I love credit cards so much!

[MrPTato]

With the Marriott and SPG program changes, if my wife only had a Marriott account, would that number have changed? She never had an SPG account. I don't think she checks her accounts often, or ever, so want to make sure she would still be earning. I will have her check when she gets back on Friday.

 

[SBWB48]

@Lain and @platamama So, just got my hands on another US Bank variable load MCGC from my local grocer. I registered it, loaded to MP, and then proceeded to add to my Plastiq account and was able to send a $250 payment again with no errors. However, I did want to note a minor typo on my end from my prior post. While this is a US Bank issued MCGC, the website for balance inquires is NOT prepaidgiftbalance .com, but actually mygiftcardsite . com (sorry, too many giftcards recently to keep track of ). Not sure if this is the 'key', but so far 2/2 on variable loads (both where a portion of the balance was used and where the full balance was unused) on my end.

 

[disneybirds]

Honestly that's why I love PDX. It is so awesome having that credit! I feel out of place in a lounge, especially with my kids. Like all the business folk are looking at us and thinking "you don't belong here". I'm not here to drink a martini and make a business call. I just wanna stroll in and score some snack loot. The cheese plates to go at Capers Market in PDX are life changing.

Ooohh! Didn't think about getting a cheese plate to go. We will have to try that next time.

 

[liloca]

Just returned from a two week hiking trip to Machu Picchu and I have to rave about my business class experience on LATAM. We absolutely LOVED it. Great service, good food, super comfortable lie-flat seats, and spacious cabin. I only have a handful of Int'l business class comparisons (multiple United, multiple BA and Virgin Atlantic--others coming this year (Delta and American)), but it was much better than other products we've used. No jammies or slippers, but other than that, we loved everything.

We stayed at the Marriott in Cusco and were pretty much blown away by how nice it was and the exceptional level of service (more like a Ritz or Four Seasons than a Marriott). They told me they were in the top three of all JW Marriott hotels, and I do not doubt it. In addition to some pretty awesome free offerings (food tours, pisco sour classes, etc.), the level of service was so good, I wondered if they had me confused with a celebrity, LOL. Seriously, I kept turning around to make sure they were talking to me It was my daughter's birthday and she received two gifts in the room, including a pretty special hand written card from one of the staff with chocolate covered strawberries. When we had to (reluctantly) change hotels to join our tour group (REI), they arranged a private car to take us for free. As DH and DS couldn't go with us this trip, we are already talking about going back so they can enjoy Cusco--which we loved--and this great Marriott property. I'd thought about staying at the Belmond, but I'm so glad I didn't.

I'm all caught up on the thread, and so bummed about the CIP/Plastique run being over.

I do have a couple of Marriott/Starwood merger questions:

1. I'm trying to figure out what to do with my category 6 outstanding certificate--anyone had luck getting miles back? (the hotel I want to book is now a category 4).

2. I just got an email from Starwood to combine accounts that includes an option to keep my Rewards account. I'm inclined to to that, but any reason not to? Should I be checking on anything before combining? Any reason not to combine yet? (My accounts are already linked).

Thanks!!

Did you used points for Latam flight? If so, how many and how far in advanced did you booked?Latam is the only one that does Boston-São Paulo direct flight so I want to use them but I haven’t figure out how to use points to pay for it.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Did you used points for Latam flight? If so, how many and how far in advanced did you booked?Latam is the only one that does Boston-São Paulo direct flight so I want to use them but I haven’t figure out how to use points to pay for it.

It was a revenue ticket. I originally booked business there and economy back but we loved it so much when the opportunity to bid for an upgrade came around for the return we took it. I watched fares for a long time and was able to get that initial ticket for about $1600. With upgrade it was still under $2000 RT. Totally worth it IMO. I slept like a baby both ways. The flight attendants keep the cabin really quiet and no one wakes you up with seatbelt announcements.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Was is worth it? We usually just go for the rides.

I'd suggest watch the dis unplugged podcast from today regarding the MNSSHP and read the threads about them. Just make sure things are refundable (SW on RR would be, but also room) so that if the reports about the MVMCP come back like those of the MNSSHP this year, you can always change your mind. It sounds like the ride lines have not been like the years past so far at the 2018 parties.

 

[DisneyMandC]

My 25th Marriott night has appeared when I checked my status for my Courtyard VA Beach stay this afternoon. I am not sure what it is from since my activity doesn’t look any different and I can’t see my stay from last Sat on it. We decided to cancel our stops in OCMD and Bethany Beach and I added another night at check-in using points. The good part is DH and I both have $60 Marriott Amex offer so we’ll be saving $120 on our stays. And DH needed some items from Walgreens and I totally forgot I had linked the RMN offer but I got the pop-up on using it as we were walking out the door.

@DisneyMandC- All of the places to eat, we ended up at PF Chang’s for dinner. (DS11’s favorite place ever!) I think tomorrow is just going to be pizza/pasta and Thurs to Captain George’s. We just did the one in Williamsburg last night for dinner.

I should’ve updated you on my stay after I came back! But you can’t go wrong with PF Chang’s! I ate there when I was in town in April for work. We ate a couple different places this time, but honestly weren’t impressed. We went to Repeal Burgers and while the food was pretty good, the service was terrible. We went to another place for breakfast that I can’t remember the name of and I thought it was downright gross. I hope you’re enjoying your trip! I wish I’d stayed at that Courtyard again instead of the one at 25th. It was fine, but the one at 37th is definitely quieter.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I like seeing your thoughts on this! I think I have offer upgrade for my BCE to BCP also so I need to evaluate like you have. Is there a resource to see average bonus versus all time high bonus to compare?

I typically do my own research on offers. Google, my own personal history, Reddit. If you are looking at an offer and ask here I’m sure we’ll be able to help determine where it stacks up historically!

 

[MrsAlexis]

I typically do my own research on offers. Google, my own personal history, Reddit. If you are looking at an offer and ask here I’m sure we’ll be able to help determine where it stacks up historically!

I'm really trying to learn about and use different resources on my own without running here for every little thing! Haha I worry a lot about asking a dumb question especially if it is something that a little digging on my part could answer

ETA what do you think of the BCP offer you got? Do you think you'll take it before the offer end date?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/amer...es-apply-on-upgrade-offers-in-the-first-year/

Hopefully this is true since I did do the upgrade. I can't remember who else was thinking about it, but could be another reason to upgrade instead of get a completely new card.

To celebrate the new SPG Lux (and also because last weekend the girls fought and were crabby) we are taking the long weekend and going on a road trip! Just two nights at the TownePlace Suites. But should be fun. I actually ran airfare but could not justify the expense. But at least on a road trip the gas can be also used to meet my MSR's.

Yes! I am going to finish up the last bit of spend on my Hilton Amex, then go for the upgrade! Seize the moment! I also impulsively applied for Barclay AA Biz for DH.

 

[amalone1013]

*looks at flight home at 7am Wednesday instead of 7pm tuesday*

Talk me down!

 

[liloca]

It was a revenue ticket. I originally booked business there and economy back but we loved it so much when the opportunity to bid for an upgrade came around for the return we took it. I watched fares for a long time and was able to get that initial ticket for about $1600. With upgrade it was still under $2000 RT. Totally worth it IMO. I slept like a baby both ways. The flight attendants keep the cabin really quiet and no one wakes you up with seatbelt announcements.

That is an amazing price! We pay $1200 to $1600 pp on coach so I would totally take bussiness for 2K!

 

[kmc8826]

I went through my CF card. Checked out Expedia and they were all sold out too. Disney has plenty of inventory. I will call Chase once my points post and get it booked. Thanks!

If your points will post within the next 30 days I would just book directly with Disney right now. Then when points post call Cruise and Tours (I can give you information on someone good) and transfer reservation to Chase. You decide how many points to use if you don’t want to use all of them. You can even pay any balance with a gift card. Gift card payment on part was my choice since couldn’t part with all my precious UR’s!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

So what kind of business would that be? I don't know what AmEx applications ask for. How often does AmEx require a phone call to get an application approved?

What position does he hold that he wrote the grants? I know probably a volunteer position but seemshe could be a consultant for them. Writing the grants, then helping coordinate use of said grants. I’m not sure of all the business categories (I use rental property for mine, never looked at the rest) but consultancy seems a pretty legit business and he has a definite need to keep those expenditures separate.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

With the Marriott and SPG program changes, if my wife only had a Marriott account, would that number have changed? She never had an SPG account. I don't think she checks her accounts often, or ever, so want to make sure she would still be earning. I will have her check when she gets back on Friday.

Nothing should have changed for Marriott accounts.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I'm really trying to learn about and use different resources on my own without running here for every little thing! Haha I worry a lot about asking a dumb question especially if it is something that a little digging on my part could answer

ETA what do you think of the BCP offer you got? Do you think you'll take it before the offer end date?

IF I was planning to go over 5/24 and not look back I would NOT take this offer to upgrade UNTIL I had first earned the signup bonus on this card.

Since I am trying to stay around or under 5/24 the offer warrants a lot of consideration. I’m also trying to keep our pace with Chase under control so I’d say right now I’m 75% sure I will go for it.

ETA: Always ask dumb questions here!! We will help

 

[MrsAlexis]

IF I was planning to go over 5/24 and not look back I would NOT take this offer to upgrade UNTIL I had first earned the signup bonus on this card.

Since I am trying to stay around or under 5/24 the offer warrants a lot of consideration. I’m also trying to keep our pace with Chase under control so I’d say right now I’m 75% sure I will go for it.

ETA: Always ask dumb questions here!! We will help

Ok dumb question then: isn't the $250 upgrade offer synonymous with the sign up bonus?

 

[MrPTato]

Citi just gave me $10 in my rewards account just for hitting them up on chat tonight. This was for my DoubleCash.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Ok dumb question then: isn't the $250 upgrade offer synonymous with the sign up bonus?

Yes, but I could signup for a BCP. Then cancel it in a year...Then take an upgrade offer for my BCE. I can have my cake and eat it too

Due to Amex once per lifetime language... once I’ve had a BCP (even if from upgrade) I can’t earn a signup bonus on it.

 

[miztressuz]

With the Marriott and SPG program changes, if my wife only had a Marriott account, would that number have changed? She never had an SPG account. I don't think she checks her accounts often, or ever, so want to make sure she would still be earning. I will have her check when she gets back on Friday.

Nothing changed for Marriott, hubby's account was all the same. It's only SPG accounts had their number changed... they will be assimilated (resistance is futile).