I love credit cards so much!

[Lain]

I've only had a problem finding Disney GCs at an office supply store once. It was because DH was there earlier and cleaned them out He didn't give me a heads up like he normally does. I returned the favor some months later when the Freedom 5x bonus was Lowe's. I cleaned out the closest Lowe's and didn't tell him. He literally got there 10 minutes after I left, called me sounding somewhat and said, "I'm at Lowe's and just asked the cashier if they had any Disney GCs in the back that weren't out. She told me a red head just bought all the Disney GCs. Was that you?" After doing this a handful of times to each other we've gotten better about telling each other which store we cleaned out or which one we plan to clean out so neither of us wastes a trip and can just go to the next closest store instead. Communication is key to a happy marriage and happy travel hacking.

 

[OhanaCuz]

Thank you - makes complete sense!

One more question . . . He got the CSR in Sept 2016 and earned the 100K bonus on 10/24/16. After almost a year (prior to the next year's fee), he downgraded to the Freedom. I was thinking of having him apply for the Sapphire Preferred after 10/24/18 since he would need to wait 24 months between bonuses. BUT, since he downgraded his CSR instead of cancelling, will Chase's system allow another Sapphire bonus? Am I over thinking this?

I remember reading about this. If I'm reading this correctly you need to wait 24 months for ANY Sapphire bonus. He couldn't sign up for the CSP yet.

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/08/chase-limiting-sapphire-signups/

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Be careful there and don’t mix up cards and tricks.

The Ink+ earns you 5x back at office supply stores directly. So practically speaking you’d walk into your nearby Office Depot, pick up some Disney Gift Cards, and pay with your Ink+, earning you 5x UR just like that. (I checked the Office Depot website to see if they sold Disney Gift Cards online so that maybe you could order them online, going through a shopping portal for the extra points. Not available.)

What it sounds like you have in mind is connecting your United MileagePlus card to MPX, then using your Ink+ to purchase an Office Depot gift card for 4 miles/$ + 25% miles bonus on the app, and 5x UR on your Ink+. While, yes that’s the United miles you’d earn on an Office Depot gift card by buying it on MPX, and I think you would earn 5x UR if you used the Ink+ on that purchase (because on a Visa, MPX would pass how the gift card purchase is coded to Office Depot’s merchant category code — office supply stores) (remember, Amex codes MPX differently), the fatal flaw is you’re buying an Office Depot gift card on MPX, not Disney, and ... Office Depot does not allow you to use Office Depot gift cards to buy Disney or any other third-party gift cards!

So in your example, you would cut out MPX because you can’t use MPX to buy an Office Depot gift card to use to buy a Disney gift card. Just go to Office Depot and buy a Disney Gift Card with your Ink+ directly for 5x UR.

ETA: I feel like I need to walk back my caution about mixing up cards and tricks.

Conceivably, you could buy a gift card from MPX, Gyft, or Swych to a merchant to buy a Disney Gift Card, IF that merchant allows their gift cards to be used to pay for other/third-party gift cards. These are kind of exceptions to the general rule. You shouldn’t presume that all stores allow the use of their gift cards for other gift cards, and you need to learn which ones do allow it.

Off the top of my head, merchants that do allow their gift cards to pay for other gift cards are Amazon, Target, Walmart (can be used in Walmart or Sam’s Club), Best Buy (although I had a cashier tell me their policy is changing this month, people are still reporting that gift card for gift card works), Bed Bath & Beyond (their POS systems allow it, but cashiers and managers do not seem informed of this and may refuse you), Safeway (again, their POS systems allow it, but frontline cashiers may not know it’s allowed and stores may have their own policies regarding gift card purchases). These stores also happen to sell Disney Gift Cards (Amazon doesn’t sell Disney, but does sell Safeway, which sells Disney). So if you can buy gift cards for any of these stores at a discount or earn at least 5x credit card rewards, you can probably turn that store’s gift cards into Disney Gift Cards.

But keep in mind how MPX, Gyft, and Swych code on different credit cards so you don’t miss out on triggering a bonus category:

Gyft and Swych work well with Chase Ink cards when checking out via PayPal (Ink+ and CIC earn 5x UR on e-gift cards to any merchant; CIP earns 3x UR).

By contrast, MPX passes how a particular gift card purchase codes on to the merchant’s MCC (merchant category code) for Visa cards, so gift cards to restaurants trigger the 3x UR dining category bonus on CSR, but only 2x on CSP, and 1x with Freedom this quarter; and I think Office Depot gift cards would code as office supply stores on Ink+ and CIC for 5x UR, but earn you only 1x on a CSR.

If you were to use an Ink+ or CIC to buy an Amazon or Best Buy gift card on Gyft or Swych, you’d earn 5x UR. But if you were to buy an Amazon or Best Buy gift card on MPX using any of Chase’s Visa cards, you’d earn only 1x UR because Amazon and Best Buy’s MCC don’t trigger any bonus categories.

As for how these apps code differently with Amex cards, Gyft and Swych don’t earn any extra bonus that I’m aware of with Amex cards. MPX works really well with certain Amex cards.

Okay got it--thanks so much for the great explanation. I didn't know that Office Depot didn't allow the purchase of gift certificates with its gift certificates so that makes total sense. I will keep that in mind any time I try to use MPX. I think I'll take my 5x points and be happy for now

I don’t think @CaliforniaGirl09 has the Amex Blue Cash Preferred, although it is a good card to consider with 6% cash back at grocery stores. However, the 6% cash back is in reward dollars or statement credit, right? Her focus is UR and MR points, so I pointed her to maximizing use of the Ink+ and Platinum 5x bonus categories.

Yes on both counts--no Amex Blue and trying to maximize UR/MR points for now. But good to keep in mind for future--that's a great return on groceries! Thanks!

I am very biased on the value of points vs miles due to our travel goals and the ridiculous things miles allow me to do and get away with which still baffle me to be honest. But I'll add another example to show what I mean. If I want to book another one way, standard award flight on Singapore Air in the first class suites to Hong Kong will cost me 250,000 Kris flyer miles.

250K Kris Flyer miles = 250,000 UR, MR, TYP points or 187,500 SPG points because I get a bonus for every 20K I transfer.

If I were to pay for that flight with points, which is $11,479. I would need 765,266 UR points if I have a CSR. I would need 918,322 if I only had a CSP. With TYP it would be 863,082 and MR points would be 1,147,900 MR points and if I have an Amex Business Plat card I'd get 401,765 MR points (35%) back about a month later. I simply can't afford to do cash back cards or points for cash on a consistent basis. Don't get me wrong, I do use points as cash from time to time, but only if the numbers work in my favor for the circumstances. Everyone's travel goals, needs and style is different and what works for me may not work for others. I just like everyone to know there is more than one way to meet the goals and to look at their options and run the numbers before they leap.


Love the Bill & Ted reference. SO-CRATES is the man ... "I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing."

Yup, we'll be there that weekend and a drink or dinner sounds awesome!

Wow, another really awesome example!! That is a crazy difference when you see it put out like that. With the standard award examples you are essentially getting 4.5 cents per UR or 6.1 cents per starpoint compared to the cash price if I'm doing my math right. Imagine if they had a saver for it That's more than double pointguys valuations of URs and MRs. We did pretty well with our valuations on our recent China trip RT in first and polaris business. And this is exactly why I'm trying to up my game

We love Bill and Ted's and thought about calling our dog SOcrates. We probably would have but he was 6 months when we got him and already answering to his name.

Awesome! Looking forward to catching up in person. Here's hoping we have a fun Japan ABD or cruise to be excited about

 

[miztressuz]

I remember reading about this. If I'm reading this correctly you need to wait 24 months for ANY Sapphire bonus. He couldn't sign up for the CSP yet.

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/08/chase-limiting-sapphire-signups/

Reading the comments on that post, it sounds like @pillow DH is good as long as he applies after the 10/24/2018 mentioned, 24 months after the bonus was received. The one commenter downgraded his CSP to the CFU and double dipped the CSR/CSP and got the bonus on both again.

 

[Ngwira]

@Alice Sr., check out my follow up post to @CaliforniaGirl09 about using the Ink+ at Office Depot/Office Max. It’d apply to the CIC, too, since the office supplies category works the same way with a lower spending limit.

But yes, for a 100k MR signup bonus, I think the Amex Platinum is definitely worth getting (and taking up a */24 slot if you ever want to go back for Chase cards).

Despite the $550 AF, I think you can justify that in value back in the first year. I think a lot of people would easily value 100k MR at $1,000 or more worth in travel (or $1,250 if you eventually decide to cash out via Schwab). The personal Platinum also comes with a $200 airline fee credit every calendar year, which can be used to buy Southwest, AA, and Delta gift cards (check how from recent data points on FlyerTalk). So you can dip this $200 benefit for 2018 when you get the Platinum, and dip again for another $200 worth of airline gift cards in 2019 before a second AF hits and you consider canceling the card. The Platinum also comes with $200 in Uber credit, doled out $15/month and an extra $20 in December (I don’t know how useful that is to you). It also comes with Global Entry/Pre-check credit, which extends to authorized users. The Platinum also comes with access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass Lounge (although the Platinum’s PP perk is less generous than the CSR’s PP). It also gives you automatic Gold status with Hilton and SPG (and by extension Marriott). When you decide you don’t want to pay another AF, you could cancel the personal Platinum and apply for the Ameriprise Platinum, which has a lot of the same benefits but has its AF waived the first year.

Really enjoying my Ameriprise Platinum and went to the Philadelphia and Las Vegas Centurion lounges. Both were excellent value. I also used the Amex FHR booking twice in Vegas. Ill likely keep the Platinum next year!

 

[AmyAnne]

Really enjoying my Ameriprise Platinum and went to the Philadelphia and Las Vegas Centurion lounges. Both were excellent value. I also used the Amex FHR booking twice in Vegas. Ill likely keep the Platinum next year!

I am curious about the AmEx FHR benefit -- I am thinking about this for Universal in December. Is the primary value in the resort credit?

 

[pillow]

Reading the comments on that post, it sounds like @pillow DH is good as long as he applies after the 10/24/2018 mentioned, 24 months after the bonus was received. The one commenter downgraded his CSP to the CFU and double dipped the CSR/CSP and got the bonus on both again.

Yep! Thats what I was thinking - that he apply after 10/24/18 and then double dip CSP/CSR.

 

[Albort]

Really enjoying my Ameriprise Platinum and went to the Philadelphia and Las Vegas Centurion lounges. Both were excellent value. I also used the Amex FHR booking twice in Vegas. Ill likely keep the Platinum next year!

they tell me the Amex Ameriprise Platinum is churnable... so no fees every year!

 

[calypso726]

I am curious about the AmEx FHR benefit -- I am thinking about this for Universal in December. Is the primary value in the resort credit?

We used it at the Wynn in Vegas. We were there for 3 nights. FHR has 4th night free at select properties. The breakfast credit was $40 per person for 2 people. Breakfast there was expensive so that came in handy, so the breakfast value was $240. The resort credit was able to be used for a resort service, not hotel fees. I used the $100 credit for a spa service and was able to get a nice massage on property. Noon check in meant we could go straight to the room and 4 pm check out meant we didn't have to leave early. Free wifi was nice too. We were upgraded upon arrival as well.

I always look at the direct price vs FHR and factor in the benefits before choosing which way to go. When we booked the Wynn FHR made better sense after factoring in the benefits.

If I were to book Ashford Castle in Ireland again, I'd likely book direct unless FHR was offering 3rd or 4th night free with the property. Free breakfast is included when booking direct, the upgrade isn't that important to me, wifi is included direct and the $100 food and beverage credit doesn't cover the cost difference for booking direct vs FHR on the lower tier rooms. 625 euros ($767/$3835 for 5 nights) direct vs 690 ($847/$4235 for 5 nights) euros each night with FHR. A junior stateroom though is the same cost 1550 euros ($1902) each night when booking via FHR or direct. If I was booking that type of room then I'd book through FHR. At over double the price, I clearly won't be doing that.

I also factor in points earning. If we book with FHR and the personal platinum card we get 5x MR which is 21,175 MR points vs direct paying with the CSR 11,505. If my MR is worth $326 at 1.54 (due to Amex Plat business card that DH has) and my UR are worth $172 at 1.5. After all is said and done and I factor in points earning as part of the value, then booking with FHR my stay winds up at $3809 ($4235-$326-$100) vs direct with my CSR at $3663 ($3835-$172). Without the Amex Plat business card which can be used for pay with points at 1.54 I wouldn't even need to do the math because I'd be looking at a .01 MR value.

In order to get the best value for my buck and benefits, I'd book one night with FHR and the other nights with CSR. This way, I come out ahead mathematically. So, play with numbers and see what works best.

 

[AmyAnne]

We used it at the Wynn in Vegas. We were there for 3 nights. FHR has 4th night free at select properties. The breakfast credit was $40 per person for 2 people. Breakfast there was expensive so that came in handy, so the breakfast value was $240. The resort credit was able to be used for a resort service, not hotel fees. I used the $100 credit for a spa service and was able to get a nice massage on property. Noon check in meant we could go straight to the room and 4 pm check out meant we didn't have to leave early. Free wifi was nice too. We were upgraded upon arrival as well.

I always look at the direct price vs FHR and factor in the benefits before choosing which way to go. When we booked the Wynn FHR made better sense after factoring in the benefits.

If I were to book Ashford Castle in Ireland again, I'd likely book direct unless FHR was offering 3rd or 4th night free with the property. Free breakfast is included when booking direct, the upgrade isn't that important to me, wifi is included direct and the $100 food and beverage credit doesn't cover the cost difference for booking direct vs FHR on the lower tier rooms. 625 euros ($767/$3835 for 5 nights) direct vs 690 ($847/$4235 for 5 nights) euros each night with FHR. A junior stateroom though is the same cost 1550 euros ($1902) each night when booking via FHR or direct. If I was booking that type of room then I'd book through FHR. At over double the price, I clearly won't be doing that.

I also factor in points earning. If we book with FHR and the personal platinum card we get 5x MR which is 21,175 MR points vs direct paying with the CSR 11,505. If my MR is worth $326 at 1.54 (due to Amex Plat business card that DH has) and my UR are worth $172 at 1.5. After all is said and done and I factor in points earning as part of the value, then booking with FHR my stay winds up at $3809 ($4235-$326-$100) vs direct with my CSR at $3663 ($3835-$172). Without the Amex Plat business card which can be used for pay with points at 1.54 I wouldn't even need to do the math because I'd be looking at a .01 MR value.

In order to get the best value for my buck and benefits, I'd book one night with FHR and the other nights with CSR. This way, I come out ahead mathematically. So, play with numbers and see what works best.

Thanks for this helpful explanation. It looks like the Portofino might already be sold out for the week before Christmas -- I might call and find out, just out of curiosity. Although we actually like the Royal Pacific better . . .

Also, DoC has a post this morning about possible new FHR benefits, including "You’ll be able to use Pay With Points on fine hotels & resorts. Keep in mind the business Platinum offers a 35% rebate on these bookings."

Is there a 35% rebate already on hotel bookings generally (just not FHR), or would this be a new benefit?

 

[calypso726]

Thanks for this helpful explanation. It looks like the Portofino might already be sold out for the week before Christmas -- I might call and find out, just out of curiosity. Although we actually like the Royal Pacific better . . .

Also, DoC has a post this morning about possible new FHR benefits, including "You’ll be able to use Pay With Points on fine hotels & resorts. Keep in mind the business Platinum offers a 35% rebate on these bookings."

Is there a 35% rebate already on hotel bookings generally (just not FHR), or would this be a new benefit?

You’re welcome. As for the 35% back on hotels, not that I’m aware. I included it as part of my valuation for my own MR points. When I use the MR points to redeem airfare I will get 35% back which is the minimum. More often I transfer to an airline and get greater value. But the least I will get out of the points is 1.54. Hope that clarified why I included it.

 

[wiscbugs]

Does anyone know definitely if Chase's 5/24 rule is based on days or months? For example, if I went down to 4/24 on 2/11, could I apply on 2/12 or do I need to wait until 3/1? I believe it to be the former but was hoping someone could confirm. Thanks!

 

[havaneselover]

Does anyone know definitely if Chase's 5/24 rule is based on days or months? For example, if I went down to 4/24 on 2/11, could I apply on 2/12 or do I need to wait until 3/1? I believe it to be the former but was hoping someone could confirm. Thanks!

Days.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Does anyone know definitely if Chase's 5/24 rule is based on days or months? For example, if I went down to 4/24 on 2/11, could I apply on 2/12 or do I need to wait until 3/1? I believe it to be the former but was hoping someone could confirm. Thanks!

Days.

So the way I've seen it - all new accounts are dated as of the first of a month. I know that my wife has 2 accounts dated 4/1/16 so on 4/2/18 I believe she will be under the 5/24 limit. You are saying you go under on 2/11/18 but that seems unlikely - you probably either go under 5/24 on 2/2/18 or 3/2/18 based on how that account is dated on your credit report. Hopefully this clarification helps.

 

[Ngwira]

I am curious about the AmEx FHR benefit -- I am thinking about this for Universal in December. Is the primary value in the resort credit?

You get a resort credit, plus an upgrade at check in if available. You also get early check in and late check out which is worth it's weight in gold sometimes.

 

[Ngwira]

they tell me the Amex Ameriprise Platinum is churnable... so no fees every year!

Yes, I heard that. sweet!

 

[havaneselover]

So the way I've seen it - all new accounts are dated as of the first of a month. I know that my wife has 2 accounts dated 4/1/16 so on 4/2/18 I believe she will be under the 5/24 limit. You are saying you go under on 2/11/18 but that seems unlikely - you probably either go under 5/24 on 2/2/18 or 3/2/18 based on how that account is dated on your credit report. Hopefully this clarification helps.

All I know is on 12/11/17, it had been exactly two years since my 5th oldest account was opened. I applied for CIP 12/13 and was approved. Maybe I was in the clear a week or so earlier???

 

[Ngwira]

BOA sent me this... is this a hard pull since it's a business card? Anyone know?

Plus, you can get a $200 statement credit.*

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Earn a $200 statement credit bonus* when you make at least $500 in purchases in the first 60 days. View terms and conditions.

 

[gottalovepluto]

BOA sent me this... is this a hard pull since it's a business card? Anyone know?...

Business cards result in hard pulls exactly like personal cards. Where it differs is that some business cards (like Chase, Amex) don't show on your personal credit report as accounts. Idk on BoA business cards but I'm sure someone here would know whether BoA biz cards show on your personal credit report?

 

[gottalovepluto]

My fam member FINALLY got there 2,700 missing UR points from the CSR Chase Pay Best Buy promo! Told me they went into their account today and saw 2,700 UR points available even though their statement hadn't closed so yay! I was convinced we'd have to fight Chase for the points in a couple months, very happy to be wrong.