I love credit cards so much!

[hsmamato2]

I was approved on 8/21/17 and the AF hit on 8/31. My first statement closed on 9/6.

started using on 1/9, statement closed on 1/26...no AF.....why,I wonder? I don't think the AF was waived for first year....

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I've been planning our annual Christmas vacation to Hawaii over the last couple of days and... random travel thoughts at 3 in the morning:

• The Hilton Hawaiian Village is "sold out" pretty much between Christmas and the first few days after the new year. Seriously, I can't pull up any availability on Hilton direct, UR portal, Amex FHR...
• I really should focus on getting more Marriott/SPG points this year, to use if not this Christmas then next[-next] year. I love SPG's Waikiki properties (the Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, Sheraton); but why would I pay 21,250 Starpoints to stay at the Sheraton (from $504/night) or Moana (from $475/night), when I can redeem the same amount of points at the Royal Hawaiian (from $727/night)?
• Marriott Business or Personal? If personal, the 75k offer or 120k offer? Decisions...
• Really, I'd welcome some thoughts on the above. I'm 3/24 with 1 dropping off after April 2018.
• UR points are great and still my transferrable currency of choice, but the UR travel portal isn't giving me [m]any good options for refundable reservations over the new year.
• I think I've optimized too much of our spending between Plastiq, Freedom categories, and discounted and 5x gift cards.
• Hawaiian Airlines flight availability opens 330 days out, but there's no award availability between December 14 and 26. I've been checking as availability becomes available at midnight HST, and nothing comes up. HA customer service rep says to keep checking because award seats tend to be released later. But there's already award availability for December 27 -- one-way first class lie flat seats for 80,000 HawaiianMiles. For reference, one-way award seats in main cabin for December 13 going all the way back to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving are going for 17,500 HawaiianMiles plus change.
• Chase UR's booking calendar looks like it displays only 330 days out, but you can manually input later dates.
• I really miss Marriott's Twitter trivia and tweet for points promos.

I just looked at Hilton Hawaiian village logged in as DH in case there were only rooms for diamond guarantee, and plugged in random 12/29-1/5 and got 60k/nt or $419/nt. Not sure what dates you want, but we were thinking New Years.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I really love this group. You are all so nice to answer questions, whether the person asking is a pro at this or a newbie!

My latest question is in regards to Amex cards. I opened a Delta Platinum Amex for the skymiles bonus a few months ago. Since Amex bonus is once per lifetime does it make sense to cancel the card after the bonus is earned? If yes, how long after opening should I close it?

1) Are you using it at all? if Yes, dont cancel.
2) Does it have an AF? if No, dont cancel.
3) Is there another card you can product change it to? if yes, product change it.

also advisable to keep the card for at least a year too.

I am not using it.i have better rewards on other cards.
It does have an AF.
I think it can be PCd to a no AF card.

So a product change is the way to go?

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I've read on DoC that downgrading an AMEX may affect your ability to earn a bonus on that card in the future. Just something to keep in mind...

 

[Lain]

Are there anymore Chase cards you're trying to get in the future? If so, could be a good idea to do Marriott Business.

I second the Marriott Twitter trivia!

I've been seriously considering going for the Southwest Biz and Plus/Premier for the CP. Getting 1 business and 1 personal for SW would be ideal, since that would be 60k+50k RR = instant CP; 2 SW personal cards won't quite get me to CP without more spending and I don't like the idea of them taking up my */24 slots for two years. I know the longer I wait, the less it makes sense to go for CP this year. I'm trying to consider what trips/flights my family might be taking this year where a CP might come in handy, and there might be one more trip for which we haven't booked any travel arrangements. I'm thinking that one trip might not be worth going for the CP just yet.

I'm also wary about how hard I'm able to push Chase on its business cards. I already have the CIP, which I got last summer. I'm pretty sure I won't have a problem getting a second business card (I even have a second "business" I could use!). If I go for the Marriott Business, I'm less sure about my chances for a third business card with the SW Biz. My chances might improve if I push out going for the CP with the SW Biz later or next year.

Then there are all the flavors of Marriott cards! Business or Personal for 75k? Personal for 75k or 120k? And is the Amex SPG personal worth burning a */54 slot for an incognito 30k offer (I'd probably jump for 35k SPG).

Other than SW and Marriott, I guess the only thing keeping me under 5/24 is the prospect of the new Chase/Marriott cards, possibly topping off my United miles with a sweet MPE offer (which I never seem to get targeted for), and if I find myself still under 5/24 next January then double dipping the CSR and CSP if that trick still works. Meanwhile, there are too many Amex cards tempting me.

Right now, I'm content enough because my CIP earns me a ton of UR every month on household expenses through Plastiq, and my Plat is earns me a lot of MR for everything else through MPX. If either changes its coding, it's open season on new cards and signup bonuses.

Working on finishing up some minimum spends in the next month, so thinking ahead on my next card...

 

[Eighty8Keys]

started using on 1/9, statement closed on 1/26...no AF.....why,I wonder? I don't think the AF was waived for first year....

Since mine hit on the last day of the month in which I was approved, I wonder if yours will hit sometime today.

 

[PrincessMom98]

I've been seriously considering going for the Southwest Biz and Plus/Premier for the CP. Getting 1 business and 1 personal for SW would be ideal, since that would be 60k+50k RR = instant CP; 2 SW personal cards won't quite get me to CP without more spending and I don't like the idea of them taking up my */24 slots for two years. I know the longer I wait, the less it makes sense to go for CP this year. I'm trying to consider what trips/flights my family might be taking this year where a CP might come in handy, and there might be one more trip for which we haven't booked any travel arrangements. I'm thinking that one trip might not be worth going for the CP just yet.

I'm also wary about how hard I'm able to push Chase on its business cards. I already have the CIP, which I got last summer. I'm pretty sure I won't have a problem getting a second business card (I even have a second "business" I could use!). If I go for the Marriott Business, I'm less sure about my chances for a third business card with the SW Biz. My chances might improve if I push out going for the CP with the SW Biz later or next year.

Then there are all the flavors of Marriott cards! Business or Personal for 75k? Personal for 75k or 120k? And is the Amex SPG personal worth burning a */54 slot for an incognito 30k offer (I'd probably jump for 35k SPG).

Other than SW and Marriott, I guess the only thing keeping me under 5/24 is the prospect of the new Chase/Marriott cards, possibly topping off my United miles with a sweet MPE offer (which I never seem to get targeted for), and if I find myself still under 5/24 next January then double dipping the CSR and CSP if that trick still works. Meanwhile, there are too many Amex cards tempting me.

Right now, I'm content enough because my CIP earns me a ton of UR every month on household expenses through Plastiq, and my Plat is earns me a lot of MR for everything else through MPX. If either changes its coding, it's open season on new cards and signup bonuses.

Working on finishing up some minimum spends in the next month, so thinking ahead on my next card...

I could have written most of this myself, except I am 5/24 until 4/2019 when 2 will drop off. I really want more UR points and AA miles. I'm wondering how many business cards I could get that could keep me busy until 4/2019. Right now I only have CIP. I am looking at Amex SPG business or Marriott Business, CIC is also appealing but may be better to just downgrade CIP and save the spot for a Southwest business card next year to renew my CP.
My goals are a Christmas weekend at Universal (have SW miles) and France 11/2019 when my DD studies abroad again. Award tickets to Bahamas would be great too if my DS's scout troop goes to Seabase in 2019.

 

[wendow]

I've been seriously considering going for the Southwest Biz and Plus/Premier for the CP. Getting 1 business and 1 personal for SW would be ideal, since that would be 60k+50k RR = instant CP; 2 SW personal cards won't quite get me to CP without more spending and I don't like the idea of them taking up my */24 slots for two years. I know the longer I wait, the less it makes sense to go for CP this year. I'm trying to consider what trips/flights my family might be taking this year where a CP might come in handy, and there might be one more trip for which we haven't booked any travel arrangements. I'm thinking that one trip might not be worth going for the CP just yet.

I'm also wary about how hard I'm able to push Chase on its business cards. I already have the CIP, which I got last summer. I'm pretty sure I won't have a problem getting a second business card (I even have a second "business" I could use!). If I go for the Marriott Business, I'm less sure about my chances for a third business card with the SW Biz. My chances might improve if I push out going for the CP with the SW Biz later or next year.

Then there are all the flavors of Marriott cards! Business or Personal for 75k? Personal for 75k or 120k? And is the Amex SPG personal worth burning a */54 slot for an incognito 30k offer (I'd probably jump for 35k SPG).

Other than SW and Marriott, I guess the only thing keeping me under 5/24 is the prospect of the new Chase/Marriott cards, possibly topping off my United miles with a sweet MPE offer (which I never seem to get targeted for), and if I find myself still under 5/24 next January then double dipping the CSR and CSP if that trick still works. Meanwhile, there are too many Amex cards tempting me.

Right now, I'm content enough because my CIP earns me a ton of UR every month on household expenses through Plastiq, and my Plat is earns me a lot of MR for everything else through MPX. If either changes its coding, it's open season on new cards and signup bonuses.

Working on finishing up some minimum spends in the next month, so thinking ahead on my next card...

I didn't get the impression your family flew SW much. Am I mistaken or are you just anticipating more SW travel with them opening routes to Hawaii?

Seems to me, the Marriott biz would be a good next card for you since you want to focus on earning more Marriott/SPG points and that one would not count against you (other than having another Chase biz card). You guys are in 2-player mode, right? Could your wife be the one to go for the SW cards and CP, if you think that would be useful?

 

[Alexle2007]

I've been seriously considering going for the Southwest Biz and Plus/Premier for the CP. Getting 1 business and 1 personal for SW would be ideal, since that would be 60k+50k RR = instant CP; 2 SW personal cards won't quite get me to CP without more spending and I don't like the idea of them taking up my */24 slots for two years. I know the longer I wait, the less it makes sense to go for CP this year. I'm trying to consider what trips/flights my family might be taking this year where a CP might come in handy, and there might be one more trip for which we haven't booked any travel arrangements. I'm thinking that one trip might not be worth going for the CP just yet.

I'm also wary about how hard I'm able to push Chase on its business cards. I already have the CIP, which I got last summer. I'm pretty sure I won't have a problem getting a second business card (I even have a second "business" I could use!). If I go for the Marriott Business, I'm less sure about my chances for a third business card with the SW Biz. My chances might improve if I push out going for the CP with the SW Biz later or next year.

Then there are all the flavors of Marriott cards! Business or Personal for 75k? Personal for 75k or 120k? And is the Amex SPG personal worth burning a */54 slot for an incognito 30k offer (I'd probably jump for 35k SPG).

Other than SW and Marriott, I guess the only thing keeping me under 5/24 is the prospect of the new Chase/Marriott cards, possibly topping off my United miles with a sweet MPE offer (which I never seem to get targeted for), and if I find myself still under 5/24 next January then double dipping the CSR and CSP if that trick still works. Meanwhile, there are too many Amex cards tempting me.

Right now, I'm content enough because my CIP earns me a ton of UR every month on household expenses through Plastiq, and my Plat is earns me a lot of MR for everything else through MPX. If either changes its coding, it's open season on new cards and signup bonuses.

Working on finishing up some minimum spends in the next month, so thinking ahead on my next card...

Remember, if CP is earned this year, it is good through 12/31/19. So you have almost 2 years of planning to do. We are not very good planners and have gotten a ton of usage out of CP over the last few years. I think it is encourages us to travel more so we get our monies' worth out of it. Heck, I just booked a last minute trip to Universal for March because of it and APs

 

[AmyAnne]

Has anyone used Discover It card with 5% cashback warehouse clubs at Sam's Club online and NOT had it give 5%? My charge is pending but listed as 'direct merchant.' No point in buying Disney GCs as Sam's if it's not 5%.

Did the posted charge give you the 5%?

I'm considering the Discover card for the 5% at warehouses and it would be nice if that worked for on-line purchases.

 

[pillow]

Did the posted charge give you the 5%?

I'm considering the Discover card for the 5% at warehouses and it would be nice if that worked for on-line purchases.

I have not used mine at Sam's online, but I did purchase a $200 Costco gift card online. I DID receive the 5% on that. Note that it took an entire 2 weeks for my Costco gift card to arrive after they shipped (was about to call and have it cancelled).

 

[gottalovepluto]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I've read on DoC that downgrading an AMEX may affect your ability to earn a bonus on that card in the future. Just something to keep in mind...

Amex's T&C's are SO nasty I wouldn't want to try fighting my way through that with them if the bonus didn't auto post.

@wdwcindy please go back and read the T&C's on the credit card offer you got from Amex for your Delta card. Mine (Delta Gold Personal) says that if I cancel or downgrade the card within 12 months they can take the bonus back. I'm absolutely not risking that and will be canceling after the one year mark when I can still get my AF refunded.
ETA: this was found on the doc that lists info like APRs, annual fee, etc. and then under Terms and Conditions the next section is called "Offer Terms"

 

[gottalovepluto]

Jan 31 folks! If you are thinking about a Delta credit card the increased bonus offers via links expire today. Idk if they are the highest ever offered but if not I think* they are pretty close. Currently the following offers via link will expire after today! (Public offers are currently half the miles, same statement credits)
Delta Gold (personal and biz) 60K miles (50k after $2K spend in 3 months, 10k after $1K more spend in 6 months) + $50 statement credit after any Delta purchase in 3 months, annual fee waived 1st year
Delta Platinum (personal and biz) 70K miles and 10k Medallion Qualification Miles after $3K in 3 months, $100 statement credit after Delta purchase in 3 months [annual fee NOT waived, $195]

-Links can be found in our Reddit group if you don't already have one to go through (I checked and EACH of these cards has links available there!) @SouthFayetteFan or @Albort can hook you up with us if you aren't already.

-Is this worth burning a 5/24 slot for? Imho no, but if you really want the Delta miles and/or the bag benefits and/or other benefits don't be afraid to evaluate the offer just for yourself, you might be the odd case where it is worth it.

Also, DoC notes the 40k offer on the JetBlue card is expiring today: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/barclaycard-jetblue-plus-40000-point-offer-highest-ever/ [Definitely NOT the highest ever, DoC notes after this post a now expired 60K offer came along that expired after the New Year.]

*thinking is not certainty, I don't have time to research it out for sure right now

 

[Lain]

I just looked at Hilton Hawaiian village logged in as DH in case there were only rooms for diamond guarantee, and plugged in random 12/29-1/5 and got 60k/nt or $419/nt. Not sure what dates you want, but we were thinking New Years.

Thank you! I logged into my Hilton account (didn't have the password handy before), which is Gold, and I'm seeing $418/night for those dates. I don't know why I can't pull it up on the UR portal or Amex FHR.

I didn't get the impression your family flew SW much. Am I mistaken or are you just anticipating more SW travel with them opening routes to Hawaii?

Seems to me, the Marriott biz would be a good next card for you since you want to focus on earning more Marriott/SPG points and that one would not count against you (other than having another Chase biz card). You guys are in 2-player mode, right? Could your wife be the one to go for the SW cards and CP, if you think that would be useful?

Remember, if CP is earned this year, it is good through 12/31/19. So you have almost 2 years of planning to do. We are not very good planners and have gotten a ton of usage out of CP over the last few years. I think it is encourages us to travel more so we get our monies' worth out of it. Heck, I just booked a last minute trip to Universal for March because of it and APs

We're not frequent SW flyers. If we were to get the CP, I think a lot of our flights would be quick trips down to Disneyland, which could get expensive quickly if we're encouraged to take more trips to get our money's worth out of the CP. We love Disneyland, but we don't want to go down that rabbit hole.

I'm thinking I'll apply for the Marriott Biz next! Just making sure -- there are no referrals for that card, right?

P.S. We are 2-players, but DW is still wary of credit cards and her default position is "no new cards," unless we cancel one or I can sell her on why it's a good deal. So it's easier to just hold her in reserve.

Thanks for being my sounding board, all! It's quite lonely at 3 am in the morning.

 

[afan]

I opened shopkick and had a notice that got 500 kicks from my bb purchase yesterday. I didn't have the qr scanned, all I did was get my walk in points. I bought 100 in gc with chase pay using my car that is linked to shopkick. Best I can figure from the discover stuff today having a chase pay tutorial video for 5 kicks today and another that advertises chase pay at bb that somehow they are linked and that's where the kicks came from. Anyone else have this happen?

 

[pillow]

Jan 31 folks! If you are thinking about a Delta credit card the increased bonus offers via links expire today. Idk if they are the highest ever offered but if not I think* they are pretty close. Currently the following offers via link will expire after today! (Public offers are currently half the miles, same statement credits)
Delta Gold (personal and biz) 60K miles (50k after $2K spend in 3 months, 10k after $1K more spend in 6 months) + $50 statement credit after any Delta purchase in 3 months, annual fee waived 1st year
Delta Platinum (personal and biz) 70K miles and 10k Medallion Qualification Miles after $3K in 3 months, $100 statement credit after Delta purchase in 3 months [annual fee NOT waived, $195]

-Links can be found in our Reddit group if you don't already have one to go through (I checked and EACH of these cards has links available there!) @SouthFayetteFan or @Albort can hook you up with us if you aren't already.

-Is this worth burning a 5/24 slot for? Imho no, but if you really want the Delta miles and/or the bag benefits and/or other benefits don't be afraid to evaluate the offer just for yourself, you might be the odd case where it is worth it.

Also, DoC notes the 40k offer on the JetBlue card is expiring today: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/barclaycard-jetblue-plus-40000-point-offer-highest-ever/ [Definitely NOT the highest ever, DoC notes after this post a now expired 60K offer came along that expired after the New Year.]

*thinking is not certainty, I don't have time to research it out for sure right now

Ummm . . . the only Delta card I haven't had is the Platinum Business. 70K Delta miles for $195??? Making me think. For the $100 credit, what is the cheapest thing I can purchase to get the credit if I'm not planning to fly Delta in the next 3 months??? Gift card on delta.com? Darn you for putting this idea in my head - lol! ;-)

 

[gottalovepluto]

Ummm . . . the only Delta card I haven't had is the Platinum Business. 70K Delta miles for $195??? Making me think. For the $100 credit, what is the cheapest thing I can purchase to get the credit if I'm not planning to fly Delta in the next 3 months??? Gift card on delta.com? Darn you for putting this idea in my head - lol! ;-)

Unfortunately I think it is the Delta gift card, it's the only thing I've seen people mention purchasing to trigger the credit if they aren't flying DL- unless you're booking a DL flight in the next 3 months. Hit some of the spend and get yourself $100 off your flight without messing with the gift card.

 

[jhoannam]

Just finished the MSR on my Amex BGR and DH was just approved for the Marriott Biz card.

Getting closer to 'free' Hotel and Air for our Hawaii trip... if I can get Marriott and Hilton points to cover all our hotels I might be able to squeeze in a WDW trip this year using our URs.

 

[wendow]

I'm thinking I'll apply for the Marriott Biz next! Just making sure -- there are no referrals for that card, right?

Not that I've seen. Good luck! I'm wanting that card too but dredging through MSR on other cards right now

 

[AmyAnne]

Ummm . . . the only Delta card I haven't had is the Platinum Business. 70K Delta miles for $195??? Making me think. For the $100 credit, what is the cheapest thing I can purchase to get the credit if I'm not planning to fly Delta in the next 3 months??? Gift card on delta.com? Darn you for putting this idea in my head - lol! ;-)

The best place to find info about how to use the travel credit to buy gift cards is flyertalk - they have a thread for each of the airlines. What works changes pretty often it seems -- a few years ago I was able to buy United GC that counted for the credit but it seems that might no longer work. In December I was able to buy AA GCs and that worked for the AmEx Platinum. Check the Delta thread there to see how to use the travel credit.

 

[wendow]

Just finished the MSR on my Amex BGR and DH was just approved for the Marriott Biz card.

I think you and I got our BGR's at about the same time (mid-Dec) and I'm just now over halfway on the spend lol! Congrats on the new Marriott Biz!