I love credit cards so much!

[LYSE]

I'm debating how to book the Dolphin also. I'm looking at another night for my fiance and his best man to stay in the night before the wedding.
14k UR or pay cash, $230 and earn SPG points on my SPG Amex... Only have about 5k SPG right now. I guess I could buy another 5k for $113 right now.

If you have the cash and don't have to use points I would personally pay on your spg amex and earn the points.

For me, UR points = 2 cents at a minimum so that should put your UR booking at $280 vs $230 cash (minus the value of starpoints earned)

 

[lark]

thanks! It's hard to envision values etc sometimes across programs- I had a choice I wanted a night at Dolphin (online rate was about 270) and had a choice- use 10k spg or around 18k UR for the night. (resort fee extra of course) I chose the UR option- I don't know if I'm right or wrong but I tend to hoard my few and valuable-at-Disney SPG points.... anyway it's decided!

Point valuation is a difficult thing, and you can actually find pretty strenuous debates about it. To me, valuing my points is instrumental. Without doing it, I find I'm a bit at a loss when figuring out which card to use or which points to use, pr whether an annual fee is warranted, so I try to be a bit compulsive about it. And the ultimate question is whether it makes sense to spend a dollar on a credit card for a reward point when I could be simply getting 2 percent cash back.

Point valuations to me fluctuate based on a lot of things -- how much of a currency I have, how flexible it is, for example. But, by and large, I tend to think hard about my values and stick with them. I think it's a trap to value points based on how you redeem them. Can you use 110,000 United miles for a $16,000 Lufthansa first class ticket? Yes. But that doesn't mean United miles are worth 14.5 cents each. You never would have purchased that Lufthansa ticket with cash.

To me, the true value of a point at any moment in time is the price at which you would be at equipoise with respect to whether you would take the point or take cash. For example, I hear people say that they value starpoints at 3 cents. To test that, I think one needs to honestly ask one's self, what is the least amount of money I would take instead of taking starpoints. So, would you rather have $3,000 cash or 100,000 starpoints?

Anyway, I value chase points around 1.75 cents, Amex points around 1.7 cents, and starpoints around 2.2 cents, to the extent anyone cares.

 

[LYSE]

Point valuation is a difficult thing, and you can actually find pretty strenuous debates about it. To me, valuing my points is instrumental. Without doing it, I find I'm a bit at a loss when figuring out which card to use or which points to use, pr whether an annual fee is warranted, so I try to be a bit compulsive about it. And the ultimate question is whether it makes sense to spend a dollar on a credit card for a reward point when I could be simply getting 2 percent cash back.

Point valuations to me fluctuate based on a lot of things -- how much of a currency I have, how flexible it is, for example. But, by and large, I tend to think hard about my values and stick with them. I think it's a trap to value points based on how you redeem them. Can you use 110,000 United miles for a $16,000 Lufthansa first class ticket? Yes. But that doesn't mean United miles are worth 14.5 cents each. You never would have purchased that Lufthansa ticket with cash.

To me, the true value of a point at any moment in time is the price at which you would be at equipoise with respect to whether you would take the point or take cash. For example, I hear people say that they value starpoints at 3 cents. To test that, I think one needs to honestly ask one's self, what is the least amount of money I would take instead of taking starpoints. So, would you rather have $3,000 cash or 100,000 starpoints?

Anyway, I value chase points around 1.75 cents, Amex points around 1.7 cents, and starpoints around 2.2 cents, to the extent anyone cares.

Yes valuation is a tricky thing, I don't think those awesome redemption's make for example those united points worth that much, but it certainly does bump them up a small amount, to me points allow me to do and experience things I would not have been able to otherwise, so in my book it doesn't make sense to throw those ridiculously expensive experiences out the window.

When it comes to 3k cash or 100k starpoints...well since it's the same value I'll take the cash because it's more flexible (but honestly I value them at about 2.5)

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I value whatever points will get me there free . My travel goals are to pay as little as possible. So if I have UR points and Starpoints, whatever combo will get me free air & hotel works. I don't have a huge bank of points right now, so it's often whatever points I have enough of. If I had a big points bank to work with, I would value them differently.

 

[RoyalJay]

Is the Chase Marriott business card recon as much of a deep dive as the CIP? I've seen plenty of horror stories like mine for the CIP, but not anything about the Marriott card.

I just applied for the Marriott business card because I received a targeted offer. I applied on Sunday and my business is a start-up, I put $100 as annual income. I called the automated line today and it was approved! This was my first business card and I haven't done CIP so I don't know if I would have gotten the same treatment on that one? I didn't get any notice that they had to move credit around either like they did with my last two personal Chase cards.

Only bummer is that they won't expedite delivery of the card on co-branded cards. They're saying 7-10 business days and I leave next Thursday. Not looking good on that front...

 

[platamama]

I value whatever points will get me there free . My travel goals are to pay as little as possible. So if I have UR points and Starpoints, whatever combo will get me free air & hotel works. I don't have a huge bank of points right now, so it's often whatever points I have enough of. If I had a big points bank to work with, I would value them differently.

I agree with you from the "least-amount-OOP" perspective and from the standpoint of not having tons of points making them stretch as far as possible.

As far as Starpoints and UR points, I find UR points so much easier to earn, so it's harder for me to spend my Starpoints since I use them for the 1:1.25 airline miles transfer (when you redeem 20K Starpoints at a time) to many airlines. In fact, I will likely buy Starpoints on the current sale because 1) I have a specific plan in mind for them, and even if I don't end up using them that way 2) having that bank of points allows some flexibility.

I'm planning a trip to Italy for June 2018, and have been keeping a close eye on AAdvantage flights so I am working on building up AAdvantage miles. I've churned the Citi AAdvantage card & want to build up a stash of AA miles in order to upgrade to Business class if those flights become available. I find AA miles hard to earn, even with shopping through their portal and dining program. I plan to apply for the Aviator card for another 50K AAmiles and am hoping for American to run a promo on the transfer of Starpoints like they have the past two years (20K Starpoints --> 30K AAmiles) in Aug/Sept.

Right now I'm partial to AA awards since there isn't any change fee as long as the origin/destination remain the same, which is not true of many other airline award flight programs. With DH's job I need the flexibility to make changes.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I'm considering the Aviator Card also. I have the Citi AA card (DH has the personal & business versions) My Citi AA card has been open a little over a year. Any advantage to keeping it after I get the Aviator card?

 

[LynnTH]

Ok. Everyone I need help on which cards to get next for DH. Both of us are at 4/24 + 1 AU. I recently got the Chase Marriott on 5/5 and got approved for SW Business and SW Plus on 6/28. Last card DH got was on 4/24 and that was the Barclay Arrival +. Love the UR points and SW Points and would like to get more Marriott/SPG Points. Here is what we both have right now:

Me-
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Marriott Personal
Chase SW Business
Chase SW Plus
AU on Amex SPG Card that is already closed so can't remove myself.

DH-
Sams Visa (He did this on his own without checking with me...)
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Amex SPG (this is now closed but still within 24 month)
Barclay Arrival Plus
AU on Chase Sapphire Preferred

Right now we have about 120,000 UR Points. Once I meet spend on SW cards I will then have about $155,000 points (120,000 from Sign Up and then a return of points from some flights booked in December as I will have CP). Just finishing up spend on the Marriott and will have 112,500 points on that.

We have a lot of spending coming up in the next few months that I want to put to good use.
Tuition/Books for DS - $9500 (Can use CC without any fees)
Balance of Cruise - $600
New Driveway- $4200

So, total about $14,300. I will use $5,000 of it for the 2 SW cards I just got so that leaves about $9,300. I tried DH for his Sapphire Preferred back in May but he was denied. ( I had miscalculated and he was at 4/24 and 2 AU at that time). I never got a letter in the mail on why for this. I did try calling the automated line and got the 2 week thing and then they were going to auto connect me to a live person - I couldn't talk with them as I was at work and knew I would have to have DH tell them it was Ok for me to talk to them)

So, not sure if I should try for the Sapphire Pref again or maybe a business card or Marriott/SPG . I would like to get 2 cards in his name just trying to figure out the best was to go about this and what cards we may get approved for easier.

Any input would be great. Need to get something soon... Thanks.

 

[hurt817]

Can anyone confirm that Disney world restaurants are coding 5x UR on the Freedom?

I'm not sure if anyone answered this but we just returned from Disney World & can confirm - YES Freedom is coding 5X on Disney World Restaurants.

OHANA Sale
This transaction posted on Jul 9, 2017
Additional merchant and transaction information
LAKE BUENA VI, FL 328300000 US
In-person transaction
Rewards earned with this transaction

+ Bonus from 3Q 5% cat: Restaurants
360.00
+ 1% (1 Pt)/$1 earned on all purchases
90.00
Total Points
450.00

 

[platamama]

I'm considering the Aviator Card also. I have the Citi AA card (DH has the personal & business versions) My Citi AA card has been open a little over a year. Any advantage to keeping it after I get the Aviator card?

Not much that I can see. Closing your Citi AA could affect your AAoA in credit score maybe (but since you haven't had it all that long, maybe not)? Or if you have a high CL with your Citi AA, it could affect your credit score as far as %utilization. Barclays (issues the Aviator) is not generous with credit lines, at least not like Chase or Citi IME.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Not much that I can see. Closing your Citi AA could affect your AAoA in credit score maybe (but since you haven't had it all that long, maybe not)? Or if you have a high CL with your Citi AA, it could affect your credit score as far as %utilization. Barclays (issues the Aviator) is not generous with credit lines, at least not like Chase or Citi IME.

Even if it dings my score a bit, I should be ok. Plus I would wait until after I applied for Aviator. Just can't afford AFs on more cards.

 

[Ngwira]

I'm not sure if anyone answered this but we just returned from Disney World & can confirm - YES Freedom is coding 5X on Disney World Restaurants.

OHANA Sale
This transaction posted on Jul 9, 2017
Additional merchant and transaction information
LAKE BUENA VI, FL 328300000 US
In-person transaction
Rewards earned with this transaction

+ Bonus from 3Q 5% cat: Restaurants
360.00
+ 1% (1 Pt)/$1 earned on all purchases
90.00
Total Points
450.00

Thank you! Wohoo. This should make an easy category to earn 5X UR points. I also have my Discover card (5% back) and CSR (3UR) if I go over.

 

[Albort]

As far as Starpoints and UR points, I find UR points so much easier to earn, so it's harder for me to spend my Starpoints since I use them for the 1:1.25 airline miles transfer (when you redeem 20K Starpoints at a time) to many airlines. In fact, I will likely buy Starpoints on the current sale because 1) I have a specific plan in mind for them, and even if I don't end up using them that way 2) having that bank of points allows some flexibility.

curious on the SPG points, what did you charge to buy your SPG points? does it code 5x if u use the SPG Amex card? if not, does it code as Travel? Thinking of maximizing my TYP card if it codes as hotel...

 

[hsmamato2]

curious on the SPG points, what did you charge to buy your SPG points? does it code 5x if u use the SPG Amex card? if not, does it code as Travel? Thinking of maximizing my TYP card if it codes as hotel...

I used my SPG card- b/c I had read(reddit) that it would code for 2x points purchased. I have NO idea how to check on that though How do you see if you earned extra starpoints on a purchase? ...anyway..... I also bought thru portal called giving assistant- it was like 10% cashback(?) I think...so waiting like 2 months for hopefully another $17.+ cash back.....I don't think it codes as spg purchase,since it's points.com

 

[Albort]

I used my SPG card- b/c I had read(reddit) that it would code for 2x points purchased. I have NO idea how to check on that though How do you see if you earned extra starpoints on a purchase? ...anyway..... I also bought thru portal called giving assistant- it was like 10% cashback(?) I think...so waiting like 2 months for hopefully another $17.+ cash back.....I don't think it codes as spg purchase,since it's points.com

thanks, ill buy some and see how it codes...

 

[platamama]

curious on the SPG points, what did you charge to buy your SPG points? does it code 5x if u use the SPG Amex card? if not, does it code as Travel? Thinking of maximizing my TYP card if it codes as hotel...

I used my SPG card- b/c I had read(reddit) that it would code for 2x points purchased. I have NO idea how to check on that though How do you see if you earned extra starpoints on a purchase? ...anyway..... I also bought thru portal called giving assistant- it was like 10% cashback(?) I think...so waiting like 2 months for hopefully another $17.+ cash back.....I don't think it codes as spg purchase,since it's points.com

I went thru TopCashBack portal (2.5% cashback on "partner" Starpoints purchase at points.com; Giving Assistant only 1.0% on Starpoints - I only found that when I clicked on the details for the 10% cashback) and charged my SPG AMEX so it's in pending mode. I probably won't know if I get 2x on the purchase from Starwood until my bill closes at the end of the month, or maybe even 6-8 weeks after that. However, when I paid, there was an option of paying with an SPG AMEX as well as a generic AMEX so I'm hopeful for 2x since I chose SPG AMEX. I followed Greg's instructions in the comments section of his blog post on 6/22/17 "Buy Marriott Points at 0.7 cents each" at FrequentMiler.

Marriott's travel packages are a good deal and maybe the only way I'd spend Marriott points personally. I've redeemed points for one of those this year and two years ago as well, and have gotten a SW CP for my daughter - I haven't paid for her airfare on SW - or mine! - (except $5.60 one way) since early 2015. Too bad SW shut that down in March of this year though (the CP part).

 

[gottalovepluto]

Even if it dings my score a bit, I should be ok. Plus I would wait until after I applied for Aviator. Just can't afford AFs on more cards.

Definitely dump the Citi then after you get the Aviator. No advantage to having both. Don't forget to pick up the extra 500 mile bonus to total 50,500 AA miles: http://www.doctorofcredit.com/get-additional-500-miles-40500-american-airlines-barclaycard-offer/

 

[Albort]

I went thru TopCashBack portal (2.5% cashback on "partner" Starpoints purchase at points.com; Giving Assistant only 1.0% on Starpoints - I only found that when I clicked on the details for the 10% cashback) and charged my SPG AMEX so it's in pending mode. I probably won't know if I get 2x on the purchase from Starwood until my bill closes at the end of the month, or maybe even 6-8 weeks after that. However, when I paid, there was an option of paying with an SPG AMEX as well as a generic AMEX so I'm hopeful for 2x since I chose SPG AMEX. I followed Greg's instructions in the comments section of his blog post on 6/22/17 "Buy Marriott Points at 0.7 cents each" at FrequentMiler.

Marriott's travel packages are a good deal and maybe the only way I'd spend Marriott points personally. I've redeemed points for one of those this year and two years ago as well, and have gotten a SW CP for my daughter - I haven't paid for her airfare on SW - or mine! - (except $5.60 one way) since early 2015. Too bad SW shut that down in March of this year though.

i bought 5k points with SPG... seeing how it codes, i may buy another 5k with my citi typ if the amex codes as hotel since i have a 5x return on my citi card right now.
didnt go through a portal though, those things kinda scare me lol.

 

[platamama]

i bought 5k points with SPG... seeing how it codes, i may buy another 5k with my citi typ if the amex codes as hotel since i have a 5x return on my citi card right now.
didnt go through a portal though, those things kinda scare me lol.

My AMEX is showing my purchase as "Category: Merchandise and Supplies - Internet Purchase"

Sorry, I didn't quite understand what you were getting at before. Maybe you'll have better luck with Citi?

 

[Albort]

My AMEX is showing my purchase as "Category: Merchandise and Supplies - Internet Purchase"

Sorry, I didn't quite understand what you were getting at before. Maybe you'll have better luck with Citi?

if it codes as hotel purchases, Citi might code the same as hotel purchases which i earn 5x on.