I love credit cards so much!

[palhockeymomof2]

Hello!

As I am wrapping up the spend on my CSR/CSP double dip, I am trying to decide on my next move. I was considering the Hilton Biz or a CapOne Venture (got a 60,000 mail offer). I am 6/24 now and won't go back under 5/24 until March of next year but I am not sure that I am too concerned about it and might just forge ahead, since I have most of the Chase cards that I want. But I do love URs, so we'll see.

However, if I am still able to double dip DH with the CSR/CSP, I think I need to quickly get that done. Nervous about the 8,000 spend since we just opened two PNC accounts to meet spend on my double dip. Do we think it is still possible to get the Sapphires? He had a CSP a couple of years ago but I think there are still some links with the 24 month language?

Here are his stats:
1/5/16 CSP
4/2017 Barclay Arrival+ (PC'd Rewards)
9/30/17 SW Premier
9/30/17 SW Plus
4/3/18 CIP
8/17/18 Barclay Aviator Biz

OK, so I just realized typing that out that he is only 3/24. So I probably would have stretched out the double dip if I didn't feel like the need to get the Sapphires was pretty dire. Thoughts?

I would Recommend your husband do the DD...the links still have the 24 month language so your fine using the referral links... if the CSP from 1/16is still open it obviously has to be closed

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thank you! Mid December is what I need. But just a night or two and not picky on Resort. It is a pre cruise stay. Still, dec is popular, so likely won’t happen. I see cash options at dvc resorts so there is some hope maybe.

December is really popular with DVC......be aware that what you see on the Disney site as available does not mean its available to book with DVC points.....if you’d like me to check dates just send me a pm

 

[kmc8826]

Fun day at fish hatchery and then Dinosaur National Park so now catching up!

Wow, good to know! Depending on the credit limits I get and my budget, it’d be great to put a decent amount down (if not all) between two cards! Especially if I can get another card with a longer 0% interest period! Thanks!

You don’t need to stop at just 2 cards. I did 2 but could have honestly done more. Since you are willing to buy direct Disney will take your money however you choose. Go for at least 3!

This reminds me that I have meant to ask about the DVC tour. I assume you did it for the fast passes? Does everyone in your family get FPs or only those who show up for the tour?

I'm considering a tour during our December trip but not sure it's a good use of time.

They will give you the fast passes and just tell them a friend got the gift card offer. I tried that (thanks to a good recommendation) and walked away with a $50 gift card.

I'd love to get into Hyatt but the 2 things holding me back are chase 5/24 (burn a slot for the card?) and the small footprint. We wouldn't really be able to earn on stays b/c there aren't many Hyatts in TN for DH to use for work trips, so we'd be dependent on the cc points. I need to research it more I guess.

The point value on the Hyatt’s is really nice especially when you consider we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui for 20k a night. 2 of the nights were free with the card sign up and the rest were straight transfers from UR’s. It is nice to pay for resort stays with World of Hyatt because then no resort fees. The Hyatt House rooms are around 12k. I haven’t stayed there but have been considering one in Lake Buena Vista right before we start a DVC stay.

Favorite DVC point rental sources?

I have reserved through these boards before, just once. I don't mind doing it again. Just want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious. Any way for me to look at availability online? Probably not, but it would sure speed up the process...

As you saw we can post it but they will censor it. Pm me your date and I can check if you want. Or give me your email and I will give you the site.

@Livelivedance. I don’t know if it was this forum or another, but I had seen some conversation about use years for DVC. I have absolutely no understanding of how DVC works but I thought the conversation revolved around purchase time and when your use year starts and ends. I’m sorry I can’t remember more but other DVC owners would maybe have some ideas about how to maximize your points related to your most likely travel months.

I have been happy with the October UY. Advantage of buying with an upcoming year is you get the previous year points. I.e. October technically still in 2017 UY so on my direct got 2017 and 2018 points. Even though past deadline Disney will let you bank.

Thanks -- I might call (someone at DVC?) and see if they will send us an offer code.

You could just tell them you want the gift card...or I am happy to try to send you a link if you want to pm me.

 

[kmc8826]

For those considering SPG Lux upgrade looks like I am involuntarily a DP. Put $200 down on the SPG/Marriott timeshare deal I got and today the credit showed up on my card. Seeing as that was an odd charge “Westin/Sheraton Vacation” I am pretty surprised and it lends me to think gift cards would work. I have not seen any type of AF charge on the upgrade card yet (April is when last paid AF).

 

[Haley R]

Yes, that is why I have avoided it.

That’s why we avoided them, too.

 

[DaveL]

Those are so cool! Now I know how some of the holiday bazar stuff people sell is made

Its a blast, I have been making all sorts of stuff. DD had circle and square sharing day last week at school so we made circles on the CNC machine and squares on the Laser and engraved her name.

 

[shairpdrh]

They will give you the fast passes and just tell them a friend got the gift card offer. I tried that (thanks to a good recommendation) and walked away with a $50 gift card.

I was about to share that same tip. I totally did that and was so glad it worked! The guy asked if I had an invitation in my room, but we didn't. I wanted everything available if we were going to spend that much so I had no shame asking (despite being quite averse to asking for things at times).

 

[Livelovedance]

You don’t need to stop at just 2 cards. I did 2 but could have honestly done more. Since you are willing to buy direct Disney will take your money however you choose. Go for at least 3!


I have been happy with the October UY. Advantage of buying with an upcoming year is you get the previous year points. I.e. October technically still in 2017 UY so on my direct got 2017 and 2018 points. Even though past deadline Disney will let you bank.

I referred back to your PM today from the last time I was contemplating this decision! When you’re right, you’re right! I might need to go for 3 depending on the limits I get... I just have to check the dates of my other card apps and make sure it’s even possible.

I’m hoping to be offered the previous years points as well when I add on. That was a nice added bonus when I bought originally. Fingers crossed that this whole thing will go smoothly!

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

DP on using credit card concierge services. Previously I have used Amex Platinum concierge to get us Hamilton tickets at face value and dining reservations at places that are fully booked. Somehow we forgot to book dinner reservations for Mama’s Fish House for this trip and of course they are fully booked for the duration of our stay. I reached out to Amex Platinum concierge and they were unsuccessful in securing reservations for us. DH suggested that I reach out to Chase Visa Infinite concierge and see if they could get them. So, I did just that and they were actually able to get us dinner reservations! Moral of the story, when one of your high AF credit card concierge teams can’t come through, give it a go with a different high AF concierge team.

Mama’s is our favorite! We go there almost every time

 

[MrPTato]

I just realized my plan is greatly dependent on getting a good credit limit when I apply for the Discover it. I have a good credit score and pay my bills in full on time. The only potential problem I see is the fact that this will be my first Discover card.

I want to apply for the Discover it cash back and the Disney premier. My plan is to put less on the Disney (6 months 0%) and more on the Discover (14 months 0%), and take advantage of having more time to pay it off. I’ll probably get a decent limit on the Disney card because of my history with Chase. Would my nonexistent Discover history mean a credit limit that is too low for my plans? Should I apply for one first over the other? Does any of that make any difference?

Discover can be across the board when it comes to initial starting limits when you are new to them. If you have decent credit, which it seems like you do, then you should have no issues getting a decent SL. It does depend on income, FICO, and other credit factors. They are good about SP credit increases as well. Discover seems to like transactors where you use your card often. If you don't get a decent limit for your needs, use it well and try again in 90 days.

I referred back to your PM today from the last time I was contemplating this decision! When you’re right, you’re right! I might need to go for 3 depending on the limits I get... I just have to check the dates of my other card apps and make sure it’s even possible.

I’m hoping to be offered the previous years points as well when I add on. That was a nice added bonus when I bought originally. Fingers crossed that this whole thing will go smoothly!

The "previous years points" is a gimmick the guides use to make it sound like you are getting something extra. You get those points because they fall into your current use year...and heck...you are paying the dues for these.

My first purchase was in May of 2015. Our use year for the Poly was December. We were told we were getting the bonus points..but really they were not bonus...we were paying the dues on them...I think at closing but I don't remember. I said something the second time to the guide and he didn't day much when we added on.

 

[kmc8826]

On DVC while the bonus point thing is a gimmick, buying in June and getting 2017 points was a nice advantage for us on our direct contract. And one advantage of direct over our resale was the dues. Disney didn't have dues on 2017 points and the 2018 dues were prorated. Our resale definitely did not have that. Closing costs also cheaper on direct. (Still overall cheaper to do resale though).

 

[mmmears]

Yes, that is why I have avoided it.

Same here. I won't pay just to see if what I want is available.

DP on using credit card concierge services. Previously I have used Amex Platinum concierge to get us Hamilton tickets at face value and dining reservations at places that are fully booked. Somehow we forgot to book dinner reservations for Mama’s Fish House for this trip and of course they are fully booked for the duration of our stay. I reached out to Amex Platinum concierge and they were unsuccessful in securing reservations for us. DH suggested that I reach out to Chase Visa Infinite concierge and see if they could get them. So, I did just that and they were actually able to get us dinner reservations! Moral of the story, when one of your high AF credit card concierge teams can’t come through, give it a go with a different high AF concierge team.

Enjoy! I love Maui vacations.

 

[Livelovedance]

Discover can be across the board when it comes to initial starting limits when you are new to them. If you have decent credit, which it seems like you do, then you should have no issues getting a decent SL. It does depend on income, FICO, and other credit factors. They are good about SP credit increases as well. Discover seems to like transactors where you use your card often. If you don't get a decent limit for your needs, use it well and try again in 90 days.



The "previous years points" is a gimmick the guides use to make it sound like you are getting something extra. You get those points because they fall into your current use year...and heck...you are paying the dues for these.

My first purchase was in May of 2015. Our use year for the Poly was December. We were told we were getting the bonus points..but really they were not bonus...we were paying the dues on them...I think at closing but I don't remember. I said something the second time to the guide and he didn't day much when we added on.

Thanks for the feedback. I have to figure out how to best approach this. I know Chase has the 5/24 rule. Do any other card providers have rules/limits about how many cards you open in a certain time period? I was going to open the Disney Premier first, then the Discover it, probably the same day or very soon after. I want to make sure I have the cards in hand in time. Would that affect my standing with Discover? Would it be bad to open a 3rd card around the same time if I don’t get a good enough limit? I don’t usually apply for cards like this so I’m not sure how it would work.

On DVC while the bonus point thing is a gimmick, buying in June and getting 2017 points was a nice advantage for us on our direct contract. And one advantage of direct over our resale was the dues. Disney didn't have dues on 2017 points and the 2018 dues were prorated. Our resale definitely did not have that. Closing costs also cheaper on direct. (Still overall cheaper to do resale though).

I’m not sure how it impacted our dues, but it didn’t bother me or impact my decision to purchase either way. I just saw it as an added benefit, and I’m hoping to get it again! I have no regrets buying direct, even though it’s cheaper to buy resale lol.

 

[Alexle2007]

Hmmm...all this DVC talk makes me think we should take a few minutes out of our pool day on Sat and sit through the presentation for free FPs to make the most of our whirlwind park tour on Sun. Are they good in Pandora? Maybe Na’vi River Journey if not FOP?

 

[schmass]

Between my Biz Plat and SPG Biz cards, I've spent almost 10k with Amex since I applied for the Hilton Biz and got the pop-up. I think I'm going to give it another week or so and then try applying again.

I'm also trying to get my strategy ready for when I can book my SW flights for May. My plan is to have DH get the CP for 2019-2020. If I will be his companion, does it make sense to book DH, DS, and DD with points on one reservation, and then myself with points on another? Also, I could buy a SW gift card with my Amex Plat travel credit, would it make sense to use the giftcard for the reservation with my family members? Can I combine points and gc with SW?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I referred back to your PM today from the last time I was contemplating this decision! When you’re right, you’re right! I might need to go for 3 depending on the limits I get... I just have to check the dates of my other card apps and make sure it’s even possible.

I’m hoping to be offered the previous years points as well when I add on. That was a nice added bonus when I bought originally. Fingers crossed that this whole thing will go smoothly!

Not sure what your use year is but it would have to be October, November or December to get 2017 points since we are still in those use years..all other months are in the 2018 use year.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Between my Biz Plat and SPG Biz cards, I've spent almost 10k with Amex since I applied for the Hilton Biz and got the pop-up. I think I'm going to give it another week or so and then try applying again.

I'm also trying to get my strategy ready for when I can book my SW flights for May. My plan is to have DH get the CP for 2019-2020. If I will be his companion, does it make sense to book DH, DS, and DD with points on one reservation, and then myself with points on another? Also, I could buy a SW gift card with my Amex Plat travel credit, would it make sense to use the giftcard for the reservation with my family members? Can I combine points and gc with SW?

For SW that makes sense..since once you get the CP you can cancel your reservation online and get the points back easily...if you book yourself with everyone else you’d have to call
No you can’t combine points and gift cards on the same reservation with SW....what you can do is book one way with points....then the other way with gift cards

 

[DisneyMandC]

Happy Labor Day! Hope everyone is enjoying the day off!

In the midst of looking up stuff on Arizona for April last night, I thought I’d this. I’m planning to cancel my Marriott Biz when the AF posts next January, but I’d like to use my free night certificate in April. The free night is attached to my Marriott account, so no issue with canceling the card, right? I think it makes more sense to keep the SPG Biz now that I have that over the Marriott Biz. Someone tell me if I’m wrong!

 

[striker1064]

Hmmm...all this DVC talk makes me think we should take a few minutes out of our pool day on Sat and sit through the presentation for free FPs to make the most of our whirlwind park tour on Sun. Are they good in Pandora? Maybe Na’vi River Journey if not FOP?

No, they aren't. When we did the tour in February we got a $100 Disney GC + 3 anytime FPs each, but they were not usable on 6 rides - Flight of Passage, N'avi River, Peter Pan, Toy Story, Frozen, and Seven Dwarves if I'm recalling correctly.

 

[striker1064]

Also I'm now noticing Hamilton is sold out a few days in advance at the Kennedy Center. I'm not sure if that's because of the holiday weekend or what, but it looks like I missed my chance to get cheap(er) tickets! Oh well, maybe the lottery will come through (haha).