I love credit cards so much!

[SouthFayetteFan]

My thought on that is if you plan to apply for both the SPG personal and business cards, you may want to apply for the personal 30k offer first if you can pull it up again. Amex is kind of known to target high offers at potential customers who don't have their cards, and it can be hard(er) to get the highest offers on some Amex cards when you're already a cardmember. I'd hate for the 30k offer on the personal card to disappear after you sign up for the SPG Biz.

This is a reasonable caution for sure - but I have reliably been able to pull 30k personal SPG in incognito for over 2 years...just pointing out the opposite side of the coin lol.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Got a $450 credit of AF on CSR today! Used TC after reset, then 12/29 DH called and PC'd to CF. AF had posted 11/1.
Total reaped: TC x3, 100k signup bonus, one AF paid! Paid for most of a trip to Disneyland, plus part of upcoming Grand Canyon trip.

 

[amalone1013]

All the talk about AMEX bonuses posting made me check my account. Hit my $6k for SPG Biz a couple days ago, and points are there! Yay!

Has anyone booked a one night package for Disney through chase UR and gotten them to extend the length of the tickets? We were planning on renting DVC points this year but would love to get the park tickets using my UR. Then we would transfer to DVC for the other 9 days of our stay. I don’t have enough UR for a full stay delux and this way I could still pay for the dining plan. Also wondering if anyone used David’s and payed with chase to see if it was coded as travel?

I used a different DVC rental site and it coded as travel on my CSR and Barclay Arrival... I heard from someone on the boards that their card coded as travel with David's but they didn't get back to me on which card it was.

True, I'll have to pay attention end of this year as I plan on trying for CP. I'm not sure I'll even apply until Mid November, extra couple months won't matter if I'm not planning travel in Jan-Feb anyway.

We're going to try for it in DH's name at the end of the year. I'll probably wait like you're thinking.

Got a $450 credit of AF on CSR today! Used TC after reset, then 12/29 DH called and PC'd to CF. AF had posted 11/1.
Total reaped: TC x3, 100k signup bonus, one AF paid! Paid for most of a trip to Disneyland, plus part of upcoming Grand Canyon trip.

Nice! Giving me great hope for my luck! I need to use $27 of my new travel credit and I want to use the Global Entry credit.

 

[amalone1013]

On the note of returns counting or not for minimum spend...

I bought some stuff from Kohl's on Black Friday for in store pickup, about $150, and then decided I didn't want it and just let them cancel my order/refund me automatically. That must not have counted for my spend, because I was about $15 under for 5-6 days and no bonus points. But on Thursday I prepaid my phone bill by $50, and now I see the bonus points on my AMEX login. And I didn't login yesterday, so it's possible they showed even then.

Now $4k to go on the card... on one hand, this is a big spend and it's slowed me down, especially as our expenses are small. On the other, I'm kind of antsy and am definitely feeling fear of missing out on the other Marriott/SPG cards between me and DH. We both have SPG personal and I have Marriott personal and SPG Biz... but even though I wouldn't have an exact plan in mind for more SPG points right now, I want to get those before they go away! Maybe I can talk DH into making the car payments through plastiq, and that the fee is worth it...

 

[Lain]

Oh my goodness...so much research to do. Thank you! I will def spread the love.
Why is preschool 3x UR thru plastique...codes as travel or something?

I'm not sure what Plastiq is using as its merchant category code for the CIP. Plastiq transactions code generally as "trvl, ship, adv, telecom" on the CIP, which are the categories of spend that earn 3x UR. Whatever it is, it's the only Chase card that earns 3x on pretty much every kind of payment through Plastiq.

Earlier last year, the CSR and CIP earned 3x UR on mortgage and rent payments because they were coding as lodging ("travel"), but that died in the summer. Visa then issued new guidelines to Plastiq to not accept Visa cards for mortgage payments, and Plastiq's blacklisted mortgage companies from receiving payments and has been cramping down on mortgage payments that were still getting through.

The CIP earns 3x UR on a lot of different categories of spend (data points seem to say no mortgages and some trouble with car payments), but it's not coding as travel because it doesn't work the same on the CSP or CSR.

I'd also add that the CIP earns 3x UR on shipping via USPS, UPS (and probably FedEx), but not if you go through PayPal shipping for USPS and UPS, which is unfortunate because PayPal offers discounted shipping.

The CIP also earns 3x UR on eBay seller's fees if you set the CIP as the credit card on file to pay monthly invoices.

I forgot to add that P2P payments via Venmo also earn 3x UR, but the transaction fee is 3%, so if you have to make a payment this way you’ll break even or come out slightly ahead.

Also, when using Gyft or Swych, you’ll need to check out using PayPal with your CIP selected to earn 3x UR. However, P2P payments via PayPal don’t earn 3x, eGift cards purchased from PayPal Digital Gifts don’t earn 3x, and paying with PayPal on eBay and other ecommerce sites don’t earn 3x.

It’s all very strange. You just have to follow the data points, try it yourself and figure out what works to earn 3x UR on the CIP.

 

[pillow]

if you got the minimums, then yes! do it! I just came back from a trip and used my SPG biz to the max! SPG is a very good brand! please do use someone referral!
3 days 2 nights for $87(BRG) + 2000 pts + waived resort fee + $32 a day parking.

lounge access was super nice!

I like SPG too, but learned something worth mentioning. We used our SPG points for 2 rooms at the Dolphin recently. I charged the resort fee + parking + all meals to our SPG card thinking that we would get 2x SPG points. I was disappointed to learn that most things are excluded. The only thing we received the 2x on was the food (since the room was already paid for with points). Wish I had realized that in advance cause I might have used my Reserve card for some of the charges. This is from an SPG customer service email:

Starpoints are awarded for eligible room rates, food and beverage charges (excluding alcoholic beverage purchases where prohibited by law in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Oregon), laundry/dry cleaning services, in-room mini bar charges, in-room telephone/fax and movie charges. Room upgrades, extra beds/cots, refrigerator/microwave rentals are also eligible for Starpoints.

Unfortunately, most other charges are not eligible, and can include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Taxes, service charges, resort charges, gratuities
- Parking, both valet parking and self-parking, car rental and limousine service
- Any charges through the hotel’s Business Center and in-room Internet charges
- Package handling charges
- Gift shops, or other hotel shops including spa, beauty salon, florist charges
- Recreational charges such as golf, tennis, health club fees, water sports, tours
- Nights paid via Starwood Preferred Guest Free Night Awards and Cash&Points rate plan
- Room charges to a Master Bill or Wholesale Tour Voucher
- Airline Crew room charges
- Travel Agent Education room rates (StarPro)
- Wholesale room rates
- All-inclusive packages
- Any bookings made through a third-party website. (e.g. Expedia, Priceline, Hotwire, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotels.com)
- Any bookings, tours or pre-packaged deals made through a travel agency or tour operator in which the room portion of the stay is paid to the travel agency or tour operator
- Group room rates which have been highly discounted by the hotel
- Hotel charges which have been split and paid between two or more persons
- Starwood Employee/Family/Friends room rates

 

[pillow]

Someone posted on TPG today that their SW RR points posted from Chase in December though he had calculated for January due to some returns. Chase CS told him returns count towards spend so he is out a CP.

That would make me want to throw up if it happened to me!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

That would make me want to throw up if it happened to me!

And in these situations - Chase won't help at all. They awarded you the points, they don't even understand the CP and can't do anything about it.

 

[pillow]

If you have an Apple iOS device or Apple TV, you can subscribe to Netflix through an in-app purchase and have your monthly subscription fee, which is the same price as from Netflix directly, deducted from iTunes credit. iTunes gift cards are frequently on sale for 15% off or more. The same works for Hulu, and I believe the prices are the same through an iTunes subscription as from Hulu directly.

Also just adding to this - have bought Netflix cards at Rite Aid during Plenti promotions and at Best Buy using rewards dollars or Amex offers. My target is 20% off.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Fortunately, I haven't had to face recon but I've read recon is open on the weekends, but the verification dept is not?

I don't think this got answered in the last couple pages (might have missed it). I got a 30 day message back when I applied for the Chase Freedom card. When I called that Saturday morning, they said they needed additional verification and to call the verification department on Monday morning. However, the next day (Sunday morning), Chase called me and asked a couple questions and then said I was approved for the card. They expedited it and I had it by that Tuesday.

 

[Alexle2007]

On the CP note, SW is taking forever to post this month’s points from Chase. I checked previous months and they have always posted the next day after the statement closes. Of course, this month when I need the points to post and CP to show up, they are delayed!

 

[wendow]

Now $4k to go on the card... on one hand, this is a big spend and it's slowed me down, especially as our expenses are small. On the other, I'm kind of antsy and am definitely feeling fear of missing out on the other Marriott/SPG cards between me and DH. We both have SPG personal and I have Marriott personal and SPG Biz... but even though I wouldn't have an exact plan in mind for more SPG points right now, I want to get those before they go away! Maybe I can talk DH into making the car payments through plastiq, and that the fee is worth it...

Me too! Those SPG cards have been in my plans for over a year but I just haven't exhausted Chase yet so I've held off on applying. And now I am worried we are going to miss out. I don't know what to do. I feel like jumping on them once I am done with the 5k Amex spend I am currently working on (and I just started so it will be awhile...).

Do you know if you can make car payments through plastiq with Amex?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

And in these situations - Chase won't help at all. They awarded you the points, they don't even understand the CP and can't do anything about it.

Honestly I would tweet at SW and explain to them. Trying to be honest & truly earn points vs waiting til January, buying 2k in stuff, returning it all and getting the points, if returns count. Someone posted on TPG that SW did help them.

 

[Lain]

Do you know if you can make car payments through plastiq with Amex?

Not sure. DPs are kind of mixed when it comes to car payments, and this comment on /r/churning last month seems to suggest no auto loans with Amex: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/c...on_thread_december_29_2017/drxdxw2/?context=3

Do you have any Amex cards that you could use to make a small test payment?

 

[Tikitoi]

They will count during the automatic approval process. From everything I've read, the system can't tell the difference between store cards and other credit cards. So if OP is at 5/24 with them included, they'd have to call Chase and hopefully get a CR who is willing to overlook them. My Amazon store card was counted when I reconned my Marriott app and I was denied (twice).

That stinks - I researched this a bit this afternoon and the DPs are REALLY conflicting so it seems this is a true YMMV sort of thing.

Not sure if this has been settled as of yet (I'm playing catchup ) but I have been doing research on this as well and I read in a couple blogs or so that store cards don't count against 5/24. Once my next payment hits the account because then I won't have any large balances, I was actually thinking of applying for a card.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Not sure if this has been settled as of yet (I'm playing catchup ) but I have been doing research on this as well and I read in a couple blogs or so that store cards don't count against 5/24. Once my next payment hits the account because then I won't have any large balances, I was actually thinking of applying for a card.

I actually got two confirmed reports on Reddit including one in the past 3 weeks that reconned past a store card. So yes - it is possible to get them excluded.

 

[amalone1013]

Me too! Those SPG cards have been in my plans for over a year but I just haven't exhausted Chase yet so I've held off on applying. And now I am worried we are going to miss out. I don't know what to do. I feel like jumping on them once I am done with the 5k Amex spend I am currently working on (and I just started so it will be awhile...).

Do you know if you can make car payments through plastiq with Amex?

I tried when I got my SPG card, and it wouldn't take it for Toyota (financed through them). I actually kind of fogot about that when I posted earlier. I didn't try changing the name slightly or snything like that yet. DHs car is through Ford and I haven't tried that one.

 

[ibob52]

The DIS*earners have been going to town this week and it has been interesting.

My tidbit to share is make a List to help keep track of your Credit Cards.

aka .. list/log/chart/document/spreadsheet

I went a couple of years before I made a list .. and it really does help a lot.

Hopefully someone will share their format ~ my chart is very basic compared to others.

These are some of the categories I use:

Name of Card ~ Card Number (last four) ~ Date Opened ~ Bonus ~ Bonus Date*

Status (open or closed) ~ Fee ~ Card Drop Off Date (regarding 5/24) ~ etc

**********************************************************

Collecting Cards did seem too good to be true ~ but in fact it can be done.

*****************************************************
I've been a FlyerTalk forum member for a while (2001)

I did not start my Vacation Relief Funding until 2011

Back in the old days (up until 2 years ago)

Churning was applying for the same card and getting it approved multiple times.

Example: Citibank Hilton Honors Visa

One HH churner had 20+ HH cards approved.

It wasn't me but I do believe it can happened .. smileyface

 

[wendow]

Not sure. DPs are kind of mixed when it comes to car payments, and this comment on /r/churning last month seems to suggest no auto loans with Amex: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/c...on_thread_december_29_2017/drxdxw2/?context=3

Do you have any Amex cards that you could use to make a small test payment?

I have the Amex BRG that I am trying to meet the spend on. I'll try a small payment. I just thought since @amalone1013 mentioned it, that she might know.

 

[Albort]

I like SPG too, but learned something worth mentioning. We used our SPG points for 2 rooms at the Dolphin recently. I charged the resort fee + parking + all meals to our SPG card thinking that we would get 2x SPG points. I was disappointed to learn that most things are excluded. The only thing we received the 2x on was the food (since the room was already paid for with points). Wish I had realized that in advance cause I might have used my Reserve card for some of the charges. This is from an SPG customer service email:

Starpoints are awarded for eligible room rates, food and beverage charges (excluding alcoholic beverage purchases where prohibited by law in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Oregon), laundry/dry cleaning services, in-room mini bar charges, in-room telephone/fax and movie charges. Room upgrades, extra beds/cots, refrigerator/microwave rentals are also eligible for Starpoints.

Unfortunately, most other charges are not eligible, and can include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Taxes, service charges, resort charges, gratuities
- Parking, both valet parking and self-parking, car rental and limousine service
- Any charges through the hotel’s Business Center and in-room Internet charges
- Package handling charges
- Gift shops, or other hotel shops including spa, beauty salon, florist charges
- Recreational charges such as golf, tennis, health club fees, water sports, tours
- Nights paid via Starwood Preferred Guest Free Night Awards and Cash&Points rate plan
- Room charges to a Master Bill or Wholesale Tour Voucher
- Airline Crew room charges
- Travel Agent Education room rates (StarPro)
- Wholesale room rates
- All-inclusive packages
- Any bookings made through a third-party website. (e.g. Expedia, Priceline, Hotwire, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotels.com)
- Any bookings, tours or pre-packaged deals made through a travel agency or tour operator in which the room portion of the stay is paid to the travel agency or tour operator
- Group room rates which have been highly discounted by the hotel
- Hotel charges which have been split and paid between two or more persons
- Starwood Employee/Family/Friends room rates

damn. If you never said that, i wouldnt have known. thanks. I put my parking fee on my amex... i should have posted it on my reserve.
I did find out out room charge comes into your account separately. I did take 3 deal where its triple points on your stay. They put the charge separately and i didnt get 3x on that. it was a $100 food charge too... I guess ill find out what happens with my last stay. Thanks!