I love credit cards so much!

[miztressuz]

yeah, i thought the points+cash would be closer to the $285 a night price, but its only $75. i think this is the best way to go for me, hopefully this also triggers all the promotions in the back.

I don't know about SPG at all, but on Marriott when you do points and cash it didn't trigger any promotions because it's a points booking. (since with points and cash, the cash is buying points for the night). Last Sept we stayed during one of their promotions for stay 2 different brands get some amount of points. So we did stay two different brands but the one stay was a points+cash so it didn't trigger the promotion. Since IHG is the same way, I kinda assumed most hotels with that option work it the same way. Usually you can tell if in the cancellation policies it says the room will be refunded in all points.

 

[Albort]

I don't know about SPG at all, but on Marriott when you do points and cash it didn't trigger any promotions because it's a points booking. (since with points and cash, the cash is buying points for the night). Last Sept we stayed during one of their promotions for stay 2 different brands get some amount of points. So we did stay two different brands but the one stay was a points+cash so it didn't trigger the promotion. Since IHG is the same way, I kinda assumed most hotels with that option work it the same way. Usually you can tell if in the cancellation policies it says the room will be refunded in all points.

thanks! i just asked this question on flyertalk. haha. not willing to pay $285 a night. Do you know if it adds to stay and nights though?

 

[SmallMama]

Two days in a row I have forgot my CIP card and missed out on working towards my spending.
Now for my question , i am having trouble creating a business account since I have a personal account. It keeps telling me I already have a account link to my social, but i cannot get the business card link to my personal. How do I fix this.

 

[jhoannam]

Two days in a row I have forgot my CIP card and missed out on working towards my spending.
Now for my question , i am having trouble creating a business account since I have a personal account. It keeps telling me I already have a account link to my social, but i cannot get the business card link to my personal. How do I fix this.

I think you have to create a business account (new user name) and then call and have them combine your accounts.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

yeah, i thought the points+cash would be closer to the $285 a night price, but its only $75. i think this is the best way to go for me, hopefully this also triggers all the promotions in the back.

Yeah - that really seems almost too good to be true...

 

[miztressuz]

thanks! i just asked this question on flyertalk. haha. not willing to pay $285 a night. Do you know if it adds to stay and nights though?

It should. It did for us on Marriott and SPG has the same language that award redemptions count towards Elite status.

 

[vanjust14]

I am $1400 away from meeting the rest of the 8k combined I had to do for the Amex BGR and personal SPG. I'll finish this week. I'm so thrilled to be done with Amex spends but of course, I'm contemplating either the SPG biz or the Delta Gold biz so back to Amex I go. I can do the Delta easily since only 2k but if I bite off that SPG biz, I'm gonna have to get creative and then I'm nervous of the RATs.

Same here...I want to do the SPG biz but need to get creative. I am leaning more towards trying it than not as I finish up my SPG personal MSR. I ALMOST applied ( through a fellow link of course) today. I'm sure I won't be able to resist much longer!

 

[mhartman09]

I'm super late responding to this as I wasn't really online at all since Friday. I was laughing so hard while catching up. I must say, while I was correct on the gender of those everyone was guessing at, their ages are a whole other story. You can definitely add me to the list of people who thought Albort was mid 20s. Had to search Albort too and those threads are too funny! Can't believe we have such a celebrity in our midst.

Still have to check out SouthFayetteFan's thread on the Stay Play Dine promo. That one has confused me for a while.

Bankrate bought TPG a few years ago (I believe they also own MMS), so TPG is quite set $. However, the business generates revenue through affiliate marketing, and each of his affiliate links generates a share of revenue or pay per sale for each new customer. This isn’t small time referral clicks. It’s not in TPG’s financial interest to recommend any offers that don’t make money for his business or write about better offers that might divert readers from his affiliate links.

So for example, TPG has not written about the 60k UR/$95 AF CSP offer even though some of his readers might think that’s a better offer than the 50k UR/AF waived offer that his links make money on. Or why he doesn’t write about ways to get targeted for better Amex signup bonuses even though those are generally once per lifetime. His readers look to him as an expert, but he’s giving biased information and withholding valuable knowledge that could lead to better decisions all so the business can earn money for itself and it’s sponsors.

The reason why DoC gets so much love on /r/churning is because he’s not owned by a bank or other company, does not have affiliate links to credit cards, is transparent with best offers, and discloses his links (like for Amazon or eBay) but also makes you aware of your choice to go through something else that won’t make him money instead (like the JetBlue portal for Amazon or cashback sites for eBay).

I have to admit, I do read some of TPG's stuff, but I don't put much stock into his advice when it comes to applications. I've seen enough comments in the churning sub on him. Definitely love Doc and of course this thread is my go-to!

It will completely change your expectation of what you should get back on every purchase. If I get less than 10% back on any purchase I’m dissapointed lol - and I’d really prefer it to be 15-20%!

This is sooooo true!! It's especially true for me now that I've learned about using Gyft with my CIP for gift cards. I think back on all the money we've spent through the years before I really understood the benefit of cc points and I could pass out. Just Saturday he was sitting at the computer and mentioned he was about to order something online and I (loudly) said "WAIT, don't click place order! Let me check Gyft." He keeps saying this is worse than when I started couponing and I would freak if he stopped at the store on the way home and bought something I had a coupon for in my binder. I've tried going over the ins and outs on which card to use for what and when we can use a cc to buy a gift card for certain purchases, but he says it's just too much to remember. I think now I'm getting the point across that if he can't keep up, he better check in with me before he buys anything to see if we can maximize our return.


So in July I'll have had my CIP for a year and I'm trying to decide if I should keep it or PC to CIC. I thought about applying for the CIC outright instead of PCing, but I wasn't sure about getting another biz card from Chase. However, I seem to recall reading here that someone else recently suggested doing this. Technically I do have a legit biz now (I recently decided to become a TA) so I suppose that could work in my favor.

 

[miztressuz]

Help SPG pro...please...

We are both new and got welcome promos for the program. I also just got the biz card and DH is going to get it closer to 3/28 to buy me time on the MSR.

Here is my promo:
1st stay= 5 qualifying nights + 2nd stay=5 qualifying nights= 10 qual nights.
I have the biz nights credited too.
complete by 4/30.

Here is his promo:
1st stay=2500 bonus points + 2nd stay=5000 pts = 7500 bonus points
complete by 5/30

So which should I prioritize. I lean towards his since he is a biz traveler. He needs 13 more stays to retain diamond at Hilton for next year, which shouldn't take more than 8wks. I was planning to have him complete those and then start working on SPG/marriott points. So him getting status is more impt than me since I only travel for kid sports and vacations.

Another idea is use my promo for our 1 night stay near airport in Palm Springs next week and Memphis soccer tourney in April.
Have him use his before it expires in May even if not done with hilton status renewal by then.

Are these both worthwhile or should I just stick with racking up hilton for now and then hit his promo after that? I'm not familiar enough with SPG/Marriott to know.

ETA: I am thinking I should skip my promo. The biz card gave me 5 nights, then the promo would give me 10 more...so I'd be at 15...still 10 nights away from gold. Any future stays would be in DHs name since he is the frequent traveler and will get to gold pretty quickly.

Hm, I'm new too, but like a week new Where'd you get the promo's, in your account or an email or something?

If it were me I'd go for his promo first. Points that I can bank until I need them is better than a status I may lose at the end of the year (and since we don't travel enough to keep it, even with the card, it'd be a certainty I'd lose it).

 

[amalone1013]

THank you! I have a friend who lives in FL and her new neighbors are from CO. She says they are loving FL and not missing the cold at all!

I bet! I know I definitely don't miss NE cold compared to CO cold

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

...Still have to check out SouthFayetteFan's thread on the Stay Play Dine promo. That one has confused me for a while...

...So in July I'll have had my CIP for a year and I'm trying to decide if I should keep it or PC to CIC. I thought about applying for the CIC outright instead of PCing, but I wasn't sure about getting another biz card from Chase. However, I seem to recall reading here that someone else recently suggested doing this. Technically I do have a legit biz now (I recently decided to become a TA) so I suppose that could work in my favor.

The SPD deal is quite confusing, it took me awhile to "crack the code" lol!

I would definitely consider applying for the CIC...30,000 URs for $3,000 spend. Plus 5x URs on Internet, Cable, Phone, Office Supplies & 2x URs at Gas and Restaurant. It's on my list of cards to get and I'm hoping to hit the majority of the min spend in the bonus categories. Partnered with a CSR for redeeming the URs, you can easily get greater than 20% return from the $3,000 min spend... The only caution here is what are your */3, */6, */12, and */24 statuses? You want to be careful to avoid any risk of Chase shutdown (remember the only cards that count in those *'s are cards reporting on your personal credit report.

 

[DisneyMandC]

This is sooooo true!! It's especially true for me now that I've learned about using Gyft with my CIP for gift cards. I think back on all the money we've spent through the years before I really understood the benefit of cc points and I could pass out. Just Saturday he was sitting at the computer and mentioned he was about to order something online and I (loudly) said "WAIT, don't click place order! Let me check Gyft." He keeps saying this is worse than when I started couponing and I would freak if he stopped at the store on the way home and bought something I had a coupon for in my binder. I've tried going over the ins and outs on which card to use for what and when we can use a cc to buy a gift card for certain purchases, but he says it's just too much to remember. I think now I'm getting the point across that if he can't keep up, he better check in with me before he buys anything to see if we can maximize our return.

This sounds exactly like me! Fortunately, DH has gotten pretty on board with everything now. I just put labels on his credit cards as to what he should use and he's pretty much good to go. He even told me last night that he started an ebates account for himself for when he places online orders for his eBay business!

 

[miztressuz]

This is sooooo true!! It's especially true for me now that I've learned about using Gyft with my CIP for gift cards. I think back on all the money we've spent through the years before I really understood the benefit of cc points and I could pass out. Just Saturday he was sitting at the computer and mentioned he was about to order something online and I (loudly) said "WAIT, don't click place order! Let me check Gyft." He keeps saying this is worse than when I started couponing and I would freak if he stopped at the store on the way home and bought something I had a coupon for in my binder. I've tried going over the ins and outs on which card to use for what and when we can use a cc to buy a gift card for certain purchases, but he says it's just too much to remember. I think now I'm getting the point across that if he can't keep up, he better check in with me before he buys anything to see if we can maximize our return.

Same! Hubby gets a little annoyed some times but mostly he just kids around with all the couponing and points and what not. But he sees what we've been able to do with just the little bit of calculating I've done (after seeing what some folks on this thread have been able to do, I realize what small potatoes my thousand saved here or there is ) and if it's not terribly complex he goes for it. Just this weekend I did the "WAIT!" on him as we're working out how to get some free Hulu (AmEx extended the offer, but that's a whole other story) and the last time I was trying to maximize an AmEx deal he thought he knew what he was doing and did it without me. And forgot a step. So we missed out on some points. But... that little incident stuck in his head now and when I yelled out he said he wasn't going to do it, he was just checking the dates on the account... good boy
And for the most part he's been keeping up well lately. He had to update his CC with EZPass and he asked me before he did it if there was a particular one of our cards he should use for it, and sadly we don't have anything worthwhile for it, but he remembered to ask And he checks in to make sure he remembers the 5% categories and when they end and when should he switch. (and I threw in 2, 5% category cards now... his poor little hamster is spinning away)

 

[Albort]

Hm, I'm new too, but like a week new Where'd you get the promo's, in your account or an email or something?

If it were me I'd go for his promo first. Points that I can bank until I need them is better than a status I may lose at the end of the year (and since we don't travel enough to keep it, even with the card, it'd be a certainty I'd lose it).

it usually does come in an email but not always. your best bet is to always check spgpromos.com for whatever the latest is.

 

[Lain]

This is sooooo true!! It's especially true for me now that I've learned about using Gyft with my CIP for gift cards. I think back on all the money we've spent through the years before I really understood the benefit of cc points and I could pass out. Just Saturday he was sitting at the computer and mentioned he was about to order something online and I (loudly) said "WAIT, don't click place order! Let me check Gyft." He keeps saying this is worse than when I started couponing and I would freak if he stopped at the store on the way home and bought something I had a coupon for in my binder. I've tried going over the ins and outs on which card to use for what and when we can use a cc to buy a gift card for certain purchases, but he says it's just too much to remember. I think now I'm getting the point across that if he can't keep up, he better check in with me before he buys anything to see if we can maximize our return.

Oh my god. This is us, except the role of husband and wife are reversed! If it’s not Gyft, it’s Swych or MPX or Amex Offers, and shopping portals! Last month, I noticed an Etsy charge on her credit card statement. When I brought up that I could’ve saved her $10 with an Amex Offer and another 1% cash back on Ebates, she retorted it was a gift for me! Oops.

So in July I'll have had my CIP for a year and I'm trying to decide if I should keep it or PC to CIC. I thought about applying for the CIC outright instead of PCing, but I wasn't sure about getting another biz card from Chase. However, I seem to recall reading here that someone else recently suggested doing this. Technically I do have a legit biz now (I recently decided to become a TA) so I suppose that could work in my favor.

The value of the CIP for me is in Plastiq and referrals. As long as Plastiq earns 3x on CIP, it’s a no brainer to keep the card. And if you can make even one referral on the CIP, that more than covers the AF. The CIP also has phone insurance up to $600 (but it might not be useful if you’re on a family plan, which we’re considering). I can understand wanting to have both cards because as long as things code the way they do, Plastiq codes 3x on CIP, and you can pay no fee to earn 5x at office supply stores and gift card apps on the CIC.

If it’s been at least about half a year since your last business card application (sounds like it has), try for the CIC and it’s 30k UR signup bonus. There are plenty of DPs of people getting approved for 2 business cards. 3 and 4 Chase business cards seem to get dicier. Worst case scenario, you get denied with only a hard pull. If you get approved for two business cards with the CIC, but things change with the way things code, you can cancel the CIP and I believe you should be able to get a prorated refund of the AF. If gift card apps no longer code as 5x on the CIC, you can still buy gift cards at physical Staples and OD/OM stores.

 

[amalone1013]

As I sit here at work... DH and I were talking over our finances on our way back from my hometown yesterday, because we have a big chunk of cash that has accumulated from our OT/commissions, since we finished paying off our student loans. We talked about perhaps putting the majority of it towards my car loan, because we would then be able to pay it off completely within the next 6 months at most.

So I was just thinking... if we do that, why not split that lump sum up and pay it via plastiq...? I have a problem!

Same! Hubby gets a little annoyed some times but mostly he just kids around with all the couponing and points and what not. But he sees what we've been able to do with just the little bit of calculating I've done (after seeing what some folks on this thread have been able to do, I realize what small potatoes my thousand saved here or there is ) and if it's not terribly complex he goes for it.

Same with us! And we are small potatoes too If he balks I usually throw a number at him... like we saved $7k+ on our honeymoon Or I'm adding a value column to my cc tracking spreadsheet, and I'm currently at: We've paid about $2k total in annual fees, but have redeemed over $8600 and I'm not done! And then we have our stash of 170k URs, 50k+ Marriott, $300+ Discover cash, $350 Barclay Arrival, 50k SW RR points... I think this will be good for a new number to throw at him

(and I threw in 2, 5% category cards now... his poor little hamster is spinning away)

 

[Lain]

... his poor little hamster is spinning away)

 

[CyndiLouWho]

We are waiting for my husband's AMEX SPG biz card to come in the mail. That's a 7k min spend. My daughter just had 2 ER visits, an ambulance ride, and 4 nights in the hospital w/MRI and other expenses. I expect about $12,500 out of pocket, but just a guess based on our insurance cap. However, I am wondering when the final bill will come. I know they go back and forth with the insurance company first. I really hope I can use this toward min spend.

You can always pay the initial bill you get and they will refund you. Most hospitals bill within a couple weeks around here.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

thanks! i just asked this question on flyertalk. haha. not willing to pay $285 a night. Do you know if it adds to stay and nights though?

Points stays do count for nights. I have 13 nights now (5 SPG personal, 5 SPG Biz, 3 nights on points)

 

[3 DD love princesses]

Those of you who requested a replacement csr Card how long did it take and do they have to mail it only to your billing address?