I love credit cards so much!

[mmmears]

Great, helpful post, as always Lain!

Yep, totally able to pull that 100k offer even with the BGR. And can I just say...while y'all are all gushing over the rose gold card, I cannot stop admiring my plat. It's so sturdy, strong and beautiful. I'm sure the cashiers look at me strangely when I pull it out to pay but get lost in feeling how lovely and heavy it is Seriously, I think it's the most beautiful card ever. I'm not sure I'll be able to let go of it in a year!

It's my favorite card by far, and will likely keep that position. The CSR just didn't impress us when it came in the mail. I will say that I have 2 friends who complain about how it takes up more space in their wallets, but I don't mind.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

@disneymagicgirl- I don't know what to say about next week. The beaches could be fine or they could still be full of junk. Obviously with thousands of people out of power and with roads needing to be cleared, cleaning the beaches won't be first priority. It could be lovely here by early next week (or FWB) or it could be still gross. Honestly, I'd probably go somewhere else (although Chicago sounds cold to me right now!). If I'm able to get out there later this week I can let you know how Pensacola Beach fared, if you'd like.

I'm glad you didn't get the worst of it!
Our hotel tweeted that everything is fine. I will watch the next couple days and see about the area in general. We have til late sat night to cancel.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

AMEX has been testing a lot of different offers on the Hilton Biz card:
I think it was first: 125k + $50 stmt credit (AF not waived)
Then it was: 100k + $100 stmt credit (AF waived)

Now it sounds like there is a new dummy booking offer out there:
125k Hilton points PLUS $100 stmt credit (AF not waived)

I think the former offers actually were requiring a $5k MSR so the $3k MSR is a definite improvement here.

This offer actually beats the public offer and support link offers. To get it you have to go in, pretend to create an actual hilton booking, enter your name and info and get to the payment screen. You should see an Ad popup for a card...click it...then click the "business card" tab and you can apply from there (Make sure you're on the business card tab though!)

As far as whether this offer is worth it...125k Hilton points is probably worth $600-$750 on a $3,000 MSR (so in my book that's a decent return). There is no good backup use for Hilton points (i.e. no gift card option or anything), so make sure you have a use for them for hotel stays! The $100 stmt credit fully offsets the AF and puts $5 in your pocket.

EDIT: I also forget the whole "self-referral" thing with AMEX. IF you have a card you can self-refer with that might actually make more sense than what I said above, LOL!

Replying in case @Tikitoi already saw my response... I added an edit:

I also forget the whole "self-referral" thing with AMEX. IF you have a card you can self-refer with that might actually make more sense than what I said above, LOL!

Wow, there's so many things to remember with AMEX now when giving advice!! Targeted Offers, Incognito Offers, Support Links, Self-Refer, it's tough to keep up with it all!!!

 

[DrFacilier]

Ok. So I just applied for a SW Biz and when I called the line it is saying 2 weeks so that's good right? Now, what to do about P2? We are new to churning so we don't have much. This is what we have...

P1 CIP CF, (and hopefully SW Biz)
P2 CIP, SW Plus, SW Premier

P2 just opened her CIP on 7/26 so we should be ready for another card app right?
Is CSR the next logical step for us?

 

[Haley R]

Generally, no. However, you may be able to slip a payment through by getting creative with the recipient's name and business category.

Okay we might try it, but Dh wants to wait until it gets closer to our 3 months. We have doctor bills to pay for and our Disney trip coming up

 

[GlamMistress]

It's my favorite card by far, and will likely keep that position. The CSR just didn't impress us when it came in the mail. I will say that I have 2 friends who complain about how it takes up more space in their wallets, but I don't mind.

I call my plat "the big dog" and I carry it just for the heck of it. Never spend on it really. Didn't spend on my vanilla plat when I had it either but I'll admit I enjoy having the card again. It really is beautiful.

Spent the day watching the weather closely. Looks like some catastrophic damage in Florida. I can't believe how fast Michael intensified and sort of snuck up on everyone. 5 sleeps to Disney!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Actually it’s 70+ here today. But raining. Like it has been for the past week. The temps are supposed to drop next week, or tomorrow, it is Chicago. So I wouldn’t recommend Chicago right now since it’s soo rainy.

hubs wants to go if we can't do the beach so he can go to a Blackhawks and bears game. Not sure what exactly he thinks I will do there with my 2 year old. Think I'd just stay home. I don't do cold.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Ok. So I just applied for a SW Biz and when I called the line it is saying 2 weeks so that's good right? Now, what to do about P2? We are new to churning so we don't have much. This is what we have...

P1 CIP CF, (and hopefully SW Biz)
P2 CIP, SW Plus, SW Premier

P2 just opened her CIP on 7/26 so we should be ready for another card app right?
Is CSR the next logical step for us?

I think a CSR OR a CSP is a logical next step... If you've been following along you realize you can only get one...

Reasons to get a CSR:

• You want to redeem using the 1.50x in the next 12 months
• You want the TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit now
• The Priority Pass means something to you

Reasons to get a CSP (and maybe upgrade to CSR in 12 months):

• You are earning URs now but don't plan to use them at the 1.50x in the next 12 months
• You plan to use your URs by transferring to partners like Hyatt, Southwest, etc. (CSP and CSR both transfer at 1:1)
• You may earn an additional 5,000 URs if you can take advantage of the AU offer (don't add a spouse though)
• You want to refer the other player to a CSP...currently CSP offers refer a friend and CSR doesn't (could be worth another 10k points down the line)

Think it through and if you want any further advice, let us know. You really CAN'T GO WRONG with either card, but one or the other is probably the BETTER answer for you based on the factors above

Here's a quote from a week or two ago where I also discussed the strategy of going for a CSP instead of CSR...

CSR vs. CSP

I know a few people have mentioned this recently - now that you can ONLY get one of these cards is our consensus that if you don't immediately need to use your URs (and the 3x dining isn't a game changer for you) that CSP is the better card to get?

I believe the advice I've read (and somewhat agree with) is...

• Apply for CSP 50,000 point offer
• Probably still add your dog or kid or middle name as an AU and hope to get the 5,000 bonus (if it doesn't post, who cares - worth a shot)
• Meet the $4,000 spend
• Earn 54,000+ URs
• During the next 12 months earn a bunch of other URs too
• After a year (and I think you have to wait this long due to the laws) upgrade to CSR
• Pay the $450 and double dip the Travel Credit - a $150 gain over the next 12 months
• Use all your URs in all their CSR Glory while you hold a CSR.
• Downgrade to CSP or CF...wait awhile and then repeat the CSR TC Double Dip in the future

I know this sounds somewhat complex for a newbie (who are typically the people we'd be advising to do this). I'm thinking about it for myself actually when I get eligible for a Sapphire card in March 2020 (yes that is CRAZY far away, haha!). Any thoughts on this? Good Plan...Bad Plan...Do you have a better plan or reason why you'd just get the CSR?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Ok. So I just applied for a SW Biz and when I called the line it is saying 2 weeks so that's good right? Now, what to do about P2? We are new to churning so we don't have much. This is what we have...

P1 CIP CF, (and hopefully SW Biz)
P2 CIP, SW Plus, SW Premier

P2 just opened her CIP on 7/26 so we should be ready for another card app right?
Is CSR the next logical step for us?

Yes 2 week message is usually good news
As far as P2...if your looking to redeem URs through the Chase travel site soon the CSR is a good move..if not She could apply for the CIC or CIU first

 

[Alexle2007]

Rope dropping when it opens. We're staying at the Doubletree right across from the park.

Definitely HP first thing then since those with EE will be moving on. Make sure you the AMAZING show on the Hogswarts Castle at night in IoA. My favorite show EVER! We went last Christmas for a weekend just to see HP dressed for the holidays.

 

[mhartman09]

Finally caught up on everything after 5 days at the World. Thanks to those who weighed in on my pre-check issue. I did check with the SW desk when we arrived at the airport the morning of the flight, but it was a no-go. I'm going to call in to SW to make sure they have my correct KTN and that everything is entered correctly in their system as DH's companion. Luckily TSA lines weren't too bad yesterday morning and I was through in about 20 minutes.

On a good note - instant approval for in-flight 50K offer on the SW Plus card!! I checked on the offers during our flight down on the 4th and was able to pull both the Plus and the Priority at 50K. Wanted to wait until our return flight yesterday to apply though. During the entire flight I was anxious because I couldn't get their wifi to work properly on my cell or DH's. I was getting very nervous as we were about to land, then all the sudden, the page came up with both offers on my phone. I hurried to enter the info as quickly as I could and literally hit submit on the app just as we hit the runway. Whew!! Planning to put very little spend on this card, just a few charges here and there and make sure I keep track of every single charge in my spreadsheet to ensure I don't reach MSR until January. I'm waiting until at least December or maybe even January to apply for Biz card. As long as all goes as planned, CP for2019/2020 here I come!!!

 

[Alexle2007]

The same hotel is in both portals. I guess the question is, do you have to book through the Luxury portal to get the benefits of the membership?

Yes, to get the extra perks, you need to book though the Luxury portal and pay cash for the stay. We used it for our stay at Mandalay Bay once and found it was worth it.

 

[Alexle2007]

Yep...super easy way to get CP...as you pointed out they just have to make sure not to hit the MSR prior to 12/31

Just a slight correction, when the Dec statement closes, it is safe to hit the MSR. My statements close on the 1st and 3rd so after 12/1 and 12/3, I could hit MSR. For my CP last year, I did wait until around 12/15 since those changes would be on my Jan statement. I did make sure I had $500-600 spend remaining so that it wasn’t close enough that the points might accidentally post early.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

hubs wants to go if we can't do the beach so he can go to a Blackhawks and bears game. Not sure what exactly he thinks I will do there with my 2 year old. Think I'd just stay home. I don't do cold.

Blackhawks is indoor so no weather issue there but Bears game, you’re pretty likely to be cold. Or wet. Or both.

 

[Lain]

Ooooh... drama on r/churning!

 

[Limes96]

Yes, to get the extra perks, you need to book though the Luxury portal and pay cash for the stay. We used it for our stay at Mandalay Bay once and found it was worth it.

Thanks! After researching more, I may try it for a night just to see how it goes. Planning a road trip through Quebec and down through New England next summer. This would be at the Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec. I believe it is the hotel that the Canada pavilion at Epcot is based on.

 

[DrFacilier]

I think a CSR OR a CSP is a logical next step... If you've been following along you realize you can only get one...

Reasons to get a CSR:

• You want to redeem using the 1.50x in the next 12 months
• You want the TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit now
• The Priority Pass means something to you

Reasons to get a CSP (and maybe upgrade to CSR in 12 months):

• You are earning URs now but don't plan to use them at the 1.50x in the next 12 months
• You plan to use your URs by transferring to partners like Hyatt, Southwest, etc. (CSP and CSR both transfer at 1:1)
• You may earn an additional 5,000 URs if you can take advantage of the AU offer (don't add a spouse though)
• You want to refer the other player to a CSP...currently CSP offers refer a friend and CSR doesn't (could be worth another 10k points down the line)

Think it through and if you want any further advice, let us know. You really CAN'T GO WRONG with either card, but one or the other is probably the BETTER answer for you based on the factors above

Here's a quote from a week or two ago where I also discussed the strategy of going for a CSP instead of CSR...

Well, now that Disney on-property is off the table my focus has shifted to our (family of 4) trip to Spain for my brother's wedding in June of 2019. It would be nice to use whatever UR's we can amass to offset that trip at 1.50x.

We just got Precheck so I don't think the credit is that much of a benefit unless we want the Global Entry for our only planned "Global" vacation.

The Priority Pass doesn't mean much to me...

hmmm...

Yes 2 week message is usually good news
As far as P2...if your looking to redeem URs through the Chase travel site soon the CSR is a good move..if not She could apply for the CIC or CIU first

CIC looks good for racking up a bunch of points. Maybe I do this for P2 right now and do CSR for P1 early 2019 to redeem for 1.50x to use for our trip to Spain?

ETA: I try to follow along but this thread moves so damn fast and I only understand about half of it when I do keep up. Help! lol.

 

[afan]

Ooooh... drama on r/churning!

You can't post that without a link, some of us would never know where to start looking but like reading it

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Well, now that Disney on-property is off the table my focus has shifted to our (family of 4) trip to Spain for my brother's wedding in June of 2019. It would be nice to use whatever UR's we can amass to offset that trip at 1.50x.

We just got Precheck so I don't think the credit is that much of a benefit unless we want the Global Entry for our only planned "Global" vacation.

The Priority Pass doesn't mean much to me...

hmmm...



CIC looks good for racking up a bunch of points. Maybe I do this for P2 right now and do CSR for P1 early 2019 to redeem for 1.50x to use for our trip to Spain?

ETA: I try to follow along but this thread moves so damn fast and I only understand about half of it when I do keep up. Help! lol.

With business cards you might want to space things out a bit more. P2s CIP was 7/26. I’d probably wait until 11/1 if you’re going CIC just because Biz Card apps can be subject to more scrutiny. Or you could go CSR now and get a CIC for P2 in a few months. You probably can’t go wrong with earning another 50k URs either way. Given the June wedding, I’d say CSR does make sense for you vs CSP.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Well, now that Disney on-property is off the table my focus has shifted to our (family of 4) trip to Spain for my brother's wedding in June of 2019. It would be nice to use whatever UR's we can amass to offset that trip at 1.50x.

We just got Precheck so I don't think the credit is that much of a benefit unless we want the Global Entry for our only planned "Global" vacation.

The Priority Pass doesn't mean much to me...

hmmm...



CIC looks good for racking up a bunch of points. Maybe I do this for P2 right now and do CSR for P1 early 2019 to redeem for 1.50x to use for our trip to Spain?

ETA: I try to follow along but this thread moves so damn fast and I only understand about half of it when I do keep up. Help! lol.

Ok - I’m going to ask another question...for Spain are you using URs for hotels or flights...or both? Anything else? Do you know if it makes sense to transfer to partners for the flights vs using the 1.5? I know I’m asking a ton of questions but with your trip just 8 months away it’s time to start thinking about this stuff LOL!