I love credit cards so much!

[Stefien Quix]

Thanks for the recommendations! Anything you'd recommend for families? Younger kids not very adventurous eaters. We went to Old Ebbotts Grill several years ago and remember it being good.

Ted's Bulletin is great for little/picky eaters!

 

[striker1064]

Thanks for the recommendations! Anything you'd recommend for families? Younger kids not very adventurous eaters. We went to Old Ebbotts Grill several years ago and remember it being good.

Agreed on Ted's Bulletin. I'm afraid I can't be much help otherwise, as we do not have children and make an effort to find out of the ordinary places.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

This is a lot of pages and I really don't try to research credit cards for benefits! I just keep the disney ones going...

We are not going to Disney until 12/2019.

I plan to buy our tickets at the military base or undercovertourist. I will need 6 adult tickets!! (all my kids will still be in college so we still help them out)

If I was to open an account to earn points to purchase the tickets at either of these two places, which one would you credit card experts suggest? I would probably just charge all bills to it and that would be it. Pay it off course each month.

I tried to research but it is overwhelming! I am coming here for the expertise!
Carrie

 

[tink1970]

Let me know when you figure it out. Everyone I know that has them loves them but it seems so odd to pack tiny suitcases inside of bigger ones? I just wonder how it is helpful. LOL!

LOL! Here are a couple of reasons I use them:
1) Often fly with other members of the family overseas. So we all use our assigned (by moi of course) colors, pack and then put 1 or 2 in each suitcase so if a bag is lost will still have clothing. Of course we don't need to have them in packing cubes but it's nice when unpacking to easily grab your "stuff" out of the other person's suitcase.

2) If I'm doing a tour with multiple hotel stays (as in ABD or Tauck) then I can pack a bag for each hotel stay and then not get everything all mixed up nor do I have to completely unpack especially for one night (as is often the case since we "prestage" flights out of ATL.

3) Okay, one more than a couple DD has ADHD and if we don't contain things...stuff goes everywhere. She usually goes overseas once or twice a summer for different study programs and it just makes her life easier (and mine too...she tends to forget time zone issues and I'll receive a frantic 2AM call wondering where hairbrush/golf glove/contacts are).

For us, give me some sand, the gulf of Mexico, some bikes and a kayak and I'm gooooood

You should just come housesit for me when I'm in Europe! We have bikes, a pool and the white sand beaches are a 15-30 min drive (depending on traffic). I'm pretty sure we even have a blender somewhere in the kitchen

Like we've talked about before, a week-long beach vacation is my idea of a nightmare. But I'm not going to flame anyone for booking themselves a nice hotel in the Caribbean when it has zero effect on my wallet!

...and that's why I love this thread! No judgment and live and let live.

SSA has online services so you can order an replacement card without ever having to go into the office. First, you need to set-up a myssa.gov account and then you can order the replacement card. I will say they tried very hard to stump me with the questions that had been pulled from my credit report but this is definitely needed to prevent fraud, which, unfortunately, is rampant. This will also allow you to see your earnings, etc. Once the account is established, it is a very easy process to request for the card. You reminded me that I don't currently have one so I just did the online request. I am not sure how long it will actually take to receive my card.

This is an excellent reminder. I have two and at one point DD had two (of course one is lost at her father's house!). Is your office the one on Garden?

 

[Lain]

Happy Dance!! Was just approved for the CIP... Yes. Applied on Tuesday and was approved this morning. So excited.

In other news: Both DH and I applied for Barclays AAdvantage Business (the last day of the 50,000 points with first purchase). Both got letters in the mail needing DL Pic, SS Pic and Bank/Utility Statement. So, I sent mine all in and DH informs me that he has not had an actual SS card for a long time. (if ever - can't remember ever seeing is since we been married and that has been 23 years). So, does anyone know if Barclays will accept anything else? Passport copy maybe. They don't put a phone # on the letter they send out so not sure who to call. ( I am going to have DH get a replacement card but not sure how long that will take).

Oh - all you guys talking about Packing Cubes. I bought 4 sets of them on Prime Day (different color for each of us). Now I have absolutely no idea what to do with them. I told DH everyone talks about how amazing they are. Now what... May have to watch some You Tube Videos.

Getting to be like Southfayettefan. Trying to plan out my next year of cards for both DH and I. Of course UR's are our ultimate goal. Just used 200,000 for a cruise for the 4 of us. How cool to get a free cruise. Plus we have SW Points and will get free airfare. Love it!!

Anyway to my point. I am 4/24 as CIP will not count. Will be 3/24 in November when CSR will fall off. Would like to double dip CSR/CSP but can't do that until 2019 sometime. But figured now would be a good time to get a personal card that is of good value as I can double dip at 4/24 and now would be the time (or in the next few months) to get a card I normally could not get at 3/24. Starting to dabble in AMEX MR's. Just got the Gold Business and Green Business and referred DH to Green Business. So should I get a personal AMEX or do I get Hyatt or something else... (so many options)

DH is in the same predicament. He is 4/24 and will go 3/24 next month. So after we finish with CIP spend can work on something else. He would be able to double dip CSR/CSP in December or after. So, don't want to screw that up also. But don't want to waste that one spot I can use for something valuable also...

Eventually want to double dip SW cards for me again. But that can't happen until end of 2019. May have to research the PNC bank funding to use up $4000 on one of the cards for CSR/CSP double dip. Have no idea on any of that.

Next fall both kids will be in college. (DS is at community college right now but will be transferring to State College next fall and can use Visa/MC to pay. DD is still researching colleges so not sure on CC payments for her yet - but could have lots of spend available next fall).

Just talking through everything - maybe someone will have some advice I have not thought of.

I wanted to be sure I had the time to write you a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS!



I’m so glad you decided to try again for the CIP after your denial last month. It couldn’t have been easy, but that bonus and the earning power on that card are worth it. As for which card next, there are too many choices, but I like the idea of sticking with Chase and building up your UR stash while you’re still under 5/24 (do you have the CIC or CIU yet?), and intersperse your Chase applications with business cards from other issuers.

One more word about packing cubes — I blame all the other enablers on this thread! I had no idea they existed before this thread, and picked some up during one of those serendipitous times when Amex Offers, eBags rewards, a sale, and Ebates aligned. We bought a mix of sizes, organize our clothing by type, roll them up and pack them into the cubes, zip and stack! They’re fantastic! They stretch, compress, keep everything clean and orderly.

Whenever my wife travels for work, I’ll have to remind her to use what card where, which has no foreign transaction fees, nag her to bring her PP, remind her where lounges are. But packing cubes? It’s the one thing I picked up from this thread that I introduced to my wife that she doesn’t need any convincing or reminders. She uses them every time she travels. She’s a complete convert. We’ve picked up several more sets of packing cubes since.

 

[Alexle2007]

This is an excellent reminder. I have two and at one point DD had two (of course one is lost at her father's house!). Is your office the one on Garden?

No idea I actually work in our Headquarters office in Woodlawn.

 

[Lain]

Ugh. I see Chase decided to do a hard pull on both EX and EQ on my Marriott app. In CA. They did the same double pull on me for the CIC back in May too.

 

[Gwmw1210]

Did you do a flat purchase or throw in a filler item?

I made a RMN Walgreens purchase without a filler and it’s pending. I did Staples offer today with a filler. That showed up pending 5 minutes later. I did the Office Depot offer Monday. I made a non gift card purchase (had a free OD gc to use) met the threshold but OD split the order. So it looked as though I didn’t meet the threshold. I emailed RMN this morning with a screenshot of my confirmation. They responded within the hour and deposited the $15 into my account.

 

[wendow]

There is a culture in r/churning that says if you aren't flying first class to Thailand you aren't playing the game right (or pick some other strange extravagant trip that I have no interest in). It's really a poison over there because I think people just compete to show a great redemption, and is it really what they wanted to do?

I know we have some folks here looking to go international, and that's so cool! I hope they enjoy it. For us, give me some sand, the gulf of Mexico, some bikes and a kayak and I'm gooooood

I do wonder how many of those on r/churning with this attitude have families. If I were single or we were DINKs, my goals may be different. Trying to get enough points to get 6 people across the pond is a lot different than moving 1-2. However, my dh and I are also really simple people and easily amused . We don’t need a lot to keep us happy. Sun, sand, beach, throw in some occasional Disney, we are good!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Oh r/churning...how strange you are. Just another reason why I love my DISchurner family...

My response to this comment: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/95vgz5/daily_discussion_thread_august_09_2018/e3w5m06/ has a score of -2 currently meaning at least 3 people have downvoted it.

What did I say? Oh just that my wife has a fear of flying and that we prefer to go to Disney World and the Gulf of Mexico for our vacations vs. Europe, etc. Who in their right mind would downvote somebody's personal preference?? I even said I don't judge anybody whose preferences are different. Sorry, I'll end my rant but these people are idiots sometimes.

Those are the same places we frequent...and DCL. I will upvote you.

 

[Calfan]

Just keep in mind the only cards that’ll get you access to a Centurion Lounge are the black Centurion card (by invite only) and all variants of the Platinum cards (which carry a $450-550 AF, except the Ameriprise Platinum). A Platinum card will get you and two guests in complementary, but you’ll have to pay for additional guests. As with all Amex cards, welcome bonuses are generally once per lifetime, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the highest or near best bonus offer on whichever card you apply for, and not just look for the benefit the card will get you. From what I’ve read, the SEA Centurion Lounge is the smallest in the network and doesn’t offer a hot meal bar and has a snack bar instead. It’s been years since I’ve flown through SeaTac, so I can’t comment on how the Lounge offerings compare. If I knew I’d be flying through an airport with a Centurion Lounge a few times a year, I could justify the AF that usually comes with the Plats, but if this is a one off, I don’t know if it’s worth it. Platinum cards are almost always expedited if you decide to jump. Let me know if you have any other questions.

We visited the SEA Centurion lounge for the first time this past March, and it is definitely much smaller than the other Centurion lounges I have experienced. Still a great option to have since the Alaska lounge is so often closed to PP, but I wouldn't necessarily get a Platinum card for the sole purpose of accessing this lounge.

I made a RMN Walgreens purchase without a filler and it’s pending. I did Staples offer today with a filler. That showed up pending 5 minutes later. I did the Office Depot offer Monday. I made a non gift card purchase (had a free OD gc to use) met the threshold but OD split the order. So it looked as though I didn’t meet the threshold. I emailed RMN this morning with a screenshot of my confirmation. They responded within the hour and deposited the $15 into my account.

I ran out at lunch and purchased a $25 Amazon gc at Walmart with my CF, and the $5 is showing as pending on RMN. That was the only item I purchased.

 

[Lain]

There is a culture in r/churning that says if you aren't flying first class to Thailand you aren't playing the game right (or pick some other strange extravagant trip that I have no interest in). It's really a poison over there because I think people just compete to show a great redemption, and is it really what they wanted to do?

I know we have some folks here looking to go international, and that's so cool! I hope they enjoy it. For us, give me some sand, the gulf of Mexico, some bikes and a kayak and I'm gooooood

I’d also suggest that the majority of r/churning skews single or married without children, which influences their travel style and redemptions toward more exotic and aspirational locations, and also means many of them haven’t thought about how having kids changes things. That’s why there are so many jokes about churning partners (ha ha, like we haven’t heard that one before), or disdain against families crowding up their precious lounges (calling kids animals, really?), and why so many people can’t understand how a Disney vacation brings happiness to our children and makes us older folks feel like kids again too.

 

[Gwmw1210]

I have not done that one. For Dis GC's, I've only done Walgreens in-store (successfully multiple times now on multiple accounts) and Staples online (unsuccessfully at this point).

So the offers can be done multiple times after it goes to pending or after it credits.

 

[Lain]

HAHA - thanks guys! I'm doing ok in the fake internet points dept but I appreciate it anyways. I think on last check I'm at around 1,500 r/churning karma.

Obviously I was more commenting on the ridiculousness that is r/churning. Luckily we only have a like button around here - and I use it liberally

Seriously, fake internet points!

I rarely post on r/churning, but when I do I DGAF.

Who the F cares about karma points anymore now that referrals are dead?

Oh look, I have over 10k Likes here. That means more to me than all the karma I could ever earn over at Reddit.

 

[LB002]

Question: Will Amex overnight new platinum card?

We had a kitchen flood and just found out that our cabinets are being pulled Monday and we have not yet ordered new ones!

I pulled the Amex 100k offer but didn't pull the trigger in June. Hoping I can pull it again today. I need a really high limit. Otherwise may do double dip for DH, but he just got Marriott card in May and a SW card last year. Not sure if that will be a red flag for Chase?

We are looking at $40k in materials cost, easy, in the next month so want to maximize rewards!!!

If we dont get new card, which would be best for hone depot:
Either Sapphire
Amex
Discover

Thanks!

 

[hsmamato2]

SPG Biz won't count against DH's 5/24.

SPG Biz employee card (an AU on biz cards) will not count against your 5/24.

Amex biz cards and their AUs don't report to the bureaus and don't show up on your credit reports.

Thanks- is there something I've missed re upcoming Marriott offers I may be waiting on (instead of SGP Biz) which would stop me from wanting this one? I guess that's what I'm wondering

 

[miztressuz]

Ugh. I see Chase decided to do a hard pull on both EX and EQ on my Marriott app. In CA. They did the same double pull on me for the CIC back in May too.

Ouch.

 

[Gwmw1210]

This thread moves so fast that I’m not sure if anyone has responded yet, but I used this offer at Office Depot on a $50 Disney gift card and got the 10% back.

Just wanted to add that I also used it on a gift card and got the 10%.

 

[calypso726]

Storytime my friends…

It was June 2016…Chase’s new 5/24 rule was running amuck . Churning plans had gone awry and a new strategy needed to be hatched . I was 15/24 at the time, Mrs. SouthFayetteFan was 16/24. We had just both gotten AMEX Hilton cards and I was questioning what I was even doing in the game at that point . One night after midnight, I read an article on DoC about the AMEX Schwab Plat and it’s 1.25x cashout . I knew there were tons of AMEX MR cards but previously had no use for them . A plan started to form…

If I could distract myself with AMEX MR cards …and allow my wife’s report to sit dormant …perhaps someday we could dream of being back under 5/24 . If we didn’t apply for a single card in her name we would be <5/24 in April 2018. It sounded a long way off …it was a long way off. So we began to implement the strategy, I went from AMEX card to AMEX card (never adding an AU). My wife would take my card at times, or we’d buy VGCs at our grocery store for her to use. I got 13 more cards in the last 6 months of 2016 (including our first business card – a Marriott Biz).

In late 2016, the CSR card came out. I was sick that we couldn’t get it due to 5/24 , I remained resolved to our strategy, to one day hold in my hands a CSR ! Then CIP comes along…also subject to 5/24. We continued on – I got 10 more cards in 2017, 6 personal and 4 biz cards. My wife got back in the act a bit too with 4 AMEX biz cards of her own.

Finally, April 2018 arrived and we chose to hit the CIP first. Since this was a biz card, it would only be an inquiry on the report. We met the spend, and earned our largest signup bonus EVER (in terms of value) . And so we resumed waiting…

Until today my friends. Yes today, the glorious 9th day of August, 2018. For today my friends…I am now approved for a CSR and CSP!! A card that was 26 months in the making. I almost want to cry …to see this strategy culminate today is just amazing! The fact that during those 2+ years, nothing changed to negatively impact my plan is amazing. In fact…many new AWESOME cards came out during that time.

So yes – I was approved for my double dip! I called in this morning to see if there was a way to get my BiL credit after the fact for the referral. I’m going to send some screenshots and see if it will work. Such a happy day!

WOOHOO!!! Congratulations on your patience and resolve. That is awesome!

I noticed this last week - the prices for most of September are going up. I'm really hoping we can snag some less expensive tickets now that I know they vary. I'm noticing $349 and $399 orchestra this weekend. That's great. We had mid-level orchestra seats on Broadway last weekend and they were some of the best seats we've ever had for a Broadway show, and they were $549. Worth every penny. So I kinda can't believe I'm seeing Hamilton in the $200-300 ranges.

And as I type that, I just received my daily "Sorry, you didn't win the lottery" email.



The cherry blossom bloom dates can vary so much especially if we have a late cold/snow like we did this year (we had more snow on the first day of spring than we did all of winter combined!), but it's so worth it. They're beautiful.

Food recommendations!

If you're hungry but not sure what you want, a good idea is to start at the Eastern Market Metro and walk down 8th St/Barracks Row. There are tons of restaurants. Here are a couple highlights:

Ted's Bulletin - they make adult milk shakes and homemade pop-tarts, and they're the closest thing DC has to true, home-cooked comfort food. Lines get long.

Ambar - Get the Balkan Experience! $49 per person, all you can eat small plates and all you can drink rail drinks for 2 hours. A true one of a kind experience, and everything is so delicious.

Cava Mezze - Greek mezze/small plates. This adds up price wise because you'll be ordering a bunch of plates, but it is very tasty. I think they also do bottomless brunch.

For other specific cuisines:

Dolan Uyghur - I had no idea what Uyghur cuisine was. Spoiler - it's wonderful. It's a blend of a couple of different cuisines. I had a noodle dish that I loved.

El Rinconcito - Salvadoran is pretty similar to Mexican cuisine. This is a small hole-in-the-wall type of place not far from the Convention Center. They have really interesting dishes if you're feeling adventurous, or the usual fare you might expect.

And now, my favorite, Ethiopian. DC has so many good Ethiopian restaurants I could write an entire blog post, but here are only two of my favorites:

Chercher - This is where I bring everyone the first time they try Ethiopian. It's my favorite restaurant. It's close to the Convention Center, at 9th and O St. I highly recommend the Ybeg Tibs (lamb tips) and the veggie platter. It's more food than you could possibly finish at once. A lot of people like to try Doro We't (chicken stew) for their first time, and it's pretty good. I'm not a huge fan of Ethiopian stews (We't) because I find the individual meats have more flavor. But it's worth a try - We't is hugely popular for a reason.

Quara - Quara is a small restaurant tucked away on the busy restaurant row of H Street. It used to be in Adams Morgan and recently moved. Quara has good meats, but the truly spectacular dish is Shiro (stewed legumes). They have the best Shiro I've had at any Ethiopian restaurant.

While you're on H Street, don't miss Dangerously Delicious Pies. I don't really have anything more to add about that one, it's pretty self-explanatory. And it's as amazing as it looks.

This turned out to be much longer than I expected.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I will have to save this post. Played the Hamilton lottery and we’ll see how it goes.

There is a culture in r/churning that says if you aren't flying first class to Thailand you aren't playing the game right (or pick some other strange extravagant trip that I have no interest in). It's really a poison over there because I think people just compete to show a great redemption, and is it really what they wanted to do?

I know we have some folks here looking to go international, and that's so cool! I hope they enjoy it. For us, give me some sand, the gulf of Mexico, some bikes and a kayak and I'm gooooood

It sounds like I’d fit in over there since we are all about the international lie flat seats. But no thanks, I prefer our group here. I like our culture and love how helpful everyone is towards everyone else. I also like that I don’t get judged for the things we decide to do with our points or the things we’ve done to get a a card.

I do not focus too much on cpp. It’s usually about what do I have in what program. The other consideration in where is the budget at that moment.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I don't think I missed someone posting this yet, but for those anxiously awaiting SWA flights to Hawaii like me: https://beatofhawaii.com/southwest-hawaii-airline-update/ It looks like sales before October with flights starting by the end of the year!!! So excited and hope it's true