I love credit cards so much!

[ski_mom]

UUGGH, the small print says not avail on apple products. really!? this is like a full time job keeping up with this stuff. I passed on a better cash price for the laptop because the bonus points thru chase shopping were gonna make best buy the better overall deal. annoying.

Depending on what credit card you put it on, you might be able to do a price protection claim and show them proof of the lower price and at least get that back.

 

[LynnTH]

Trying to figure out next plan of attack. DH will be at 4/24 in December. (Then in Feb/March he will be down 2 more and I will be down 2 at that point also). Going on a cruise end of month. That is paid for. Going to Disney with DD16 in March. That is paid for. (Getting good use of DD being my companion on SW). So, trying to plan a trip to Aruba. We would go in August before school starts. Both kids have different spring breaks so that's why that is out and way too expensive over Christmas. I have booked our flights down leaving MSP on August 4th and Flying to FLL and then to Aruba the next day. Am unable to book return flights at this time as SW has not released those dates yet. But, it was surprisingly cheap for airfare (I'm sure summer is not their prime time). So, hoping to get those same great rates coming home. (We basically only fly SW)

I have 113,00 Marriott Points and DH has around 30,000 SPG points. So together about 203,000 Marriott if I transfer SPG. (Can I directly transfer DH's SPG to my Marriott account or how do I do that?). So, looking at Marriott Aruba Stellaris Hotel & Casino. Gets great reviews and right on the ocean. I am a bit short for 6 nights. It is 45,000 a night. (with 1 night free) So, need 225,000 points total. Looking at the website it looks like I can book the room even without enough points and just have to have enough 8 days prior to check in.

So, since DH is the one with the slot opening up first. What do I go for? We like UR points also. (Have about 121,000 in those) Already have CSP and have had CSR which is downgraded to Freedom. Thinking of either CIP, Marriott Business or Marriott Regular. (He already had both SPG Business and Regular so he is out for that). I have about $5000 in expenses coming up so could meet the spend on 1 card - not sure on 2 at the moment.

What would you guys recommend??

 

[Tikitoi]

Any ideas as to why my credit score would take a 20 point dive. Everything still being paid on time and haven't applied for any cards in the past couple months due to 5/24 . Balances paid in full, nothing late.

My score is still up there but just liked it when it was higher but more importantly why...

I got a credit report about a month ago and everything was fine...

Thanks for any info.

 

[Alexle2007]

Any ideas as to why my credit score would take a 20 point dive. Everything still being paid on time and haven't applied for any cards in the past couple months due to 5/24 . Balances paid in full, nothing late.

My score is still up there but just liked it when it was higher but more importantly why...

I got a credit report about a month ago and everything was fine...

Thanks for any info.

Have you put more spend on the existing accounts so that even though you are paying them off, the available credit utilization is less during the month until paid in full

 

[Lain]

What is the status of the Marriott & SPG merger?

Marriott & SPG Programs Will Not Merge In 2018 – Mostly Minor Changes Only For 2018: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/marriott-spg-programs-will-not-merge-2018-mostly-minor-changes-2018/

 

[Tikitoi]

Have you put more spend on the existing accounts so that even though you are paying them off, the available credit utilization is less during the month until paid in full

No. Once spending requirements were met I pretty much backed off by using a lot of gift cards I acquired.

Is there a bureau I can call regarding this. I'm just really curious.

 

[GlamMistress]

No. Once spending requirements were met I pretty much backed off by using a lot of gift cards I acquired.

Is there a bureau I can call regarding this. I'm just really curious.

Did you cancel any accounts? Pay off any loans?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

No. Once spending requirements were met I pretty much backed off by using a lot of gift cards I acquired.

Is there a bureau I can call regarding this. I'm just really curious.

Are you checking credit score with the same website all the time? Mine varies whether I check my score thru Discover, Chase, Citi, etc. That said, mine did take a 30-40 point drop with a new car loan.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Any ideas as to why my credit score would take a 20 point dive. Everything still being paid on time and haven't applied for any cards in the past couple months due to 5/24 . Balances paid in full, nothing late.

My score is still up there but just liked it when it was higher but more importantly why...

I got a credit report about a month ago and everything was fine...

Thanks for any info.

First thought: credit utilization- you currently have no large charges on any of your credit cards? doesn't mean you're late, just that they're waiting to be paid in due course. This is the main reason scores fluctuate 20+ points. This could even be an old report from a credit card that just took a few months to show up on your report.
Second thought: are you using the same method to track each time? Credit Karma, Chase, etc. all have different calculations and they can make a big difference to your final credit score.
Third: hard hits- but it would take a few hard hits to bring you down this much. Go to Credit Karma and find out what companies have done hard inquiries.

 

[Tikitoi]

Did you cancel any accounts? Pay off any loans?

No to both.

Are you checking credit score with the same website all the time? Mine varies whether I check my score thru Discover, Chase, Citi, etc. That said, mine did take a 30-40 point drop with a new car loan.

Yes. These are both from Chase. But will check with my Capital One account as well.

First thought: credit utilization- you currently have no large charges on any of your credit cards? doesn't mean you're late, just that they're waiting to be paid in due course. This is the main reason scores fluctuate 20+ points. This could even be an old report from a credit card that just took a few months to show up on your report.
Second thought: are you using the same method to track each time? Credit Karma, Chase, etc. all have different calculations and they can make a big difference to your final credit score.
Third: hard hits- but it would take a few hard hits to bring you down this much. Go to Credit Karma and find out what companies have done hard inquiries.

I mean yes my last few were $1k+ not sure if that's so high but they were paid on time. But will check with credit karma as well. Thanks everyone.

 

[platamama]

Trying to figure out next plan of attack. DH will be at 4/24 in December. (Then in Feb/March he will be down 2 more and I will be down 2 at that point also). Going on a cruise end of month. That is paid for. Going to Disney with DD16 in March. That is paid for. (Getting good use of DD being my companion on SW). So, trying to plan a trip to Aruba. We would go in August before school starts. Both kids have different spring breaks so that's why that is out and way too expensive over Christmas. I have booked our flights down leaving MSP on August 4th and Flying to FLL and then to Aruba the next day. Am unable to book return flights at this time as SW has not released those dates yet. But, it was surprisingly cheap for airfare (I'm sure summer is not their prime time). So, hoping to get those same great rates coming home. (We basically only fly SW)

I have 113,00 Marriott Points and DH has around 30,000 SPG points. So together about 203,000 Marriott if I transfer SPG. (Can I directly transfer DH's SPG to my Marriott account or how do I do that?). So, looking at Marriott Aruba Stellaris Hotel & Casino. Gets great reviews and right on the ocean. I am a bit short for 6 nights. It is 45,000 a night. (with 1 night free) So, need 225,000 points total. Looking at the website it looks like I can book the room even without enough points and just have to have enough 8 days prior to check in.

So, since DH is the one with the slot opening up first. What do I go for? We like UR points also. (Have about 121,000 in those) Already have CSP and have had CSR which is downgraded to Freedom. Thinking of either CIP, Marriott Business or Marriott Regular. (He already had both SPG Business and Regular so he is out for that). I have about $5000 in expenses coming up so could meet the spend on 1 card - not sure on 2 at the moment.

What would you guys recommend??

If those are the 3 you're looking at, I'd think the CIP would make the most sense - it has bonus spend categories + same 80K pt signup bonus (though UR are much more flexible than Marriott Rewards Points so the edge still goes to CIP).

Or buy Starpoints while they're on sale for 35% off right now, convert to Marriott points. You'd need 22,000/3 = 7,333 Starpoints ($170.63 for 7500pts right now).

Your DH's Starpoints would go to his Marriott account, not yours. After they're in his Marriott account then he can transfer them to yours up to 50K points a calendar year (unless it's for a travel package in which case there is no limit).

 

[Tikitoi]

Quick update...I just checked with Cap1 and not only do they have me at the +20 but it also went up 2 points.

Idk...I'm convinced Chase doesn't like me...Lol.

 

[calypso726]

You should actually get an extra 125 miles for having a United card tied to MPX, for a total of 625 miles!

Oops, that was a typo. I fixed it. Thanks

so modest @calypso726
@Ava what she meant was, I fly first, enjoy economy!
sorry calypso726, you said it so well the first time u mentioned it... XD

Well yeah, pretty much. If DH wasn't gonna play the credit card game with me then I would happily enjoy champagne, airline jammies and turndown service up at the front of the plane while he ... doesn't somewhere in the back Fortunately, I don't need to worry about him not playing the credit card game because it's hard to tell which one of us is determined to have a shinier tiara when it comes to air travel

 

[Judique]

Any ideas as to why my credit score would take a 20 point dive. Everything still being paid on time and haven't applied for any cards in the past couple months due to 5/24 . Balances paid in full, nothing late.

My score is still up there but just liked it when it was higher but more importantly why...

I got a credit report about a month ago and everything was fine...

Thanks for any info.

Yes. I like mine to stay high. It gives me a strange sort of satisfaction.

I watch 3 scores, Amex, Citi and my Navy Federal on my credit card accounts.

Every so often I actually pull a copy of my credit reports but I'm not super diligent.

The Amex and the Citi scores dropped 6 points each when I opened a new card earlier this year and both have not forgiven me for this in about 3-4 months. Reasons are cited: 'short time since opening a new account.' 'Too many cards with balances.' My scores are 841, 847, 850. Obviously I'm not worried. The balances are paid several times per month. Nobody gets any interest. I just use different cards for different purchases. And each of these scores are computed on a different system.

If I weren't into collecting credit card rewards right now, and if these cards didn't supply free access, I wouldn't even be bothered checking the numbers!

 

[trstno1]

First thought: credit utilization- you currently have no large charges on any of your credit cards? doesn't mean you're late, just that they're waiting to be paid in due course. This is the main reason scores fluctuate 20+ points. This could even be an old report from a credit card that just took a few months to show up on your report.
Second thought: are you using the same method to track each time? Credit Karma, Chase, etc. all have different calculations and they can make a big difference to your final credit score.
Third: hard hits- but it would take a few hard hits to bring you down this much. Go to Credit Karma and find out what companies have done hard inquiries.

I also wonder about the credit utilization. I just refinanced my mortgage, and my credit score took a big hit - having zero % paid off on your mortgage doesn't look nearly as good as 30% paid off. I think it works in a similar way with credit cards, even if they are not overdue.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I also wonder about the credit utilization. I just refinanced my mortgage, and my credit score took a big hit - having zero % paid off on your mortgage doesn't look nearly as good as 30% paid off. I think it works in a similar way with credit cards, even if they are not overdue.

Bingo!! Overdue has nothing to do with credit utilization- a common credit misconception. The minute you charge something on your credit card you are utilizing your credit. It won't hit your score until the credit company reports it (and if you pay it off before then it won't show on your report at all!) and there are data points on when reporting happens for each company I think, I haven't looked into it that much myself. (Likewise, after you pay (even on time) it will take until the next time the credit card company reports to update your utilization ratio.) *Not having a mortgage I can't speak to how that affects credit scores.

 

[Albort]

I also wonder about the credit utilization. I just refinanced my mortgage, and my credit score took a big hit - having zero % paid off on your mortgage doesn't look nearly as good as 30% paid off. I think it works in a similar way with credit cards, even if they are not overdue.

increased credit utilization does affect the credit score but it rebounds pretty quickly. During summer, i was MSin pretty bad. was hitting 1.5k per credit card(2 cards) a week, was doing around 60% utilization on 2 cards. My score dropped at least 40 points, but once they were paid off, they instantly jumped up 40 points.

 

[pillow]

Bingo!! Overdue has nothing to do with credit utilization- a common credit misconception. The minute you charge something on your credit card you are utilizing your credit. It won't hit your score until the credit company reports it (and if you pay it off before then it won't show on your report at all!) and there are data points on when reporting happens for each company I think, I haven't looked into it that much myself. (Likewise, after you pay (even on time) it will take until the next time the credit card company reports to update your utilization ratio.) *Not having a mortgage I can't speak to how that affects credit scores.

Since opening an account on Credit Karma, I've found myself sending multiple payments to my credit cards each month because I don't like to see my score go down. Credit utilization is the biggest mover of my score.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Depending on what credit card you put it on, you might be able to do a price protection claim and show them proof of the lower price and at least get that back.

It was on my CSP but the price was lower because the other retailer was tax free and Best Buy wasn’t. The actual computer price was the same.

 

[mhartman09]

I've got tons of catching up to do on here, but wanted to quickly say to Calypso, I'm LOVING all those pics you shared!!

Thank You. I plan to book a trip next year using Ultimate Reward points and have been a little stressed because it seems this approach is not talked about as much as others. Availability at Pop Century or Caribbean seems good. But most seem to only talk about using points with Swan and Dolphin and off site hotels.
Your right going through the chase portal is a bit higher, but since using points what the heck.

I've used UR points to book 3 different Disney resort stays so far (June, October, and a 3 day Christmas weekend trip coming up), and I'm planning to use them for another trip in March. As others have mentioned, several here have used our UR for Disney resort stays. At this point, my goal is to have the least OOP for our vacations and using UR points in this way has allowed me to do just that and be able to have so many WDW trips in just a few months. I'm sure I could have found better "redemption value" using those UR points for something else, but for my family's current vacation goals this was a great redemption! I will say I've not noticed the Chase portal pricing to be higher. Maybe it's just the times I booked the pricing was nearly identical though.

Our WDW trip next March will be a split stay at Poly, booked with UR points thru Chase portal, and Dolphin, booked with Starpoints. I keep checking to make sure UR prices haven't gone down, so far only up.

I'm super jealous. We are working on planning our March/April trip for Easter break. Will be looking to book Swan or Dolphin with the bonus from my Marriott card within the next few weeks. I had planned to do a split stay along with Poly (our dream), but I'm thinking that just won't be possible. Now that neither of us can go for CSP due to the new rule and DH not falling back under 5/24 to get CIP until June, we just won't have enough UR to swing Poly this time around. It's a holiday so rates are way high. I guess I'll just save the Poly for another trip I want to take with just DH for a long weekend before our APs expire in June.



DH and I both scheduled our TSA Precheck appointments for Thursday, so we can get that squared away before our flight next month. Our 5 year old doesn't need this, correct? Just want to make sure I'm fully understanding how it works.