I love credit cards so much!

[kmc8826]

I am just trying not to be a little depressed today! Start the day with the call from Chase about the CIP and the 3rd degree about my "business." Then see that about parking at WDW. Now thinking even if using points I am having a hard time staying on site again. I like Windsor Hills and it is so much more for so much less. (Even though I do enjoy the "bubble.") AND then went to Starbucks to try to use Chase Pay. Barista had no clue. She tried to scan the QR code and it would not read it at all. #firstworldproblems.

I really don't want to work today. I think I am going to research alternatives to staying onsite on our May trip. (I know I won't have to pay parking because it is already booked, but thinking now I might move that reservation to our tentatively planned trip this fall). IF I book two rooms with the AP rate online I should not have a problem calling Chase and having the reservation moved over to them so I can pay with points right?

 

[Angrose]

Hi everyone! I follow this thread but never post (I think my first & last posts might’ve been this past summer when I received the excellent advice to get the CSP!). I love the card and use it for all of our travel expenses!

I was looking though my Chase account online and noticed they “picked an offer for me” for the CFU. The current sign on bonus is $150 after spending $500 in the first 3 months. I don’t really need a new card, but I’m slightly considering applying and just having an extra card to earn URs on.

I currently have the CSP, CF, AMEX Blue Cash, TD Cash, and the Barclay Upromise (worthless card but I’ve been using it if I don’t want to add to a different card). The only one I’ve applied for in the past 24 months is the CSP.

Should I apply for the CFU? Is the sign on bonus a good one, or have you seen better ones that I should hold out for? Like I said, I don’t need it (or any new cards really), but I could easily spend the $500 without losing out on bonuses elsewhere.

Thanks in advance!

While the CFU is a good card for everyday spend at 1.5x, have you considered the regular CF? The current 5% category bonus includes Chase Pay and Apple Pay which is super easy to max out. The next bonus category will be groceries, Chase Pay and PayPal. Again, super easy to max out. If you do spend the $1500 max for the bonus quarter then that's 7500 UR. Currently the CF also offers the $150 bonus for the $500 spend. I would imagine that if you are qualified to get a CFU then you would be qualified to get the CF as well.

 

[hsmamato2]

Oh- I had a busy day.... I called SWA retention to cancel my card (premier) and they offered me $50 to keep it....I went for it b/c then I can use it to refer later this year.... also I bought some spg points(I'm weak!) went thru givingassistant where it said 'up to 10% back' for points.com. Hope ig oes thru,if so, that would be an awesome score. (I also used spgbiz, did I read here somewhere that it gives 2x points for purchasing points?) so all in all a banner day when I usually don't move much around points wise...... All the changes at WDW actually make me much less concerned about visiting the parks again for a while, so not worried about using my points to travel elsewhere,at least until all the new stuff is done,and the dust has settled. If it's even affordable by that point (sigh)

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I need some help with AUs. I don’t want either DH or myself to be AUs on any cards obviously. I recently got the SPG Biz and thought since the AUs are “employees” it wouldn’t be reported on their credit report. I ordered an AU Card on my Biz account, but at the last minute put DSs name just in case it reported to a credit bureau. Card arrived and they want DSs DOB and SS#, and I need to talk to them to activate the card.
Does Amex report biz AUs? What is the min age for an AU for Amex?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So, to follow-up on my new card and needing it by Friday. I called Amex and they were already expediting the card but it's still 3-5 business days, rather than the normal 7-10. So csr says, I'll definitely have it by NEXT Friday but he means a week after I need it. I also asked for the number over the phone and he said he couldn't give it to me I was hopeful Amex might do that. Oh well. I'm going to talk to the surgeon's office about allowing me to write them a check and see if they will hold it and let me come back with the card. They expect payment on surgery day and they tell you that over and over at the pre-op appt so I think that may be my only option.

I hope they’ll work with you! MAybe they can charge your card the next week do a refund and charge the new card??

I just called to cancel my Barclay Arrival Plus before the AF hits at the end of the month. The lady I spoke with tried to talk me into downgrading to the Arrival or Barclay rewards. No AF and then the 5000+ points I have racked up on the Arrival Plus (worth over $50 but can't cash out until 10,000 pts.) would be transferred and apparently you can cash out at 2,000 points instead of 10,000? This is a tricky one. It is killing me to throw all those points away but I haven't been spending on it since got the original statement credit because we have been working on hitting MSR on other cards.

The only downside I really see is that I would not be able to get the signup bonus on the other cards (and I don't even know what those are...need to look into that...) but we're really Chase focused at the moment and at this point, don't have my eye on any other Barclay cards...

I don’t think a Arrival is still available for new apps (or maybe has no bonus). I downgraded To arrival - no regrets and there even was a points offer for making 1 purchase with the downgrade.

 

[MrPTato]

Does Amex report biz cards for the primary applicant?

 

[babyready]

Hi everyone! I follow this thread but never post (I think my first & last posts might’ve been this past summer when I received the excellent advice to get the CSP!). I love the card and use it for all of our travel expenses!

I was looking though my Chase account online and noticed they “picked an offer for me” for the CFU. The current sign on bonus is $150 after spending $500 in the first 3 months. I don’t really need a new card, but I’m slightly considering applying and just having an extra card to earn URs on.

I currently have the CSP, CF, AMEX Blue Cash, TD Cash, and the Barclay Upromise (worthless card but I’ve been using it if I don’t want to add to a different card). The only one I’ve applied for in the past 24 months is the CSP.

Should I apply for the CFU? Is the sign on bonus a good one, or have you seen better ones that I should hold out for? Like I said, I don’t need it (or any new cards really), but I could easily spend the $500 without losing out on bonuses elsewhere.

Thanks in advance!

I believe that is the standard bonus for CFU. I believe that generally, people prefer the regular Freedom because of the revolving 5% earning categories each quarter. It adds up really quickly! The categories now are great and easy to use and there are lots of ways to earn more by buying gift cards at grocery/warehouse/etc. stores to spend at stores that would only earn 1%.

I did great this quarter using Chase Pay at Best Buy to buy things like gas cards and some travel cards. I loved watching my UR totals jump up! The 1.5% on the CFU is ok but not great, unless you are only getting 1% on your current card.

 

[Livelovedance]

The $150 (or 15k UR) after $500 spend is the standard bonus for the CFU. I believe some are seeing targeted pre-approvals for $300 (or 30k UR) after $500 spend, so you might hold off for a bit to see if you can get that one to pop up. I'm not sure the public offer ever goes higher.

Thank you! That’s the kind of information I was looking for! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for an offer like that!

While the CFU is a good card for everyday spend at 1.5x, have you considered the regular CF? The current 5% category bonus includes Chase Pay and Apple Pay which is super easy to max out. The next bonus category will be groceries, Chase Pay and PayPal. Again, super easy to max out. If you do spend the $1500 max for the bonus quarter then that's 7500 UR. Currently the CF also offers the $150 bonus for the $500 spend. I would imagine that if you are qualified to get a CFU then you would be qualified to get the CF as well.

Thank you! I actually already have the CF. Thanks to reading this board my credit card usage has completely changed, and I maxed out this quarter this week! I’ve never maxed out a quarter before - I’m actually ashamed to admit there were years that I didn’t even pay attention to what the quarters were! I was so excited to make great use of my card this time!

 

[babyready]

Oh- I had a busy day.... I called SWA retention to cancel my card (premier) and they offered me $50 to keep it....I went for it b/c then I can use it to refer later this year.... also I bought some spg points(I'm weak!) went thru givingassistant where it said 'up to 10% back' for points.com. Hope ig oes thru,if so, that would be an awesome score. (I also used spgbiz, did I read here somewhere that it gives 2x points for purchasing points?) so all in all a banner day when I usually don't move much around points wise...... All the changes at WDW actually make me much less concerned about visiting the parks again for a while, so not worried about using my points to travel elsewhere,at least until all the new stuff is done,and the dust has settled. If it's even affordable by that point (sigh)

Oh wow, hope that happens when I go to cancel my Southwest card!

 

[babyready]

I hope they’ll work with you! MAybe they can charge your card the next week do a refund and charge the new card??


I don’t think a Arrival is still available for new apps (or maybe has no bonus). I downgraded To arrival - no regrets and there even was a points offer for making 1 purchase with the downgrade.

Yes, this is what my research is telling me as well. It seems like it is even kind of tricky to get downgraded to regular Arrival. Guess it is a no-brainer!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Hi everyone! I follow this thread but never post (I think my first & last posts might’ve been this past summer when I received the excellent advice to get the CSP!). I love the card and use it for all of our travel expenses!

I was looking though my Chase account online and noticed they “picked an offer for me” for the CFU. The current sign on bonus is $150 after spending $500 in the first 3 months. I don’t really need a new card, but I’m slightly considering applying and just having an extra card to earn URs on.

I currently have the CSP, CF, AMEX Blue Cash, TD Cash, and the Barclay Upromise (worthless card but I’ve been using it if I don’t want to add to a different card). The only one I’ve applied for in the past 24 months is the CSP.

Should I apply for the CFU? Is the sign on bonus a good one, or have you seen better ones that I should hold out for? Like I said, I don’t need it (or any new cards really), but I could easily spend the $500 without losing out on bonuses elsewhere.

Thanks in advance!

IF you aren’t planning on getting crazy with this game (ie 5+ cards in a year) the CFU can be a great card. The offer is nice based on the low spend and other than rare targetted preapprovals Chase bonuses don’t change pretty much ever haha. Some may say it’s better to go after higher offers but you need to decide for yourself. If you have a “player 2” (spouse) once you have the card you could refer them and earn $250 ($150 Plus $100 referral) the 2nd time around

IF you decide to go with the card please consider using a “support link” From DISchurners

 

[peel]

While the CFU is a good card for everyday spend at 1.5x, have you considered the regular CF? The current 5% category bonus includes Chase Pay and Apple Pay which is super easy to max out. The next bonus category will be groceries, Chase Pay and PayPal. Again, super easy to max out. If you do spend the $1500 max for the bonus quarter then that's 7500 UR. Currently the CF also offers the $150 bonus for the $500 spend. I would imagine that if you are qualified to get a CFU then you would be qualified to get the CF as well.

I believe she said she already has the CF.

Edit: Never mind, she beat me to it!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

While the CFU is a good card for everyday spend at 1.5x, have you considered the regular CF? The current 5% category bonus includes Chase Pay and Apple Pay which is super easy to max out. The next bonus category will be groceries, Chase Pay and PayPal. Again, super easy to max out. If you do spend the $1500 max for the bonus quarter then that's 7500 UR. Currently the CF also offers the $150 bonus for the $500 spend. I would imagine that if you are qualified to get a CFU then you would be qualified to get the CF as well.

I believe that is the standard bonus for CFU. I believe that generally, people prefer the regular Freedom because of the revolving 5% earning categories each quarter. It adds up really quickly! The categories now are great and easy to use and there are lots of ways to earn more by buying gift cards at grocery/warehouse/etc. stores to spend at stores that would only earn 1%.

I did great this quarter using Chase Pay at Best Buy to buy things like gas cards and some travel cards. I loved watching my UR totals jump up! The 1.5% on the CFU is ok but not great, unless you are only getting 1% on your current card.

I think you guys missed that the OP already has a Freedom LOL

 

[Angrose]

Thank you! I actually already have the CF. Thanks to reading this board my credit card usage has completely changed, and I maxed out this quarter this week! I’ve never maxed out a quarter before - I’m actually ashamed to admit there were years that I didn’t even pay attention to what the quarters were! I was so excited to make great use of my card this time!

Oops, sorry I missed that piece of info! I thought I read somewhere that the $300 bonus offer for the CFU might be offered in-branch if you are pre-approved. It wouldn't hurt to go in and ask if you have a branch nearby. That would be a great bonus!

 

[peel]

Hi everyone! I follow this thread but never post (I think my first & last posts might’ve been this past summer when I received the excellent advice to get the CSP!). I love the card and use it for all of our travel expenses!

I was looking though my Chase account online and noticed they “picked an offer for me” for the CFU. The current sign on bonus is $150 after spending $500 in the first 3 months. I don’t really need a new card, but I’m slightly considering applying and just having an extra card to earn URs on.

I currently have the CSP, CF, AMEX Blue Cash, TD Cash, and the Barclay Upromise (worthless card but I’ve been using it if I don’t want to add to a different card). The only one I’ve applied for in the past 24 months is the CSP.

Should I apply for the CFU? Is the sign on bonus a good one, or have you seen better ones that I should hold out for? Like I said, I don’t need it (or any new cards really), but I could easily spend the $500 without losing out on bonuses elsewhere.

Thanks in advance!

We really value UR, so DH downgraded his CSR to a CFU (I kept my CSR). He also has a CSP and a CF, so I have him use the CFU for all spending that doesn't earn 5x on the CF or 2x on the CSP. It's not much extra, but it all adds up!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thank you! That’s the kind of information I was looking for! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for an offer like that!


Thank you! I actually already have the CF. Thanks to reading this board my credit card usage has completely changed, and I maxed out this quarter this week! I’ve never maxed out a quarter before - I’m actually ashamed to admit there were years that I didn’t even pay attention to what the quarters were! I was so excited to make great use of my card this time!

That’s awesome to hear! It’s amazing to know we can help people generate a better return on everyday purchases Are you thinking of jumping into churning with 2 feet or just dabbling?

 

[Livelovedance]

I did great this quarter using Chase Pay at Best Buy to buy things like gas cards and some travel cards. I loved watching my UR totals jump up! The 1.5% on the CFU is ok but not great, unless you are only getting 1% on your current card.

I tried Chase Pay for the first time this quarter, it was so easy to use! I hope more places start accepting it.

IF you aren’t planning on getting crazy with this game (ie 5+ cards in a year) the CFU can be a great card. The offer is nice based on the low spend and other than rare targetted preapprovals Chase bonuses don’t change pretty much ever haha. Some may say it’s better to go after higher offers but you need to decide for yourself. If you have a “player 2” (spouse) once you have the card you could refer them and earn $250 ($150 Plus $100 referral) the 2nd time around

IF you decide to go with the card please consider using a “support link” From DISchurners

Thank you! I was thinking it would be good to use as my “extra” card instead of the Barclay one. I’m going to wait and see if I get any better offers, but I will definitely make an account to join dischurners if I don’t! You are all a gold mine of information!

Oops, sorry I missed that piece of info! I thought I read somewhere that the $300 bonus offer for the CFU might be offered in-branch if you are pre-approved. It wouldn't hurt to go in and ask if you have a branch nearby. That would be a great bonus!

That’d be great! If that ends up being the case for me I’ll definitely post here!

We really value UR, so DH downgraded his CSR to a CFU (I kept my CSR). He also has a CSP and a CF, so I have him use the CFU for all spending that doesn't earn 5x on the CF or 2x on the CSP. It's not much extra, but it all adds up!

Good to know! I didn’t know if it was overkill to have the CSP, CF and a CFU, but the extra .5% is better than nothing!

 

[Livelovedance]

That’s awesome to hear! It’s amazing to know we can help people generate a better return on everyday purchases Are you thinking of jumping into churning with 2 feet or just dabbling?

Just dabbling for now! I’ve been following this thread and gathering bits and pieces of information, but I’m not ready for a full plunge yet. I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made so far though! I’ve been converted from a primarily debit card user with a multiple just-in-case credit cards (oh the shame lol) to a points-seeking credit card user!

 

[calypso726]

Are you referring to WDW or DLR? I didn't think there were any Marriotts in Anaheim where one could use the free night certs. All the ones near the parks are at least Category 7. Did you work some magic?

We initially looked into using the free Marriott nights for DLR but the closest cat 5 was a few miles away. I prefer walking distance if not on directly on property for DLR. For Dapper Days in DLR I’m using DVC points. I had about 280 something points sitting in reservation status that I have to use this year. So I booked a couple of rooms at Grand California on the hotel side and invited some of the friends we’ve met on Disney cruises and now travel with to come with us for the weekend and we’d spring for the accommodations.

I’ve only been able to use the free Marriott nights for WDW so we are dong Dapper Days the following weekend in WDW and using our free nights there. I can never seem to find any other cat 5 property anywhere that I’d want to use those nights at except for WDW.

 

[platamama]

I already booked lax-ogg for 25k avios each...I'm thrilled with that! but thankse

Nice going with the LAX-OGG on Avios - that is one of the better uses of Avios for sure!

Oh- I had a busy day.... I called SWA retention to cancel my card (premier) and they offered me $50 to keep it....I went for it b/c then I can use it to refer later this year.... also I bought some spg points(I'm weak!) went thru givingassistant where it said 'up to 10% back' for points.com. Hope ig oes thru,if so, that would be an awesome score. (I also used spgbiz, did I read here somewhere that it gives 2x points for purchasing points?) so all in all a banner day when I usually don't move much around points wise...... All the changes at WDW actually make me much less concerned about visiting the parks again for a while, so not worried about using my points to travel elsewhere,at least until all the new stuff is done,and the dust has settled. If it's even affordable by that point (sigh)

I'd love to hear what you end up getting from givingassistant on the SPG points purchase. The small print says Starwood earns 1%, not 10%, but who knows? There could be a nice little glitch there in your favor.