I love credit cards so much!

[Lain]

My wife and I each had a Freedom (CF) and Freedom Unlimited (CFU) for a LONG time. Recently when @wendow mentioned about PCing her CFU I thought wow that makes sense. So I called yesterday to PC my wife's CFU to CF. Now we have 3 CFs and 1 CFU in our portfolio. I called back today to activate my 5% categories, initially the rep was resistant to activating Q1 but I said that the rep yesterday said I probably could do it but it would only apply to transactions going forward (i.e. in the next week) which I was fine with. So they conceded and did it. So now we're going to run another $1,500 through Apple Pay for the 7,500 URs.

NOW I'm thinking why keep a CFU at all??? I literally never put spend towards anything but an MSR. If I didn't have an MSR to work on I have cards that earn bonuses in gas and grocery. The odds of me putting any significant spend on a CFU are very slim. So that means the only reason to keep a CFU is for support clicks...and signups on that card are very slim so the chances of that aren't great. Am I crazy...let's just have 4 Freedoms!! If I do it today I can probably still get the 7,500 quarterly rewards toooo. If I ever need a CFU in the future I could just PC one of my Freedoms back haha.

Anybody willing to dispute my logic here (OR agree with it)?

Not crazy at all. As you said, if you ever need a CFU, PC one of the CFs back.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

The credit limit thing could be a possibility. Another possibility is that I listed my telephone number instead of his and they may just need to do some verification. I was just planning to get the written letter before asking him to call. I work 12hr days Mon,Tues and Fri this week so I will wait until I have a day off to do some coaching on the call.

Good luck

 

[speedyfishy]

Giant/Stop and Shop has mobile coupon for $15 off your grocery purchase when you spend $250 or more on a Visa Gift card. This maybe a good opportunity for anyone who wants to try MSing with giftcards.

Today, I also funded a PNC checking and savings account with SO’s CIP. I’ll let everyone know how that goes and if we get the points. So far no problems. Cash advance limit was $100.

 

[afan]

My wife and I each had a Freedom (CF) and Freedom Unlimited (CFU) for a LONG time. Recently when @wendow mentioned about PCing her CFU I thought wow that makes sense. So I called yesterday to PC my wife's CFU to CF. Now we have 3 CFs and 1 CFU in our portfolio. I called back today to activate my 5% categories, initially the rep was resistant to activating Q1 but I said that the rep yesterday said I probably could do it but it would only apply to transactions going forward (i.e. in the next week) which I was fine with. So they conceded and did it. So now we're going to run another $1,500 through Apple Pay for the 7,500 URs.

NOW I'm thinking why keep a CFU at all??? I literally never put spend towards anything but an MSR. If I didn't have an MSR to work on I have cards that earn bonuses in gas and grocery. The odds of me putting any significant spend on a CFU are very slim. So that means the only reason to keep a CFU is for support clicks...and signups on that card are very slim so the chances of that aren't great. Am I crazy...let's just have 4 Freedoms!! If I do it today I can probably still get the 7,500 quarterly rewards toooo. If I ever need a CFU in the future I could just PC one of my Freedoms back haha.

Anybody willing to dispute my logic here (OR agree with it)?

I go to the chiropractor every two weeks, there's other copays, vet bills, hair cuts and places you can't get gift cards for. I understand the MSR and if you'll be continually meeting one there wouldn't be a need for the CFU but I got it over the CF because I knew I would never max the categories, which I also get on my discover and it was more important for me to earn more than 1% on all the non category/gift card eligible stuff I have to pay for.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I go to the chiropractor every two weeks, there's other copays, vet bills, hair cuts and places you can't get gift cards for. I understand the MSR and if you'll be continually meeting one there wouldn't be a need for the CFU but I got it over the CF because I knew I would never max the categories, which I also get on my discover and it was more important for me to earn more than 1% on all the non category/gift card eligible stuff I have to pay for.

This would be my only thought too. If you're always in the process of meeting an MSR on another card, then maybe the 1.5 wouldn't be worth it to you. But I plan to PC my CSP to a CFU eventually just so I can use it for those random purchases like that that would otherwise only earn me 1%.

 

[speedyfishy]

My wife and I each had a Freedom (CF) and Freedom Unlimited (CFU) for a LONG time. Recently when @wendow mentioned about PCing her CFU I thought wow that makes sense. So I called yesterday to PC my wife's CFU to CF. Now we have 3 CFs and 1 CFU in our portfolio. I called back today to activate my 5% categories, initially the rep was resistant to activating Q1 but I said that the rep yesterday said I probably could do it but it would only apply to transactions going forward (i.e. in the next week) which I was fine with. So they conceded and did it. So now we're going to run another $1,500 through Apple Pay for the 7,500 URs.

NOW I'm thinking why keep a CFU at all??? I literally never put spend towards anything but an MSR. If I didn't have an MSR to work on I have cards that earn bonuses in gas and grocery. The odds of me putting any significant spend on a CFU are very slim. So that means the only reason to keep a CFU is for support clicks...and signups on that card are very slim so the chances of that aren't great. Am I crazy...let's just have 4 Freedoms!! If I do it today I can probably still get the 7,500 quarterly rewards toooo. If I ever need a CFU in the future I could just PC one of my Freedoms back haha.

Anybody willing to dispute my logic here (OR agree with it)?

I have the Unlimited but now that I have the SPG wouldn’t that be better for non MSR and non bonus category spends? Can’t you always just use the SPG and come out ahead instead of the Unlimited. I think I’d go with four freedoms if plan on maxing them.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Not crazy at all. As you said, if you ever need a CFU, PC one of the CFs back.

I went for it...and the call with Geno was freakin' amazing!! First they did the Product Change - no questions asked. Then he activated Q2 AND Q1 5% for me...I was on a roll at this point so I asked him about my $99 AF on my Southwest card... I had called in for this a couple week's ago (after the fee had posted) and was told no retention, no waiving the fee, etc. My man Geno...I barely had the words out of my mouth and he said for a great customer like you we'll waive the fee. BOOM I'm on cloud 9 folks!!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I go to the chiropractor every two weeks, there's other copays, vet bills, hair cuts and places you can't get gift cards for. I understand the MSR and if you'll be continually meeting one there wouldn't be a need for the CFU but I got it over the CF because I knew I would never max the categories, which I also get on my discover and it was more important for me to earn more than 1% on all the non category/gift card eligible stuff I have to pay for.

This would be my only thought too. If you're always in the process of meeting an MSR on another card, then maybe the 1.5 wouldn't be worth it to you. But I plan to PC my CSP to a CFU eventually just so I can use it for those random purchases like that that would otherwise only earn me 1%.

I have the Unlimited but now that I have the SPG wouldn’t that be better for non MSR and non bonus category spends? Can’t you always just use the SPG and come out ahead instead of the Unlimited. I think I’d go with four freedoms if plan on maxing them.

I'm with you @speedyfishy...

If I wasn't putting a charge towards an MSR my thought is:
1) Grocery = 3% on BCE
2) Gas = 3% on BofA Americard
3) Other option1 = ~3% value on any of our SPG cards
4) Other option2 = buy VGC with BCE at a grocery store = 3%
5) Other option3 = ~2.5% value via 2x MRs on Blue Business+
(also left out restaurants which I have a bunch of options on probably at > 2%)

If I was going to go without an MSR for awhile I'd probably even upgrade my BCE to BCP for the 6%. Obviously having all of these cards gives me options which is why I got rid of the CFU and went to having 4 Freedoms!! LOL!

EDIT: and of course I left out supreme option A (which apparently comes before 1 in my mind) which is hitting up my 4 freedom cards for $6,000 of 5%!!

 

[Albort]

I have the Unlimited but now that I have the SPG wouldn’t that be better for non MSR and non bonus category spends? Can’t you always just use the SPG and come out ahead instead of the Unlimited. I think I’d go with four freedoms if plan on maxing them.

my Unlimited falls behind SPG, if places dont take Amex, Unlimited will step in its place. Currently have the Marriott Premier in the unlimited slot as im still working on MSR.

The problem i see now with the 4 freedom cards is that its easy to max out now with the paypal/apple pay categories... but when it goes back to the basic categories again, thats a lot of CF to max out haha.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Well after graduation I booked a trip to the Bahamas. I just feel like I can’t wait any longer to travel. I used 140,000 Marriott points for five nights at the Royal Towers and 13k RR points for a round trip flight. SO flys for free since he is my companion. This will be the first time he is leaving the country. I feel a little guilty that I’ll be vacationing when I should be studying for the bar, but my prep course released a study schedule so I will just do the work I’m supposed to before our vacation. I may end up canceling, but I’m excited to have something booked.

I’ve been looking at this exact same trip but for October.

 

[wendow]

@calypso726 -

You posted about The Greatest Showman a while back. We missed it in theaters but finally caught it on our Apple TV and it's been on nearly nonstop play since. The movie is great, but the songs, choreography and cinematography are so beautiful! WE LOVE IT!

My teens love it too. Sadly, I've not gotten to see it...YET!! My dd15 is a dancer and part of a team that entertains at various fundraisers or student events. Her dance troupe is performing early April at a prom and they are dancing to music from Greatest Showman. I can't wait to see the video from their performance

 

[wendow]

My wife and I each had a Freedom (CF) and Freedom Unlimited (CFU) for a LONG time. Recently when @wendow mentioned about PCing her CFU I thought wow that makes sense. So I called yesterday to PC my wife's CFU to CF. Now we have 3 CFs and 1 CFU in our portfolio. I called back today to activate my 5% categories, initially the rep was resistant to activating Q1 but I said that the rep yesterday said I probably could do it but it would only apply to transactions going forward (i.e. in the next week) which I was fine with. So they conceded and did it. So now we're going to run another $1,500 through Apple Pay for the 7,500 URs.

NOW I'm thinking why keep a CFU at all??? I literally never put spend towards anything but an MSR. If I didn't have an MSR to work on I have cards that earn bonuses in gas and grocery. The odds of me putting any significant spend on a CFU are very slim. So that means the only reason to keep a CFU is for support clicks...and signups on that card are very slim so the chances of that aren't great. Am I crazy...let's just have 4 Freedoms!! If I do it today I can probably still get the 7,500 quarterly rewards toooo. If I ever need a CFU in the future I could just PC one of my Freedoms back haha.

Anybody willing to dispute my logic here (OR agree with it)?

Awesome! Totally agree with your logic. What doesn't make sense is keeping a card you never use when it could be changed to something more useful and doesn't cost you anything.

 

[Lain]

I went for it...and the call with Geno was freakin' amazing!! First they did the Product Change - no questions asked. Then he activated Q2 AND Q1 5% for me...I was on a roll at this point so I asked him about my $99 AF on my Southwest card... I had called in for this a couple week's ago (after the fee had posted) and was told no retention, no waiving the fee, etc. My man Geno...I barely had the words out of my mouth and he said for a great customer like you we'll waive the fee. BOOM I'm on cloud 9 folks!!

You should’ve asked him for his direct line.

 

[wendow]

I applied for the CF for my husband ( used link from Dischurner) and got 7-10 day response. This surprised me as his last Southwest card got immediate approval with $15,000 limit.
The only thing I can think of is <60 days between applications which I haven't heard of being an issue. He would HATE calling so I will just keep checking the mail. I had planned to PC his CSR in May and then maybe have 2 CFs with the option of 5X point categories.

Really good thought that it is the amount of credit extended. Hopefully you dh is willing to call with your coaching cause I agree, there is no reason he should not have been approved!

 

[speedyfishy]

I’ve been looking at this exact same trip but for October.

I think it will be fun. The taxes and fees were high for both the flights and resort, but I went before and it was a lot of fun, so I think it’s worth it. It was almost $300 for the hotel for the five nights and $117 for the flight for one person.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Like I suggested last night, there’s a very small chance they’ll ask for documentation like a bill, statement, or invoice reflecting the amount you’re trying to pay after you submit payment; and if you don’t provide it within the given time, they’ll cancel the payment.

As @wendow suggested, when scheduling your first payment to a new Recipient, schedule it for the earliest available delivery date on the calendar. This will force your payment to process today/same day so it may give Plastiq less time to hold it for manual review. (It being a weekend too, there might even be less eyes on payments processing.) Once your first payment goes through, you’re unlikely to be bothered again for documentation.

As Lain mentioned above, I was supposed to send a copy of invoice for my mortgage. I let the request expire and tried sending again on a MasterCard. Again I was asked for an invoice. Well I always toss the statement in the trash when it comes so I just argued back and forth with the rep via email and she put it through I guess because it got sent. For April I have a payment scheduled on CIP this time so I will update you on whether it gets flagged or not. Hopefully I am over the hurdle.

 

[amalone1013]

A roundtrip economy Saver award on any of the three big US carriers (American, United, Delta) is 60K miles plus ~$200 in taxes/fees per ticket. I need 4 tickets, so my total would be 240K miles + ~$800. However, I can find cash prices in economy for between $600-$700 per ticket depending on the airline. Using CSR at 0.015 cents per point, it would only cost me ~160K-190K UR points to book through Chase. And that's an all in price, no additional taxes/fees.

I was just looking at this this morning for London

 

[Ava]

Ok @SouthFayetteFan I updated my links on DiSchurners finally. Thanks to you and @Albort for keeping up the Reddit page.

Thanks for the reminder, I just updated mine too!

 

[WardFam]

I just have to say that I really love this group! I don't comment often, but I love following along. So much great advice. I wish I would have known about this group before starting this hobby I definitely would have quite a few more points. Now I need some advice! I was planning on PCing mine and DHs CIP to a CIC before our AFs, but with this new bonus I think we will just sign up. We bought solar for our house last month and so we each signed up for 2 new cards. I'm wondering if I should wait a little longer before applying for the CIC. Here's our history:
DH:
CSR - July 2017
CIP - Oct. 2017
Venture - Feb. 2018
SPG Business - March 1 2018

Me:
CSR - March - 2017 (recently PCd to Freedom)
CIP - Aug. 2017
Marriott (120k bonus) - Feb. 2018
Venture (we signed up for these cards to pay for some air bnbs we needed to book) Feb. 2018
SPG Business - March 7, 2018

I know I am 3/24 and DH is 2/24 but I'm still a little confused about the other numbers and which cards count
Thanks again - everyone here is so amazing!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I just have to say that I really love this group! I don't comment often, but I love following along. So much great advice. I wish I would have known about this group before starting this hobby I definitely would have quite a few more points. Now I need some advice! I was planning on PCing mine and DHs CIP to a CIC before our AFs, but with this new bonus I think we will just sign up. We bought solar for our house last month and so we each signed up for 2 new cards. I'm wondering if I should wait a little longer before applying for the CIC. Here's our history:
DH:
CSR - July 2017
CIP - Oct. 2017
Venture - Feb. 2018
SPG Business - March 1 2018

Me:
CSR - March - 2017 (recently PCd to Freedom)
CIP - Aug. 2017
Marriott (120k bonus) - Feb. 2018
Venture (we signed up for these cards to pay for some air bnbs we needed to book) Feb. 2018
SPG Business - March 7, 2018

I know I am 3/24 and DH is 2/24 but I'm still a little confused about the other numbers and which cards count
Thanks again - everyone here is so amazing!

Your husband is probably fine - just 1 non Chase card in the last 6 months (SPG Biz won’t show up on credit report)

You might want to wait until May since you have 2 cards showing in the last 2 months - 1 of which is Chase.