I love credit cards so much!

[wendow]

All the RAT stories do have me anxious about trying to meet the 7k on the spg biz. If I cannot meet the spend without using plastiq, should I just not bother going for that card considering this new language they are using?

 

[KSR0330]

Wow, thanks for all of the great advice. Yes, SouthFayette Fan, it's a bit overwhelming, but exciting! To answer some questions, yes, I've looked at my credit report through Credit Karma. I am 1/24 (I got my SW RR card 3/2017). I am also all set up with DISchurners.

Would it work if I cancelled my current SW card in 3/2019 (after anniversary reward points post) and then apply for both SW cards in 4/2019 to get the CP? I don't understand how DS getting a SW card could help with a companion pass. If it entails him getting the two cards, he definitely won't do that. I was just hoping to get the referral and for us to have his bonus RR points.

I don't spend much other than food, gas and things that DS needs. I don't think I'd be able to do the 7,000 spend in 3 months for the double dip. I'll have to really look at upcoming expenses to see if there's any way possible to do that right now.

Would the CIP be difficult for me to get? I have sold some things on amazon in the past. I may be able to swing 5,000 spend in 3 months now. After that maybe I could do the CSP/CSR double dip (college expenses by then) and put DS on the CSP as an AU for the 5,000 additional UR. Then the SW cards next year? Should I do a PC to the no AF Disney or do I have to cancel it to get the no AF card with $200 statement credit (I know.... but I JUST CAN'T LET GO OF IT!)? Does it count toward my 5/24?

Sorry, so many questions! In all of this I would like to still consider the SPG. I'm not sure how that would fit in.

Thanks again, everyone! I wouldn't be able to do this without all of you!

 

[afan]

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.

I would first need/want UA points That's great info though on how to maximize for anyone that does want UA. I'd only earn 300-500 miles a year since I don't drink sb everyday. I'm a hot chocolate gal, don't like coffee. If I spent more it would be worth it simply as a just in case.

 

[speedyfishy]

Wow, thanks for all of the great advice. Yes, SouthFayette Fan, it's a bit overwhelming, but exciting! To answer some questions, yes, I've looked at my credit report through Credit Karma. I am 1/24 (I got my SW RR card 3/2017). I am also all set up with DISchurners.

Would it work if I cancelled my current SW card in 3/2019 (after anniversary reward points post) and then apply for both SW cards in 4/2019 to get the CP? I don't understand how DS getting a SW card could help with a companion pass. If it entails him getting the two cards, he definitely won't do that. I was just hoping to get the referral and for us to have his bonus RR points.

This would work. You need 110k points to post in the same calander year. Typically the cards offer 50k points that plus the points from the spend would leave you 6k points short. You can meet that with spend or using the Southwest shopping portal. sometimes they offer 60k points. I got the companion pass when both cards were offering 60k points. As long as you are under 5/24 in April 2019 and Southwest has both cards with high bonuses you should be good. Nothing in this game is guaranteed though.


Would the CIP be difficult for me to get? I have sold some things on amazon in the past. I may be able to swing 5,000 spend in 3 months now. After that maybe I could do the CSP/CSR double dip (college expenses by then) and put DS on the CSP as an AU for the 5,000 additional UR. Then the SW cards next year? Should I do a PC to the no AF Disney or do I have to cancel it to get the no AF card with $200 statement credit (I know.... but I JUST CAN'T LET GO OF IT!)? Does it count toward my 5/24?

The CIP can be tricky to get. I didn’t get automatically approved, but after a few days I got an approval with listing $5 as revenue. Selling things on Amazon is definitely a business. If you can I would say you had more than $5 in revenue lol. My SO said he had 2k in revenue and got denied. we are going to call reconsideration tomorrow. The worst they can do is say no. I think with the 80,000 UR points it’s one of the better cards out there. It’s worth at least $1000 in travel and the points can be transferred to Southwest. If you have trouble meeting the spend you can open a PNC bank account online and fund 2k to a checking account and 2k to a savings account. I did that since I am student and don’t have big expenses. I then paid off the credit card from the PNC account.

I wouldn’t cancel the card. It is helping your average age of accounts. I would either PC it to the no fee one or just leave it. If you PC you can’t get the card with $200 though. But I also don’t think the $200 is worth a 5/24 spot.

I think the CIP then waiting a bit and getting the CSP and CSR would be a good option. 7k is intimadating especially because AMEX is cracking down on manufactured spending. You can’t fund a PNC account with AMEX. But, AMEX is easier to get business cards.[/QUOTE]

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Wow, thanks for all of the great advice. Yes, SouthFayette Fan, it's a bit overwhelming, but exciting! To answer some questions, yes, I've looked at my credit report through Credit Karma. I am 1/24 (I got my SW RR card 3/2017). I am also all set up with DISchurners.

Would it work if I cancelled my current SW card in 3/2019 (after anniversary reward points post) and then apply for both SW cards in 4/2019 to get the CP? I don't understand how DS getting a SW card could help with a companion pass. If it entails him getting the two cards, he definitely won't do that. I was just hoping to get the referral and for us to have his bonus RR points.

I don't spend much other than food, gas and things that DS needs. I don't think I'd be able to do the 7,000 spend in 3 months for the double dip. I'll have to really look at upcoming expenses to see if there's any way possible to do that right now.

Would the CIP be difficult for me to get? I have sold some things on amazon in the past. I may be able to swing 5,000 spend in 3 months now. After that maybe I could do the CSP/CSR double dip (college expenses by then) and put DS on the CSP as an AU for the 5,000 additional UR. Then the SW cards next year? Should I do a PC to the no AF Disney or do I have to cancel it to get the no AF card with $200 statement credit (I know.... but I JUST CAN'T LET GO OF IT!)? Does it count toward my 5/24?

Sorry, so many questions! In all of this I would like to still consider the SPG. I'm not sure how that would fit in.

Thanks again, everyone! I wouldn't be able to do this without all of you!

I know you said your husband isn't crazy about all of this...BUT You could downgrade your Disney card to the no AF version and then refer you Husband to it. Earn a $100 Disney gift card AND a $200 stmt credit and keep your card open...Win, Win, WIN! Haha.

 

[mefordis]

Same thing happened to me Thursday. I checked online with my ss # and it confirmed that I had been approved but it was really weird.

Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[Alice Sr.]

I of course love them for Delta...but this is a pretty thorough article-https://upgradedpoints.com/redeem-amex-membership-rewards-points-for-max-value/

Wow, what a great article, thank you for sharing!

Yes, absolutely! I value MR but not the same way I value SPG or UR. That said, they are still a very important part of my miles/points portfolio. For me I value variable points and miles in this order - SPG, UR, MR and then TYP (which I tend to neglect). I spend most of my time earning and juggling the first 3. I value miles over cash back mostly due to the type of travel we are geared towards. Since SPG transfers to over 30 airlines and kicks in 5K miles for every 20K transfer I do, it is my most valuable card. Nearly all of my non category spend is going on the SPG card. UR is next because I am able to earn UR faster thanks to the bonus categories like 5x on the Ink+ at Office Supply stores and 5x Freedom categories. Also, if I decide to "pay with points" in the travel portal they are valued at 1.5 and I will need less points up front to pay for travel with UR than I will with MR. DH still has the Amex Plat biz card which gets you 1.54 when redeemed for travel. However, that 1.54 is after you get your 35% of points back. So I need 100% of points at .01 in place to pay for travel then I have to wait a month or 2 to get 35% of them back and reach the 1.54 value.

Here's the other thing which I have done as well. If you find yourself needing to cancel an MR card that you weren't planning to keep and the AF is due but still have MR points you don't want to lose open up an Amex Everyday no fee card and keep it. Those points from the Everyday card still transfer to airlines and will keep your MR points "alive" when you need to cancel MR cards with a high AF like all the bloody Platinum cards.

For some, the Everyday Preferred card with the $95 AF makes more sense. The no fee card earns 2x at grocery stores up to $6k in spend and a 20% bonus for all MR earned on the card if you make 20 purchases in a billing cycle. The Everyday Preferred card earns 3x on grocery stores up to $6K in spend and 2x at gas stations with a 50% bonus on all MR earned for 30 purchases in a billing cycle. DH and I ran the numbers and for us the no fee card works best for me and my spend and the AF card works best for him. I have it just to keep MR points alive but don't bother with trying to hit the 20% bonus unless there are some great Amex offers on the cards and it's worth the effort on a given month. For DH, who does all the grocery shopping it makes sense. He is able to do the 30 transactions a month and hit the 50% by dividing up grocery purchases into 2 or 3 transactions on each trip, purchasing .50 cent Amazon gift cards and has a vending machine at work that takes credit cards.

Looks like I will be adding the AMEX Plat Biz before using my MRs.

Congratulations! I'm so glad you went ahead and applied for the SPG Biz and didn't let your recent Platinum deter you!

My SPG Biz took a little over a week to 10 days to arrive, so hopefully the Points dot com sale on Starpoints is still going on when you get your card. Buying points isn't necessarily for everyone, but it can really pay off to have enough Starpoints to take advantage of the fact that you’ll receive 5,000 bonus miles for every 20,000 Starpoints transferred to a partner airline, and you'll receive your fifth night free when you redeem Starpoints for Free Night awards at SPG hotels and resorts.

I think my approval said 2-3 days, which was what the AMEX Plat took, fingers crossed. My window will actually be a little shorter, I'm going to have to have it by Saturday otherwise I will be out of town.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Does the AMEX Plat Uber credit accumulate over the year or expire monthly? Have looked around for this info but can't seem to find it. Thanks

 

[speedyfishy]

Does the AMEX Plat Uber credit accumulate over the year or expire monthly? Have looked around for this info but can't seem to find it. Thanks

Monthly. $15 every month with an extra $20 in December.

 

[Lain]

Does the AMEX Plat Uber credit accumulate over the year or expire monthly? Have looked around for this info but can't seem to find it. Thanks

$15 credit is deposited to your Uber account on the 1st of every month, with an extra $20 in December. Use it by the end of the month, or lose it. There’s a weird overlap of a few hours at the end of each month when the next month’s credit becomes available (after midnight ET) but the current month’s credit may still be available (PT? Hawaii Time?). You can also use Uber credits for UberEATS if they deliver in your area.

 

[3 DD love princesses]

We haven't flown much recently, so I have no favorites, but I believe Southwest would be a likely airline using BWI. Most of our travel has been road trips during the last few years. We travel a lot for the kids' sports plus a few family road trips that we tack on where possible. We have spent a small fortune (for us) on hotels, rental cars, gas, meals, etc. with no points to show for it! We drive to Florida (but not always WDW) every year or so. We might have flown but we were deterred by the cost for 4 of us. We also try to get some time at the beach every summer (Myrtle is our favorite). We would certainly be open to air travel if I can make it affordable.

My short term goal is to save money on the sports travel and/or earn points to pay for family travel. Stretch goal is I would love to go to WDW during Thanksgiving break. It would be a shorter trip that would require us to fly. Previously, I thought it would never happen but, after reading and learning, I am thinking it may be possible LOL!

The only recent card we have added is Chase Disney (DH with me as AU) about 1+ year ago. I don't currently have a business but I could be thinking of starting one. Can I get approved in advance of getting the business rolling? There's no branch around here so I'd have to apply online. How good does your credit have to be? What's the best way to check it? (there are so many LOL) How to decide if it would it be better for me to apply or DH?

Also check dca as I originally had our flights bwi to mco $143 each but dca to mco was $40. Same dates. These were with swa.

Sorry for the late chime in. We were at dw till the 26th and still playing catch up

 

[kmc8826]

Wow, thanks for all of the great advice. Yes, SouthFayette Fan, it's a bit overwhelming, but exciting! To answer some questions, yes, I've looked at my credit report through Credit Karma. I am 1/24 (I got my SW RR card 3/2017). I am also all set up with DISchurners.

Would it work if I cancelled my current SW card in 3/2019 (after anniversary reward points post) and then apply for both SW cards in 4/2019 to get the CP? I don't understand how DS getting a SW card could help with a companion pass. If it entails him getting the two cards, he definitely won't do that. I was just hoping to get the referral and for us to have his bonus RR points.

I don't spend much other than food, gas and things that DS needs. I don't think I'd be able to do the 7,000 spend in 3 months for the double dip. I'll have to really look at upcoming expenses to see if there's any way possible to do that right now.

Would the CIP be difficult for me to get? I have sold some things on amazon in the past. I may be able to swing 5,000 spend in 3 months now. After that maybe I could do the CSP/CSR double dip (college expenses by then) and put DS on the CSP as an AU for the 5,000 additional UR. Then the SW cards next year? Should I do a PC to the no AF Disney or do I have to cancel it to get the no AF card with $200 statement credit (I know.... but I JUST CAN'T LET GO OF IT!)? Does it count toward my 5/24?

Sorry, so many questions! In all of this I would like to still consider the SPG. I'm not sure how that would fit in.

Thanks again, everyone! I wouldn't be able to do this without all of you!

Yes just product change your Disney. Getting a new card (for both you and DH does count against 5/24).

As long as you are not 5/24 and have good credit the CIP shouldn’t be that hard to get and is a great option if you are good to do a business card. DH got his with an business that doesn’t even really fit into any of their categories. They just approved him right away (this was last May).

 

[GlamMistress]

All the RAT stories do have me anxious about trying to meet the 7k on the spg biz. If I cannot meet the spend without using plastiq, should I just not bother going for that card considering this new language they are using?

I want to know this too - people on DOC are debating it... but no one really seems to know. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/amex...ents-cash-equivalents-amex-gc-earning-points/

This matters a lot right now since many are thinking of paying taxes by Plastiq. Including me.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Wow, thanks for all of the great advice. Yes, SouthFayette Fan, it's a bit overwhelming, but exciting! To answer some questions, yes, I've looked at my credit report through Credit Karma. I am 1/24 (I got my SW RR card 3/2017). I am also all set up with DISchurners.

Would it work if I cancelled my current SW card in 3/2019 (after anniversary reward points post) and then apply for both SW cards in 4/2019 to get the CP? I don't understand how DS getting a SW card could help with a companion pass. If it entails him getting the two cards, he definitely won't do that. I was just hoping to get the referral and for us to have his bonus RR points.

I don't spend much other than food, gas and things that DS needs. I don't think I'd be able to do the 7,000 spend in 3 months for the double dip. I'll have to really look at upcoming expenses to see if there's any way possible to do that right now.

Would the CIP be difficult for me to get? I have sold some things on amazon in the past. I may be able to swing 5,000 spend in 3 months now. After that maybe I could do the CSP/CSR double dip (college expenses by then) and put DS on the CSP as an AU for the 5,000 additional UR. Then the SW cards next year? Should I do a PC to the no AF Disney or do I have to cancel it to get the no AF card with $200 statement credit (I know.... but I JUST CAN'T LET GO OF IT!)? Does it count toward my 5/24?

Sorry, so many questions! In all of this I would like to still consider the SPG. I'm not sure how that would fit in.

Thanks again, everyone! I wouldn't be able to do this without all of you!

CIP: apply with your Amazon biz. The worst that happens is you get a hard pull and no card. Most get a message to wait and then within a week or two are approved. Some people need to call in for ID verification. It's NOT a guarantee you'll be approved but definitely worth a shot imho.

Downgrading the Disney won't count as a new card but you won't get the $200 statement credit offer. Love the idea of having your DH get the Disney instead of you. Doesn't mean you can't keep it in your wallet

Definitely take a look at your expenses and determine how much you can handle & when. It will help you determine what cards in what order.

 

[wendow]

I want to know this too - people on DOC are debating it... but no one really seems to know. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/amex...ents-cash-equivalents-amex-gc-earning-points/

This matters a lot right now since many are thinking of paying taxes by Plastiq. Including me.

I just cannot meet the MSR on the SPG 7k offer unless I can use plastiq. I really, really want the SPG biz and I wish I had the extra money to just prepay stuff but we don't. We have spent about $15-18k OOP each year the last three years on medical bills for one kiddo and I do not want to 'tap' savings anymore. My dh would not be happy. He plays nice with all this but he wouldn't be happy with that. I either meet SPG biz spend with plastiq or it's just a no-go for us

Gonna read through the DOC post to see what is being said.

 

[calypso726]

I just cannot meet the MSR on the SPG 7k offer unless I can use plastiq. I really, really want the SPG biz and I wish I had the extra money to just prepay stuff but we don't. We have spent about $15-18k OOP each year the last three years on medical bills for one kiddo and I do want to 'tap' savings anymore. My dh would not be happy. He plays nice with all this but he wouldn't be happy with that. I either meet SPG biz spend with plastiq or it's just a no-go for us

Gonna read through the DOC post to see what is being said.

Those T&C seem to be specific to Amex MR. The Amex SPG doesn't earn MR and is not on the list of cards.

Edited to add: Just saw the same verbiage on the offer terms for SPG.

 

[Lain]

All the RAT stories do have me anxious about trying to meet the 7k on the spg biz. If I cannot meet the spend without using plastiq, should I just not bother going for that card considering this new language they are using?

I just cannot meet the MSR on the SPG 7k offer unless I can use plastiq. I really, really want the SPG biz and I wish I had the extra money to just prepay stuff but we don't. We have spent about $15-18k OOP each year the last three years on medical bills for one kiddo and I do want to 'tap' savings anymore. My dh would not be happy. He plays nice with all this but he wouldn't be happy with that. I either meet SPG biz spend with plastiq or it's just a no-go for us

Gonna read through the DOC post to see what is being said.

You’ll want to read the discussion on the churning subreddit too: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/82053r/amex_updates_terms_to_exclude_peer_payments_cash/

and

https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/81ww5c/comment/dv6fqwk?st=JEDQWZ2E&sh=2a57c831

There’s a lot of F.U.D. that the new terms mean no Plastiq, but comments from the regulars seem to think Plastiq is fine and I agree. Plastiq is not a P2P payment service. Although people often try to get crafty to get Plastiq to pay themselves, their SO, spouse, friend, or family, a lot of these payments do get caught and rejected by Plastiq, and I’ve seen data points about Plastiq issuing accompanying notices that it is not a P2P service and such payments are not allowed on their platform. The downtime back in October-November 2017 when we couldn’t use Amex on Plastiq suggests to me that whatever issues Amex had with Plastiq as a service have been worked out so that Plastiq plays by Amex’s rules, at least enough that Amex was satisfied enough to allow its cards on the service again with new restrictions.

I’m going to be using Plastiq heavily to meet the MSR on DW’s SPG Biz, and I’m really contemplating throwing everything we’ve got on Plastiq to wrap up the spend in 1.5-2 months. I’d let you know if it works out, but the current 35k offer ends on 3/28/18, and I won’t be able to meet the spend that soon.

 

[wendow]

Those T&C seem to be specific to Amex MR. The Amex SPG doesn't earn MR and is not on the list of cards.

Good to know. I missed which cards this applies to.

 

[calypso726]

Good to know. I missed which cards this applies to.

Just edited my post. DOC article was on the MR terms. Unfortunately the offer terms on SPG have the same verbiage.

 

[Lain]

Just edited my post. DOC article was on the MR terms. Unfortunately the offer terms on SPG have the same verbiage.

Yup, someone reported this on Reddit:

Just applied for Amex SPG Biz. Looked over the terms, they had this in them: Eligible purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, cash advances, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or purchases of other cash equivalents.