I love credit cards so much!

[SouthFayetteFan]

We do go to WDW every summer, so I am trying to line up points for travel next July/August. Typically 4 of us travel - 2 adults and 2 teens ( 15 and 18) We don't currently do anything that would be considered a business. We got the SW RR visas in October of 2016, earned the points by January 2017. What else do I need to know about the CSR and CSP?

Thanks so much!

Did you get the Southwest PLUS or Southwest PREMIER cards? Plus is the $69 annual fee (AF); Premier is the one with the $99 AF.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thank you. Can I ask why you wouldn’t choose option 1?

Lol..had to go back and see what option 1 was.....It’s just me not willing to take a chance with Chase for a shutdown with the dd....

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Sorry I didn't respond to this the first time around

If you have a use for URs coming up it could make sense to get yourself a CSR to take advantage of that 1.5x. Normally I'd say go for CIP first...BUT if you want to redeem some URs through the portal that would be a reason to go CSR first.

I'd really think about doing that double dip...your husband can refer you to CSP which is AWESOME. AND you could get a CSR...Also remember Chase will typically give 115 days for that. If you did a double dip on Sept 4th that would mean your MSR period would go past Christmas! If you can typically meet the $5k-$7k in 3 months...maybe NORMAL Christmas spending would push you over the top to hit the $8k? OF course you could also buy some gift cards for future use if you fall short - I've been known to buy some grocery and gas station gift cards to hit an MSR when I was coming up short.

If a double dip really doesn't make sense now...then CIP isn't a bad move either. The higher bonus makes CIP the right move over CIC - you can always PC your CIP to a CIC later...OR you can just get a CIC later if you want.

At this point - I'd say you should chart out a plan for your next 4-5 cards (over the next 12ish months) so you know where you're headed

No use for the URs yet---still not sure what we'll do next year for vacation. WDW will be March 2020 (family) and we (couple) will go to Australia later in 2020, October or November. I would need UR/MR/United miles for the booking by November 2019 if I'm going to book business seats using points/miles.

Where would going for the SW CP fall? In the middle of collecting UR-earning Chase cards? The SW RR would be very valuable for getting dd to/from school, plus dh and I fly SW almost exclusively when we go to CA etc.

I've been trying to make a plan but keep getting myself confused

me:
7/18 CF (1/24)
9 or 10/18 CIP
12/18 a SW personal but wait to complete spend until 1/19 (2/24, right?)
2 or 3/19 SW biz
6/19 CIC or CSR or attempt a CSP/CSR double dip (w dh's CSP referral)

or put some Amex or other biz cards in there? If so, which and when? I am confident to talk about my "business" bc it's something (tutoring) I have done for many years before/during homeschooling.

dh (reluctant P2, no business cards):
7/18 CSP (1/24)
9 or 10/18 refer to CF from me (2/24)
...and that's all I have

We would have use for some hotel points but are not wedded to any chain. Dh only travels for work once or twice a year. We can stay in a Hyatt Place, a Hilton Garden Inn, and two different Marriott properties near youngest's campus.

As I said, SW points are most valuable for domestic travel. Since we fly out of BWI and PHL most often, I think UA and/or AA would be best for international travel. When does one add those types of cards? After getting all the UR-bearing Chase cards?

Good gravy, so many questions! Thanks for any help you can throw my way

 

[miztressuz]

Hi, I’d also like to know how you transferred UR to Alaska since they aren’t a transfer partner. Thanks in advance!

My guess is convoluted route: UR > Marriott > SPG > Alaska

But I'm staying tuned to see if there's an easier way

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

No use for the URs yet---still not sure what we'll do next year for vacation. WDW will be March 2020 (family) and we (couple) will go to Australia later in 2020, October or November. I would need UR/MR/United miles for the booking by November 2019 if I'm going to book business seats using points/miles.

Where would going for the SW CP fall? In the middle of collecting UR-earning Chase cards? The SW RR would be very valuable for getting dd to/from school, plus dh and I fly SW almost exclusively when we go to CA etc.

I've been trying to make a plan but keep getting myself confused

me:
7/18 CF (1/24)
9 or 10/18 CIP
12/18 a SW personal but wait to complete spend until 1/19 (2/24, right?)
2 or 3/19 SW biz
6/19 CIC or CSR or attempt a CSP/CSR double dip (w dh's CSP referral)

or put some Amex or other biz cards in there? If so, which and when? I am confident to talk about my "business" bc it's something (tutoring) I have done for many years before/during homeschooling.

dh (reluctant P2, no business cards):
7/18 CSP (1/24)
9 or 10/18 refer to CF from me (2/24)
...and that's all I have

We would have use for some hotel points but are not wedded to any chain. Dh only travels for work once or twice a year. We can stay in a Hyatt Place, a Hilton Garden Inn, and two different Marriott properties near youngest's campus.

As I said, SW points are most valuable for domestic travel. Since we fly out of BWI and PHL most often, I think UA and/or AA would be best for international travel. When does one add those types of cards? After getting all the UR-bearing Chase cards?

Good gravy, so many questions! Thanks for any help you can throw my way

I like your plan of 9/18 CIP; 12/18 SW; 2/19 SW; 6/19 Double Dip
You can transfer URs to Hyatt so that's already an option with your CSP
I don't have a good recommendation on UA or AA
A Hilton Biz would be good to get some Hilton points without adding to your 5/24. I'd see what that Hilton Garden Inn goes for a night in points before signing up though to see it the signup bonus is worth it.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

I like your plan of 9/18 CIP; 12/18 SW; 2/19 SW; 6/19 Double Dip
You can transfer URs to Hyatt so that's already an option with your CSP
I don't have a good recommendation on UA or AA
A Hilton Biz would be good to get some Hilton points without adding to your 5/24. I'd see what that Hilton Garden Inn goes for a night in points before signing up though to see it the signup bonus is worth it.

Thanks! I'll investigate the Hilton-sphere

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thanks so much![/QUOTE[/QUOTE]

No use for the URs yet---still not sure what we'll do next year for vacation. WDW will be March 2020 (family) and we (couple) will go to Australia later in 2020, October or November. I would need UR/MR/United miles for the booking by November 2019 if I'm going to book business seats using points/miles.

Where would going for the SW CP fall? In the middle of collecting UR-earning Chase cards? The SW RR would be very valuable for getting dd to/from school, plus dh and I fly SW almost exclusively when we go to CA etc.

I've been trying to make a plan but keep getting myself confused

me:
7/18 CF (1/24)
9 or 10/18 CIP
12/18 a SW personal but wait to complete spend until 1/19 (2/24, right?)
2 or 3/19 SW biz
6/19 CIC or CSR or attempt a CSP/CSR double dip (w dh's CSP referral)

or put some Amex or other biz cards in there? If so, which and when? I am confident to talk about my "business" bc it's something (tutoring) I have done for many years before/during homeschooling.

dh (reluctant P2, no business cards):
7/18 CSP (1/24)
9 or 10/18 refer to CF from me (2/24)
...and that's all I have

We would have use for some hotel points but are not wedded to any chain. Dh only travels for work once or twice a year. We can stay in a Hyatt Place, a Hilton Garden Inn, and two different Marriott properties near youngest's campus.

As I said, SW points are most valuable for domestic travel. Since we fly out of BWI and PHL most often, I think UA and/or AA would be best for international travel. When does one add those types of cards? After getting all the UR-bearing Chase cards?

Good gravy, so many questions! Thanks for any help you can throw my way

I think you planned out the cards well...and yes on the SW complete the spend in 2019
I just started doing this in May and my plan because of the 5/24rule is to apply for a Chase UR card every 3-4 months...once I’ve done that move on the American Express etc

 

[miztressuz]

Well my final charges to meet the double dip MSR are pending. The CSR will be about $5,700 and the CSP will be about $5,400.

Only $3,100 over... you know another entire MSR , but it is ok! Since I was approved two weeks ago, will I see the bonus points once the statements close? I assume it will close in about 2.5 weeks.

As long as they post about 3-4 business days before statement close you should get them all on that statement. You can keep tabs in the UR portal, the bonus will show up in the "earnings next statement" total. I noticed my points total would change in the late evenings as things got ready to post. No judgement here if you log in every day to check....

 

[palhockeymomof2]

P2
CSP->Freedom (AU): 6/16/17 (strategic move in my overall credit plan)
CSR: 6/11/18

Mortgage 6/11/18 (because I believe mortgage was one of those shut down factors? Only listing because this is so new.)

All other cards 19+ years old (with balances that only decrease every month). Remember I am the exception to the norm Churning with debt and a payoff plan.

Definitely going for SW CP in Dec/Jan, not sure which cards yet. I'm currently thinking of dd'ing Plus and Premier, but also considering the biz with a personal. Would it be possible to do a CIP now? His would be a "business" although I do have a business and could just pull him under mine right? I just wonder if I'm hitting too many too soon. I prefer to space mine out usually, but Hawaii is on the radar for next year possibly so accumulating UR is my plan.

I'm either at 4/24 or 5/24 depending on what's added to and what's dropped from my report at the moment, I think I'm going for the CIC soon.

Could you wait until mid September on the CIP...that would give you 3 months between the CSR and CIP...then 3-4 months before the dd

 

[Lain]

I think you meant CIC for 5x UR for OD/OM/Staples gift cards. I've seen enough people get confused on that bit that I want to be nit-picky on that detail. Tagging @CoP Luv so you don't miss this.

Corrected. Thanks!

Funny enough, I actually use my CIC for eBay "business" expenses, primarily packing supplies. I'll try to reuse packaging from Amazon et al. (e.g., air cushions, bubble wraps, even boxes in good shape), but sometimes I'll need to purchase packing supplies from OD/OM/Staples if it'll save me money vs. USPS Priority/Flat Rates and I'll just factor that cost into the price. (Ironically enough, spending money to save money.)

 

[DisneyMandC]

Hello from the CIP, Marriott Biz, Hilton Biz, Aviator Biz, Citi AA Biz, and SPG Biz office. A reminder that it only takes a little imagination to get a business card.

 

[amalone1013]

I gave gyft a week off and it still declines me

 

[Lain]

View attachment 345597

Hello from the CIP, Marriott Biz, Hilton Biz, Aviator Biz, Citi AA Biz, and SPG Biz office. A reminder that it only takes a little imagination to get a business card.

That looks fierce.

 

[Lain]

I gave gyft a week off and it still declines me

Are you trying for large denominations? Try smaller denominations and ease into it.

 

[PolyRob]

That's crazy!! I am about to hit the CSP but planning to stretch the CSR out for another 2 months. You FLEW through those MSRs.

You should see the points go pending pretty soon after the purchases post. Once you see them pending you'll get them on your next statement close. I bet you'll get them on that statement (but can't say for sure).

What's your Gameplan now? What other cards do you have open that you can put spend on? Do you have any Chase Freedom cards (or cards you could PC to a Chase Freedom)?

Congrats on a very successful Double Dip!

Haha, it was the last minute large AC/furnace purchase that pushed me over. I really only had about $1,500 organic spending on both cards over the last two weeks.

I will still go for the CIP in Dec/Jan. I did not have a big use for the Plastiq bonus so losing that is nothing major (for me at least). I am mainly interested in the 80,000 UR points. I find more value in the bonuses the CIC provide, but figure I can go for that about a year after my double dip. So 4 Chase cards in 12 months: 2 personal and 2 biz. I would also PC my CSP to a Freedom. I am undecided if I should cancel the CIP outright, or PC it to a CIU. It would get me the best of both worlds with the 1.5x on everything and 5x on bonus categories, but I would be throwing the 50,000 (maybe 30,000 after 9/20?) UR bonus away... undecided about this, but I have some time to decide!

As for now, I still have my Apple purchases I need to put on a shiny new card before the CIP. I am looking at Amex biz cards. If that 20,000 MR promo for the BBP was not targeted that would have been it! I am throwing around the idea of a Platinum or Gold, but Platinum would be nice to triple dip the credits if I get it at the end of the year. But then the 100,000 MR is most likely gone. Decisions, decisions.

I also plan on opening a Chase checking and savings using the $300 promo for each. $600 should help cover some annual fees

As long as they post about 3-4 business days before statement close you should get them all on that statement. You can keep tabs in the UR portal, the bonus will show up in the "earnings next statement" total. I noticed my points total would change in the late evenings as things got ready to post. No judgement here if you log in every day to check....

I will definitely be checking daily! I love logging-in and seeing if my travel and food code properly. Something about "+ 3 Points per $1 earned on travel/dining" is just sooo satisfying! 100,000 UR is even MORE satisfying!

I am glad I will be a DP for double dip bonuses. As soon as the points post, they are getting sent to the CSR! The daisy chain has to start somewhere.

 

[amalone1013]

Are you trying for large denominations? Try smaller denominations and ease into it.

$25, $50

 

[trenty]

I am coming to the experts for advice! What would be the best credit cards to get for airline miles? - We usually fly SW. My DH and I currently each have the Chase SW RR cards. We got them almost 2 years ago with the 50K bonus miles. The miles are almost used up, we use this card very infrequently. We also have the Chase Freedom card, this is what we use for all of our regular expenses. We have had this card for many years. I see mention of the Chase Saphire card with a 50K bonus miles offer. Would this be the card to apply for and can I could I use the reward miles for SW? Thanks.

You already got lots of good advice from the experts here. I would just like to add -

• I agree with trying to get the SW CP. I am sure you are trying to digest everything coming at you. If you have questions about possible ways to get the SW CP, ask here.
• The Chase Sapphire Double Dip was mentioned as well. This is a great way to get points fast. I have not done this myself for various reasons. But many here have done it and don't regret it. Look at each card carefully, understanding the benefits of each and the annual fees on each.
• If you don't want to go for the Double Dip, choose either the CSR or the CSP. The annual fee on the CSR is $450 but comes with a lot more in terms of benefits than the CSP which has a annual fee of $95, waived for the first year. I have the CSP because I can't come to bring myself to pay the heftier annual fee, even though I know most of it will be returned to me in terms of travel rewards.
• You have the CF. Points from this can be transferred to either the CSR or CSP and then transferred to SW.
• Business cards were recommended to you as well. I can't comment on them. I do not have any and don't feel comfortable going that route. But many here have business or "business" cards and do extremely well with points.

Keep in mind:

• Chase has strict rules about applying. Ask questions before applying for any Chase cards. If you primary fly SW you should start with Chase cards since they have the 5/24 rule.
• If you do not pay your balances in full each month, consider waiting before churning. Credit card debt can happen very easily if you are not disciplined.
• If you can't meet the minimum spend organically, there are other ways to meet the minimum spend. But again, enter cautiously so as to not get in over your head. I only apply for cards when I know I can meet the minimum spend with everyday expenses.

I hope all this helps along with the advice you have already been given. Don't be overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time and ask as many questions as needed.

 

[platamama]

Ironically enough, spending money to save money.

Isn't that the truth?!?!

 

[Smuggs]

It is actually cheaper for me to book my flights thru the Chase UR portal and use my CSR points + 50% than to transfer the points to miles. BUT the UR portal is not showing me the flights that I want, even though United's site shows lots of seats. Do they only get certain flights on UR? Is there a trick?

 

[platamama]

Thanks for the quick reply, but what is the sw cp?

Others have answered this question, but I want to clarify for you that with a SW CP, your assigned Companion can fly with you even if you're flying on tickets paid for with SW RRs. It's NOT just for paid OOP cash fares that you can use the CP on, AND you can use the CP an unlimited number of times while you have it.

I figure I get at least $1500-2000 value out of a SW CP during the (up to) 24 months I have one, but that's probably because I fly maybe 3-4 times a year. Although, it just saved me $1200 on my tickets for Costa Rica over Thanksgiving this year. I do love SW RRs and the CP.