I love credit cards so much!

[miztressuz]

Are you affiliated with any of the banks or credit card issuers?

you are soooo not helping the tinfoil hat club... (but priceless!)

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Are you affiliated with any of the banks or credit card issuers?

Nope... just hanging out

Hmmmm...that's EXACTLY what a Chase Mole would say! We caught you! (we are totally kidding!!)

Quick! Everybody start talking about how Capital One and Synchrony are the best card issuers out there!!

 

[miztressuz]

Or, if you’re comfortable, get an Amex MR business card and add DH as an “employee” user (effectively the same as an authorized user on a personal card). The card won’t report to your or DH’s credit reports or add to 5/24.

I second this @LuckyMamaInDE You've got time. I'm looking to book in the next few weeks and neither of us have any MR biz cards, and for other reasons, not a great plan right now for me. But since you've got time you have options, this one seems the simplest though.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Or, if you’re comfortable, get an Amex MR business card and add DH as an “employee” user (effectively the same as an authorized user on a personal card). The card won’t report to your or DH’s credit reports or add to 5/24.

Good to know!

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

I second this @LuckyMamaInDE You've got time. I'm looking to book in the next few weeks and neither of us have any MR biz cards, and for other reasons, not a great plan right now for me. But since you've got time you have options, this one seems the simplest though.

Thanks Good luck with your booking!

 

[hulagirl]

I spent a long time this afternoon catching up on this thread and I am still blown away by the kindness of lead posters on this forum. It's a little uncommon when discussing this particular topic and I just wanna say again... I think it's nice. I hear the cautious tone an awful lot more lately than I did three years ago. I think we should really be paying attention to that. Somebody posted a few pages back about a guy whose Citicards were shut down recently, without explanation. It prompted me to do a little research and I ran across this article which I am sharing because it really gave me pause. In my quest to slow down, I've moved most of my spending to the Alliant Visa for its 3% cashback in the first year and 2.5 ongoing, while I determine the direction I want to go next. That leaves my entire Amex portfolio with zero balances and I just finished minimum spend on the Aspire, pretty much right up to what was required for the bonus and no more, paid off immediately. I'm beginning to re-think the wisdom of that. It's really making me take a step back and question... ok, which of these banks do I actually value the relationship with long term. Which one provides the most bang for the buck ongoing... not just in terms of a large sign up bonus? I think it's time to figure that out, because if I damage my relationship with that bank, and they dump me... I may not ever have a chance to re-connect. Know what I mean? Anyway... those are my thoughts for today. And as for you @SouthFayetteFan - you are a good egg with a very big heart.;-) and it comes through here. Just sayin.

Here's the article for those of you interested: https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/when-can-credit-card-issuer-close-account-1267.php . It's a little bit chilling for me to consider the implications of that, should Amex ever decide they don't like me anymore.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

It is. Had to check fine print. Have used similar offers several times.

Wow...that’s great..any time I’ve received a % off like that it excludes gift cards

 

[wendow]

I am still missing a referral bonus for my CF that someone used the same day of my CIP referral, but I'm not sure I ever heard that they were definitely approved for the CF.

I am also still missing a referral bonus for a CSR. I thought for sure it would post this past Tuesday but it never did. I wonder if some of those are being held up too.

ETA: Friend of mine, not a DIS friend, and he was approved 8/22.

 

[wendow]

It is. Had to check fine print. Have used similar offers several times.

Report back after you try to use it! I am amazed there is a coupon for 50% off GCs! Really hope it works for you. Are you a regular Kmart shopper...How did you get the coupon?

 

[platamama]

I'm trying to figure out what this means... if I have the CP how does this help me on Alaska flight?(which I have later this year!)

If you get matched to MVP Gold 75K, some extra perks on flights. I'm most interested in it to avoid the fees that Alaska implemented this June so that I can do what @calypso726 outlined back in April.

I love credit cards so much!

 

[Keira1387]

Report back after you try to use it! I am amazed there is a coupon for 50% off GCs! Really hope it works for you. Are you a regular Kmart shopper...How did you get the coupon?

I have used it and it has worked! First offer I had was for CVS. started small with a $25 gift card and 3 days later received confirmation of reward. Have used at several other places since. Of course there is a cap of how much you can get back though.

I am not a Kmart shopper. Offer is from my credit card.

 

[miztressuz]

I have an offer for 50% off at Kmart. Was thinking about going for some third party gift cards. The nearest one is about 30 minutes away. So before I make the drive, does anyone have an idea of what cards they might have? I realize this can vary by location, but any insite is appreciated! TIA!

Before they all closed down, around here it was a craps shoot. In their heyday all had Disney cards, but the restaurant and entertainment cards varied. I have no idea how they picked them. The Sears' have only a small display rack by some of the registers with about the same random local chain restaurants offered(and probably Disney, I forget now). I haven't looked close lately since that's about all we have left around here is Sears.

 

[wendow]

I have used it and it has worked! First offer I had was for CVS. started small with a $25 gift card and 3 days later received confirmation of reward. Have used at several other places since. Of course there is a cap of how much you can get back though.

I am not a Kmart shopper. Offer is from my credit card.

That is awesome! Which cc had the offer?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

...pretty much right up to what was required for the bonus and no more, paid off immediately. ...I'm beginning to re-think the wisdom of that. It's really making me take a step back and question... ok, which of these banks do I actually value the relationship with long term. Which one provides the most bang for the buck ongoing... not just in terms of a large sign up bonus? I think it's time to figure that out, because if I damage my relationship with that bank, and they dump me... I may not ever have a chance to re-connect. Know what I mean? Anyway... those are my thoughts for today. And as for you @SouthFayetteFan - you are a good egg with a very big heart.;-) and it comes through here. Just sayin...

First - thank you for the kind words.

Second - The part of your comment I included above really jives with my current mindset too.

The game is constantly changing, we all know that. It's hard to not overreact to swift and negative changes like we've seen recently. While the game has survived things like "Amex once per lifetime rule" and the implementation of "Chase 5/24 rule" it always comes out on the other end looking a little different. I know we have some people advocating go past 5/24 and don't look back. Others are trying to adjust their strategy to fit into this new rule-set. I just want to keep earning points in some fashion but can't yet say what I feel the best plan is for me.

I think my big takeaway is...I need to be cautious with my wording in my advice to others... There may not be a right answer anymore.

• When I started churning and somebody said should I get Card A or Card B the answer was always "BOTH"! And if the question was when should I get those cards the answer was "YESTERDAY"!
• Then as rules and application restrictions popped up we had to be more cautious with recommendations: Start with Chase, only hit other issuer's biz cards when you're under 5/24, etc...And we developed a basic gameplan for everybody
• Then 1 Sapphire and 1 SW card comes out and we advocate using the double dip loophole
• Then AMEX comes out with their popup and we can't even diagnose what's driving it necessarily
• Now double dips close...

We don't know what's next. And I need to remember that my advice here is affecting people's personal finances. I don't think we should stop sharing advice and strategies and ideas, but we need to use non-definitive language and really be careful with newbies and help them understand what risks may be at play.

I think today is a good day to revisit: @SouthFayetteFan's Guide to the Right way to churn!

@SouthFayetteFan’s Guide to the RIGHT way to churn!

Fair Warning – this is a long post, but something I think many of you here may enjoy reading… Lately there has been a lot of discussion on r/churning and other groups (at times heated) regarding the RIGHT way to churn. I figured, I’d share with our group the RIGHT way to churn so we are all on the same page.

• Some people like to churn slowly. They want to open no more than 2-3 cards per year, and never more than one card at a time. In between MSRs they focus on category bonuses on their existing cards…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to open as many cards as possible, dozens in a year even. They push the envelope of the issuers’ rules and throw caution to the wind. They’ve never met a signup bonus they didn’t like AND they wouldn’t dare think about going without an MSR for even a day…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to get a moderate amount of cards each year, hovering around 5/24 so that they avoid being locked out by Chase but still putting the majority of their spend towards an MSR…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are in Two-Player mode and can alternate applications and increase their earning potential…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no player two. They go about it on their own and do their best to earn as many points as possible…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have an unwilling player two. They wish that their P2 would be willing like others that comment so happily about their ability to double their earnings. But they still do their best to earn as many points as possible (and convince their P2 to join eventually) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are super-comfortable with Business Cards. They have so many you’d think they are a Fortune 500 company…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are wary of applying for a Business Card. It’s just not something they’re comfortable with and they still earn a decent number of points focusing on personal cards only…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people get non-Chase personal cards while still under 5/24 (GASP!) because it fits their strategy…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people wouldn’t think of touching a non-Chase personal card until they’re over 5/24…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people pay numerous annual fees to keep cards open because it’s worth it to them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people avoid annual fees at all costs and product change or cancel cards rather than paying them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to use churning to take extravagant trips beyond most folk’s wildest imaginations. They often incur additional expenses (annual fees, out of pocket costs, etc.) to do this but they love it and can afford it…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people take a moderate number of vacations each year which churning is able to partially or fully pay for and wouldn’t think of wasting their precious points stash on things like First Class or Awesome hotel suites…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people use churning to help afford just one nice vacation a year because finances or tight, or they have a large family, or for myriad other reasons…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people focus on cash back because travel is not their cup of tea…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people love to participate in MS (Manufactured Spending), they not only enjoy the points they earn, but they actually have fun doing it. It’s a game to see how many points they can generate at the least expensive cost…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will only do MS from the comfort of their couch (bank funding, applepay, etc.)…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think MS is not for them, perhaps they even think it’s illegal or skirting the rules. They don’t judge others for doing it but choose not to participate themselves…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will focus on numerous programs all at the same time. Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Southwest, Delta, United, American, URs, MRs…it doesn’t matter, they’ll take ‘em! They’ve never found a point they didn’t like…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people choose to focus on a limited number of programs, perhaps even a program that others think isn’t quite worth it (yup I’m looking at you HILTON!) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people also like to do bank bonuses as a way to increase their earnings in the game…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think bank bonuses aren’t worth the hassle…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people plan multi-year strategies of which cards they’ll get and when. They can’t imagine somebody participating in this game without having a game-plan (and perhaps they even quietly judge those that don’t have one…although they’d never publicly shame them) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no strategy whatsoever. Whichever card they feel like next…that’s the card they get. Gosh, we’ll just figure out how to use the points later. They think people who have these plans are just setting themselves up for disappointment because the rules will change and the target will move anyways…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have a spreadsheet to track every detail (or heck, maybe dozens of spreadsheets in my case) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people just keep track on a napkin…or maybe not at all. Keeping all that data is too much of a hassle and if the game requires work like that, well then it’s not just fun…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people forget to use a Support Link on DISchurners…and they are shunned…and THIS IS THE…wait…no that’s the wrong way to churn JK JK JK!!!

The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn!

 

[Keira1387]

That is awesome! Which cc had the offer?

WF cash wise

 

[hulagirl]

We don't know what's next. And I need to remember that my advice here is affecting people's personal finances. I don't think we should stop sharing advice and strategies and ideas, but we need to use non-definitive language and really be careful with newbies and help them understand what risks may be at play.

I think today is a good day to revisitSouthfayetteFan's Guide to the Right way to churn!

< And THAT is the absolute perfect way to sign off and go get some work done.

I think today is (still) a good day...period. Thank you all for making such a nice space to hang out in. <3

 

[Keira1387]

WF cash wise

Wells Fargo Earn More Mall gave back up to 50% cashback to Office Depot, Staples, Macys, Kmart and JC Penney. All are $70 but Macys which is $100. I plan on buying Visa gift cards and was going to use that along with the WF card to get the $100 back.

Hey! I have the same offer! Could you give me an idea of what gift cards where available at Kmart if you can recall? My nearest one is about 30 minutes away, so I’m just trying to get an idea!

 

[havaneselover]

Wow—I have all 5 wf earn more offers (mine are all 50%). Guess I’ll be heading to staples tonight. And I was just thinking about closing this card.

 

[Keira1387]

Wow—I have all 5 wf earn more offers (mine are all 50%). Guess I’ll be heading to staples tonight. And I was just thinking about closing this card.

That’s awesome! I’m sure you already know, but don’t forget to click on them to activate before you go!

 

[miztressuz]

First - thank you for the kind words.

Second - The part of your comment I included above really jives with my current mindset too.

The game is constantly changing, we all know that. It's hard to not overreact to swift and negative changes like we've seen recently. While the game has survived things like "Amex once per lifetime rule" and the implementation of "Chase 5/24 rule" it always comes out on the other end looking a little different. I know we have some people advocating go past 5/24 and don't look back. Others are trying to adjust their strategy to fit into this new rule-set. I just want to keep earning points in some fashion but can't yet say what I feel the best plan is for me.

I think my big takeaway is...I need to be cautious with my wording in my advice to others... There may not be a right answer anymore.

• When I started churning and somebody said should I get Card A or Card B the answer was always "BOTH"! And if the question was when should I get those cards the answer was "YESTERDAY"!
• Then as rules and application restrictions popped up we had to be more cautious with recommendations: Start with Chase, only hit other issuer's biz cards when you're under 5/24, etc...And we developed a basic gameplan for everybody
• Then 1 Sapphire and 1 SW card comes out and we advocate using the double dip loophole
• Then AMEX comes out with their popup and we can't even diagnose what's driving it necessarily
• Now double dips close...

We don't know what's next. And I need to remember that my advice here is affecting people's personal finances. I don't think we should stop sharing advice and strategies and ideas, but we need to use non-definitive language and really be careful with newbies and help them understand what risks may be at play.

I think today is a good day to revisit: @SouthFayetteFan's Guide to the Right way to churn!

Only after refamiliarizing myself with SFF's Guide did I remember that @amalone1013 is immortalized forever... and unshun > shun (JK! )

That should really be a poster for the board. As long as you can successfully churn, there's really not a wrong way to go about it. (just don't be that Citi guy and you'll probably be ok )