I love credit cards so much!

[Albort]

I have a question about the Chase Freedom. Right now I have the regular Freedom. The only category that I ever might really max out is groceries. We don't eat out much, maybe $100 a month, gas maybe $100 a month so when those are the categories thats only $300 maybe that quarter. Groceries can be maxed out.

Thinking about moving to the unlimited instead. Starting in Aug we will be paying over 500 a week in daycare. I always charge it and pay it off at the end of the week so it won't be an issue paying it off every month.

Can I just change to the unlimited and still keep the record of having the acct since 2011? Is it possible to have both?

We won't be traveling until Feb 2019 at the earliest so I am thinking of racking up the Chase points and then applying for the Sapphire Reserve once it gets closer to travel time and be able to use all the points for travel.

suggest applying for a CSP, make the $4k spendings, downgrade that to a Freedom Unlimited. Keep the regular Freedom for those other categories.

 

[belle1986]

I have a question about the Chase Freedom. Right now I have the regular Freedom. The only category that I ever might really max out is groceries. We don't eat out much, maybe $100 a month, gas maybe $100 a month so when those are the categories thats only $300 maybe that quarter. Groceries can be maxed out.

Thinking about moving to the unlimited instead. Starting in Aug we will be paying over 500 a week in daycare. I always charge it and pay it off at the end of the week so it won't be an issue paying it off every month.

Can I just change to the unlimited and still keep the record of having the acct since 2011? Is it possible to have both?

We won't be traveling until Feb 2019 at the earliest so I am thinking of racking up the Chase points and then applying for the Sapphire Reserve once it gets closer to travel time and be able to use all the points for travel.

I product changed my Chase Slate to the regular Freedom by secure messaging Chase on the website. It was super easy and it kept my account history. My Slate was one of my oldest cc so I wanted to make sure not to lose that.

 

[hsmamato2]

I deleted this because I found a way to make it more simple! Let's separate out your 2 cards and analyze them individually ok? (There's no financial reason to tie them to each other) These are your options and financial outcomes that I see:

DH:
1.) Cancel in Nov before AF= $0
2.) Pay AF in Nov, use 2018 TC anytime from mid-Dec until the next AF is due in Nov 2018 = -$150

You:
1.) Cancel in Jan before AF = $0, use 2018 TC mid-Dec until before AF hits in Jan = +$300
2.) Pay AF in Jan, use 2018 TC anytime from mid-Dec 2017 to mid-Dec 2018 = -150
3.) Do #2 AND use 2019 TC from mid-Dec 2018 to before AF his in Jan 2019 = +150 (because it cost you $150 to keep the card but you’ll redeem the extra TC for $300 at the end of next year)

Ok according to redditt, The Af for DH card won't come due till early Jan 2018,AFTER the Dec statement closes (12/17/17) and the TC for Dh card should trigger on the 17...is that cutting it too tight?

 

[Lain]

I have a question about the Chase Freedom. Right now I have the regular Freedom. The only category that I ever might really max out is groceries. We don't eat out much, maybe $100 a month, gas maybe $100 a month so when those are the categories thats only $300 maybe that quarter. Groceries can be maxed out.

Thinking about moving to the unlimited instead. Starting in Aug we will be paying over 500 a week in daycare. I always charge it and pay it off at the end of the week so it won't be an issue paying it off every month.

Can I just change to the unlimited and still keep the record of having the acct since 2011? Is it possible to have both?

We won't be traveling until Feb 2019 at the earliest so I am thinking of racking up the Chase points and then applying for the Sapphire Reserve once it gets closer to travel time and be able to use all the points for travel.

Like @belle1986 said, yes, you can secure message or call Chase to request a product change of your Freedom to a Freedom Unlimited. This will not affect the card's age of account history unless, somehow, they cancel your Freedom and open up a new Freedom Unlimited for you. Make sure you get a product change; do not cancel your card.

suggest applying for a CSP, make the $4k spendings, downgrade that to a Freedom Unlimited. Keep the regular Freedom for those other categories.

Yeah, but @pinkxray would like the Freedom Unlimited by August in time to pay for daycare and earn 1.5x (worth 2.25x when transferred to a CSR). It might be a heavy lift to meet a $4,000 minimum spend in a month on the CSP, and if she doesn't then she'll have to put daycare on the Freedom or CSP for only a 1x earn.

Yes, you can have a Freedom and Freedom Unlimited at the same time, but they have to be separate accounts.

If you're trying to rack up UR points in anticipation of 2019, and you think you'd eventually want both Freedom and Freedom Unlimited cards, you could product change your Freedom to the Freedom Unlimited now, then sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred for the 50,000 UR points signup bonus, then product change the CSP to a Freedom. Then eventually apply for the CSR.

Since all these cards fall under Chase's 5/24 rule, be sure to keep track of how many new credit cards you've opened in the last 24 months when applying for any of them. (A product change doesn't count.)

 

[pinkxray]

Thanks for all the responses. You are all know so much about this! I think I will try to product change the Freedom to the Unlimited for now. Maybe next year apply for the Reserve and after the year to downgrade to the Preferred. I haven't gotten any Chase cards for a few years. Freedom in 2011 and the Sapphire Preferred in 2013 maybe? I ended up canceling the Sapphire preferred last year since with the 2 under 2 we wouldn't be traveling for awhile and opened the Chase Amazon Visa last year as we buy a lot on Amazon. I've never seen the Amazon card mentioned so I'm guessing that isn't part of the 5?

 

[Lain]

Thanks for all the responses. You are all know so much about this! I think I will try to product change the Freedom to the Unlimited for now. Maybe next year apply for the Reserve and after the year to downgrade to the Preferred. I haven't gotten any Chase cards for a few years. Freedom in 2011 and the Sapphire Preferred in 2013 maybe? I ended up canceling the Sapphire preferred last year since with the 2 under 2 we wouldn't be traveling for awhile and opened the Chase Amazon Visa last year as we buy a lot on Amazon. I've never seen the Amazon card mentioned so I'm guessing that isn't part of the 5?

The Amazon card will count against the 5 new accounts in the last 24 months. Since you last opened the CSP over 2 years ago, you should be eligible for the signup bonus again should you decide to apply. So you should be able to get signup bonuses for both the CSP and CSR.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I product changed my Chase Slate to the regular Freedom by secure messaging Chase on the website. It was super easy and it kept my account history. My Slate was one of my oldest cc so I wanted to make sure not to lose that.

Ooohhh, I need to do that! Won't count towards 5/25 right?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

on booking at Disney thru UR portal- anyone know about the swan, and resort fees when booking using points? I know if I use my SPG points, I still pay a resort fee of $28- how does this work for Swan?

They will just charge you at the end of your stay. We stayed 4 nights, our bill was $112. BTW they also have a green program if you skip housekeeping every day. For every day you skip, 500 Starpoints. (You still get towels, coffee & water)

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I product changed my Chase Slate to the regular Freedom by secure messaging Chase on the website. It was super easy and it kept my account history. My Slate was one of my oldest cc so I wanted to make sure not to lose that.

If I can only do freedom or freedom unlimited, which is better? I can't do a new account or I won't be able to top off with another SW card for CP in 2018.
I looked at the categories and I would max out restaurants and groceries. Def wouldnt max out gas and not sure on wholesale clubs.
Think unlimited would be better?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Ok according to redditt, The Af for DH card won't come due till early Jan 2018,AFTER the Dec statement closes (12/17/17) and the TC for Dh card should trigger on the 17...is that cutting it too tight?

Since the card came out last August, not sure anyone knows exactly what would happen. Theoretically they could take back the credit. I would wait for some DPs come Aug/Sept this year when people start hitting 1year.

 

[Ngwira]

Patiently waiting for my Hyatt card to arrive. I received the email from Hyatt stating I'm a globalist by virtue of me having the card. I'm going to stretch the timing out to meet the minimum spend in September so that I'll get my two free nights in October. Plan to use it at PH NYC for 2018 Comic Con.

DH plans to apply for CSP in October so that we can get the 50,000 points. With Christmas and the holidays around that time, meeting the 4K spend shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Lain]

If I can only do freedom or freedom unlimited, which is better? I can't do a new account or I won't be able to top off with another SW card for CP in 2018.
I looked at the categories and I would max out restaurants and groceries. Def wouldnt max out gas and not sure on wholesale clubs.
Think unlimited would be better?

I don't think anyone can tell you what the Freedom Q4 bonus category will be, much less beyond that, but if you think you can max out stuff like restaurants and groceries, go for the Freedom for the 5%.

With gas, you can think about buying gas gift cards for whatever amount you can't spend during the bonus quarter so you can stretch that 5% beyond that quarter.

For warehouse clubs, it's very easy to max out by buying Disney gift cards at Sam's Club (if you're a member) or BJ's (no membership required to order online). Disney gift cards are usually already marked down 4-5% at warehouse clubs, so the Freedom 5% back makes the savings on Disney gift cards about 10% off.

 

[Albort]

Thanks for all the responses. You are all know so much about this! I think I will try to product change the Freedom to the Unlimited for now. Maybe next year apply for the Reserve and after the year to downgrade to the Preferred. I haven't gotten any Chase cards for a few years. Freedom in 2011 and the Sapphire Preferred in 2013 maybe? I ended up canceling the Sapphire preferred last year since with the 2 under 2 we wouldn't be traveling for awhile and opened the Chase Amazon Visa last year as we buy a lot on Amazon. I've never seen the Amazon card mentioned so I'm guessing that isn't part of the 5?

if your dead set on the Freedom Unlimited, it might also be worth applying for it in branch. There is a mailer for 30k UR its after $500 spendings.

If I can only do freedom or freedom unlimited, which is better? I can't do a new account or I won't be able to top off with another SW card for CP in 2018.
I looked at the categories and I would max out restaurants and groceries. Def wouldnt max out gas and not sure on wholesale clubs.
Think unlimited would be better?

I typically use the freedom more since its 5x. 1.5 is uses here and there when i can make more points on it. IE, Sears shop through chase + freedom unlimited = 6.5% return. I usually would swipe Amex SPG now as my 1x since convert those to Marriotts = 3x technique. But ultimately, the choice is up to you!

I don't think anyone can tell you what the Freedom Q4 bonus category will be, much less beyond that, but if you think you can max out stuff like restaurants and groceries, go for the Freedom for the 5%.

With gas, you can think about buying gas gift cards for whatever amount you can't spend during the bonus quarter so you can stretch that 5% beyond that quarter.

For warehouse clubs, it's very easy to max out by buying Disney gift cards at Sam's Club (if you're a member) or BJ's (no membership required to order online). Disney gift cards are usually already marked down 4-5% at warehouse clubs, so the Freedom 5% back makes the savings on Disney gift cards about 10% off.

heh, i did pretty terrible in the grocery store category this year. ended up buying a lot of gift cards yesterday.

 

[Ava]

just because your at 4/24 doesnt always mean you HAVE to get another card. :] you should wait until u have a trip in the works, maybe apply for card then.
Ink cards are under 5/24 rule.
If you have no travel plans, id probably go for CSP, make bonus, downgrade. Apply for CFU if you qualify for the 30k bonus, then when travel plans start coming in, CSR. I would highly suggest remove from AU.

I am starting to plan out our trips for next summer so I have time to accumulate points. I think we're set on Niagara Falls for one trip and there is a falls-view Marriott that gets good reviews on Trip Advisor. Plus I figure Marriott/SPG are a useful points currency to get into. I'd probably have my wife apply for one at the same time so we'd end up getting the anniversary free nights at the same time, then we can use them for weekend trips.

I like your strategy of having her go for CSP first, since the AF is waived the first year. Would you then downgrade it to a regular Freedom? I'll also have to keep an eye out for a 30K offer for the CFU, this is the first I've heard of it.

I don't do business so please research this out but I wanted to say something in case you were about to put that 5th app in! I think (NOT SURE) 5/24 applies to business cards (so you have to be under in order to be approved) but it doesn't count towards 5/24 (could still get another personal chase card after the ink). Again, please research this out because this is totally off the top of my head & I'm sorry I don't have time to check. (Website doctorofcredit is really helpful in these cases.)

Oh, thank you! I haven't put an app in yet so I will definitely read up on this first. If what you are saying is correct I'll go for the Ink Preferred next for the 80K bonus.

I love this thread, you all are so helpful!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Ok according to redditt, The Af for DH card won't come due till early Jan 2018,AFTER the Dec statement closes (12/17/17) and the TC for Dh card should trigger on the 17...is that cutting it too tight?

Huh, I'm confused. When did he pay his first annual fee?

 

[Albort]

I am starting to plan out our trips for next summer so I have time to accumulate points. I think we're set on Niagara Falls for one trip and there is a falls-view Marriott that gets good reviews on Trip Advisor. Plus I figure Marriott/SPG are a useful points currency to get into. I'd probably have my wife apply for one at the same time so we'd end up getting the anniversary free nights at the same time, then we can use them for weekend trips.

I like your strategy of having her go for CSP first, since the AF is waived the first year. Would you then downgrade it to a regular Freedom? I'll also have to keep an eye out for a 30K offer for the CFU, this is the first I've heard of it.


Oh, thank you! I haven't put an app in yet so I will definitely read up on this first. If what you are saying is correct I'll go for the Ink Preferred next for the 80K bonus.

I love this thread, you all are so helpful!

I think its great to have both cards. So if you have a freedom already, u should get a unlimited. as for the 30k offer, you need to go into a chase branch and ask for it there. its YMMV. u might get it, u might not.

 

[hsmamato2]

Huh, I'm confused. When did he pay his first annual fee?

Card was opened 12/1/16, first statement closed by 12/17/16- so he got 1st TC when it opened,2nd TC in after Dec 17 (we hit spend really fast by paying tax bills) and now that TC huts in Dec statement (according to what I'm reading) then the next Af (redditt info) comes due after Dec statement(so 12/17-1/18 statement?) and the Tc is triggered on 12/17 itself....or my math could be be completely off on this, I'm just trying to follow advice...... I'm going to continue to research this, as @gottalovepluto I like your idea and timeline a lot and hope I can manage that.

 

[hsmamato2]

if your dead set on the Freedom Unlimited, it might also be worth applying for it in branch. There is a mailer for 30k UR its after $500 spendings.



I typically use the freedom more since its 5x. 1.5 is uses here and there when i can make more points on it. IE, Sears shop through chase + freedom unlimited = 6.5% return. I usually would swipe Amex SPG now as my 1x since convert those to Marriotts = 3x technique. But ultimately, the choice is up to you!



heh, i did pretty terrible in the grocery store category this year. ended up buying a lot of gift cards yesterday.

Um- check your statement after purchase posts. frequently the last day of the month is too late to trigger the 5x,by the time my purchases post a day or two has passed and the category changed on 7/1. Your's might have gotten thru at 5x, but be aware that most often it's too late. You have to purchase a few days before end of quarter. For instance I gave it a shot on Friday with a restaurant purchase in the evening...it might show 5x for the new quarter..... Yeah, just checked my acct- and purchases from 6/28 are still pending, which means I wont get 5x for my grocery purchases that day, but my restaurant spend will count 5x so that's about what I expect.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Card was opened 12/1/16, first statement closed by 12/17/16- so he got 1st TC when it opened,2nd TC in after Dec 17 (we hit spend really fast by paying tax bills) and now that TC huts in Dec statement (according to what I'm reading) then the next Af (redditt info) comes due after Dec statement(so 12/17-1/18 statement?) and the Tc is triggered on 12/17 itself....or my math could be be completely off on this, I'm just trying to follow advice...... I'm going to continue to research this, as @gottalovepluto I like your idea and timeline a lot and hope I can manage that.

I would look at your statements from last year and assume his AF will post the same date it did last year.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Card was opened 12/1/16, first statement closed by 12/17/16- so he got 1st TC when it opened,2nd TC in after Dec 17 (we hit spend really fast by paying tax bills) and now that TC huts in Dec statement (according to what I'm reading) then the next Af (redditt info) comes due after Dec statement(so 12/17-1/18 statement?) and the Tc is triggered on 12/17 itself....or my math could be be completely off on this, I'm just trying to follow advice...... I'm going to continue to research this, as @gottalovepluto I like your idea and timeline a lot and hope I can manage that.

Wow. He might have a shot. I thought he opened in Nov but yeah if he opened in Dec that AF posts in Jan... that would be an awesome triple dip! Unfortunately you won't get data points on it. You'll have to be the guinea pig there but worst that happens is they claw back the $300- which they haven't yet as it doesn't seem to be linked to the AF! Total awesomeness on his CSR timing!! Very jealous!