I love credit cards so much!

[CyndiLouWho]

Yeah. Just tried doing that. Signed up DH. (He wouldn't know any of the answers - good thing I did). Unfortunately, my state is not one that you are able to request a card online. (Figures). So, now waiting for SS office to call me back. It says you can go in person (but hours are crappy) or you can mail in the request to your local office but not sure what supporting documentation needs to be mailed with it)

If you don’t get an answer that makes sense, HUCA. I know multiple people who have called SS office and told they couldn’t have info on their minor child’s SS info. And many others who were given the same info over the phone. It’s very random and shows employees aren’t trained to a standard.

 

[platamama]

I bought one of the Staples $100 mastercards. I received the card several days ago, but no activation code or anything. I tried to register the card and was told that the funds were not added. Was I supposed to get something else from Staples? I tried reaching out to them and they are "researching" it.

I have not received mine yet but I read, maybe on Slickdeals??, that you will receive a separate mailing with the activation code. And apparently, Staples mails these out with no info about that! kind of weird!

Mine came in the mail, and a paper with activation codes came mailed separately but arriving on the same day. Activating them was problematic. I ended up calling the phone number on the back of the physical card to activate them and register them. It took some time to do.

 

[Stephanie Wohleber]

WOW!! You really had done your homework and have it all figured it, which perk works where. I like that!

 

[Albort]

ok, credit card gurus- I need your help.

DH and I are planning a transpacific cruise in April 2020 that involves flying from Boston to Sydney and then from Hawaii back to Boston, and I would love to be able to reduce that airfare cost using points but I haven't played this game before, and am trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible (but sorry to say don't have time to read 2,000+ pages...). Would also be helpful to reduce hotel stays in both location if not a good strategy for airfare (knowing it can be difficult to get specific dates etc given blackout requirements).

We currently have Chase Sapphire with 55k points accumulated, an everyday Amex, an RCCL with 100,000 points that will go towards several cruises, Disney chase card and a princess cruise card by Barclays- none carry a balance and we have excellent credit.

I'm wondering if the promotion for 100,000 miles with British air would be a good option to consider when you look at their partner airlines who could also redeem the miles (at least what I think i understand.....)- let me know what else to think about.

TIA!

a great site to check out is awardhacker.com this site will basically tell you how to get there on which airline and what points u need to get.
so for example Boston to Sydney award hacker link here. The best way get points is either using UR. UR with United.
as for your second leg, link here
For hotel stays, check out this site to give u a general idea on what hotels require what points and so on. link here i think Marriott and SPG are a bit more complicated currently as they are going through a transition.
100k BA is great, but i find BA best for domestic flights. You could get some for repositioning... ie fly from Boston --> LA, then LA --> Sydney.

hope that helps!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Woah.

Yep...it’s not like the Chase Disney card where the points expire after a certain amount of time....not that I’ve ever had an issue using them lol...but since I found this group I haven’t used it at all...

 

[wendow]

Mine came in the mail, and a paper with activation codes came mailed separately but arriving on the same day. Activating them was problematic. I ended up calling the phone number on the back of the physical card to activate them and register them. It took some time to do.

I got the GC today but I didn't receive the activation code mailing. It's too bad these seem to be so problematic. I doubt I'll buy anymore if it's a hassle to get it activated.

 

[vanjust14]

Does everyone in your group get TSA precheck or just you since you have the card? I’m asking because Dh has the CSR but I don’t. Also, do you have to buy the tickets with the CSR to get TSA precheck?

This may have already been answered as I'm behind and still trying to catch up but the people whose tickets were reserved with mine did also get precheck. My companion, DD2, also got precheck. So for example, leaving out of PVD my dad, DS, and DD all had precheck as I booked those tickets on one reservation. On the way home from MCO, only DD and I had precheck because the other flights were reserved on a separate reservation. You do not have to buy the tickets with the CSR. I just used my CSR when I applied for TSA precheck and received a credit for the cost, which is a benefit of the card.

 

[WVMomof3]

This may have already been answered as I'm behind and still trying to catch up but the people whose tickets were reserved with mine did also get precheck. My companion, DD2, also got precheck. So for example, leaving out of PVD my dad, DS, and DD all had precheck as I booked those tickets on one reservation. On the way home from MCO, only DD and I had precheck because the other flights were reserved on a separate reservation. You do not have to buy the tickets with the CSR. I just used my CSR when I applied for TSA precheck and received a credit for the cost, which is a benefit of the card.

I have flown with my DH when he had precheck and I did not get it. This was with southwest and he was my companion so I would think they would be linked together but since there is different confirmation numbers maybe not? My kids have almost always had precheck. On our last trip my DD17 got it on the way to MCO but did not get it on the way home but my DS16 did both ways.

 

[platamama]

I got the GC today but I didn't receive the activation code mailing. It's too bad these seem to be so problematic. I doubt I'll buy anymore if it's a hassle to get it activated.

I agree, I don't think I'll buy anymore either.

The truly stupid thing about the paper with the activation codes is that I called the 877 number on the paper, and I only had a choice to activate either VISA or AMEX on the automated line. It was a MCGC that I bought! The paper correctly listed the last 4 digits of each $100 MCGC, and gave separate activation codes for each card. But there was no way to do it on the phone. Completely worthless.

Call the number on the back of the physical gift card.

 

[mmmears]

Well it's sooner than I thought bit I think I need some advice. Apparently we need to buy a new Apple laptop very soon. DH says roughly $2500. The MSRs on DH's Chase double dip (July of 2018) are pretty much taken care of (or will be in a week or two). So, where do we go from here? I was thinking I'd come up with our goals/travel thoughts etc. and then ask for help. But now I'm in a hurry. I was also hoping to work up a plan for a "business" but again, wasn't expecting to need something so soon. Or should we just put it on the AMEX for the purchase protection?

Anyone care to help?

ETA - DH wants to buy it from work (discount) and isn't sure he can use a card with my name on it. Fun times. I was thinking we should try to get that 100K AMEX personal deal (which I know is a long shot)

 

[LB002]

So, are you getting a personal Platinum, calling in for the Business Platinum, or putting the upcoming spend on your husband’s card?

OK, so I was not able to pull the personal 100K Amex offer again.

Is there a special line DH would call to try for the business 100k offer? I guess even 75k wouldn't be bad. We probably wouldn't have it to use for cabinets (if we can even finalize the purchase by Saturday), but we will have other expenses and could even meet the minimum with organic spend if we were focused. Another choice would be the Chase Ink business card for DH, which seems more valuable. Which would be better?

The cabinets may have to go on a current card, so I am thinking the Sapphire reserve would get us the best rewards as we are stocking up points for a family trip next summer.

 

[StephPlum]

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!

congrats!!!

 

[speedyfishy]

I got the GC today but I didn't receive the activation code mailing. It's too bad these seem to be so problematic. I doubt I'll buy anymore if it's a hassle to get it activated.

I’ve been getting mine in the mail the next day.

 

[PolyRob]

I just got an e-mail from UPS that I am getting an overnight delivery from Chase. So excited to break the first card in!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

ok, credit card gurus- I need your help.

DH and I are planning a transpacific cruise in April 2020 that involves flying from Boston to Sydney and then from Hawaii back to Boston, and I would love to be able to reduce that airfare cost using points but I haven't played this game before, and am trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible (but sorry to say don't have time to read 2,000+ pages...). Would also be helpful to reduce hotel stays in both location if not a good strategy for airfare (knowing it can be difficult to get specific dates etc given blackout requirements).

We currently have Chase Sapphire with 55k points accumulated, an everyday Amex, an RCCL with 100,000 points that will go towards several cruises, Disney chase card and a princess cruise card by Barclays- none carry a balance and we have excellent credit.

I'm wondering if the promotion for 100,000 miles with British air would be a good option to consider when you look at their partner airlines who could also redeem the miles (at least what I think i understand.....)- let me know what else to think about.

TIA!

Sigh...

I may have to open up another credit card. While doing research on flights for my London/South Africa trip, I read about the Chase British Airways card too. It gives 10% off BA flights for the cardholder and 8 traveling companions. The 10% off can be combined with a $65 AARP British Airways discount. Plus the nice sign up bonus can be combined with cash to purchase tickets. The flights I have been watching since this past June are on British Airways. Luckily the BA card is not subject to the 5/24 rule. Since I didn't get into the points process soon enough to book my flights totally on points, I'm looking for all the help I can get! I'm already an AARP member. I joined a couple of days ago to get the 25% discount on car rentals. It's really hard to find promo codes that work for international rentals, but the AARP discount does.

One of the websites (the points guy) said some of his readers used other Chase cards to book British Airways and got the 10% off. I wonder if the Chase Marriott card would work?

 

[Gwmw1210]

I just got an e-mail from UPS that I am getting an overnight delivery from Chase. So excited to break the first card in!

Nice! DH CSR arrived today. Perfect timing. Just in time for a major purchase tomorrow.

 

[Lain]

OK, so I was not able to pull the personal 100K Amex offer again.

Is there a special line DH would call to try for the business 100k offer? I guess even 75k wouldn't be bad. We probably wouldn't have it to use for cabinets (if we can even finalize the purchase by Saturday), but we will have other expenses and could even meet the minimum with organic spend if we were focused. Another choice would be the Chase Ink business card for DH, which seems more valuable. Which would be better?

The cabinets may have to go on a current card, so I am thinking the Sapphire reserve would get us the best rewards as we are stocking up points for a family trip next summer.

Check your PM.

 

[Gwmw1210]

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!

That was a great story! Thank you and Congratulations!

 

[Lain]

Sigh...

I may have to open up another credit card. While doing research on flights for my London/South Africa trip, I read about the Chase British Airways card too. It gives 10% off BA flights for the cardholder and 8 traveling companions. The 10% off can be combined with a $65 AARP British Airways discount. Plus the nice sign up bonus can be combined with cash to purchase tickets. The flights I have been watching since this past June are on British Airways. Luckily the BA card is not subject to the 5/24 rule. Since I didn't get into the points process soon enough to book my flights totally on points, I'm looking for all the help I can get! I'm already an AARP member. I joined a couple of days ago to get the 25% discount on car rentals. It's really hard to find promo codes that work for international rentals, but the AARP discount does.

One of the websites (the points guy) said some of his readers used other Chase cards to book British Airways and got the 10% off. I wonder if the Chase Marriott card would work?

Wait.

- Are you under 5/24, or are you at or over 5/24?

- Are you asking if the Chase Marriott card will get you 10% off British Airways flights?

- Have you been reading The Points Guy to decide which cards to get?

- What cards do you have, when did you open them, and what are your travel plans or goals?

 

[SBWB48]

I’ve been getting mine in the mail the next day.

Sigh. Like @happ, I got my cards several days ago, but still no activation codes. Based on what @platamama said, I just might call and get it over with.