I love credit cards so much!

[mfly]

Ugh! That moment you realize your SIL has applied for 4 Chase SW cards without having any idea what she's doing.

SIL texted me yesterday letting me know she went ahead and submitted applications for her for the SW Plus and BIL for the SW Premier so they can get the points to book their flights for our March Disney trip. We had discussed this briefly before, but the convo was tabled as she didn't really express much interest in knowing how it all works. I knew I should have explained in more detail even if she didn't show that much interest. Maybe it would have kept her from applying so quickly without knowing enough info. 1st mistake

I was busy when she sent me this text, so I replied with a quick message telling her she should have done them both for her or both for BIL and that I'd explain more as soon as I was free. We were getting together at MIL house yesterday for lunch, so I hoped she'd put on the brakes and wait for me to talk to her over there. 2nd mistake.

She went ahead and applied for the second card for both of them without waiting for me to explain and offer any referral links. Her response later, "Sorry, guess I jumped the gun on that." When I asked her about setting up their RR accounts, she said "Oh won't they take care of all that when the cards come in." I really want to bang my head against the wall right now thinking of all the missed opportunities here......missed referrals.....but even more so, missed points for them to get closer to CP. Two CP would really benefit them as they are a family of 4. She applied for all 4 cards under the 40K offers. Wondering if she might be able to SM Chase to get more.

Just had to get that out where someone would understand. LOL.

I don’t really “like” this, but I can sympathize. I feel like every time I try to help people with this, I end up wanting to smash (one of our) heads against the wall. People don’t like to be told what to do and don’t realize what a delicate game this is. The worst is when they mess up or don’t listen and then come back to complain to you - as if it’s your fault. No thanks.

 

[Albort]

Wondering if she might be able to SM Chase to get more.

a lot of DP are saying this is happening.

 

[vanjust14]

All this talk of Chase shutdowns is really making me nervous! With the great advice found here I have been signing up and earning some nice bonuses. I will have SW CP next month! I also am working on spend for the CIP currently, and I did use a referral link from Dischurners . I am 2/24 right now, but have opened 4 Chase cards since May. I was planning to get more, including double dipping on the CSR and CSP, but I am very nervous now. Would it be more beneficial to wait awhile before opening up another card? If so, how long should I wait? I just got the CIP in December, and I got the SW Biz in Oct. Would it be worse to open up a non Chase card next? It seems like strategy needs to be changed here. I know it may be hard to answer without knowing my travel goals, but I have no big plans really besides Cruise in May(mostly paid for already), and Disney in December (renting DVC points). I was hoping to gain a nice stockpile of points and make more travel plans then. My DH doesn't get as much vacation time as I do, so smaller weekend things are probably more in order. Having CP will help that. I just have the bug and want to work on another spend soon, ha! I will wait though if it means I avoid getting shutdown.

 

[peel]

Ugh! That moment you realize your SIL has applied for 4 Chase SW cards without having any idea what she's doing.

SIL texted me yesterday letting me know she went ahead and submitted applications for her for the SW Plus and BIL for the SW Premier so they can get the points to book their flights for our March Disney trip. We had discussed this briefly before, but the convo was tabled as she didn't really express much interest in knowing how it all works. I knew I should have explained in more detail even if she didn't show that much interest. Maybe it would have kept her from applying so quickly without knowing enough info. 1st mistake

I was busy when she sent me this text, so I replied with a quick message telling her she should have done them both for her or both for BIL and that I'd explain more as soon as I was free. We were getting together at MIL house yesterday for lunch, so I hoped she'd put on the brakes and wait for me to talk to her over there. 2nd mistake.

She went ahead and applied for the second card for both of them without waiting for me to explain and offer any referral links. Her response later, "Sorry, guess I jumped the gun on that." When I asked her about setting up their RR accounts, she said "Oh won't they take care of all that when the cards come in." I really want to bang my head against the wall right now thinking of all the missed opportunities here......missed referrals.....but even more so, missed points for them to get closer to CP. Two CP would really benefit them as they are a family of 4. She applied for all 4 cards under the 40K offers. Wondering if she might be able to SM Chase to get more.

Just had to get that out where someone would understand. LOL.

Cringing over here! I completely understand your frustration. DM successfully applied for and got both personal SW cards, but after repeatedly telling her to use my referral links and sending them to her multiple times, she said, "Oh I just Googled the cards and found the same signup bonuses, so I didn't need your referral links."

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

All this talk of Chase shutdowns is really making me nervous! With the great advice found here I have been signing up and earning some nice bonuses. I will have SW CP next month! I also am working on spend for the CIP currently, and I did use a referral from Dischurners . I am 2/24 right now, but have opened 4 Chase cards since May. I was planning to get more, including double dipping on the CSR and CSP, but I am very nervous now. Would it be more beneficial to wait awhile before opening up another card? If so, how long should I wait? I just got the CIP in December, and I got the SW Biz in Oct. Would it be worse to open up a non Chase card next? It seems like strategy needs to be changed here. I know it may be hard to answer without knowing my travel goals, but I have no big plans really besides Cruise in May(mostly paid for already), and Disney in December (renting DVC points). I was hoping to gain a nice stockpile of points and make more travel plans then. My DH doesn't get as much vacation time as I do, so smaller weekend things are probably more in order. Having CP will help that. I just have the bug and want to work on another spend soon, ha! I will wait though if it means I avoid getting shutdown.

The Chase shutdown reports are so minimal - yet it's hard not to be concerned when it seems on the surface that you are doing similar things to those getting shutdown.

You got 4 cards in 8 months with Chase...Perhaps in your case getting an AMEX business card or 2 would be a good idea. Do you have interest in the SPG Biz (Earns SPG/Marriott Points) and/or Business Gold (earns MRs)? One of those could just help divert some spend for a few months and keep you on the up and and up with Chase.

Another thought is what about your husband? Is he playing the game yet? If not - maybe you have him get a card to slow things down on your credit report.

If you were able to wait a few months then come back to Chase for a card in Apr/May for a card or 2 that might make you feel "safer". The other thing I'm sure that's on your mind is the CSP/CSR double dip...and hoping that loophole doesn't close. I'm in the same boat as you on that one! Let us know what you decide to do as I'm always interested in others thought process on these things!

 

[AmyAnne]

All this talk of Chase shutdowns is really making me nervous! With the great advice found here I have been signing up and earning some nice bonuses. I will have SW CP next month! I also am working on spend for the CIP currently, and I did use a referral link from Dischurners . I am 2/24 right now, but have opened 4 Chase cards since May. I was planning to get more, including double dipping on the CSR and CSP, but I am very nervous now. Would it be more beneficial to wait awhile before opening up another card? If so, how long should I wait? I just got the CIP in December, and I got the SW Biz in Oct. Would it be worse to open up a non Chase card next? It seems like strategy needs to be changed here. I know it may be hard to answer without knowing my travel goals, but I have no big plans really besides Cruise in May(mostly paid for already), and Disney in December (renting DVC points). I was hoping to gain a nice stockpile of points and make more travel plans then. My DH doesn't get as much vacation time as I do, so smaller weekend things are probably more in order. Having CP will help that. I just have the bug and want to work on another spend soon, ha! I will wait though if it means I avoid getting shutdown.

Personally, I would think about a business card or two before hitting Chase again. My Capital One (Spark I think it is) gets a lot of use because it provides 2% cash back for everything. If I recall correctly there was a $500 sign-up bonus. Like you, I don't have many definite travel plans to work towards - because of my family's work/school schedules, it's hard to plan far in advance. I try to work on both miles/points and cash back.

 

[jhoannam]

Couple odd questions:

1. If you have the CIP, can you get the CIC? tWife has the CIP but would be better with the CIC, but isn't at one year yet to PC it.
2. tWife has a CSR and thus isn't eliglble for the CSP bonus (or is she eligible once she PCs the CSR?). Would it make sense to add her as an AU to my CSP for the small bonus?
3. With the CSR you get $100 credit for select check or for the global pass. Is that annual? I got Select check last year, can I use it now for the global pass or to get global pass for the kids?
4. I'm at 3/24 right now and I want the Freedom card, but Chase wont PC my CSP, so I'm applying for it. Bad idea to use one of my coveted 5/24 slots on the Freedom?
5. What are the requirements for tWife to transfer any of her UR points to me? Does she need to have a Sapphire card or just any Chase card?

5. She can transfer any UR points to you. I transfer my Freedom to DH's CSP

 

[Albort]

The Chase shutdown reports are so minimal - yet it's hard not to be concerned when it seems on the surface that you are doing similar things to those getting shutdown.

they arent reported much over on reddit. mostly reported here --> https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cha...y-credit-card-account-s-consolidated-114.html

 

[vanjust14]

The Chase shutdown reports are so minimal - yet it's hard not to be concerned when it seems on the surface that you are doing similar things to those getting shutdown.

You got 4 cards in 8 months with Chase...Perhaps in your case getting an AMEX business card or 2 would be a good idea. Do you have interest in the SPG Biz (Earns SPG/Marriott Points) and/or Business Gold (earns MRs)? One of those could just help divert some spend for a few months and keep you on the up and and up with Chase.

Another thought is what about your husband? Is he playing the game yet? If not - maybe you have him get a card to slow things down on your credit report.

If you were able to wait a few months then come back to Chase for a card in Apr/May for a card or 2 that might make you feel "safer". The other thing I'm sure that's on your mind is the CSP/CSR double dip...and hoping that loophole doesn't close. I'm in the same boat as you on that one! Let us know what you decide to do as I'm always interested in others thought process on these things!

I am actually interested in SPG/Marriott points, so maybe SPG is the way to go. I definitely want to be in 2 player mode but DH has ONE credit card, which he opened in August...a DiscoverIT. He is trying to build his credit. I'm afraid he may not get approved for many of these cards. His FICO score on his DiscoverIT says 747. Any thoughts on a card he may be approved for?

Yes, I really hope that loophole doesn't close either! I will def keep you posted, thanks for the tips as usual!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Cringing over here! I completely understand your frustration. DM successfully applied for and got both personal SW cards, but after repeatedly telling her to use my referral links and sending them to her multiple times, she said, "Oh I just Googled the cards and found the same signup bonuses, so I didn't need your referral links."

With my close friends and family this has happened on a few occasions and I don't think they realize what a slap in the face that is. I take time to explain the concept to you, help you understand how to maximize your return, and then you basically take my "free consulting" and tell me to shove it on the simplest step that would have given me between $50 and $150 for my time and effort. It really affects my willingness the next time around to give detailed advice...I MAY have told one of my coworkers once who was asking about a card and how it worked to "just google it - that worked last time for you" hahaha! They did ultimately use my referral for that card though once I explained what it was worth to me and how it cost them nothing.

 

[mhartman09]

My blood pressure is rising just reading that...WOW.......

So many fails...They will end up with 164k points and nobody gets a referral.

VS

Somebody could have got 20k referring them to the first 2 cards...then they could've earned 104k, then referred the other spouse themselves, get 20k more (hello CP!) and then earn another 104k. Essentially they lost $1,000 in flights and their path to CP is much harder now.

Hopefully they can at least get the match to 50k on all 4 of those cards, that will take away some of the sting...I am in pain typing this haha.

Yes!! All of this!! I honestly donn't know what to tell her. So, if I'm understanding this correctly, the 50K is only available via referral, right? I want to tell her to SM to see if she can be matched on at least some of the cards, but if it's by referral only I don't really know how that would work.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

She could SM with a link to the referral link telling them she intended to use that link to apply and would like matched to the 50k. Assuming you were trying to use your link you could also send an SM with their information stating you referred them but they forgot to use the link.

I did ONCE get a referral credited when my dad did not use my link by providing information this way. However 2 other times they denied me.

 

[Albort]

I am actually interested in SPG/Marriott points, so maybe SPG is the way to go. I definitely want to be in 2 player mode but DH has ONE credit card, which he opened in August...a DiscoverIT. He is trying to build his credit. I'm afraid he may not get approved for many of these cards. His FICO score on his DiscoverIT says 747. Any thoughts on a card he may be approved for?

Yes, I really hope that loophole doesn't close either! I will def keep you posted, thanks for the tips as usual!

whats his AoA? my FICO score is lower than that and i have been approved for CSP, TYP premier, Ink+, CSR, Starwood, Starwood biz. I think your Husband should be fine.
Hitting SPG is the best idea now since it may not be available soon.

Yes!! All of this!! I honestly donn't know what to tell her. So, if I'm understanding this correctly, the 50K is only available via referral, right? I want to tell her to SM to see if she can be matched on at least some of the cards, but if it's by referral only I don't really know how that would work.

no, there is public links out for it now.

 

[mhartman09]

She could SM with a link to the referral link telling them she intended to use that link to apply and would like matched to the 50k. Assuming you were trying to use your link you could also send an SM with their information stating you referred them but they forgot to use the link.

I did ONCE get a referral credited when my dad did not use my link by providing information this way. However 2 other times they denied me.

I guess I'll talk to her when I get off work and see if she wants to send the referral link via SM to at least try to get 50K points instead of 40K. Missing out on a referral for DH does bug me for sure, but the fact that she could have been so much closer to CP if she had just been patient enough for me to explain the process just kills me...LOL. I have to laugh about this or I'll scream!!

 

[mhartman09]

no, there is public links out for it now.

Thanks! Didn't realize this.

 

[vanjust14]

Personally, I would think about a business card or two before hitting Chase again. My Capital One (Spark I think it is) gets a lot of use because it provides 2% cash back for everything. If I recall correctly there was a $500 sign-up bonus. Like you, I don't have many definite travel plans to work towards - because of my family's work/school schedules, it's hard to plan far in advance. I try to work on both miles/points and cash back.

That's a good point...I would benefit from cash back as well, considering my limited plans and the fact I have already booked travel without points. I am interested in the Amex Blue Cash, for the cash back on groceries. I will look into Capital One, thanks for the advice!

whats his AoA? my FICO score is lower than that and i have been approved for CSP, TYP premier, Ink+, CSR, Starwood, Starwood biz. I think your Husband should be fine.
Hitting SPG is the best idea now since it may not be available soon.

I didn't even think to check AoA. Good to know, thanks!

 

[peel]

With my close friends and family this has happened on a few occasions and I don't think they realize what a slap in the face that is. I take time to explain the concept to you, help you understand how to maximize your return, and then you basically take my "free consulting" and tell me to shove it on the simplest step that would have given me between $50 and $150 for my time and effort. It really affects my willingness the next time around to give detailed advice...I MAY have told one of my coworkers once who was asking about a card and how it worked to "just google it - that worked last time for you" hahaha! They did ultimately use my referral for that card though once I explained what it was worth to me and how it cost them nothing.

I've had the same attitude toward friends in that situation, but this is my mother who has listened to me ramble endlessly about how I found a way to earn one extra point per dollar by using this tedious three-step process, or how I canceled and rebooked a hotel because it saved 47 points, or why it's worth the risk to use a little known National rental car code even though they might reject it when she's trying to leave the lot, etc. So, I forgive her for missing the point of the referral links.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

they arent reported much over on reddit. mostly reported here --> https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cha...y-credit-card-account-s-consolidated-114.html

Yeah - that thread is so hard to read due to the format (much like here vs. Reddit, lol). I skim it on occasion - here's my summary of what's gone on there in the last 4 months:

5 shutdown reports:
1) Guy was cycling his wife's credit limit like crazy...huge red flag (and that was actually 6 months prior to him posting, he was just airing his laundry now)
2) Person transferred all of a friend's URs over to him after the friend got shutdown, then he got shutdown...weird story, probably doesn't apply to us (I'm not even counting the friend's story as it's not a firsthand report
3) Person had 4 ink cards and was maxing all office rewards...no report of a new card even
4) Person applied for cards too fast, shutdown, later reinstated
5) Person applied for cards too fast, shutdown, later reinstated

Reddit thread has been up for about a month here are those reports:
1) Person at 90% usage on one chase card - not churning related at all but as a DP was reinstated nonetheless
2) Person approved for Disney card, had 6 other chase accts, had 12 or 13 inquiries on report and was 20/24, never followed up on whether reinstated
3) 3rd person account posted from DoC so who knows on accuracy but approved for BritAir card after getting a bunch of cards from other banks, no follow up on reinstatement
4) Person got 4 accts in 3 months with Chase, shutdown, later reinstated
5) Person got 5 cards, approved for a 6th (BritAir), opened 19 cards in 12 months across all issuers, shutdown, NO reinstatement - appealed twice
6) Person opened 15 accounts in a year then applied for a new Chase card, shutdown, no additional detail on actual cards, no comment on reinstatement that I can see

So here's a recap of the information I can gather. Hopefully this is helpful for some to make some educated decisions on how to proceed. To me there is only one bona fide datapoint where somebody was shutdown for opening too many new accounts and did not get reinstated (and they opened 19 cards (5 being Chase) in 12 months and then came back to Chase for one more). There are a couple of others where no report on reinstatement is given. My general summary here is that this is still affecting a very small % of people. I would hesitate to give anybody advice - just be careful out there and try to slow your pattern with Chase (and all issuers) to avoid running into these issues.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I am actually interested in SPG/Marriott points, so maybe SPG is the way to go.

Hitting SPG is the best idea now since it may not be available soon.

SPG Biz has a nice high min. spend of $5k which hopefully will help slow your pace with Chase for a few months, earns you 25k + 5k for spend (or 90k Marriott if transferred), and no annual fee 1st year. PLUS if you got it now you could refer husband later and that application would then be worth 37,500 points (or 112,500 Marriott). It's easy to combine SPG and Marriott points between spouses too so you'd potentially have a ton of points there. I agree with @Albort too that these may go away soon so getting it now makes a lot of sense for all these reasons.

 

[Lain]

I’m guessing between the SW Biz 60k offer and new 50k referral offer, now is a good time to go for SW CP?