I love credit cards so much!

[wendow]

P

I could use some travel help, please! I was supposed to go to Germany for work next week but my BIL just passed away and now I won't be able to go. If I call the airline and cancel, do I get any kind of credit? The flight was over $1200. Also not sure that I'd even use a credit if I did receive one, since it's Singapore Air and I can't imagine flying them within the next year.

im so sorry for your loss! I don’t have any good advice about the flight. Just curious if you have called the airline. Maybe they have some kind of bereavement policy. Is someone going on the business trip in your place ?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Got the email about the changes to the Biz Plat also and Wow!! I had pretty much decided to keep this card with the $450 AF because I really like the Gogo inflight wifi passes as well, and the $$$ I have *made* using Amex offers more than covered the remaining AF on this card after using the airline fee credit. But I don't think there is any way I'm going to be able to stomach $595 (well, $395 after the airline fee credit) just for Internet access. So far, I have not been using/maximizing the 35% points refund, so I can't really factor that in as a justification to keep the card. Agree I wouldn't want to be without a Platinum, but so far I'm getting a lot more benefit out of my personal Platinum, so that is looking like it will be the keeper card...

US Bank Altitude Reserve gives 12 Gogo passes a year. I was able to get it after having a checking account with them for about 7 months, it showed on my pre-qualified offers (which can still result in a denial but I tried anyway & it worked).

 

[GusGus16]

Just got back from my long weekend trip a few things:

I know this was discussed at some point over the last few days but I can't remember who-at this time you cannot use a Marriott GC at Swan/dolphin, they can't do it and no time given that there computer system will be set up for this.

I applied for the SW plus CC during my first flight and was instantly approved. I was so glad today that I applied on the first flight as my flight today Wifi wasn't functioning. Really simple using the airtime player app, as a popup came up for the priority an there is a CC link at the bottom of the page. Either the plus for 50,000 after 2,000 spend or priority 50,000 for 2k spend. I almost never pay for a flight with cash so it just didn't make sense for me to get the priority and the fringe benefits don't interest me much.

I used TSA precheck for the first and second times and had no complaints. Also was able to go the PP lounge during my wait today, I did not have to go back through security. They had one tram roped off and it made it seem that tram was being used exclusively for international arrivals, so I'm hopeful that in the future I'll be able to ensure that I wouldn't need to go back through security so my travel peeps without precheck could join me.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Our DCL/points trip is coming up soon. We leave next Friday, Dec 14! Got our rooms assigned today and they are connecting with extended verandahs. yay! I am tying up my loose ends and have some questions.

AMEX travel portal has rental van one way mco-port for $83 enterprise..way cheaper than Costco even. Is it normally less? However, it won't let me book with points because you don't pay til you get there. Say what? Is this right? Next option is UR portal Alamo for 6744 points. Lastly, I have beaucoup hertz points, but you can't do above intermediate on points for 1-way. I could pay $80 and use a $30 coupon (bought with 600 points) for the rest. Alternatively, I could book an intermediate hertz on points and have a backup minivan reservation through another company on cash. That way if there is a van in the hertz pres circle aisle we take it and drop the backup van ressie. Doesn't look like UR ressies can be cancelled last minute, so that can't be my backup. Boo. Any thoughts here?

DH wants to stay at the airport instead of driving to port. Obvious answer is Hyatt MCO but it is 24,222 URs. Amex is 52,714 points. Cash price is $350. Is the value better with MRs or URs? There is a Hyatt place near the airport for 8k world of Hyatt points. Anyone have experience with it?

 

[Calfan]

US Bank Altitude Reserve gives 12 Gogo passes a year. I was able to get it after having a checking account with them for about 7 months, it showed on my pre-qualified offers (which can still result in a denial but I tried anyway & it worked).

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I applied for the SW plus CC during my first flight and was instantly approved. I was so glad today that I applied on the first flight as my flight today Wifi wasn't functioning. Really simple using the airtime player app, as a popup came up for the priority an there is a CC link at the bottom of the page. Either the plus for 50,000 after 2,000 spend or priority 50,000 for 2k spend. I almost never pay for a flight with cash so it just didn't make sense for me to get the priority and the fringe benefits don't interest me much.

This is a great tip for anybody hoping to apply in flight... As soon as you see that offer apply. Don't wait for a second leg, or a return flight. You never know when the WiFi may not work or perhaps you can't locate the link. When you see that 50k, you strike!!

Congrats on your approval too by the way

 

[mmmears]

I only put $3000 for my dd18’s CFU app. She makes more than that just at her PT job and she babysits a lot still. She was approved with a $600 CL.

That's fantastic! DD earned money in the summer, but very, very little during the school year. And the summers are considered a stipend (2 different kinds, but it's considered a different kind of income, even on tax forms) so I'm confused, but I'm going to let her know about this over winter break and she can decide to apply or not. Her own CC has a low credit limit and she wants to establish more... but we put all her flights on our cards for the points and the extra insurance.

@SouthFayetteFan I love Josh at Easywdw, so I understand your man crush. In fact, I am relatively new to the Disboards but have been on his forum for quite a while. I've met and had two meals with him and he is as entertaining in person as on the blog. This is his review of Crystal Palace (last time we met) and had breakfast together. https://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/review-crystal-palace-breakfast-lunch-and-dinner-at-magic-kingdom/

Adorable pics!

I could use some travel help, please! I was supposed to go to Germany for work next week but my BIL just passed away and now I won't be able to go. If I call the airline and cancel, do I get any kind of credit? The flight was over $1200. Also not sure that I'd even use a credit if I did receive one, since it's Singapore Air and I can't imagine flying them within the next year.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Our DCL/points trip is coming up soon. We leave next Friday, Dec 14! Got our rooms assigned today and they are connecting with extended verandahs. yay! I am tying up my loose ends and have some questions.

DH wants to stay at the airport instead of driving to port. Obvious answer is Hyatt MCO but it is 24,222 URs. Amex is 52,714 points. Cash price is $350. Is the value better with MRs or URs? There is a Hyatt place near the airport for 8k world of Hyatt points. Anyone have experience with it?

I love DCL - it's going to be so fun! And I'm glad you got the connecting rooms, too. I read somewhere (I think the DCL board here) that the Hyatt is renovating their rooftop pool. Not sure about the dates or if it even matters, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. Have you checked how many Hyatt points you would need? Sometimes we come out better by moving MRs to Hyatt. Not every time though. We've always used a car service to the port so I don't know about rental cars to PC.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I love DCL - it's going to be so fun! And I'm glad you got the connecting rooms, too. I read somewhere (I think the DCL board here) that the Hyatt is renovating their rooftop pool. Not sure about the dates or if it even matters, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. Have you checked how many Hyatt points you would need? Sometimes we come out better by moving MRs to Hyatt. Not every time though. We've always used a car service to the port so I don't know about rental cars to PC.

I did see about the pool but we arrive at bedtime and leave early the next morning. We can't do Hyatt points because we need a jr suite. I have always done a car service too, so this whole rental situation is new to me too. I am trying to do it on points, though, so other than cashing out to cover happy limo, rental car is the best option. Maybe we could uber and use the amex plat credit instead. We Uber'd last cruise.

 

[Lain]

@SouthFayetteFan I love Josh at Easywdw, so I understand your man crush. In fact, I am relatively new to the Disboards but have been on his forum for quite a while. I've met and had two meals with him and he is as entertaining in person as on the blog. This is his review of Crystal Palace (last time we met) and had breakfast together. https://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/review-crystal-palace-breakfast-lunch-and-dinner-at-magic-kingdom/

Wait... are those your three girls?

ETA re the Biz Plat AF: DoC says the new higher fee won't hit until February 2019.

 

[WDWRook]

Howdy all. Thinking to get a Marriott card. They have both a business and a personal. Both offering 75,000 points at $3,000 spend. They look very similar except the business has a 4 point category including gas. Any opinions on the Marriott card and which to get, or if a different card would be better? I'll be traveling a bit more and figured Marriott has the most hotel brands to pick from.

 

[Albort]

Howdy all. Thinking to get a Marriott card. They have both a business and a personal. Both offering 75,000 points at $3,000 spend. They look very similar except the business has a 4 point category including gas. Any opinions on the Marriott card and which to get, or if a different card would be better? I'll be traveling a bit more and figured Marriott has the most hotel brands to pick from.

at Marriott, either card works. Else where its a bit different.

Amex Cards, Pro are Amex Offers. Con are, its an amex card, harder to use internationally or locally. will take up one of 5 amex slots.
Chase cards Pro, its a visa accepted almost everywhere, has chase offers, its metal. Con is its under 5/24 if ur over it, takes up ur cc limit with Chase...

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Our DCL/points trip is coming up soon. We leave next Friday, Dec 14! Got our rooms assigned today and they are connecting with extended verandahs. yay! I am tying up my loose ends and have some questions.

AMEX travel portal has rental van one way mco-port for $83 enterprise..way cheaper than Costco even. Is it normally less? However, it won't let me book with points because you don't pay til you get there. Say what? Is this right? Next option is UR portal Alamo for 6744 points. Lastly, I have beaucoup hertz points, but you can't do above intermediate on points for 1-way. I could pay $80 and use a $30 coupon (bought with 600 points) for the rest. Alternatively, I could book an intermediate hertz on points and have a backup minivan reservation through another company on cash. That way if there is a van in the hertz pres circle aisle we take it and drop the backup van ressie. Doesn't look like UR ressies can be cancelled last minute, so that can't be my backup. Boo. Any thoughts here?

DH wants to stay at the airport instead of driving to port. Obvious answer is Hyatt MCO but it is 24,222 URs. Amex is 52,714 points. Cash price is $350. Is the value better with MRs or URs? There is a Hyatt place near the airport for 8k world of Hyatt points. Anyone have experience with it?

Cruise came quickly...I remember when you were booking it....

On booking the Hyatt MCO with URs or MRs...I’d probably decide based on how many of each you have, which is easier to replenish and if you have other plans for the URs or MRs

 

[mmmears]

Amex Cards, Pro are Amex Offers. Con are, its an amex card, harder to use internationally or locally. will take up one of 5 amex slots.

Can you please refresh my memory on the AMEX 5 card limit? Is it open cards in general? Or opened over time like Chase? Also does a Biz Plat count towards their 5? Thanks for bringing this up. I am still struggling to keep it all straight, even though I keep writing stuff down.

 

[mmmears]

Cruise came quickly...I remember when you were booking it....

On booking the Hyatt MCO with URs or MRs...I’d probably decide based on how many of each you have, which is easier to replenish and if you have other plans for the URs or MRs

I agree. If you can't book through Hyatt I'd use whichever points you don't value the most. And I was thinking the same thing - your cruise is here and I remember when you booked it. Time flies!

 

[Judique]

So it looks like I'm just going to be out my SW Plus 3k anniversary points. I called again today to check on my points and they said I should get them when my statement closed on 12/9. Well, my payment is due 12/6 and I don't have a retention offer on my account, so I need to either pay the AF or close the card. I really don't think I have a reason to keep the card, I don't really get referrals (although it seems like I'm always telling people they should get a SW card!). Oh well. One less card to keep track of I guess. That will leave me with only 1 personal Chase card (and one that I'm an AU on from a long time ago), and three Chase biz cards! I'm hoping to get the CIC in Feb. and maybe the CSP in Apr or so, but still working on that plan.

I just paid the fee and after I got my points in my SW account, I called to close it and they refunded my money to the closed account. I had asked for the refund to be mailed. I then SM'ed and had my fee rebate transferred to another card. That was done overnight and was easy.

 

[ctinct]

I only put $3000 for my dd18’s CFU app. She makes more than that just at her PT job and she babysits a lot still. She was approved with a $600 CL.

Wow, good for her. My 25 yr. old daughter just applied for her first card, a discover. She was approved, but they gave her only a stingy $1000 credit limit. She called and asked for a larger CL, and they told her maybe after a few months. It cracks me up a little bit because she makes more than I do. It is her first job after grad school, though, but she works in the medical field, so a fairly stable industry. She was a bit miffed, and wanted to try for a Chase card, but I advised her to wait several months. Her credit score is really high, too, because she’s been an AU on a few of my cards for about 7 years. Go figure.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Cruise came quickly...I remember when you were booking it....

On booking the Hyatt MCO with URs or MRs...I’d probably decide based on how many of each you have, which is easier to replenish and if you have other plans for the URs or MRs

I replenish URs easier, but find them more useful. I have no clue what to do with the MRs, so maybe I will use them then. I was basically just saving them in case they help me with Hawaii.

 

[Lain]

Can you please refresh my memory on the AMEX 5 card limit? Is it open cards in general? Or opened over time like Chase? Also does a Biz Plat count towards their 5? Thanks for bringing this up. I am still struggling to keep it all straight, even though I keep writing stuff down.

Amex limits you to 5 open credit cards at a time. This limit does not apply to charge cards like the Plats, Gold, Green, or their business versions. If you try to open a 6th credit card while holding 5 open credit cards, your app will likely go pending or be denied, at which point you could recon and Amex may give you the option to close one of your 5 credit cards to open a new one -- but never close a card that is less than a year old with Amex.

 

[miztressuz]

Suspected false alarm! Yay! Redditors reporting travel resets in Dec as expected so far https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/a2cf0e/comment/eayin1b

That's good, but I hope it's not like Target's GC glitch before they rolled out the policy change. Fingers crossed it's just a regular glitch

Today’s the day SO goes over 5/24. It isn’t going well.

Got approved for the Southwest Priority.

Next was the A+. Pending

Next US Bank Altitude. Pending

Next Barclay AA. Pending.

Any suggestions of what else I should try for? Capital one? BOA? (I have no relationship with either.

Should I turn to Amex now?

Tomorrow morning SO will go for the Hyatt.

So do the Barclay's and US Bank pull the same CR as Chase usually? I'm wondering if those inquires will do anything to the Hyatt app tomorrow.

I have a 'question for dummies' here....I've been a slacker and just now thought of this.... Ok so I had a PP thru my CSR which apears to be good for 1-2 guests at the restaurants I'm interested in (when it states 1 guest,does that mean just me,or me + 1 guest is allowed the credit?) AND.... my big stupid blunder....I can't figure our how to use the Hh ascend PP options..... I know it came with 10 uses, but I don't recall getting a PP card for it (Dhs acct) for some reason I thought I had gotten 10 paper passes in the mail,and I had stuck them in my travel papers file..... apparently I am wrong,and none of that happened....I have no idea, was I supposed to register and recieve a physical PP card for just the 10 use perk? If so it's too late for me now to get them for next trip(blast!) or if I did get the paper ones,I must have tossed them by accident...... anyone here know what I did wrong? (even if it's too late for me now,it would be useful info lol)

For the Hilton card you go into Benefits (I think, I didn't watch over hubby's shoulder when he did it) and activate the benefit and then PP sends you a card just the like the CSR card. There's nothing different on the card, it's just how the card is used behind the scenes. For the Hilton one you have the 10 visits, after it's "swiped" the 10 times you can still use it but you'll be charged for each visit - I think it's $32 per visit after the first 10 now. So make sure you label them so that there's no surprises later.

 

[Lain]

Howdy all. Thinking to get a Marriott card. They have both a business and a personal. Both offering 75,000 points at $3,000 spend. They look very similar except the business has a 4 point category including gas. Any opinions on the Marriott card and which to get, or if a different card would be better? I'll be traveling a bit more and figured Marriott has the most hotel brands to pick from.

What are your goals with Marriott/SPG?

What's your overall strategy with Chase's 5/24 and Amex? What are the cards you plan to take up Chase's 5/24 slots, if not Marriott? Are you sure you'd rather not get Amex's SPG cards?

Effective 8/26/18, Marriott, Chase and Amex implemented new rules that effectively forces you to "choose a lane," i.e., go for Chase's Marriott cards to the exclusion of Amex's SPG cards for the next ~24 months, or go for Amex's SPG cards to the exclusion of Chase's Marriott cards for ~24 months.

See: New Restrictions Coming for Marriott and Starwood Credit Card Bonus Approval and Navigating Marriott’s Byzantine Credit Card Rules.

Several of us have written extensively debating between going the Chase Marriott route or Amex SPG route. There are so many pros and cons on both sides. The timing for a new Marriott or SPG card isn't the best right now either, because as you said the best offers (on all the Marriott and SPG cards) are at only 75k Marriott points now, when the SPG Biz and Lux cards were offering 100k Marriott points (albeit for a higher MSR) as recently as 10/31, and the Marriott Premier Plus had a 100k Marriott points introductory offer until back around July. Marriott and SPG card offers tend to go up and down, so I'd consider waiting for them to go back up.