I love credit cards so much!

[Alexle2007]

DH and I went to Australia for our honeymoon 17 years ago. We would like to take DS10 there in the next couple of years and I am trying to figure out a plan to get us there plus do some other travel. We're in the Baltimore area so BWI, DCA and Dulles are all possibilities. The first time we went we flew SW to LAX, grabbed our bags and checked in with Qantas. Same on the return. Thoughts on best approach?

 

[SBWB48]

Lucky... i wish i live in a state that have tons of benefits! currently can only earn money via higher interest rate. (5% and 3%)

No love for my state either from this bank.

Actually, despite the M&T offer stating that you have to be in a target state, DoC has a TON of DPs from those out of target state that have successfully opened account using QC and QD as the codes. QJ is the only one that has seemingly produced iffy results. Obviously, YMMV, but most bank accounts inquiries/openings are nice in that there's no HPs or anything other than it being reflected on your Chex report (which is kind of a like a credit report, but for bank accounts, and unless you are a serial bank account churner like those on reddit, pretty sure ours are squeaky clean lol).

 

[Albort]

DH and I went to Australia for our honeymoon 17 years ago. We would like to take DS10 there in the next couple of years and I am trying to figure out a plan to get us there plus do some other travel. We're in the Baltimore area so BWI, DCA and Dulles are all possibilities. The first time we went we flew SW to LAX, grabbed our bags and checked in with Qantas. Same on the return. Thoughts on best approach?

http://www.awardhacker.com/#f=Washington&t=Sydney&o=0&c=y&s=1&p=0

keep in mind, UA is devaluating so expect 90k(or higher?)

 

[platamama]

No love for my state either from this bank.

I check Doctor of Credit daily, and yes, offers good in CO (that's where you are, right? Me too.) are not that frequent but they do come up. I did a Chase checking/savings $500 offer DoC listed back in March. He has one for $300 at KeyBank that posted on 7/17, you can check his site for details.

 

[Lain]

Speaking of that 80k bonus, mine posted today! Quickly moved it to my CSR

Congratulations! I actually had an "unexpected error" happen repeatedly when I tried to combine my CIP points to my CSR. I was able to transfer the points to my wife's CSR, then to my CSR.

 

[wendow]

Actually, despite the M&T offer stating that you have to be in a target state, DoC has a TON of DPs from those out of target state that have successfully opened account using QC and QD as the codes. QJ is the only one that has seemingly produced iffy results. Obviously, YMMV, but most bank accounts inquiries/openings are nice in that there's no HPs or anything other than it being reflected on your Chex report (which is kind of a like a credit report, but for bank accounts, and unless you are a serial bank account churner like those on reddit, pretty sure ours are squeaky clean lol).

Thanks for sharing that! I'm gonna give it a try.

 

[wendow]

Congratulations! I actually had an "unexpected error" happen repeatedly when I tried to combine my CIP points to my CSR. I was able to transfer the points to my wife's CSR, then to my CSR.

Weird, I get that error too! I have sent a SM a couple of times asking for their help in fixing it. They just ignore that request and tell me to SM them when I want to combine so that is what I have been doing. They usually get back to me within an hour and it's taken care of. I should check though if I can get them on my dh's CSR.

 

[wendow]

I check Doctor of Credit daily, and yes, offers good in CO (that's where you are, right? Me too.) are not that frequent but they do come up. I did a Chase checking/savings $500 offer DoC listed back in March. He has one for $300 at KeyBank that posted on 7/17, you can check his site for details.

Yes, I am in CO too I did the Chase checking & savings back in March but it was only for $350. I just opened a Cap One savings and got $200 (that posted in 1 week). I was gonna do it for my dh now. I will look into the Key Bank. Thanks!

 

[GlamMistress]

Hi guys! I joined this forum specifically for this thread!

Yesterday I opened my Disney vacation account. I am saving for a European ABD (not cheap!!!). I'm an avaid credit card points collector. I am researching, trying to find ways to hack the ABD to make it cheaper. Obviously going to do the 5% Target gift card trick.

I'm thinking about opening the Chase Disney Visa. I'm already over 5/24 (so is husband and we are in two-player mode). I know the Disney card isn't under 5/24 but will of course eat a slot. Can't decide between no-fee and $49 fee AF. Any advice?

Currently my daily driver card is the Amex PRG. I also use the new Amex Blue Biz Plus.
I have the Amex Plat. Husband carries the Citi Prestige. Then there's a million cards in the sock drawer, ha.

I am happy to be here, super excited about my very first ABD and I want to contribute to this community!

 

[Albort]

I'm thinking about opening the Chase Disney Visa. I'm already over 5/24 (so is husband and we are in two-player mode). I know the Disney card isn't under 5/24 but will of course eat a slot. Can't decide between no-fee and $49 fee AF. Any advice?

question is... how long are u over 5/24... :]

 

[GlamMistress]

question is... how long are u over 5/24... :]

Pretty over. Honestly I think I've sort of just written off Chase but the Disney card is kind of a different animal.
There are so many other good bonuses out there from other banks. I just hate the idea of passing up so many deals just to placate Chase.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Hi guys! I joined this forum specifically for this thread!

Yesterday I opened my Disney vacation account. I am saving for a European ABD (not cheap!!!). I'm an avaid credit card points collector. I am researching, trying to find ways to hack the ABD to make it cheaper. Obviously going to do the 5% Target gift card trick.

I'm thinking about opening the Chase Disney Visa. I'm already over 5/24 (so is husband and we are in two-player mode). I know the Disney card isn't under 5/24 but will of course eat a slot. Can't decide between no-fee and $49 fee AF. Any advice?

Better than the 5% target gift card is to purchase the $100 disney gift cards online from BJs. You get 5% plus whatever your credit card is offering, with Target you have use their card so you only get 5%. You don't have to be a member to purchase this item from BJs, don't get the other denominations because they aren't 5% off.

Run the math for the Disney card, are you really going to spend so much on the Disney card that you'll make the $49 back? I suspect you're better off with a no-fee credit card that gives you 2% cash back on everything that paying Disney $49 for the privilege of them giving you 2% back in a method not nearly as liquid as cash. I think they're both offering $200 after a $500 spend so mox nix there.

 

[Ava]

Better than the 5% target gift card is to purchase the $100 disney gift cards online from BJs. You get 5% plus whatever your credit card is offering, with Target you have use their card so you only get 5%. You don't have to be a member to purchase this item from BJs, don't get the other denominations because they aren't 5% off.

Run the math for the Disney card, are you really going to spend so much on the Disney card that you'll make the $49 back? I suspect you're better off with a no-fee credit card that gives you 2% cash back on everything that paying Disney $49 for the privilege of them giving you 2% back in a method not nearly as liquid as cash. I think they're both offering $200 after a $500 spend so mox nix there.

I agree on the Disney card. If you want one for the small discounts/perks that come with it, get the no fee version. Especially if they are both offering the same $200 sign-up bonus, there's no reason to pay the fee since you can get a better discount or more points with other cards.

 

[wendow]

@GlamMistress Welcome to the board and this thread. So glad you joined us!

I am fairly new to CC churning and really rely on the great people here to guide me. I am thinking you are further into the game than me so I am not much help there.

However, I save more than 5% on my Disney GC's. Not knowing what stores and CC's you have available...I am just gonna put my method out there and you can toss it or maybe all or some parts will work for you. So, my method is to buy GC's for Target when my Kroger-based grocery chain runs a 4x fuel promo ($250 GC earns $1 off up to 35 gallons). I pay for those with the Amex BCP (unless grocery stores are a 5% Freedom category). Otherwise I earn 6% back with the BCP. I also earn 4x fuel rewards. My dh & I gas up together and use all 35 gallons. Then I go to Target and buy Disney GC's earning 2% through the Target rewards program. That comes back in the form of a $10 coupon (used my last one on a baby gift). Then add my Disney GC's to my DVA earning another 2% that will come to me as a Disney GC.

So, for $250 spent, it looks like this:

$250-$15 (amex 6% back) - $35 (fuel savings) - $5 Target rewards - $5 DVA rewards = $190 (24% savings)

This is nothing compared to the savings a year ago but I've found this is currently the best I can do.

 

[gottalovepluto]

@GlamMistress Welcome to the board and this thread. So glad you joined us!

I am fairly new to CC churning and really rely on the great people here to guide me. I am thinking you are further into the game than me so I am not much help there.

However, I save more than 5% on my Disney GC's. Not knowing what stores and CC's you have available...I am just gonna put my method out there and you can toss it or maybe all or some parts will work for you. So, my method is to buy GC's for Target when my Kroger-based grocery chain runs a 4x fuel promo ($250 GC earns $1 off up to 35 gallons). I pay for those with the Amex BCP (unless grocery stores are a 5% Freedom category). Otherwise I earn 6% back with the BCP. I also earn 4x fuel rewards. My dh & I gas up together and use all 35 gallons. Then I go to Target and buy Disney GC's earning 2% through the Target rewards program. That comes back in the form of a $10 coupon (used my last one on a baby gift). Then add my Disney GC's to my DVA earning another 2% that will come to me as a Disney GC.

So, for $250 spent, it looks like this:

$250-$15 (amex 6% back) - $35 (fuel savings) - $5 Target rewards - $5 DVA rewards = $190 (24% savings)

This is nothing compared to the savings a year ago but I've found this is currently the best I can do.

Like a BOSS @wendow !

 

[wendow]

Do any of the DL regulars have any recs for hotels that are a good redemption through the UR site? I'm hoping to pay 100% with UR points. We also either need a suite or two rooms since we are larger family. We also prefer walking in. I'm overwhelmed with the choices on the UR site!!

 

[mfly]

Do any of the DL regulars have any recs for hotels that are a good redemption through the UR site? I'm hoping to pay 100% with UR points. We also either need a suite or two rooms since we are larger family. We also prefer walking in. I'm overwhelmed with the choices on the UR site!!

I'm by no means a DL hotel expert as I've only stayed in 1 hotel there, but we were very happy with the Desert Palms Hotel. It's not super luxurious (although it was clean and pleasant) - you definitely won't confuse it for a WDW Deluxe hotel for amenities, but it felt like a Deluxe in terms of location. It's on the same city-block as DL, and was safely/comfortably walkable.

They had a free normal hotel breakfast that was a good start to the day. There were 5 of us and we stayed in a mini-suite, although I think with your family I'd go for a bunk-bed suite or 2-bedroom, 2-bath suite (or just 2 rooms).

There are sooo many DL off-site hotel choices, and I think the majority of them are great. I'm sure someone else here has more experiences than I do.

 

[wendow]

Thanks @mfly You have given me something to start looking at. We've only been to DL once and we stayed with family in Long Beach (who no longer live there). I like being able to walk in and I love free breakfast

 

[Ava]

@GlamMistress Welcome to the board and this thread. So glad you joined us!

I am fairly new to CC churning and really rely on the great people here to guide me. I am thinking you are further into the game than me so I am not much help there.

However, I save more than 5% on my Disney GC's. Not knowing what stores and CC's you have available...I am just gonna put my method out there and you can toss it or maybe all or some parts will work for you. So, my method is to buy GC's for Target when my Kroger-based grocery chain runs a 4x fuel promo ($250 GC earns $1 off up to 35 gallons). I pay for those with the Amex BCP (unless grocery stores are a 5% Freedom category). Otherwise I earn 6% back with the BCP. I also earn 4x fuel rewards. My dh & I gas up together and use all 35 gallons. Then I go to Target and buy Disney GC's earning 2% through the Target rewards program. That comes back in the form of a $10 coupon (used my last one on a baby gift). Then add my Disney GC's to my DVA earning another 2% that will come to me as a Disney GC.

So, for $250 spent, it looks like this:

$250-$15 (amex 6% back) - $35 (fuel savings) - $5 Target rewards - $5 DVA rewards = $190 (24% savings)

This is nothing compared to the savings a year ago but I've found this is currently the best I can do.

What's the Target rewards program? We shop at Target a lot so if it's something anyone can sign up for, we are missing out!

 

[GlamMistress]

Better than the 5% target gift card is to purchase the $100 disney gift cards online from BJs. You get 5% plus whatever your credit card is offering, with Target you have use their card so you only get 5%. You don't have to be a member to purchase this item from BJs, don't get the other denominations because they aren't 5% off.

Run the math for the Disney card, are you really going to spend so much on the Disney card that you'll make the $49 back? I suspect you're better off with a no-fee credit card that gives you 2% cash back on everything that paying Disney $49 for the privilege of them giving you 2% back in a method not nearly as liquid as cash. I think they're both offering $200 after a $500 spend so mox nix there.

Yes, this sounds pretty good. I can go through a mileage portal too and stack some extra airline miles to boot. You are probably right on the no fee version. I wouldn't be using the card that much since I have other, better earning cards.