I love credit cards so much!

[amalone1013]

I don't know about whether they'll count the SW business card. They don't count other business cards because they don't show up on your credit report, but obviously they'll know that you have the SW one, so it seems like they would count it, but I don't know for sure.

But...you won't necessarily be out of luck for two years unless you got the four cards you have now on the same day. When did you get the four you have now that fall under 5/24?

Oops, I'm counting wrong.. first card was last June or July, so a little over a year of no cards for Chase

 

[wdwcindy]

I have read through all 170+ pages and would like to request advice for entering the credit card perks world. Most of my vacation travel is to WDW, at least annually. I am a DVC member, so stay on points unless I make multiple trips in a year. I use Delta because I am near a hub. I usually reach Silver status due to travel for work. Future travel plans include annual trips to WDW, a hoped for trip to Italy in fall of 2018, and a trip to Hawaii in 2019. Of course, if I can get good at accumulating miles or points, my travel plans will expand.

I am not sure where to start. Chase cards, Delta branded card, American Express? I have a Disney Premier and a Capital One Quicksilver.

Thanks for any and all advice to get me started.

 

[Albort]

I have read through all 170+ pages and would like to request advice for entering the credit card perks world. Most of my vacation travel is to WDW, at least annually. I am a DVC member, so stay on points unless I make multiple trips in a year. I use Delta because I am near a hub. I usually reach Silver status due to travel for work. Future travel plans include annual trips to WDW, a hoped for trip to Italy in fall of 2018, and a trip to Hawaii in 2019. Of course, if I can get good at accumulating miles or points, my travel plans will expand.

I am not sure where to start. Chase cards, Delta branded card, American Express? I have a Disney Premier and a Capital One Quicksilver.

Thanks for any and all advice to get me started.

It is highly recommended to start with Chase cards as there is a 5/24 rule. meaning Chase will only allow 5 credit card applications within 2 years. Anything above 5 applications, u will get denied. Since you live live next to a Delta hub, Chase might not work too well for u. I recall there being a way to load DVC with Chase Sapphire Reserve and it will earn 3x.

I would look into Amex cards though since they are partnered with Delta and you can get cards with them to be redeemed with delta. Unless u have maybe another airline your closest airport has, then things might change...

There is no right and wrong way to do it!

 

[Kbmas0n]

I'm getting antsy! I heard (from here?) that Chase has some promotions for Small Biz Week-the Ink Preferred will go up to 100k bonus and Ink Cash will go up to $500 bash back (which is 50k-right?!).

Small Biz week started today but nothing is out yet! C'mon Chase!

 

[tink1970]

I have read through all 170+ pages and would like to request advice for entering the credit card perks world. Most of my vacation travel is to WDW, at least annually. I am a DVC member, so stay on points unless I make multiple trips in a year. I use Delta because I am near a hub. I usually reach Silver status due to travel for work. Future travel plans include annual trips to WDW, a hoped for trip to Italy in fall of 2018, and a trip to Hawaii in 2019. Of course, if I can get good at accumulating miles or points, my travel plans will expand.

I am not sure where to start. Chase cards, Delta branded card, American Express? I have a Disney Premier and a Capital One Quicksilver.

Thanks for any and all advice to get me started.

There are a lot more experienced folks on the board but I'll throw in my 2 cents...

It sounds like you have pretty defined goals so that's good

If there are any any Chase cards of interest to you, I'd start there to avoid the 5/24 rule. Both the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve have no international transaction fees; are more commonly accepted overseas and have a 50,000 UR bonus with 4,000 spend in 90 days. The Preferred is 2x/points for travel and dining, whereas the Reserve is 3x. The Preferred has a lower annual fee ($95) versus $450 (but with a $300 travel credit, essentially $150). Only you can decide whether you dine out and travel enough to make this worth it. I also took advantage of the Reserve's Global Entry fee reimbursement ($100) so my first year my fee was essentially $50. I fly primarily Delta so the airline partner transfers don't really work for me but I can utilize UR points for hotels and I will check the flights through their travel portal to see if I can do better there than on delta.com (so far I haven't but I keep trying ). There are ways to transfer UR to Flying Blue (airFrance and KLM are Delta partners) but trying to navigate their website and find availability is just frustrating as heck. More experienced travel hackers make it sound like it's easy peasy but sadly it's not. Either of the Chase Sapphire cards are good cards to have if you like to travel.

If you frequent Marriott, Ritz , Intercontinental (IHG) Hotels, they also have Chase co branded cards. Marriott has a pretty high offering right now of 100,000 points (which can be converted to 33,000 starwood points, if you're more of a westin/sheraton/st regis person). I have both the Marriott card and IHG (not under the 5/24 so might want to keep that in mind) because I often stay at Marriott and prefer Ritz and Intercontinental hotels for points redemptions overseas.

I'm in a Delta boat as well so agree with @Albort that American Express will probably more helpful for you if you're trying to obtain Skymiles (or bump up your status...I was gold last year and am platinum and it is nice). There is an unofficial rule that Amex likes holders to have only 4 (or possibly 5 depending on whose data points you read) cards and there is also a one time only reward. So if you're going to apply for the Delta Skymiles Platinum Card (just as an example), try to track its historical high/low offers (I use doctorofcredit-great spreadsheet of current offer, highest offers) and decide if it's worth it.
I'd really like an Amex Platinum but right now its offer is 60,000 membership rewards. Historically there are brief windows and targets offers of 100,000 MR so I'm not going to jump on the 60,000. I could be waiting forever but with my luck I'd apply, get approved for the 60,000 and a day later the 100,000 offer would come in the mail. Membership Rewards are much more flexible than Skymiles but I have the Delta Reserve to not only add to my Skymiles account but also work toward status (with a $30,000 spend, 15,000 mqms toward status). I use my Amex Every Day Preferred every day for gas, groceries and pharmacy (coded as grocery since it's in my grocery store). This earns Membership Rewards which I'll eventually convert to skymiles. I could use Membership Rewards for Hyatt or other airlines but I'm pretty loyal to (ie can never find good redemptions for other airlines) Delta.

After I hit 5/24 and while waiting for a better American Express Platinum offer, I've obtained a Barclaycard Arrival Plus card. It's a true chip and PIN and I'll take it to Europe with me (train ticket kiosks and McDonalds primarily).

Hopefully you'll enjoy this hobby-it's allowed me to stay at some amazing properties and fly up in the "pointy end" to Europe

 

[calypso726]

I have read through all 170+ pages and would like to request advice for entering the credit card perks world. Most of my vacation travel is to WDW, at least annually. I am a DVC member, so stay on points unless I make multiple trips in a year. I use Delta because I am near a hub. I usually reach Silver status due to travel for work. Future travel plans include annual trips to WDW, a hoped for trip to Italy in fall of 2018, and a trip to Hawaii in 2019. Of course, if I can get good at accumulating miles or points, my travel plans will expand.

I am not sure where to start. Chase cards, Delta branded card, American Express? I have a Disney Premier and a Capital One Quicksilver.

Thanks for any and all advice to get me started.

Congrats on reading the whole thread! We started off like you. Annual trips to WDW and DVC members. We are in Florida so no need for flights to WDW. Since you've read through this thread you will know that our travel habits have drastically changed with this hobby.

If you're in it for the long game then get your Chase cards first while you are under 5/24. At the very least a CSR and CSP and then product change one to a Freedom card. You're UR points can transfer to a Delta partner or can be used to purchase your flights. From there I'd focus on Amex and start with the SPG card since they currently transfer to over 30 airlines and any transfers of 20k get you a 5k bonus.

Keep in mind that Amex bonuses are once per lifetime. Therefore, you should hold tight until there is an amazing offer before jumping on it. I picked up a Delta personal and business card last year because they were at 70,000 bonus miles each. That is the highest I've seen them offer. The Amex Plat cards I've had/have were with 100,000 or more bonus points.

Try to plan your trips 2 years out so you have time to get the points you need.

 

[trstno1]

Go to an airport ticket counter?! Ohmygosh, that could be awful for someone who lives a long ways away! Let us know how it goes with Delta, sounds weird to me that the Delta ticket counter could redeem Flying Blue miles but I know nothing about this, hope it works!

I was flying on Delta last Thursday. I was a little late arriving for my flight, so I didn't purchase the ticket, but the person at the counter said they could assist in purchasing a ticket with Flying Blue miles. They also said that it would probably require a phone call with Flying Blue to make the transaction, which had me a little worried given my previous 40 minute time on hold.

I decided to wait a couple of days and try the purchase again, and it worked. Perhaps you are not able to spend miles within 2 days of transferring them from Chase - I don't know. Unfortunately, they messed up the name on one of the tickets. Somehow they have my full name in the last name field, so now there is another issue for me to deal with. I don't think I will again be transferring Chase UR points to Flying Blue to be used to purchase Delta flights, even if it seems like a good deal.

 

[wendow]

I'm getting antsy! I heard (from here?) that Chase has some promotions for Small Biz Week-the Ink Preferred will go up to 100k bonus and Ink Cash will go up to $500 bash back (which is 50k-right?!).

Small Biz week started today but nothing is out yet! C'mon Chase!

Oh, really?? I didn't know about this and I recently applied for the Ink Preferred. I will be so bummed if I missed out on 20k more UR points

 

[Lain]

Oh, really?? I didn't know about this and I recently applied for the Ink Preferred. I will be so bummed if I missed out on 20k more UR points

If an enhanced bonus happens within 90 days of your CIP application, secure message or call Chase to ask they match the new bonus offer.

 

[tinytinkmom]

Any thoughts on the Citi Thank You Premier? I got an offer in the mail for 50,000 points after a $3k minimum spend. I'm very familiar with the UR and MR programs (have CSR and Amex PRG), but have never looked into the TY program. I'm well above 5/24, so not worried about saving myself for any Chase cards! Thanks!

 

[Albort]

If an enhanced bonus happens within 90 days of your CIP application, secure message or call Chase to ask they match the new bonus offer.

makes me wonder how willing they are going to match. Last year, i applied for 60k, 70k came out in branch, they basically said no for like a week...

Any thoughts on the Citi Thank You Premier? I got an offer in the mail for 50,000 points after a $3k minimum spend. I'm very familiar with the UR and MR programs (have CSR and Amex PRG), but have never looked into the TY program. I'm well above 5/24, so not worried about saving myself for any Chase cards! Thanks!

I have one. Its my primary travel card right now. 50k is pretty good. I do use my miles most on EVA which is a travel partner of Citi. Only reason why i have one.
Their retention program is pretty sweet too. +2 points on all categories up to 35k for 6 months. basically makes it 5x travel, 4x gas/dining, 3x everything else for half the year. This is the reason my CSR is in the sock drawer right now. You may want to look at the partners though, see if any of them work out for u. if not, you can pool your UR and TYP at Singapore if u want. book big with Singapore.

 

[Lain]

makes me wonder how willing they are going to match. Last year, i applied for 60k, 70k came out in branch, they basically said no for like a week...

Hang up, call again?

I've read that Chase is pretty good with matching offers (except when it includes a statement credit). I've tried with Amex and they basically told me, tough luck.

 

[Albort]

Hang up, call again?

I've read that Chase is pretty good with matching offers (except when it includes a statement credit). I've tried with Amex and they basically told me, tough luck.

heh, i got 3 denial SMs before they gave in... I know they wrote in the new policy that it must be in branch only... worth a shot though.

 

[calypso726]

Any thoughts on the Citi Thank You Premier? I got an offer in the mail for 50,000 points after a $3k minimum spend. I'm very familiar with the UR and MR programs (have CSR and Amex PRG), but have never looked into the TY program. I'm well above 5/24, so not worried about saving myself for any Chase cards! Thanks!

I got this card and recently cancelled it back when you could get the bonus for the Premier and Prestige at the same time. It was my backup plan for Hawaii and it did come in handy. If I were doing this now, I'd get the Preferred first, not cancel it and in 2 years get the Premier, not cancel either one and then in 2 years get the Prestige. Once I hit the bonus on the Prestige and was able to use all my points, I'd cancel, wait 2 years and start all over. The transfer partners don't appeal much to me. If they ever decide to make AA a transfer partner then I'd be all over this for spending.

This is the reason my CSR is in the sock drawer right now.

 

[calypso726]

For those looking to get a 100k bonus from Amex Platinum.

http://www.doctorofcredit.com/ymmv-american-express-personal-platinum-100000-points-5000-spend

 

[tink1970]

For those looking to get a 100k bonus from Amex Platinum.

http://www.doctorofcredit.com/ymmv-american-express-personal-platinum-100000-points-5000-spend

Thanks but as with all work arounds it's a YMMV. I think I could have a completely different identity and Amex would say, "sorry, no you're 60,000."

DH, OTOH, received a business AmExP special offer with 150,000. Of course he had no interest. I was dying, just dying. ARGH. Even with the devaluation of skymiles that would have been ever so helpful. Ugh.

 

[peel]

I'm getting antsy! I heard (from here?) that Chase has some promotions for Small Biz Week-the Ink Preferred will go up to 100k bonus and Ink Cash will go up to $500 bash back (which is 50k-right?!).

Small Biz week started today but nothing is out yet! C'mon Chase!

I just saw this on Reddit:
DP: I'm in branch right now to open CIP and a business checking acct. The consumer banking rep only had access to the 80k offer and had no idea about the 100k offer for small business week. HOWEVER, he made a 5 minute phone call to the BRM and she was able to approve the upgrade to the 100k offer over the phone. Score!

 

[Lain]

I just saw this on Reddit:
DP: I'm in branch right now to open CIP and a business checking acct. The consumer banking rep only had access to the 80k offer and had no idea about the 100k offer for small business week. HOWEVER, he made a 5 minute phone call to the BRM and she was able to approve the upgrade to the 100k offer over the phone. Score!

Sounds like @wendow needs to make a call to her banker.

 

[Kbmas0n]

Sounds like @wendow needs to make a call to her banker.

UGGGHHHHH - i hope this doesn't mean it's only 100k if you use the BRM to do it. I need my online applications!

 

[Albort]

Anyone heard of the Discover Q3 category yet? Or when they are going to announce?

Discover Q3 is out. No warehouse though :\
Restaurants. Copies Chase Freedom and what ive heard Blue cash is 10% until august?

I just saw this on Reddit:
DP: I'm in branch right now to open CIP and a business checking acct. The consumer banking rep only had access to the 80k offer and had no idea about the 100k offer for small business week. HOWEVER, he made a 5 minute phone call to the BRM and she was able to approve the upgrade to the 100k offer over the phone. Score!

UGGGHHHHH - i hope this doesn't mean it's only 100k if you use the BRM to do it. I need my online applications!

i think there should be something new. the 100k through BRM exist since march when CSR went down to 50k. also works around 5/24 as well.