I love credit cards so much!

[wendow]

i think they they should link it to the actual disney gift card thread though, not here.

Agree. He is talking about discounted Disney GC's and then links to this thread.

 

[havaneselover]

I can’t find gift of college gift cards at tru but they do have vanilla mcs that you can load up to $500 for $5.95. Trying to figure out how to max out my cf bonus using Apple Pay.

Nm, I found them.

 

[Lain]

I've had some discussion with u/nuhertz on reddit. Interestingly enough, he is not active on the DISboards. That post is great though!

You mean I could’ve just lurked here, scraped together all the useful info we discuss, compiled it into a reddit post, and collected all that karma?

I’m kidding! In all seriousness, it’s a good overview that’s written for an intended audience, the churning community. But even then, there are too many new players who come into this game looking for that one guide that spells it all out for them. There are parts where details matter that skim over rules and loopholes, like double dipping by “sign[ing] up at the same time” for both the CSR and CSP. Just this week, I saw two posts on the churning subreddit of failed CSR+CSP double dips because they applied for the two cards at the same time but never bothered to get the first card approved when they got the 30 days pending message before applying for the second card and then getting the same notice. Some of the comments to those posts encouraged the poster to keep pushing the Chase reps to manually push it through despite being warned of the one Sapphire rule, or to reallocate credit from the CSR that they just got approved a little too late on an earlier call, had me cringing, this is why we can’t have nice things.

 

[shairpdrh]

I have read through many pages of the thread and have learned so much! I am jumping in to see if I can get a bit of advice. I am trying to figure out next steps after getting the CSR (1/2017) and Delta Amex (9/2017) because they were logical choices for our trips last year (Delta saved us a ton on bags for a large group along with the bonus).

I am thinking about the Freedom, but I keep seeing people say that you should do 1-2 SW Chase cards first. Not sure the companion pass is worth it for us due to direct Delta flights from our airport (so much easier with a toddler) vs. connections for almost all SW flights, but the points might be worth it. I keep getting tempted by the Disney card because the bonus seems ok for the minimum spend ($200 for $500) but I know it isn't probably a good choice. I don't have anything that I do that would qualify as a business but maybe someday (3+ years from now)! I am comfortable skipping business cards for the foreseeable future. I am keeping my CSR for a second year because I have a decent number of UR points that I want to use for travel this year and I get enough from travel and dining to make it worthwhile. Bummed that I can't get CSP in addition.

A few other things that might be helpful: We live in a Delta hub, so we prefer to fly Delta; my goal is to pay for flights and maybe a cruise or a few hotel nights; 2-player mode might be possible, but probably only for 1-2 cards since my husband isn't super excited about it; and most travel is to WDW or to visit family right now as it is easier with a toddler.

I will post my current cards but can provide more info if needed:

Opened in the last 24 months:
1/2017 CSR
9/2017 Delta Gold Skymiles

Others (not opened in the last 2 years):
Discover
Target RedCard
AU on Citi Double Cash

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I have read through many pages of the thread and have learned so much! I am jumping in to see if I can get a bit of advice. I am trying to figure out next steps after getting the CSR (1/2017) and Delta Amex (9/2017) because they were logical choices for our trips last year (Delta saved us a ton on bags for a large group along with the bonus).

I am thinking about the Freedom, but I keep seeing people say that you should do 1-2 SW Chase cards first. Not sure the companion pass is worth it for us due to direct Delta flights from our airport (so much easier with a toddler) vs. connections for almost all SW flights, but the points might be worth it. I keep getting tempted by the Disney card because the bonus seems ok for the minimum spend ($200 for $500) but I know it isn't probably a good choice. I don't have anything that I do that would qualify as a business but maybe someday (3+ years from now)! I am comfortable skipping business cards for the foreseeable future. I am keeping my CSR for a second year because I have a decent number of UR points that I want to use for travel this year and I get enough from travel and dining to make it worthwhile. Bummed that I can't get CSP in addition.

A few other things that might be helpful: We live in a Delta hub, so we prefer to fly Delta; my goal is to pay for flights and maybe a cruise or a few hotel nights; 2-player mode might be possible, but probably only for 1-2 cards since my husband isn't super excited about it; and most travel is to WDW or to visit family right now as it is easier with a toddler.

I will post my current cards but can provide more info if needed:

Opened in the last 24 months:
1/2017 CSR
9/2017 Delta Gold Skymiles

Others (not opened in the last 2 years):
Discover
Target RedCard
AU on Citi Double Cash

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

Thanks for providing a lot of detailed info!

Southwest points are nice but if you aren't flying them that poses an issue. Sometimes it's worth considering some creative redemptions...Southwest points can actually be redeemed for gift cards (if you have their credit card) for $0.01 per point. Options include Amazon, Target and Walmart at that value. Sooo signup meet min spend and pay the $69 or $99 annual fee and you can redeem for $500 in Target, Walmart or Amazon. Now this is SUBSTANTIALLY LESS than what those points are worth flying but still could warrant consideration.

Regarding the Freedom or Freedom Unlimited, many will recommend not going for those because there are more lucrative bonuses out there. BUT if it's the best option for you don't shy away from it. You have a CSR already so let's say you got the Freedom, met the $500 min spend all in the 5% category and added an AU (recommend adding yourself as a nickname not a spouse): when done you will have earned 20,000 URs for $500 spend which combined with your CSR is worth $300 towards travel. NOT a bad offer in my book!

So far you've done some great research and asked some great questions. Let us know how we can help you narrow things down further. Don't get caught up in worrying about 5/24 if there aren't tons of Chase cards that work for you. I respect your position on biz cards (and was right there with you when I started too) but you may want to reconsider that at some point there are great offers out there!

 

[DisneyMandC]

Sorry if this has already been shared, but there's another Google Express offer out- 20% off if you shop through the Google Express app with code APPSAVE20.

 

[havaneselover]

Sorry if this has already been shared, but there's another Google Express offer out- 20% off if you shop through the Google Express app with code APPSAVE20.

I tried to use it to get a pro controller for my ds’ Nintendo switch but they had none??? No joycons either.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I tried to use it to get a pro controller for my ds’ Nintendo switch but they had none??? No joycons either.

That stinks! I missed out on the last deal a couple weeks ago after I posted about it so I managed to order my 100 stamps from Costco today for $39. Such an exciting life I lead!

 

[havaneselover]

That stinks! I missed out on the last deal a couple weeks ago after I posted about it so I managed to order my 100 stamps from Costco today for $39. Such an exciting life I lead!

My excitement for the day was getting a free pizza at blaze, buying a gift of college gift card using Apple Pay, and buying visa gift cards at Kroger and getting 4x fuel points.

 

[kmc8826]

I have read through many pages of the thread and have learned so much! I am jumping in to see if I can get a bit of advice. I am trying to figure out next steps after getting the CSR (1/2017) and Delta Amex (9/2017) because they were logical choices for our trips last year (Delta saved us a ton on bags for a large group along with the bonus).

I am thinking about the Freedom, but I keep seeing people say that you should do 1-2 SW Chase cards first. Not sure the companion pass is worth it for us due to direct Delta flights from our airport (so much easier with a toddler) vs. connections for almost all SW flights, but the points might be worth it. I keep getting tempted by the Disney card because the bonus seems ok for the minimum spend ($200 for $500) but I know it isn't probably a good choice. I don't have anything that I do that would qualify as a business but maybe someday (3+ years from now)! I am comfortable skipping business cards for the foreseeable future. I am keeping my CSR for a second year because I have a decent number of UR points that I want to use for travel this year and I get enough from travel and dining to make it worthwhile. Bummed that I can't get CSP in addition.

A few other things that might be helpful: We live in a Delta hub, so we prefer to fly Delta; my goal is to pay for flights and maybe a cruise or a few hotel nights; 2-player mode might be possible, but probably only for 1-2 cards since my husband isn't super excited about it; and most travel is to WDW or to visit family right now as it is easier with a toddler.

I will post my current cards but can provide more info if needed:

Opened in the last 24 months:
1/2017 CSR
9/2017 Delta Gold Skymiles

Others (not opened in the last 2 years):
Discover
Target RedCard
AU on Citi Double Cash

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

I understand if you keep thinking about the SW cards because there is such love for it on here. I am also in a Delta hub though, and same as you while we could technically fly SW to our principal destination as a family is Orlando and there is never a direct flight there. (But three times a day non stop on Delta).

If I were you, I would get the Delta Amex Platinum now. $195 fee but every year on your anniversary you get a companion certificate that is good for flights inside US. For me, that pays for itself pretty much every year. Once your fee is due on the Delta Gold in September maybe downgrade it to the new Delta Blue one (no fee). The regular sign up on the Platinum now is not great, but if you apply through a referral link by 1/31 it is 70,000 miles and a refund of $100 on first Delta purchase. I just applied for the Delta Platinum Business with the referral of my husband, 70,000 miles can fly 3 of us to MCO (other 2 on the companion certificate). It is a little silly now as between both of us we will now have 4 Delta Platinum. The thing is it works for us though as when you have to fly 5 the certificate is way handy. Just don’t make the mistake like I did years ago and upgrade your Gold to a Platinum. Then you miss out on the bonus.

Another card to think about for Delta flights is the Amex SPG personal. Even if you don’t intend to stay on Starwood properties for every 20,000 points you can transfer to Delta with a 5,000 mile bonus. I.e. transfer 20,000 SPG points get 25,000 skymiles. You probably want to do that sooner rather than later too as it is supposed to be going away. You could also go to Disney and stay at the Swan or Dolphin.

Our trip in a couple weeks I am flying on the miles from SPG points we got this Spring on sign up bonuses and then staying on property with UR points. The Freedom can make sense if you can max out the categories. The Freedom Unlimited is a good option for a go to Visa card for places that only take Visa and not Amex. Easy to build UR’s. Because you have the CSR it is easy to transfer.

I love my Chase Disney but it is probably because it just makes me happy because it has Elsa on it.

I don’t have yet but will probably try to get next fall the Chase Marriott. For hotels etc that might make sense for you too.

Hope that helps!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

My excitement for the day was getting a free pizza at blaze, buying a gift of college gift card using Apple Pay, and buying visa gift cards at Kroger and getting 4x fuel points.

Ha ha. My excitement today was getting almost 1000 walk in Shopkicks (3/4 of the way to that Disney GC lol) and a new purse at one of walk in stores. Plus we managed to accumulate enough Citi TY points for $100 Target GC. Woo hoo!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Quick question. I need about $500 in Disney GCs for our next trip. I have a brand shiny new Discover for 5% back (doubled for first year, effectively 10%). I can order from Sam's or BJ's. From researching, it seems GCs are excluded from shopping portal purchases, so I'm not sure if there any difference between the two stores.
Any reason to chose Sam's vs BJ's?

 

[magickingdomprincess]

Quick question. I need about $500 in Disney GCs for our next trip. I have a brand shiny new Discover for 5% back (doubled for first year, effectively 10%). I can order from Sam's or BJ's. From researching, it seems GCs are excluded from shopping portal purchases, so I'm not sure if there any difference between the two stores.
Any reason to chose Sam's vs BJ's?

Not sure if things have changed but I got disney giftcards using my discover IT last year (spring 2017) from BJ's through Mrrebates and the purchases credited even though the site said giftcards weren't included.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Got a new credit card today that I never intended to get. (And now I have an extra $5K spend to meet in 3 months but I think I'll just make it!) So, I went to WF to open a biz checking account for their promo. I have an eBay "business". Talked to the banker, they opened the account with my $300 bonus code I'd brought in with me. Talked a lot about my business but the banker was really nice and is gonna call next week & introduced me to the manager so... now I actually do feel obliged to sell all that stuff I've been meaning to sell on eBay... The important part: at the very end she said I had an offer for the Platinum Biz Card with a $500 cashback bonus after $5K spend. I was already approved if I wanted it just had to accept, no annual fee. So I took it! I didn't have an account open with Wells Fargo (credit or checking prior to this) and I had long ago dismissed this card as a possibility since WF can be hard to get credit cards with without a relationship. The cashback program has a $50 annual fee but the banker told me that's waived for the 1st year. Went in unsure of my baby eBay business and came out with the potential of $800 in a few months... If you've wanted this card this might be a way to get it. (No hard pull happened either!)

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Got a new credit card today that I never intended to get...

Hey - I think a lot of people have gotten credit cards they didn't intend to get from Wells Fargo! Glad your story is a little different than most HAHA!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I am new on this Forum, but you all might be helpful!
We have the Delta card, and a pretty good accumulation of points, so that is great!

Now that we are considering a trip, staying at a Westin Resort, I am interested in the SPG card.
I seem to remember a recent really good sign-up bonus. We weren't ready for another card, so we put it off.
But, now it is 25,000. points.
I have just read that there have not been any high sign-up bonuses since they merged???

Do any of you have any info about higher sign-up bonus? Have you seen any higher offers lately?
Any hope that they will put out a better offer anytime in the future?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Hey - I think a lot of people have gotten credit cards they didn't intend to get from Wells Fargo! Glad your story is a little different than most HAHA!

...It just occured to me about 10 mins ago I could have WF account floating around out there I never knew about...

 

[gottalovepluto]

I am new on this Forum, but you all might be helpful!
We have the Delta card, and a pretty good accumulation of points, so that is great!

Now that we are considering a trip, staying at a Westin Resort, I am interested in the SPG card.
I seem to remember a recent really good sign-up bonus. We weren't ready for another card, so we put it off.
But, now it is 25,000. points.
I have just read that there have not been any high sign-up bonuses since they merged???

Do any of you have any info about higher sign-up bonus? Have you seen any higher offers lately?
Any hope that they will put out a better offer anytime in the future?

35K was last April I think. No one knows if the merger and change in credit cards will affect the current bonuses. Are you in 2 player mode? You could get a card at 25K and refer a spouse for 25K and get the 7K(?) referral bonus.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I am new on this Forum, but you all might be helpful!
We have the Delta card, and a pretty good accumulation of points, so that is great!

Now that we are considering a trip, staying at a Westin Resort, I am interested in the SPG card.
I seem to remember a recent really good sign-up bonus. We weren't ready for another card, so we put it off.
But, now it is 25,000. points.
I have just read that there have not been any high sign-up bonuses since they merged???

Do any of you have any info about higher sign-up bonus? Have you seen any higher offers lately?
Any hope that they will put out a better offer anytime in the future?

You can get a 30k point offer on the personal SPG card through incognito mode.

The current offer of 25k is the best offer on the SPG business version.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I got an email that my Chase year-end summary was available to view today. I got my CSP in September. It was...ahem... eye-opening, to say the least, to see how much I spent on it! Granted, October is a really high spend month for us because we travel to a big horse show where we plan to spend a lot of money, and it had Christmas on it. But even still... It made me feel a little more comfortable with getting CIP because we should have NO problem meeting that 5k spend in 3 months based on this!!