I love credit cards so much!

[mefordis]

it may count as part of the 5/24 but you can ask Chase to ignore it if they decline you the first time around. I wouldnt recommend adding any AU unless there is a promotion on it. even so, add the dog or cat.
If the CSR fee is too big, you can always get the CSP. its also $95 AF, waived for the first year, 2x on travel. Although the UA card has crappy earning potential, it does have a really good shopping portal. i think if ur a member, you get like 20% more.

I have the CSP myself and would like for dh to have the CSR for the lounge access! However, I get a stomach ache thinking of paying the $450 fee around this pricey time of year (Holidays, $$ buying gifts, $$ ) . Thanks so much for your insight! I will not add another card user again. I am learning so much from this thread!

 

[Lain]

Thanks so much for your help (and everyone who is helping me out with my travel plan/points accumulation!) So, I haven't let go of the dream. I am onto plan B. I shaved of the Vegas / Grand Canyon portion and now my trip is LA / DLR for 10 nights. I even found an incredible hotel in downtown LA and booked it through Expedia!! I can cancel 4 days before check in and haven't put any money down. It's called LEVEL and it's a luxury hotel with apartments. So, we got ourselves a 2 bedroom apartment with kitchen, laundry in unit, and the hotel looks amazing with tons of amenities! Yay! I don't think they are affiliated with any hotel chain, though, so no accumulating or using points on this. But that's okay because it's $3,274.80 for 6 nights for a huge apartment!

That sounds pretty expensive for 6 nights. If you're drawn to apartment-style amenities, have you considered AirBnB? AirBnB gift cards occasionally go on sale, and you can earn points and miles by buying AirBnB gift cards from apps like MileagePlus X, and/or also earn 3x travel using CSR. You're paying an average of $545/night for your LEVEL apartment. See what you could be getting for your money instead: https://thepointsguy.com/2017/09/best-airbnb-rentals-los-angeles/ If you're planning to visit Disneyland Resort, you may also want to consider whether you'll want to make the drive from "home base" in LA. LA and OC traffic is no joke.

So, I just had an idea! Why not get a Chase United card for my husband now, then get the CSR in January? That will give me a total of 80k united miles. I just looked up tickets and can get a business class ticket for 120k miles. I know there is no telling if those seats will be there but if I don't try I won't get, right? At the very least I may be able to fly Premium Class and use the miles that way. Then we'll each have 2 lounge passes so for once our entire family can enter the lounge and I won't have to just give those passes away!

I refuse to pull any trigger until I get the approval of the members of this thread! LOL!!

Thanks again!

This month I opened a Chase United Explorer card and added my dh as an authorized user. Can I apply for one for him as well, right now? I should not have added him as an authorized user and instead should have gotten one of his own. Is it too late?

Thanks!

So it sounds like you applied for the Chase United MileagePlus Explorer with a 40,000 miles signup bonus. That's the current public offer, but you could've gotten yourself targeted for a higher 60,000 miles bonus. See: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/targeted-chase-united-mileageplus-explorer-sign-bonus-60000-miles-50/

If you weren't already targeted for the higher offer, one way to get targeted is flying with United, but that's not exactly economical. Another way is signing up for a MileagePlus account and using the MileagePlus X app to buy some gift cards. A few transactions are usually enough to get you targeted within a few weeks, and the higher offer should appear when you log into your MileagePlus account. You could have also played around with making a "dummy" booking on United, and occasionally the higher offer will appear before you actually book your flight, or in a few weeks on your account if you were logged in.

I would see if your husband is targeted for the 60,000 miles offer, or try to get him targeted, before applying him for the United MPE card.

You probably should not have added your husband as an authorized user. When you're playing two-player mode, the general rule is not to add your partner as an authorized user but rather each of you get the card to double up on the bonus. By adding your husband as an authorized user, you didn't preclude him from getting his own card, but his authorized user card does appear as a new account on his credit report and will likely count against his 5/24. If Chase denies your husband for a new card subject to 5/24 because they're counting this authorized user card against his 5/24 count, he'll have to call Chase recon to ask that they ignore it but YMMV whether the customer service rep will discount it.

 

[Happy_2_B]

I will not add another card user again

It's a good habit to get into. We have been playing this game for many years- and never add each other as an AU even if a bonus is available. You never know when language is going to change and getting added as an AU keeps the other person from applying and getting the sign up bonus. I don't know when the last time was this happened- but when we did the UA cards they were running a limited time 60k (or maybe 70k- don't recall) offer for the minimum spend (it has been a couple of years though at least). This wasn't a 40 + 10 for spending 25k- it was a flat bonus. Don't know how often this targeted offer comes up- as once we get a card it goes off the radar.

 

[Albort]

I have the CSP myself and would like for dh to have the CSR for the lounge access! However, I get a stomach ache thinking of paying the $450 fee around this pricey time of year (Holidays, $$ buying gifts, $$ ) . Thanks so much for your insight! I will not add another card user again. I am learning so much from this thread!

CSR is actually profitable the first year. 50,000 points = $500 cash or $750 through chase portal, $100 TSA Precheck(YMMV on the rest of your family getting precheck if 1 person gets it), lounge access and a $300 travel credit. it should be possible to double dip and get another $300 at the end of the year so you basically make, $1000. Think of it that way. :]

 

[Lain]

So, being an authorized user counts toward that 5/25 ? I really don't want to pay the $450 annual fee (CSR fee) until next year. I know it doesn't make sense but in my mind I'm incurring a big cost and not getting the travel credit until next year (at my anniversary date). Does that make sense? $95 is easer to swallow (for the United Explorer card).

I'm not sure I understand. The CSR's $450 AF is typically charged on your first billing statement, but the CSR's $300 travel credit is available immediately and then resets for another $300 upon your cardholder anniversary. Then, you can double dip on that second year travel credit and cancel the CSR within 30 days to get a refund of the second year AF. That's $600 in travel credit for $450.

 

[wendow]

I think I'm going to pay my AF, use the new travel credit next month, and then downgrade.

This is my plan as well

 

[wendow]

Great, looks like my CSR account number was somehow stolen and it’s been used in Indianapolis. Thanks to Chase Fraud Protection they caught the second transaction that was made. The first was $5 in parking and the 2nd was for gas. It’s perplexing how they could have made these purchases without the card. Now to call Chase in the morning to dispute the parking charge and get them to expedite a replacement card since we have dine out frequently and have lots of upcoming travel.

My CSR has already been hacked also. It was used for three Lyft trips that we did not take. I'm guessing they somehow hacked into the Lyft app since I had put the CSR in as the payment source for Lyft when we were at WDW in Sept. I don't understand how, in your case, they could use your CSR for those purchases without the card. That's just weird.

 

[mefordis]

it may count as part of the 5/24 but you can ask Chase to ignore it if they decline you the first time around. I wouldnt recommend adding any AU unless there is a promotion on it. even so, add the dog or cat.
If the CSR fee is too big, you can always get the CSP. its also $95 AF, waived for the first year, 2x on travel. Although the UA card has crappy earning potential, it does have a really good shopping portal. i think if ur a member, you get like 20% more.

Right now dh has no Chase cards in his name. He is an AU on my CSP (open in 2016) and my Chase United Explorer (just opened). How long do I have to wait to apply for the Chase United Explorer for dh? Is there a wait time, like a month or two months I think? Because he is an AU on my United Explorer card? Sorry, I am slow to learn! All of this is so confusing no wonder not many people do it! So, in the interest in collecting as many United points as possible for airline travel, do I:

Apply for the Chase Explorer card for a 40k bonus (dh)
Apply for the CSR in 2 months (January) for a 40k bonus (dh)

Good strategy? Thanks so much!

 

[mefordis]

I'm not sure I understand. The CSR's $450 AF is typically charged on your first billing statement, but the CSR's $300 travel credit is available immediately and then resets for another $300 upon your cardholder anniversary. Then, you can double dip on that second year travel credit and cancel the CSR within 30 days to get a refund of the second year AF. That's $600 in travel credit for $450.

Wow, that is good to know! So, we would be charged the $450 say in December (if card is opened in November) but our $205 EZPass, for example, would be credited in the same month? Or gas, or other travel related charge? I thought you had to wait until the card anniversary before the $300 travel is deducted. Thanks!!

Also, I thought they put a stop to the double dipping, so I would only get one $300 travel credit next November (assuming I opened it in November). But if the credit comes right away, it makes sense that you CAN double dip! Thanks!

 

[wendow]

Right now dh has no Chase cards in his name. He is an AU on my CSP (open in 2016) and my Chase United Explorer (just opened). How long do I have to wait to apply for the Chase United Explorer for dh? Is there a wait time, like a month or two months I think? Because he is an AU on my United Explorer card? Sorry, I am slow to learn! All of this is so confusing no wonder not many people do it! So, in the interest in collecting as many United points as possible for airline travel, do I:

Apply for the Chase Explorer card for a 40k bonus (dh)
Apply for the CSR in 2 months (January) for a 40k bonus (dh)

Good strategy? Thanks so much!

Make sure you check, as @Lain posted, to see if dh is targeted for the higher United card bonus. There is no waiting period even though he is an AU'er on your United card.

I have not followed all your posts today but does your dh have the CSP already or is her just an AU on your CSP? If he does not have his own, try to apply for him a CSR and CSP at once (two different browsers) for the combined 100k UR bonus.

And, as others have posted, no more making each other AU'ers if you hope to do this in 'two player mode'!!

 

[mefordis]

Make sure you check, as @Lain posted, to see if dh is targeted for the higher United card bonus. There is no waiting period even though he is an AU'er on your United card.

I have not followed all your posts today but does your dh have the CSP already or is her just an AU on your CSP? If he does not have his own, try to apply for him a CSR and CSP at once (two different browsers) for the combined 100k UR bonus.

And, as others have posted, no more making each other AU'ers if you hope to do this in 'two player mode'!!

He's an AU on the CSP Wow -- what a great idea It seems like they would have something in place catch that. No more AU'ers! I have learned a great lesson today! Two player mode !! Yes!!

Thinking about this: that is a lot of spending I'd have to do - 6k in 3 months plus I have 2k I have to spend on my United card. I think I can do it but it will be tight.

 

[mefordis]

That sounds pretty expensive for 6 nights. If you're drawn to apartment-style amenities, have you considered AirBnB? AirBnB gift cards occasionally go on sale, and you can earn points and miles by buying AirBnB gift cards from apps like MileagePlus X, and/or also earn 3x travel using CSR. You're paying an average of $545/night for your LEVEL apartment. See what you could be getting for your money instead: https://thepointsguy.com/2017/09/best-airbnb-rentals-los-angeles/ If you're planning to visit Disneyland Resort, you may also want to consider whether you'll want to make the drive from "home base" in LA. LA and OC traffic is no joke.

.

Okay now you have me looking at Air BnB. I am finding some great apartments with 3 bedrooms and $1000 left! I was hesitant to stay in someone else's house but I just might do this to save 1k on the trip. I'm going to keep looking.

We will stay in LA for 6 nights (actually maybe 7 nights if the Air BnB works out!) and then drive to DLR to stay at the Disneyland hotel for 4 nights.

Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[wendow]

He's an AU on the CSP Wow -- what a great idea It seems like they would have something in place catch that. No more AU'ers! I have learned a great lesson today! Two player mode !! Yes!!

Thinking about this: that is a lot of spending I'd have to do - 6k in 3 months plus I have 2k I have to spend on my United card. I think I can do it but it will be tight.

Currently, the data points out there are that if people are able to get approved for both the CSR and CSP, they are getting all the bonus points. Who knows how long this 'loophole' will be open though so if you are interested, I'd try it as soon as you are in a position to meet the min spend which is 4k in 3mos for each card. Maybe you could go for it after you get the min spend done on the United card.

 

[mefordis]

Currently, the data points out there are that if people are able to get approved for both the CSR and CSP, they are getting all the bonus points. Who knows how long this 'loophole' will be open though so if you are interested, I'd try it as soon as you are in a position to meet the min spend which is 4k in 3mos for each card. Maybe you could go for it after you get the min spend done on the United card.

4k for each card! Whoa! I think I will wait until January to pull the trigger on those two cards. That means I'd get my bonus mid-April. That's cutting it close for buying airfare for mid August, though. That's why I think getting my dh the United card for 40k points and only a 2k spending target might be the best way to go right now.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We just ordered a replacement card also. We are closing my CSR and keeping dh's CSR but I wanted my own card. No one ever looks and if they do, I just say it's my dh's card. I requested the replacement online and didn't even have to talk to anyone.

Hope you are having a great time at WDW!!

Nice! I should do that. It doesn’t make the old card void?

 

[Alexle2007]

I have the CSP myself and would like for dh to have the CSR for the lounge access! However, I get a stomach ache thinking of paying the $450 fee around this pricey time of year (Holidays, $$ buying gifts, $$ ) . Thanks so much for your insight! I will not add another card user again. I am learning so much from this thread!

I contacted the 3 credit bureaus and had them remove all of the AUs that we longer had on our accounts. All 3 of three of them removed the AUs I requested. They were on either closed accounts or accounts we had canceled the AU. That got me back to 3/24 so I could apply for the Ink Preferred and SW cards for CP. I am not sure if it would work if you still are an AU but it could be worth a try. It was so much easier than trying to plead my case to Chase.

 

[kayteekt]

Any thoughts on the Hilton Honors CC? Looks like you can earn up to 125k points as a sign on. 6x on gas, groceries and restaurants sounds good to me. Hiltons and doubletrees in all places we travel, or would like to... I'm thinking about jumping on it. Any reason I shouldn't?
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/...232&BUID=CCG&PSKU=HSP&CRTV=HSPSCP&CID=4671701

 

[Alexle2007]

My CSR has already been hacked also. It was used for three Lyft trips that we did not take. I'm guessing they somehow hacked into the Lyft app since I had put the CSR in as the payment source for Lyft when we were at WDW in Sept. I don't understand how, in your case, they could use your CSR for those purchases without the card. That's just weird.

When I spoke to the fraud specialist this morning he said my card must have skimmed because they were using it in-person. No idea really where that could have happened since I don’t use it to pay for gas and I think that is the typical place. But whatever, besides not having my CSR to pay for breakfast this morning or lunch tomorrow, it will be ok. Luckily, I couldn’t sleep and was up at 3 am to see the email and freeze the account. The new card should arrive tomorrow or Tues and then all will be right with the world again.

 

[havaneselover]

Haven't received my Marriott points. Is this hit or miss?

 

[Alexle2007]

Haven't received my Marriott points. Is this hit or miss?

I haven’t received mine yet but noticed on previous Sun that it is all over the place how long it takes the points to post. I just tweeted something similar just in case.