees. My mortgage is $2100 so the fees could offset my earnings pretty quickly if too high.

I actually already bought our WDW tix for next year. I bought them before the prices went up so I am all set there. We have airfare to MCO almost covered through SW RR points. Have Disney GC's purchased for food/souvenirs. Just need a place to stay but I do not want to use my UR points for WDW properties. I would rather save those points for getting to Hawaii. I could go for the Marriott card since we could move the points to SPG. We have never stayed there but it seems like it would feel like being 'onsite' other than not having DME. My kids are pretty used to staying onsite and we just like that bubble. This is a grad trip for my oldest, and she has been sick for almost two years, so I really want to make it special

 

[wendow]

Help please, those who purchase from Undercover Tourist. I am a FL resident so we have never used UT. Amex offers has a spend $250 get a $75 statement credit for UT. We are planning to go with my family to MNSSHP this year. Does UT sell the Halloween and Christmas party tickets? Thanks in advance!

Don't think they sell the party tix.