I love credit cards so much!

[GlamMistress]

I feel about comatose at this point. What a freaking crappy day. Horrible weather (it's rained 5 days straight here), plus a work event that just fell apart and everyone was looking to me to fix everything.

Get home... to discover a giant puddle in my kitchen because my the boot vent decided to fail in the roof of my (new and not cheap) house. Super awesome I tell you.

The highlight of the day was getting a Roomba on the Kohl's early Black Friday + $60 Kohl's Cash, 500 bonus United miles, plus the regular 2x miles through the portal and 2x points on my Barclays. I will pick it up tomorrow. I cannot leave this house again. I was nearly sideswiped three different times on my commute home!

I want to forget the rest of this nightmare of a day. Ugh!

 

[linzjane88]

Argh @linzjane88! I missed this. Congratulations on your approval, but I would have suggested a self referral from the PRG (Amex Gold). From the Gold, you could generate a referral worth 10k Membership Rewards points, click through to Amex’s business rewards cards to find the BBP, then apply for the 10k MR/$3k/3 months referral offer. With the 10k MR referral bonus from your Gold, the net would have been 20k MR (the same as the targeted offer) for only $3k MSR ($2k less than the targeted offer).

Still, I can’t complain too much about instant approval for a 20k MR offer, and on a solid card like the BBP!

Keep in mind that the BBP generates referral links worth 15k Membership Rewards points per approval, and as an Amex-branded card, you can refer (and self refer) to almost every one of Amex’s branded and co-branded cards, so that makes the BBP the most valuable referring card in your wallet.

As I mentioned above, Gold referrals are worth 10k Membership Rewards points, Ameriprise Plat referrals are worth $100, BCE referrals are worth $75, and SPG Biz referrals (limited to within the SPG family of cards) are worth 20k Marriott points. Referrals on the cards you have are capped at 55k points/pennies per year.

Haha! I was contemplating the idea of the referral route but for some unknown reason I didn't Although unfortunately the 5k min spend won't be an issue for us right now. Disneyland, Hawaii, Canada, and WDW coming up within the next 90 days. That sounds indulgent when I put it that way. This is a great hobby

 

[tink1970]

Congrats! Do you have to pay a fee to use a CC on your taxes? We have one coming up and I'd love to put it on a card. Is it worth checking out Plastiq for this?

Yes, there's a small fee but the fee is what will put me over the $25k so it's a win in my case (I keep a pretty close eye on my yearly spend so it works out well). No idea about Plastiq, sorry, I can't figure that out (although I may next year if DD attends a university that doesn't take CC!).

 

[CyndiLouWho]

In other good news, my GE app went through yesterday, I didn't get any notification, found out by logging on this AM, interview is scheduled for later today! My day off today so hope to be super productive!

Jealous. Still waiting on my app from 9/28

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I feel about comatose at this point. What a freaking crappy day. Horrible weather (it's rained 5 days straight here), plus a work event that just fell apart and everyone was looking to me to fix everything.

Get home... to discover a giant puddle in my kitchen because my the boot vent decided to fail in the roof of my (new and not cheap) house. Super awesome I tell you.

The highlight of the day was getting a Roomba on the Kohl's early Black Friday + $60 Kohl's Cash, 500 bonus United miles, plus the regular 2x miles through the portal and 2x points on my Barclays. I will pick it up tomorrow. I cannot leave this house again. I was nearly sideswiped three different times on my commute home!

I want to forget the rest of this nightmare of a day. Ugh!

Oh dear. Surely tomorrow will be better.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I tried searching on this thread but the Dis search function keeps giving me an error message.

I just finished a chat with an Amex rep who said I have $9738.66 in qualified spend toward my $10K MSR on my Biz Plat (my first MR earning card). And today is, of course, my deadline.

By my calculations, I'm at $10,272 after subtracting out the AF and AMEX offer redemptions, as of 10/29. I feel confident in my number since I've run it at least 10 times. How delayed is Amex's system in reflecting qualified spend?

I messaged them about MSR and the said I had $8 left to reach my $2k spend. My balance was 2100. I asked how can balance be >2k and the reply was that even though all the charges had posted, they weren’t all “counted” yet. The bonus posted a couple days later.

 

[mmmears]

Yes, there's a small fee but the fee is what will put me over the $25k so it's a win in my case (I keep a pretty close eye on my yearly spend so it works out well). No idea about Plastiq, sorry, I can't figure that out (although I may next year if DD attends a university that doesn't take CC!).

Thanks. I'll look into it. I think ours has a % fee and I was hoping I could find a way around that.

 

[GlamMistress]

Oh dear. Surely tomorrow will be better.

It will be. Tomorrow's Friday.

 

[GusGus16]

Jealous. Still waiting on my app from 9/28

Oh no that stinks, I guess I was super lucky to get through the whole process in less than a week. The interview was a breeze the longest part was getting southwest to add my middle name and change my current flight reservations so when I check in the TSA precheck should be on them.

 

[Alexle2007]

@disneymagicgirl How can I check to see if the Hyatt Regency MCO is available on Priceline for the night I need? Right now transferring URs to Hyatt seems the best route since it’s 12k Hyatt points, 13k URs and $188 OOP.

 

[disneybirds]

Congrats! Do you have to pay a fee to use a CC on your taxes? We have one coming up and I'd love to put it on a card. Is it worth checking out Plastiq for this? Sorry for the newbie question.

You could use Plastiq with a fee for 2.5%, unless there is a promo.

Great way to meet MSR!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

@disneymagicgirl How can I check to see if the Hyatt Regency MCO is available on Priceline for the night I need? Right now transferring URs to Hyatt seems the best route since it’s 12k Hyatt points, 13k URs and $188 OOP.

Hmmnnn I haven’t done that one thru PL. there is a browser extension called hotel canary that may help you. Also there is a website where I read thru threads to try and see if I can figure it out and you can also post for help...better bidding is the name.

ETA: also, check how many stars it is on a regular Priceline booking (4*?) and what the amenities are, and then compare that to any Priceline express offers that may match. That should help narrow it down. And the price for Hyatt MCO in a regular booking will be very close to the original price (but with a slash through it) for the Priceline express offer. For ex, if swan is $513 regular, the PE offer will show something like $511 with a slash through it, and a new price of $219 or something.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Hmmnnn I haven’t done that one thru PL. there is a browser extension called hotel canary that may help you. Also there is a website where I read thru threads to try and see if I can figure it out and you can also post for help...better bidding is the name.

ETA: also, check how many stars it is on a regular Priceline booking (4*?) and what the amenities are, and then compare that to any Priceline express offers that may match. That should help narrow it down. And the price for Hyatt MCO in a regular booking will be very close to the original price (but with a slash through it) for the Priceline express offer. For ex, if swan is $513 regular, the PE offer will show something like $511 with a slash through it, and a new price of $219 or something.

This isn't Hyatt, obviously, but an example of the things to try and match up. Narrow first by * (I confirmed Hyatt is 4*) and neighborhood (Orlando airport).

 

[linzjane88]

Hey, you know with the Marriott travel package debacle and all the call in's and stress trying to get a nights and flights converted? Well, ummmm, I may have taken the brilliant FT advice where forum members were suggesting calling the Marriott lines in Europe, Asia, etc to avoid hours long hold times on the US lines.

Except I forgot I don't have international calling.

My phone bill may or may not have been about 75$ higher than normal . I look at it as the cost of the 90k Marriott points I got pixie dusted and didn't have to pay to upgrade with. Tagging @disneymagicgirl because I think you have some packages left to convert and don't want you to make the dumb mistake I did!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Hey, you know with the Marriott travel package debacle and all the call in's and stress trying to get a nights and flights converted? Well, ummmm, I may have taken the brilliant FT advice where forum members were suggesting calling the Marriott lines in Europe, Asia, etc to avoid hours long hold times on the US lines.

Except I forgot I don't have international calling.

My phone bill may or may not have been about 75$ higher than normal . I look at it as the cost of the 90k Marriott points I got pixie dusted and didn't have to pay to upgrade with. Tagging @disneymagicgirl because I think you have some packages left to convert and don't want you to make the dumb mistake I did!

Glad you got it sorted out. I just can't bring myself to deal with it. The reports seem like everyone is told something different. What did you end up with and what did you originally buy?

 

[Ava]

Got my new Aviator Biz card in the mail & activated it. Then told DW she’ll be getting one too in a few days, lol.

I still have about $400 to spend to max out the 10% back at Staples on my SPG Biz, and I can’t decide how to use it up. (I had it on both my card and my DW’s employee card.) I was thinking Airbnb cards to use towards lodging for London next summer, but we haven’t fully nailed down those plans yet and I’d hate to spend the money then not be able to use them. Maybe I’ll just split it between Amazon & Target, we are always buying stuff from both of those places so the cards wouldn’t go to waste.

I also have the 10% back at Lowes but haven’t even touched it. The only Lowe’s near me isn’t really convenient so I haven’t made it there to see what they have. First world problems, I know.

 

[Lain]

Got my new Aviator Biz card in the mail & activated it. Then told DW she’ll be getting one too in a few days, lol.

I still have about $400 to spend to max out the 10% back at Staples on my SPG Biz, and I can’t decide how to use it up. (I had it on both my card and my DW’s employee card.) I was thinking Airbnb cards to use towards lodging for London next summer, but we haven’t fully nailed down those plans yet and I’d hate to spend the money then not be able to use them. Maybe I’ll just split it between Amazon & Target, we are always buying stuff from both of those places so the cards wouldn’t go to waste.

I also have the 10% back at Lowes but haven’t even touched it. The only Lowe’s near me isn’t really convenient so I haven’t made it there to see what they have. First world problems, I know.

Lowe’s has Amazon, Disney, Target, MCGCs and VGCs (up to $200 with a $6.95 fee), and pretty much any gift card out there. Get on it!

 

[WVMomof3]

I am familiar with Southwest where you can use your own points to book someone else a ticket. Is this the same with all airlines? Specifically looking at United, I think.

I know there were several people heading to South Africa soon. Any tips you can give me on booking a ticket. Quickly. Would love to use points if I can, but only with what I already have because I need to book soon. I have URs so not much choice, I think. And for economy because my 20 year old does not need to know about other ways to travel until it is on her own dime.

While I am asking questions, I know there were also parents who had kids study abroad, any tips for that? Money, phones, how not to panic when they are a half world away for so long, etc...

 

[pillow]

Got my new Aviator Biz card in the mail & activated it. Then told DW she’ll be getting one too in a few days, lol.

I still have about $400 to spend to max out the 10% back at Staples on my SPG Biz, and I can’t decide how to use it up. (I had it on both my card and my DW’s employee card.) I was thinking Airbnb cards to use towards lodging for London next summer, but we haven’t fully nailed down those plans yet and I’d hate to spend the money then not be able to use them. Maybe I’ll just split it between Amazon & Target, we are always buying stuff from both of those places so the cards wouldn’t go to waste.

I also have the 10% back at Lowes but haven’t even touched it. The only Lowe’s near me isn’t really convenient so I haven’t made it there to see what they have. First world problems, I know.

One of my Lowe's locations has Kroger gift cards. I discovered that after I had already maxed out my Lowe's offer - bummer.

I was struggling with Staples too - have bought Target, Disney, Whole Foods, Home Depot. Mine sells Shell cards too but seems like there are so many other gas discount avenues lately, I didn't bother picking up one of those (plus Shell is high here).

 

[pillow]

I messaged them about MSR and the said I had $8 left to reach my $2k spend. My balance was 2100. I asked how can balance be >2k and the reply was that even though all the charges had posted, they weren’t all “counted@ yet. The bonus posted a couple days later.

I have had terrible experiences with Amex chat. They can look up things like anniversary dates and such, but I get the impression beyond that they are clueless.