I love credit cards so much!

[snugglebug]

Did anyone else receive this offer on their CSR-

As an added benefit this year, Chase invites you to enjoy complimentary Gold Status at Shell through the Fuel Rewards® loyalty program through December 31, 2018.* With Gold Status you'll save at least 5¢ per gallon (up to 20 gallons) on every fill-up at Shell stations this year.

I received it for my CSP and did the registration. I haven't used it yet, it sounds like it will work for both my CSP and CSR. I haven't looked into it much. We were looking for a gas station, I remembered it so set it up, but we found a different station first.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Looks like RAT team at work again.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/amex...ents-cash-equivalents-amex-gc-earning-points/

cash equivalent and peer to peer transfers will no longer earn points.

Annoying because Venmo is great for paying the sitter etc.

 

[Lain]

Annoying because Venmo is great for paying the sitter etc.

Why aren’t you using CIP with Venmo? CIP earns 3x UR.

If it weren’t for all the great signup offers on Amex cards, it’s a wonder I even bother to use them. Amex makes it so hard to put any kind of meaningful spend on their cards, from gaps in merchants that even accept Amex to their insane rules on signup bonuses and categories.

 

[afan]

Looks like RAT team at work again.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/amex...ents-cash-equivalents-amex-gc-earning-points/

cash equivalent and peer to peer transfers will no longer earn points.

If I understand this correctly, unless they look at the level 3 data, a disney, amazon or starbucks gc thrown in with my groceries should still be ok right?

If spending seems normal, would they have a reason to look at that data?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

If I understand this correctly, unless they look at the level 3 data, a disney, amazon or starbucks gc thrown in with my groceries should still be ok right?

If spending seems normal, would they have a reason to look at that data?

I'd be surprised if they are after store gift cards like you mention. They're chasing cash-equivalent cards (i.e. Visa GCs). If they started excluding buying a Disney card at Target they will have lots of problems with non-churners, just think about Aunt Sally who buys her nephew a $50 Gamestop card for his birthday. They'd waste countless time and money on the phone dealing with complaints like that. I'm also not sure if something like a Target or Amazon gift card is communicated in the level 3 data. I know the Visa GCs are...

This is all my opinion, but I hope (and feel) that I'm right.

 

[kmc8826]

Okay, I have been reading the thread (and trying to figure out Reddit) and reading DoC and I feel like I'm ready to "present" to you guys! Currently have Chase Disney Premier (1/2015), Chase Southwest RR (3/2017), and very old Discover, BoA, Capital One. I use my Disney for grocery and gas and pay it off as I go. I know...but I like the Disney reward money and the discounts that I get while in WDW. I also have Target and various store CC.

Goals and Things to Consider:
*love free flights using SW points
*want rewards to use on US/WDW resorts or on discount park tickets through UT
*wouldn't mind trying the swan/dolphin, so am now wondering if SPG is an option. I'm worried that it's an AMEX card and wonder if that will impact my purchases to get the bonus. I mostly spend on food and gas.
*DS is beginning college in the fall and there's a Starwood owned hotel super close to his school. I plan on traveling (there and to other colleges where he'll be playing lacrosse) throughout late winter/spring of 2019.
* I want a card that I can list DS above as an AU. Again, would AMEX be less useful for him to have at college?
*Not really interested in a business card as of now.

Plans as of now are WDW in May 2019 with just DS. I have SW points for this and Disney rewards and gift cards (from Swagbucks, Shopkicks, Bing, etc), so I'm pretty good for this trip. 2020 will bring an expensive US/WDW trip for 5. I'll have some SW points for that and that's it. Don't have a definite plan for this trip, maybe a split stay between the two, both on property.

I'm not looking to be a fast churner. I wouldn't mind opening up a couple of cards that are useful in the long run (if that's even a thing) in earning me rewards. I'm also not adverse to opening an additional card here and there that are offering great bonuses. BTW, single player mode here. DH thinks this is all crazy!

I definitely want to earn more SW points. I MAY be able to talk DH into getting ONE SW card.

So I was thinking first the CSR for UR? Maybe the Southwest Premier (which is no rush since I don't need SW points until 2020)? But what about the SPG? So many options! I can't wait to hear some recommendations! TIA!

You already have gotten some awesome responses. I share your love of the Disney Premier. I know there might be better cards for grocery stores and gas but as of right now I don’t see the value of wasting a spot on them. I also like the free Disney money!

I am not a Southwest expert so can’t help you there, but would suggest you focus on the Ultimate Reward points. As suggested double dip (assuming you can meet the spend) and get Preferred and Reserve same time. Those UR points can always transfer to SW. You can also use those at Starwood properties through the Chase Portal. I have the SPG personal for the ability to transfer to airlines such as Delta, but the other benefits are a waste. I know the points are valuable but straight across the board with no bonus categories it is a little frustrating. For your DS I do think a Visa of some sort would be a lot easier. If you got the Preferred you get bonus points for adding the AU anyway. The Reserve is so valuable in the Portal that it might be worth spending the money to add him as an AU on it too. Another option is the Freedom Unlimited with him as an AU.

 

[afan]

I'd be surprised if they are after store gift cards like you mention. They're chasing cash-equivalent cards (i.e. Visa GCs). If they started excluding buying a Disney card at Target they will have lots of problems with non-churners, just think about Aunt Sally who buys her nephew a $50 Gamestop card for his birthday. They'd waste countless time and money on the phone dealing with complaints like that. I'm also not sure if something like a Target or Amazon gift card is communicated in the level 3 data. I know the Visa GCs are...

This is all my opinion, but I hope (and feel) that I'm right.

I think that makes sense. I don't generally buy more than $100 in a month but unless it's a quarterly category I do all of my amazon shopping with giftcards. And I should probably start loading my card at starbucks to get the 3x on CSR instead of buying them for the fuel points. It's just easier this way. I wonder if reloading through the app codes 3x, hmm...

 

[kmc8826]

Why aren’t you using CIP with Venmo? CIP earns 3x UR.

If it weren’t for all the great signup offers on Amex cards, it’s a wonder I even bother to use them. Amex makes it so hard to put any kind of meaningful spend on their cards, from gaps in merchants that even accept Amex to their insane rules on signup bonuses and categories.

That is how I am feeling right now. Logically I know that getting the SPG business makes sense but honestly I am exhausted after dealing with Amex and my husband’s card and the Rat team. I just want a Visa that I can spend at Costco and not worry about all the little possible rules! $7000 is a ton to spend and then have them say it somehow doesn’t fit their rules for the bonus.

 

[kmc8826]

I think that makes sense. I don't generally buy more than $100 in a month but unless it's a quarterly category I do all of my amazon shopping with giftcards. And I should probably start loading my card at starbucks to get the 3x on CSR instead of buying them for the fuel points. It's just easier this way. I wonder if reloading through the app codes 3x, hmm...

It does 3x because it codes as a restaurant. If you are not maxed out on the Freedom 5x Starbucks is also super easy for Apple Wallet and Chase Pay.

 

[Lain]

Hey I have a conundrum. So we are going to Oahu 5/12-5/20 and traveling with friends that have no travel perks or miles and the only request is that we fly on Hawaiian Airlines (we want the full Hawaii experience. Ha! ). There is no logical loophole to use our 130k UR's to book an award on Hawaiian, right? Last time we transferred to BA to book on Alaska but Alaska is more expensive for our flight dates anyway. I don't want to push our friends into a more expensive flight so we can use miles. The only way I can think to swing it is if we simply book through Chase but for the $608 flight I think it will cost 42k UR per person or so. Pretty rough when I got our last award to Hawaii for like 25k round trip. I'm torn between "free flights" and saving the UR for a better value and paying up front.

Is the anything I'm not seeing here? Thoughts?

The only thing I can think of offhand is Chase UR>Marriott 1:1, Marriott>SPG 3:1, SPG>HawaiianMiles 1:1 (possibly 1:1.25 for every 20k Starpoints transferred, you get 5k bonus HawaiianMiles). I haven’t done the math, but it doesn’t seem to me like it’d be a good value.

I know time is tight, but have you considered signing up for Barclaycard’s HawaiianMiles credit card? The standard public offer is 35k HA miles after $1k spend in 90 days, but you can often pull up a 50k miles offer by making a dummy booking on HawaiianAirlines . com, and you might be offered a chance to apply with the enhanced offer before you checkout.

But yes, last resort would probably be to use UR points to book HA flights through the Chase travel portal.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

That is how I am feeling right now. Logically I know that getting the SPG business makes sense but honestly I am exhausted after dealing with Amex and my husband’s card and the Rat team. I just want a Visa that I can spend at Costco and not worry about all the little possible rules! $7000 is a ton to spend and then have them say it somehow doesn’t fit their rules for the bonus.

Don't let all of these scary AMEX RAT team posts get you down. If you are able to meet an AMEX min. spend organically you will have no issues. I know I've said this before but I've earned 19 AMEX bonuses in the past 20 months, 9 of them in the last 9 months, and had no issues whatsoever.

These changes are directed at those that are either MSing (manufactured spending) or using some sort of alternative methods to hit the min. spend. Now if that's your game, I think there is validity to your comment, but otherwise don't let it get you down

 

[afan]

It does 3x because it codes as a restaurant. If you are not maxed out on the Freedom 5x Starbucks is also super easy for Apple Wallet and Chase Pay.

Awesome I'll start loading it in the app instead. I was concerned the app might code different than in store. I don't have the CF because I would never max the cats, don't on my discover, just not enough spending here, which is a good thing. I have the CFU for everyday stuff.

 

[Lain]

I think that makes sense. I don't generally buy more than $100 in a month but unless it's a quarterly category I do all of my amazon shopping with giftcards. And I should probably start loading my card at starbucks to get the 3x on CSR instead of buying them for the fuel points. It's just easier this way. I wonder if reloading through the app codes 3x, hmm...

Awesome I'll start loading it in the app instead. I was concerned the app might code different than in store. I don't have the CF because I would never max the cats, don't on my discover, just not enough spending here, which is a good thing. I have the CFU for everyday stuff.

Or buy Starbucks e-gift cards from MPX for 1x UA mile (+25% bonus if you have a MileagePlus Visa tied to your MPX account) + 3x UR points (dining category) per $1 using the CSR. E-gift card code is generated automatically and gives you the option to copy the code, launch your Starbucks app, and load the code to your account.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Okay, I have been reading the thread (and trying to figure out Reddit) and reading DoC and I feel like I'm ready to "present" to you guys! Currently have Chase Disney Premier (1/2015), Chase Southwest RR (3/2017), and very old Discover, BoA, Capital One. I use my Disney for grocery and gas and pay it off as I go. I know...but I like the Disney reward money and the discounts that I get while in WDW. I also have Target and various store CC.

Goals and Things to Consider:
*love free flights using SW points
*want rewards to use on US/WDW resorts or on discount park tickets through UT
*wouldn't mind trying the swan/dolphin, so am now wondering if SPG is an option. I'm worried that it's an AMEX card and wonder if that will impact my purchases to get the bonus. I mostly spend on food and gas.
*DS is beginning college in the fall and there's a Starwood owned hotel super close to his school. I plan on traveling (there and to other colleges where he'll be playing lacrosse) throughout late winter/spring of 2019.
* I want a card that I can list DS above as an AU. Again, would AMEX be less useful for him to have at college?
*Not really interested in a business card as of now.

Plans as of now are WDW in May 2019 with just DS. I have SW points for this and Disney rewards and gift cards (from Swagbucks, Shopkicks, Bing, etc), so I'm pretty good for this trip. 2020 will bring an expensive US/WDW trip for 5. I'll have some SW points for that and that's it. Don't have a definite plan for this trip, maybe a split stay between the two, both on property.

I'm not looking to be a fast churner. I wouldn't mind opening up a couple of cards that are useful in the long run (if that's even a thing) in earning me rewards. I'm also not adverse to opening an additional card here and there that are offering great bonuses. BTW, single player mode here. DH thinks this is all crazy!

I definitely want to earn more SW points. I MAY be able to talk DH into getting ONE SW card.

So I was thinking first the CSR for UR? Maybe the Southwest Premier (which is no rush since I don't need SW points until 2020)? But what about the SPG? So many options! I can't wait to hear some recommendations! TIA!

Hi!! So currently I see you 1/24 depending how many "store cards" you've opened up. Your goals: Disney money, Starwood points, southwest points. Would a Southwest Companion pass be of interest? That takes specific planning & if you want it you'll need to keep that in mind.

As far as SPG: sounds like a good idea. The specific SPG property you have in mind might not be available on points when you want it BUT if traveling to games around the country SPG points could be very valuable becaus they work at SPG & Marriott. We got a Marriott Fairfield Inn in FL nearish to a university for 10k Marriott points last year- that's rare & the bottom of the categories cost wise but it was a nice redemption to us. That's 3,334 SPG points to give you an idea of what you could get from those points in non-tourist traps . The flexibility to swing those points from SPG to Marriott at 1:3 could really work for you. SPG Personal Amex is supposed to go away this year (anytime we don't know when), the best offer right now is 30K on incognito mode https://www.doctorofcredit.com/incr...nuses-incognito-mode-back-list-offers-ymmv-2/ The other option is SPG Biz at 35K until the end of Mar & it's a great offer. As others have said Amex hands out biz cards like Oprah hands out cars (or like everyone who isn't Oprah hands out candy ). Just food for thought as Amex is a great place to get your feet wet with a biz card.

Disney money: That Disney card. Ouch & you already know that. Is 2% worth $49? You could open the no af via link for a $200 stmt credit now and in 24 months it will drop off your 5/24 and you could hit again right before your Disney trip and after you pass 5/24 in 2 years.

URs: an awesome travel currency for FL! Hotels, tickets, rental cars fill in what you need and URs can practically get you there. Your limit is however many you can earn. I'm really not sure where you should start here! CSR has the 50K but comes with basically a $150 AF (which is $150 more than CSP for year 1) minus the precheck/global entry benefit. CSP has the 60K UR and $95 AF. I really hope you reconsider the biz cards because CIP is SO GOOD. 80K UR $95 AF & it doesn't count to 5/24, best UR card out there right now.

I wish I had a more solid "you should" plan but your plans are very long term and a bit flexible and that's nice but makes solid suggestions a bit harder Oh for the days of 1/24!

 

[Lain]

Can I call Chase reconsideration on behalf of my SO? Should I have him give me permission to talk or should I just pretend to be him? I’m a female, but they won’t question anything right?

Just realized if you’re calling about the CIP and SO applied as a sole proprietor, it might come off strange that he’s having a “partner” speak for him. Maybe say you’re his “associate.”

 

[Albort]

hey guys, check your Amex SPG personal account, i just got an offer for bonus points!

Special Limited Time Offer: Register your SPG® Card until 4/5/2018 and earn 5,000 bonus Starpoints® each time you make $5,000 in eligible purchases through 6/10/2018, up to 10,000 bonus Starpoints. Terms Apply.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/targ...sonal-spg-spending-bonuses-4000-15000-points/

 

[pillow]

hey guys, check your Amex SPG personal account, i just got an offer for bonus points!

Special Limited Time Offer: Register your SPG® Card until 4/5/2018 and earn 5,000 bonus Starpoints® each time you make $5,000 in eligible purchases through 6/10/2018, up to 10,000 bonus Starpoints. Terms Apply.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/targ...sonal-spg-spending-bonuses-4000-15000-points/

Where does this appear when you login? I don't see anything on my account - bummer.

 

[Albort]

Where does this appear when you login? I don't see anything on my account - bummer.

once you login, it should appear right on top.

 

[gottalovepluto]

That is how I am feeling right now. Logically I know that getting the SPG business makes sense but honestly I am exhausted after dealing with Amex and my husband’s card and the Rat team. I just want a Visa that I can spend at Costco and not worry about all the little possible rules! $7000 is a ton to spend and then have them say it somehow doesn’t fit their rules for the bonus.

I can understand that one run in with them is one too many. Don't let your experience with them scare you away from Chase though

 

[GlamMistress]

The only thing I can think of offhand is Chase UR>Marriott 1:1, Marriott>SPG 3:1, SPG>HawaiianMiles 1:1 (possibly 1:1.25 for every 20k Starpoints transferred, you get 5k bonus HawaiianMiles). I haven’t done the math, but it doesn’t seem to me like it’d be a good value.

I know time is tight, but have you considered signing up for Barclaycard’s HawaiianMiles credit card? The standard public offer is 35k HA miles after $1k spend in 90 days, but you can often pull up a 50k miles offer by making a dummy booking on HawaiianAirlines . com, and you might be offered a chance to apply with the enhanced offer before you checkout.

But yes, last resort would probably be to use UR points to book HA flights through the Chase travel portal.

@linzjane88 I was messing around and got the dummy booking myself this morning - I've read online that you can call in to HA and ask for the offer too. Also, there's a HA business card that gives 35k miles with just one purchase. Also Barclays, $89 fee.