I love credit cards so much!

[calypso726]

Wait... gas stations around you sell Amazon gift cards?! What kind of gas station is this?

No... at SFO, JAL flies out of the International Terminal. The Centurion Lounge is in Terminal 3. They're not connected airside so she'd have to go through security twice. DW agrees JAL > UA; it's worth it.

I'm quite curious as well...

There is a RaceTrac gas station less than 10 minuets from my house that sells Amazon gift cards. A couple of years ago I decided to buy a new camera off Amazon. Staples and Office Depot/Max were closed because it was late on a Sunday. CF bonus category was gas stations and I hadn’t maxed out my CF yet. So I went to the RaceTrac and bought a few hundred in Amazon GCs to cover the cost of my camera.DH had already bought enough at that gas station to max out his CF.

When the quarterly bonus is gas station, I wait until near the end of the quarter and whatever is left to max the bonus, I just buy the difference in Amazon gift cards.

 

[gottalovepluto]

What is this? DH got an email to log on to his Chase account to see a secure message about his account. Subject = Changes to your card benefits. We can’t log in tilll tomorrow night. This sounds bad. Should he be worried?

Nah, everyone is getting them as Chase dribbles out their change/updates to price protection, privacy, benefits, etc.

 

[gottalovepluto]

This is only tangentially related to credit cards but while I kill time waiting for my CIP denial letter to arrive, I've been looking into bank account bonuses (thanks @gottalovepluto for the primer on DISchurners). Can someone explain to me how you do it without totally screwing up your personal finance/bill paying schedule? I've been a USAA member forever and everything is set to autopay from one account, so I can't imagine shuffling around $10,000 here and there and having to keep $xxx amount tied up in an account for six months to avoid monthly fees or clawback of the reward. Not to mention changing my direct deposit from work all the time... anyone have personal experience they want to share?

So all the money goes into your checking account and all bills autopay from the same checking account? Do you have a savings account? That’s the pool of money I use for my bonus chasing as well. It’s easy to know my limits because I know I only have $X for this hobby and sometimes that means I have to pass on a bonus.

If you run all of your finances from one checking account and have no savings account I’m not sure where to send you to get started on developing a savings plan/determining how much you can put into savings- but others here might be able to suggest something and/or some apps that help keep track of more complex budgeting needs.

 

[afan]

The only PP Lounge at SFO is the Air France/KLM Lounge in the International Terminal. If you’re flying domestic or out of another terminal, you can still hop between terminals with your same-day boarding pass, but they aren’t connected airside so you’ll have to pass through security at each terminal. I wouldn’t bother because I swear the Air France/KLM Lounge is always “at capacity” or reserved for airline guests only. PP needs to sign up a restaurant at SFO or something. It’s a useless product otherwise.

It's not worth the hassle, but I've got an 8am flight on labor day out of there so I might have a shot since it's a holiday. But I'm doing carry-on so I don't see the need to get there 2 hours before, especially since it's also my fp+ day and I want to get a little more sleep after I get them done.

 

[Artygal90]

So all the money goes into your checking account and all bills autopay from the same checking account? Do you have a savings account? That’s the pool of money I use for my bonus chasing as well. It’s easy to know my limits because I know I only have $X for this hobby and sometimes that means I have to pass on a bonus.

If you run all of your finances from one checking account and have no savings account I’m not sure where to send you to get started on developing a savings plan/determining how much you can put into savings- but others here might be able to suggest something and/or some apps that help keep track of more complex budgeting needs.

Ah, sorry, should have been more clear. Yes, we run all our direct deposits and bills/daily expenses through one checking account, and then put as much as we can each month in our savings account to build up our emergency fund - aiming to have that fully funded in a few months. I've had both accounts for 10+ years and have finally got it all tracked nicely in YNAB so I'm hesitant to start mixing stuff up now. I was just reading some of the requirements for different offers on DoC and wondering how people are signing up for lots of bonuses, sometimes more than one at a time (one guy keeps posting that he and his P2 have gotten $6k in bonuses in one year!) while also keeping on top of all their bills and savings goals. I'm also very sleep deprived so maybe it's less complicated than it sounds, lol. But it sounds like the easiest and most common way is to just shuffle around an e-fund, which ideally you shouldn't be touching anyway?

 

[hsmamato2]

Have to a admit you’re one of the first I’ve seen to not rave about it. Mind if I ask why? (Admittedly I did a very unkind review of it when it first started but Disney fixed my main gripe so now I’m in the omg I love it group- always want to hear other perspectives though because it is a fairly common event people ask about on the DL board).

we did this in Dec 2016- so a while ago. It was very expensive,and very disorganized. We chose to buy it b/c we had my MIL with us,and I was concerned about her having to stand and wait for the show. Here's what happened.... it was a weird cold snap,bad news(38 degrees that night) we had to wander back and forth quite a bit before we found a person standing with the sign for the dessert party line, which was RIGHT next to the 'get in free line'. We arrived an hour-hour and a half early for the show,and STOOD in the LOOOONG SLOOOOOW line,which shuffled ever so slowly forward...meanwhile,my MIL and other fam were grumbling about $70+ pp cost for the privilege of standing in a disorganized line waiting for entry,while the regular lines were in and filled up long before we entered. When we finally got in, we were seated at a table,with two tall tables in front of us,about 5-10 minutes before show start. So we stood all that time waiting after all. The dessert plates were nice, but not worth the money. it was unexpectedly COLD,and they ran out of hot drinks. SO $70 per person to to stand in an unnecessary line for a long time,some cookies and a cup of coffee or cocoa, but just one (if you were lucky) Since we seated behind tall tables, we couldn't even get good pics,since the people in front of us were taller than we were. (still saw/loved the show) We could have,for $0 extra gotten in the regular line and hung out/enjoyed ourselves before the show. This "extra" was a complete disappointment. my MIL had to stand for a long time,but the regular line,plenty of people leaning/sitting on a curb,resting where they found a viewing spot. That's why I don't recommend it. this was our 2nd time at DL,and I know for 100% sure that it would have been a more relaxed and enjoyable evening if we had just gone to the show the regular way,as we did on our previous visit. I really dislike wasting money on something that's not even close the promised value (a seat to wait for the show,relax,and be a little pampered,etc. it wasn't) Same with the PAint the Night parade, I read for weeks about "buy a lunch package,get special viewing,you'll be so sorry if you don't" on here.... I almost went for that too, but decided last minute it didn't work with our 'relaxed touring' plans. We had no issues at all watching that parade on our own terms. I learned a good lesson on that trip, it's that different opinions online (however sincere) don't always equal the reality.(even mine here lol)

 

[gottalovepluto]

we did this in Dec 2016- so a while ago. It was very expensive,and very disorganized. We chose to buy it b/c we had my MIL with us,and I was concerned about her having to stand and wait for the show. Here's what happened.... it was a weird cold snap,bad news(38 degrees that night) we had to wander back and forth quite a bit before we found a person standing with the sign for the dessert party line, which was RIGHT next to the 'get in free line'. We arrived an hour-hour and a half early for the show,and STOOD in the LOOOONG SLOOOOOW line,which shuffled ever so slowly forward...meanwhile,my MIL and other fam were grumbling about $70+ pp cost for the privilege of standing in a disorganized line waiting for entry,while the regular lines were in and filled up long before we entered. When we finally got in, we were seated at a table,with two tall tables in front of us,about 5-10 minutes before show start. So we stood all that time waiting after all. The dessert plates were nice, but not worth the money. it was unexpectedly COLD,and they ran out of hot drinks. SO $70 per person to to stand in an unnecessary line for a long time,some cookies and a cup of coffee or cocoa, but just one (if you were lucky) Since we seated behind tall tables, we couldn't even get good pics,since the people in front of us were taller than we were. (still saw/loved the show) We could have,for $0 extra gotten in the regular line and hung out/enjoyed ourselves before the show. This "extra" was a complete disappointment. my MIL had to stand for a long time,but the regular line,plenty of people leaning/sitting on a curb,resting where they found a viewing spot. That's why I don't recommend it. this was our 2nd time at DL,and I know for 100% sure that it would have been a more relaxed and enjoyable evening if we had just gone to the show the regular way,as we did on our previous visit. I really dislike wasting money on something that's not even close the promised value (a seat to wait for the show,relax,and be a little pampered,etc. it wasn't) Same with the PAint the Night parade, I read for weeks about "buy a lunch package,get special viewing,you'll be so sorry if you don't" on here.... I almost went for that too, but decided last minute it didn't work with our 'relaxed touring' plans. We had no issues at all watching that parade on our own terms. I learned a good lesson on that trip, it's that different opinions online (however sincere) don't always equal the reality.(even mine here lol)

Same as my 1st WOC DP experience! So disorganized, we got there around party start time, they slowly let people in, and we ended up with barely 5 mins to eat before the show. I wrote an email to customer relations regarding it I was so mad, I saw so much potential but I was never going back. Famous last words, I returned after reading rave reviews in the time that followed. In the time since trip #1: they’ve shifted the others lines towards the side so the line is obviously just dessert party people, they band people in line before the party starts, everyone is seated fairly quickly after they open. However- we arrive 45 mins before start time to be toward the front of the line so we can request what table we want when we get there. Had I stood there with MIL in pain and everyone ticked over spending that much money I’d never try it again either, but if you get an inkling for some reason and have anyone who can’t stand have them wait at the Little Mermaid where there are benches & call them when it’s time.

 

[miztressuz]

Ah, sorry, should have been more clear. Yes, we run all our direct deposits and bills/daily expenses through one checking account, and then put as much as we can each month in our savings account to build up our emergency fund - aiming to have that fully funded in a few months. I've had both accounts for 10+ years and have finally got it all tracked nicely in YNAB so I'm hesitant to start mixing stuff up now. I was just reading some of the requirements for different offers on DoC and wondering how people are signing up for lots of bonuses, sometimes more than one at a time (one guy keeps posting that he and his P2 have gotten $6k in bonuses in one year!) while also keeping on top of all their bills and savings goals. I'm also very sleep deprived so maybe it's less complicated than it sounds, lol. But it sounds like the easiest and most common way is to just shuffle around an e-fund, which ideally you shouldn't be touching anyway?

Pretty much. You can also look into accounts that don't require high minimum balances. Some checking account bonuses only require debit card transactions or just one direct deposit. Then you could pay the minimal fee and subtract it out of your bonus or keep the small minimum balance just long enough to avoid the ETF.
The Chase checking requires just one direct deposit of any value so that's easy, but that one also has a high min balance to keep it fee free unless you keep a direct deposit of a certain value going to it. So if you didn't want to pay the fee you could keep the DD going to it and just switch some bills over to being paid from the Chase account. Or move $1500 of the e-fund into it to sit. But that makes more complication than it sounds like you want There's a couple smaller bank bonuses I've seen where you just need to make debit card transactions and leave like a $100 in the account for a few months to get the bonus. So sometimes you can find something easy that doesn't disrupt your usual schedule.

I should read the guide, but in case it's not mentioned, also take into account what taxes you may owe on the bonus. Most bank bonuses are considered interest and will be reported on a 1099-int so it will add to your yearly income come tax time.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Ah, sorry, should have been more clear. Yes, we run all our direct deposits and bills/daily expenses through one checking account, and then put as much as we can each month in our savings account to build up our emergency fund - aiming to have that fully funded in a few months. I've had both accounts for 10+ years and have finally got it all tracked nicely in YNAB so I'm hesitant to start mixing stuff up now. I was just reading some of the requirements for different offers on DoC and wondering how people are signing up for lots of bonuses, sometimes more than one at a time (one guy keeps posting that he and his P2 have gotten $6k in bonuses in one year!) while also keeping on top of all their bills and savings goals. I'm also very sleep deprived so maybe it's less complicated than it sounds, lol. But it sounds like the easiest and most common way is to just shuffle around an e-fund, which ideally you shouldn't be touching anyway?

Yes, shuffling around the e-fund is a common way to do this. Ugg, braggarts! Listen, just like cc you can get deep & crazy in this game or happily skim the service for just the easy stuff. And just like credit cards the deeper you get the more time it takes to manage your accounts! Sometimes you stumble on a $300-400 bonus, sometimes what’s out there is only $50. You decide what’s worth it depending on your capacity to meet the requirements and manage the account.

There is nothing wrong with doing just one at a time. My first year I cleared $300 from one Chase bonus. That’s it. No regrets!

 

[miztressuz]

Looks like AmEx got their offer glitch corrected, I'm back to 90 offers on my Everyday card. Only new one for me was the SPG offer. I only had it on my SPG card before but it popped up on my Everyday just now. Although if they added another winery I wouldn't be able to tell, there's just. so. many. of them! Until @Judique mentioned it I didn't even realize Penfolds was another wine one. I kept picturing an upscale/business attire clothing store or something, probably because of this guy:

 

[miztressuz]

Wait... gas stations around you sell Amazon gift cards?! What kind of gas station is this?

No... at SFO, JAL flies out of the International Terminal. The Centurion Lounge is in Terminal 3. They're not connected airside so she'd have to go through security twice. DW agrees JAL > UA; it's worth it to her.

I'm quite curious as well...

Also Speedway. I'm not sure where they all are but when they bought Hess a few years back all our Hess stations are Speedway now. I was pretty sure I actually saw Amazon in the store but I know for sure you can redeem your rewards for Amazon so I imagine they have to have them in stores.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Omg they accepted the offer!
Back to your regular chat now

Congrats

 

[amalone1013]

Dh mentioned last night that his vacation time isn't officially approved, so maybe it's good I didnt get my call in to get tickets

 

[tink1970]

When the quarterly bonus is gas station, I wait until near the end of the quarter and whatever is left to max the bonus, I just buy the difference in Amazon gift cards.

I do the same--except it's our Circle K. Not a place I'd expect amazon gc but shrugs...works well for me!

 

[disneybirds]

Does anyone know if they ever offer a discount on hotel rates the between Christmas and New Years? If so, when do they usually discount them? I know that this is a really busy week, but the prices at the Deluxes are crazy expensive.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

Help needed please! My DH's car is currently in the shop to get about $5k fixed in hail damage. We got the check from insurance but I'm thinking this seems like a perfect opportunity for a new card bonus! Problem is I'm not really sure what card to get! I am almost done with the Amex biz Hilton spend (someone we've almost spent $5k in about a month, not sure how that happened!), and DH is almost finished with this CSP MSR also. DH is not really into this game so I doubt i'll be able to convince him to get a new card. I am trying to get under 5/24 for Chase later this year so biz cards only for me. Currently I have the Amex SPG Biz, Hilton Amex, and SW biz. I need to double-check but I'm not even sure that it's been 30 days since I applied for the Hilton Amex so I'm wondering if Amex is out. I did a little searching on DOC's best CC bonuses and the Citi American Airlines card sounds interesting, but kind of complicated too. Has anyone applied for this? I believe the offer is to apply for the 60k biz card, then ask to get matched to 75k biz card (DP's are YMMV though). Or there's also a possibility to do a 50k point signup and then a $200 statement credit for up to $200 in AA purchases. Anyone done this recently? I have SW points that I usually use, but wouldn't mind having other airline options too. Are there better offers I should consider? I'd love to get the Chase Marriott, but I'm scared to mess up the CIP I'd like to apply for in Nov. Thanks so much for any advise or suggestions! Oh, forgot to add, the other option would be to just have DH use his CSP and get the 5k UR points, which wouldn't be a terrible option either.

 

[hsmamato2]

Ok dumb question of the day...when viewing FR site on rewards activity, I see a points earned section, but also a points earning on next statement..... plus the green bar. How do I figure this out? IS the 'next statement' earned points calculated into the bottom left note of what I earned so far,or is that added on after payment and points hit? I paid on the 21, still not showing any points added to the acct and it's confusing.

 

[hsmamato2]

Same as my 1st WOC DP experience! So disorganized, we got there around party start time, they slowly let people in, and we ended up with barely 5 mins to eat before the show. I wrote an email to customer relations regarding it I was so mad, I saw so much potential but I was never going back. Famous last words, I returned after reading rave reviews in the time that followed. In the time since trip #1: they’ve shifted the others lines towards the side so the line is obviously just dessert party people, they band people in line before the party starts, everyone is seated fairly quickly after they open. However- we arrive 45 mins before start time to be toward the front of the line so we can request what table we want when we get there. Had I stood there with MIL in pain and everyone ticked over spending that much money I’d never try it again either, but if you get an inkling for some reason and have anyone who can’t stand have them wait at the Little Mermaid where there are benches & call them when it’s time.

good to hear they changed it....I too sent an angry email about it, so maybe they listened. I'll take your advice if we go again..... once is enough for the DP so says the fam!

 

[Lain]

Help needed please! My DH's car is currently in the shop to get about $5k fixed in hail damage. We got the check from insurance but I'm thinking this seems like a perfect opportunity for a new card bonus! Problem is I'm not really sure what card to get! I am almost done with the Amex biz Hilton spend (someone we've almost spent $5k in about a month, not sure how that happened!), and DH is almost finished with this CSP MSR also. DH is not really into this game so I doubt i'll be able to convince him to get a new card. I am trying to get under 5/24 for Chase later this year so biz cards only for me. Currently I have the Amex SPG Biz, Hilton Amex, and SW biz. I need to double-check but I'm not even sure that it's been 30 days since I applied for the Hilton Amex so I'm wondering if Amex is out. I did a little searching on DOC's best CC bonuses and the Citi American Airlines card sounds interesting, but kind of complicated too. Has anyone applied for this? I believe the offer is to apply for the 60k biz card, then ask to get matched to 75k biz card (DP's are YMMV though). Or there's also a possibility to do a 50k point signup and then a $200 statement credit for up to $200 in AA purchases. Anyone done this recently? I have SW points that I usually use, but wouldn't mind having other airline options too. Are there better offers I should consider? I'd love to get the Chase Marriott, but I'm scared to mess up the CIP I'd like to apply for in Nov. Thanks so much for any advise or suggestions! Oh, forgot to add, the other option would be to just have DH use his CSP and get the 5k UR points, which wouldn't be a terrible option either.

I don’t fly AA (or have plans involving their partner airlines), so AA cards have never been a focus for me and I can’t comment.

Are you asking about the Chase Marriott Biz? That card is not subject to 5/24, so you can go for that card with a current offer of 75k Marriott Rewards points after $3k/3 months MSR. It sounds like you’re worried it might throw off your plans to get under 5/24 and apply for the CIP in November. The Marriott Biz won’t add to your 5/24 count. Do you have any other Chase business cards? Several of us have 3 Chase business cards as a sole proprietorship, and funny enough they often happen to be the CIP, Marriott Biz, and CIC. Just keep your overall credit limits low relative to your total household income and space out your applications. Getting the Marriott Biz now and the CIP in November is a 5 month gap, which I think is fine.

Rumor is the current Marriott Biz will be replaced by an updated “Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Business” card on 8/26, similar to how the personal Marriott Premier > Premier Plus last month. No word on whether the new Marriott Biz will be subject to the 5/24 rule. There could be an upgrade bonus if you don’t care for stacking elite nights.

 

[wdwcindy]

I made a gift card purchase at Office Depot using my new CIC last week. The rewards points are not showing on my account. Is there usually a delay between the purchase and the rewards showing up? Thanks!