I love credit cards so much!

[mefordis]

It would be best if he double dipped the CSP and CSR, that's the only way to get the bonus for both. If you don't, you'll be missing out on 50K URs.

So, I could refer him for the CSP, and he can click that link to apply, and right away after that apply for the CSR?

Thanks!

 

[peel]

Is it still safe to pay my mortgage via Plastiq to meet my SPG Biz minimum spend?

 

[mefordis]

So, I could refer him for the CSP, and he can click that link to apply, and right away after that apply for the CSR?

Thanks!

Also, my husband is a user on my CSP. Should I have him taken off before he applies for one of his own?

 

[Lain]

Is it still safe to pay my mortgage via Plastiq to meet my SPG Biz minimum spend?

Amex doesn't allow mortgages to be paid via Plastiq. Even if you could get it through, I'd worry RAT won't count it towards minimum spend.

 

[jhoannam]

Also, my husband is a user on my CSP. Should I have him taken off before he applies for one of his own?

You don't have to, if he's well under 5/24.
And yes, he uses your referral to apply for the CSP. But make sure he does it on a banking weekday, in case he has to call the recon line. Once he's approved, he can apply for the CSR.

Does that make sense? You don't want to apply for the second card until he's been approved for the first card. And he will have to use a different browser or incognito browser for the second application. He can also use the Reddit dischurning referral on the second app.

 

[jhoannam]

Also, my husband is a user on my CSP. Should I have him taken off before he applies for one of his own?

But yes, eventually you will want to take him off your account to get the card off his credit report. When he calls to have his name removed they need to transfer him to the credit department so he can request the card be removed from his credit.

 

[mefordis]

I registered for Experian's free service - it lets you sort accounts by date opened. I think at this point it would behoove you to develop a long term plan of the next 12 months with which cards you and your husband plan to get. We could help develop that plan but to give effective advice I think you need to list each card you've each gotten and the month/year you were approved. Without that information we're all largely taking a shot in the dark on what you should do...

I'm going to post this info tomorrow because I'd love to hear your advice!

 

[mefordis]

But yes, eventually you will want to take him off your account to get the card off his credit report. When he calls to have his name removed they need to transfer him to the credit department so he can request the card be removed from his credit.

So with his name as a user of my account he would get rejected for a CSR and CSP?

 

[peel]

Amex doesn't allow mortgages to be paid via Plastiq. Even if you could get it through, I'd worry RAT won't count it towards minimum spend.

Mine still works because of the ambiguous name. I’ve been successfully paying it with my CIP. But yeah, I was more wondering if Amex would be paying attention to the type of charge the Plastiq payment.

 

[Lain]

Mine still works because of the ambiguous name. I’ve been successfully paying it with my CIP. But yeah, I was more wondering if Amex would be paying attention to the type of charge the Plastiq payment.

Mr. Cooper might work. I haven't seen any recent negative DPs about that. I'd really hate to shift a mortgage payment that's still working on Plastiq and earning 3x, to Amex, because who knows how long it'll still work for CIP.

ETA: Was Mr. Cooper sold to Wells Fargo? https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/c...on_thread_december_06_2017/dqv5ue4/?context=3

 

[shairpdrh]

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!

Thanks for the thoughtful reply! I am glad I'm not crazy to have to consider the SW cards carefully. There may be a time down the road where I will have to consider those along with starting a business I am thinking that a Freedom might be my next step so I can maximize my rewards in the 5x category. The truth is that my best bet is probably to try to convince my husband to to the CSR and CSP apps so we can transfer the UR. That might be the next step if I can make it happen! Thanks again!

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!

It does help! Thank you. I appreciate the insight from someone else in a Delta hub. I wish it was easier to take SW, but it would be silly to pretend that would work best for us. I think the idea of getting Delta Platinum is a good one. I also appreciate your candor about the Disney Card. I think having a cute card holds a bit of appeal as well.

I do have one question that I figure I should ask before I do something silly! If I am going to apply for the cards below, is this the best order?

1) Chase Freedom (3/24)
2) Disney Chase (4/24)
3) Delta Amex Platinum (5/25)
4) Maybe Amex SPG personal, but will have to research that a bit more

I could squeeze something else in before the Disney (5/24 not applied, I think?) or Delta card is emoting else appeals at that point. I figure I would drop below 5/25 in January 2018 and could try for other offers at that point if I think the SW cards are worth it. I am open to critique if you see something that I am missing!

Thanks again to both of you!

 

[gottalovepluto]

So with his name as a user of my account he would get rejected for a CSR and CSP?

He might. Or, even worse, he MIGHT get rejected for the bonus. I don't recall any DPs on this because it's never been worth the risk to anybody.

 

[gottalovepluto]

...ETA: Was Mr. Cooper sold to Wells Fargo? https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/c...on_thread_december_06_2017/dqv5ue4/?context=3

My parents have a Mr Cooper mortgage and I asked and they said they haven't received any notification. Just sounds like a batch of loans was sold off.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply! I am glad I'm not crazy to have to consider the SW cards carefully. There may be a time down the road where I will have to consider those along with starting a business I am thinking that a Freedom might be my next step so I can maximize my rewards in the 5x category. The truth is that my best bet is probably to try to convince my husband to to the CSR and CSP apps so we can transfer the UR. That might be the next step if I can make it happen! Thanks again!



It does help! Thank you. I appreciate the insight from someone else in a Delta hub. I wish it was easier to take SW, but it would be silly to pretend that would work best for us. I think the idea of getting Delta Platinum is a good one. I also appreciate your candor about the Disney Card. I think having a cute card holds a bit of appeal as well.

I do have one question that I figure I should ask before I do something silly! If I am going to apply for the cards below, is this the best order?

1) Chase Freedom (3/24)
2) Disney Chase (4/24)
3) Delta Amex Platinum (5/25)
4) Maybe Amex SPG personal, but will have to research that a bit more

I could squeeze something else in before the Disney (5/24 not applied, I think?) or Delta card is emoting else appeals at that point. I figure I would drop below 5/25 in January 2018 and could try for other offers at that point if I think the SW cards are worth it. I am open to critique if you see something that I am missing!

Thanks again to both of you!

Since Freedom is the only card you seem interested in from Chase that is affected by 5/24, other than applying for that first (or at a minimum it needs to be one of your first 3 cards) there is no "best order". It's really hard to recommend missing out on a bunch of Chase cards to go for a Disney and a Delta but of course it's your decision.

The best idea I heard in there though was the husband CSR/CSP idea haha.

 

[shairpdrh]

Since Freedom is the only card you seem interested in from Chase that is affected by 5/24, other than applying for that first (or at a minimum it needs to be one of your first 3 cards) there is no "best order". It's really hard to recommend missing out on a bunch of Chase cards to go for a Disney and a Delta but of course it's your decision.

The best idea I heard in there though was the husband CSR/CSP idea haha.

Fair enough! I think I am revising my strategy to do the two SW cards before hitting 5/24 and then moving on to Amex/Disney. Why not? Thanks again for the insight! Now to work on the husband...

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Fair enough! I think I am revising my strategy to do the two SW cards before hitting 5/24 and then moving on to Amex/Disney. Why not? Thanks again for the insight! Now to work on the husband...

I think that warrants consideration...but don't just listen to us blindly either, lol. If you've done your research and know which cards work best for your goals don't be afraid to go for it even if it goes against conventional wisdom.

 

[SBWB48]

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?

Another data point that BJ's via the Mr.Rebates portal does in fact credit. Last year, I probably purchased between 1-2K from BJs and each purchase credited after the 90 day waiting period. Of the cashback portals, they seem to be the most liberal in that gift card purchases AND gift card redemptions have always credited for me. Ebates and Topcashback being the most frustrating and restricting in terms of gift card redemption and purchases.

 

[jhoannam]

So with his name as a user of my account he would get rejected for a CSR and CSP?

He won't get rejected just because he's an authorized user on your cards. Example: DH has the SW Premier, he got it 10/16 and added me as an AU. Earlier last year I applied for both SW cards (plus & premier) on the same day and was approved for both.
How many card has he been approved for in the last 24 months and how many card has he been added as the AU in the same period?

 

[SBWB48]

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 the thoughtful reply! I am glad I'm not crazy to have to consider the SW cards carefully. There may be a time down the road where I will have to consider those along with starting a business I am thinking that a Freedom might be my next step so I can maximize my rewards in the 5x category. The truth is that my best bet is probably to try to convince my husband to to the CSR and CSP apps so we can transfer the UR. That might be the next step if I can make it happen! Thanks again!



It does help! Thank you. I appreciate the insight from someone else in a Delta hub. I wish it was easier to take SW, but it would be silly to pretend that would work best for us. I think the idea of getting Delta Platinum is a good one. I also appreciate your candor about the Disney Card. I think having a cute card holds a bit of appeal as well.

I do have one question that I figure I should ask before I do something silly! If I am going to apply for the cards below, is this the best order?

1) Chase Freedom (3/24)
2) Disney Chase (4/24)
3) Delta Amex Platinum (5/25)
4) Maybe Amex SPG personal, but will have to research that a bit more

I could squeeze something else in before the Disney (5/24 not applied, I think?) or Delta card is emoting else appeals at that point. I figure I would drop below 5/25 in January 2018 and could try for other offers at that point if I think the SW cards are worth it. I am open to critique if you see something that I am missing!

Thanks again to both of you!

Fair enough! I think I am revising my strategy to do the two SW cards before hitting 5/24 and then moving on to Amex/Disney. Why not? Thanks again for the insight! Now to work on the husband...

Since you mentioned Discover in your original post, it seems cashback cards are something you would consider? Perhaps you could squeeze the Discover in between the Freedom and Disney. Discover and Freedom are essentially the same card with rotating 5x/5% categories. Obviously the difference lies with the Freedom UR being transferable to a CSP/CSR for 1.25/1.5x redemptions. However, the Discover IT does offer the doublecash back offer in your first year, effectively making it a 10% return card if you use the spend categories effectively. That might be worth considering in between the Freedom and Disney or consecutively with the Freedom (both options using the 4th slot), but does buy you some more time between Chase apps with the Freedom and Disney if you want to give some thought to whether you want to use your last slot on the Disney when it isn't a 5/24 card. Similarly, wholesale clubs are the 5x category this quarter for Discover so you can easily max that out at BJs/Sams.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Another data point that BJ's via the Mr.Rebates portal does in fact credit. Last year, I probably purchased between 1-2K from BJs and each purchase credited after the 90 day waiting period. Of the cashback portals, they seem to be the most liberal in that gift card purchases AND gift card redemptions have always credited for me. Ebates and Topcashback being the most frustrating and restricting in terms of gift card redemption and purchases.

Good to know. Sam's has 4% at Ebates, 3 miles through AA. Mrrebate has 3% for BJs but I've never used Mrrebate. Anyone have luck with AA miles?