I love credit cards so much!

[Albort]

Is this an MS strategy that mere mortals can use? I have researched MS several times but I have never figured out how the math make sense for anything other than a minimum spend. After the gift card and money order fees, the return seems pretty minimal. But I'd actually like to be proven wrong!

this new strategy should work pretty easily. but im not familiar with it yet. sorry. Im still learning with the help of a friend, hes the PRO MSer who still does the old MO runs and currently doing this one as well.

 

[Dugette]

Well, despite instant CSP approval, the CSR (w/hubby's link) gave me the decision pending could take up to 30 days by mail response. I guess I just need to call and check status now? Surprised they didn't both do the same thing - I applied like 5 minutes apart.

 

[gottalovepluto]

DP: Altitude Reserve bonus points posted when statement I met the spend in closed. Intend to make payment on my WDW stay and wipe the charge at 1.5x with mobile redemption. Will report back if have time to try today.

 

[Lain]

Well, despite instant CSP approval, the CSR (w/hubby's link) gave me the decision pending could take up to 30 days by mail response. I guess I just need to call and check status now? Surprised they didn't both do the same thing - I applied like 5 minutes apart.

Yup. Call reconsideration at 1-888-270-2127 to get it approved today. It could be identity verification. It could be that Chase's algorithm isn't comfortable extending more credit to you, in which case offer to move credit from an existing card to the CSR.

 

[Dugette]

Yup. Call reconsideration at 1-888-270-2127 to get it approved today. It could be identity verification. It could be that Chase's algorithm isn't comfortable extending more credit to you, in which case offer to move credit from an existing card to the CSR.

I called the automated line and it knows that I have two applications put in today, one approved and one pending. Is that a problem if I call reconsideration knowing that I applied for two Platinum products AND am at 4/24 (prior to this)? I can try to call reconsideration over lunch in a bit.

 

[Calfan]

Just bought a gift card through the Gyft app with my CIP (using PayPal) for the first time It was a little stressful because I was making an online purchase with only one in stock of the item I wanted, and I wasn't sure if the gift card would show up instantly to be used, but it did, and I was able to complete my purchase.

 

[Lain]

I called the automated line and it knows that I have two applications put in today, one approved and one pending. Is that a problem if I call reconsideration knowing that I applied for two Platinum products AND am at 4/24 (prior to this)? I can try to call reconsideration over lunch in a bit.

Call the automated line again at lunch to see if there's any movement on your CSR application. Fingers crossed it's approved by then.

When you call in to recon, mention you are calling (only) about the CSR. I think if the Chase customer service agent looks hard enough he/she could see that you applied for both cards too, but if you direct their attention to only the CSR they may not notice or mention it. If the Chase agent does inquire, explain how you want to keep certain expenses separate using two cards. If the CSR agent mentions the One Sapphire Rule (most are not that knowledgeable), play ignorant and insist they push through the application anyway; almost all DPs I've read say that if they push an application through, it'll still bypass the One Sapphire Rule.

 

[peel]

Just bought a gift card through the Gyft app with my CIP (using PayPal) for the first time It was a little stressful because I was making an online purchase with only one in stock of the item I wanted, and I wasn't sure if the gift card would show up instantly to be used, but it did, and I was able to complete my purchase.

Good for you! So far, none of my purchases have processed immediately.

 

[Albort]

Just bought a gift card through the Gyft app with my CIP (using PayPal) for the first time It was a little stressful because I was making an online purchase with only one in stock of the item I wanted, and I wasn't sure if the gift card would show up instantly to be used, but it did, and I was able to complete my purchase.

u should swipe freedom card for 5x with paypal. earn the sweeter 5x. :]

 

[Calfan]

u should swipe freedom card for 5x with paypal. earn the sweeter 5x. :]

Good point, lol! I was focused on the CIP and the gift card apps. But there's no reason it shouldn't code as 5x using the Freedom since I checked out via PayPal on the Gyft app. But I also wanted to do a test run on the CIP to make sure I'll get the 3x. And I'm not worried about maxing out the CF this quarter...

 

[kmc8826]

I applied Wednesday night late and Chase called my husband this morning and he is approved for CIC! No conversation about why wanted card or going through application it was more of an identity issue. (They sent him the verification code to his cell). He told me they said like $1000 credit but I just checked and it is already on his account for $12000. As a data point the AF just posted on his CIP so he has had it for a year. No other business cards; in fact his only other Chase card is the Reserve.

I am really excited about the CIC. I explained to him why I am excited and I think he even got a little happy about it (as much as he cares). I explained the go to Office Max 5 minutes from our house and get Amazon gift cards and then use those. He liked that. I told him about the Disney gift cards too and he lost interest. Oh well.

As to that issue with now having a CIC some expert help please. My original plan was to pay the balance of our room bill on the CIP. I only have about $800 left though and I would just as soon wait a bit rather than meet it all in one statement. Just natural organic spend should take care of the $2k on the IHG. Is it a good plan to go to Office Max and get the $1700 in Disney gift cards for our room only balance? That way helping meet minimum spend on CIC plus the 5x rewards. If not I can just put in on the Reserve or even our Amex Spg. If I did do that (pay balance of room rate with gift cards) would I need to call ahead to Disney? It is room only and we don't arrive until after midnight so I don't want to have to stop at the front desk.

Thanks everyone for the help! I love this thread!

 

[wendow]

I applied Wednesday night late and Chase called my husband this morning and he is approved for CIC! No conversation about why wanted card or going through application it was more of an identity issue. (They sent him the verification code to his cell). He told me they said like $1000 credit but I just checked and it is already on his account for $12000. As a data point the AF just posted on his CIP so he has had it for a year. No other business cards; in fact his only other Chase card is the Reserve.

I am really excited about the CIC. I explained to him why I am excited and I think he even got a little happy about it (as much as he cares). I explained the go to Office Max 5 minutes from our house and get Amazon gift cards and then use those. He liked that. I told him about the Disney gift cards too and he lost interest. Oh well.

As to that issue with now having a CIC some expert help please. My original plan was to pay the balance of our room bill on the CIP. I only have about $800 left though and I would just as soon wait a bit rather than meet it all in one statement. Just natural organic spend should take care of the $2k on the IHG. Is it a good plan to go to Office Max and get the $1700 in Disney gift cards for our room only balance? That way helping meet minimum spend on CIC plus the 5x rewards. If not I can just put in on the Reserve or even our Amex Spg. If I did do that (pay balance of room rate with gift cards) would I need to call ahead to Disney? It is room only and we don't arrive until after midnight so I don't want to have to stop at the front desk.

Thanks everyone for the help! I love this thread!

Congrats on CIC! Definitely excited to get that card too

I'd buy Disney GC's using the CIC at Office Max (or whichever of those stores sell them) and use those to pay for the room. That will earn you the most rewards. When is your RO balance due? It's been awhile since I paid for a room through Disney so I forget their rules on that.

There is a promo beginning on 4/8 through Office Depot and Office Max on Visa GC's. I think it's an instant $30 off $300. You could buy those and get the discount plus earn 5x UR. Then use the VGC to buy Disney. May be more hassle than it's really worth as I think it really only saves a couple extra dollars but throwing it out there just in case there is interest.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Just bought a gift card through the Gyft app with my CIP (using PayPal) for the first time It was a little stressful because I was making an online purchase with only one in stock of the item I wanted, and I wasn't sure if the gift card would show up instantly to be used, but it did, and I was able to complete my purchase.

Geez mine are always so slow. Drives me crazy. Congrats on that!

Good for you! So far, none of my purchases have processed immediately.

It is awful for me too.

I told him about the Disney gift cards too and he lost interest. Oh well.

Sounds like my DH. If I mention disney he immediately tunes me out.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Went to a Chase branch to ask about the 100k on CIP. The branch manager had never heard of the offer and called Chase to inquire. He was told by corporate that I am not eligible because I need to have worked with a BRM. They don't have those at my local branches. *womp* *womp* But he was so very apologetic about it. Oh well.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Went to a Chase branch to ask about the 100k on CIP. The branch manager had never heard of the offer and called Chase to inquire. He was told by corporate that I am not eligible because I need to have worked with a BRM. They don't have those at my local branches. *womp* *womp* But he was so very apologetic about it. Oh well.

we need a dislike button on here.

 

[kmc8826]

Congrats on CIC! Definitely excited to get that card too

I'd buy Disney GC's using the CIC at Office Max (or whichever of those stores sell them) and use those to pay for the room. That will earn you the most rewards. When is your RO balance due? It's been awhile since I paid for a room through Disney so I forget their rules on that.

There is a promo beginning on 4/8 through Office Depot and Office Max on Visa GC's. I think it's an instant $30 off $300. You could buy those and get the discount plus earn 5x UR. Then use the VGC to buy Disney. May be more hassle than it's really worth as I think it really only saves a couple extra dollars but throwing it out there just in case there is interest.

The room only is due when you check in. Since I will pay with gift cards then I will just call a couple days before so it is settled. I have a stash of about $1500 now in gift cards that I have gathered with the deals but I want to keep it to pay for food etc.

Oh nice about the Office Depot Visa GC's! Yes I will totally do that. Thanks for the heads up.

It really is an exciting card. I love UR points and that seems such an easy way to accumulate them. And it is a no fee card; that is what is really amazing to me.

 

[Lain]

There is a promo beginning on 4/8 through Office Depot and Office Max on Visa GC's. I think it's an instant $30 off $300. You could buy those and get the discount plus earn 5x UR. Then use the VGC to buy Disney. May be more hassle than it's really worth as I think it really only saves a couple extra dollars but throwing it out there just in case there is interest.

$15 off $300 or more VGCs. I believe you'll either have to buy 1x $200 and 1x $100, or 2x $200 to make the deal work, with 2 activation fees of $5.95 each, but still a small money maker. Pay with Ink+/CIC for 5x UR. I wouldn't recommend using an Amex at OD/OM.

 

[vanjust14]

Will chase apply a referral after the fact? Friend of mine went to apply for a CIP with my link and at the last second backed out and applied for a CSR w/out telling me to he didn't use my link.

No, unfortunately I have never seen a DP of Chase giving the referral points without the link being used. Sorry, that stinks.

 

[gottalovepluto]

DP: Altitude Reserve bonus points posted when statement I met the spend in closed. Intend to make payment on my WDW stay and wipe the charge at 1.5x with mobile redemption. Will report back if have time to try today.

Worked! Had just over 60,000 points. Double checked rules on redeeming & that I was properly enrolled in real-time redemptions. Called TA and paid $900 towards reservation. Got real-time redemption notification a few mins later right after the charge notification. Offered to redeem 60,000 points to cover $900 charge. Replied redeem, done! minus AF plus travel credit I got $825 in the end on the Altitude Reserve.

 

[Ngwira]

We are back from Banff and Lake Louise and although I used hotel and credit card points to cover a ton of charges, it was still a spendy$$$ vacation. But, it was worth.every.penny. The Canadian Rockies are majestic, just breathtaking. Next time though, we will go in the summer to get a different view of the gorgeous scenery.

DH and I decided to do WDW instead of Disneyland for next April. I have a ton of Hyatt points so we are staying offsite at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for 4 nights over Easter/Spring Break 2019. I will use Citi thank you points to buy three 2 day, 1 park per day tickets with my 50,000 bonus and upgrade these tickets, if necessary, when we arrive at the parks.
I currently have a one day MYW ticket that I've had since 2009 so I only need an additional single day ticket for myself to make this work. Flights will be covered by Jetblue points making it an affordable WDW vacation.

I'm a little nervous about staying offsite since we've been on site every year but we still plan to continue our yearly August onsite vacations so this trip is really a "bonus" funded almost exclusively from "travel hacking". I've never been during Easter/Spring break either but I'm sure it will be fine. Feeling fortunate and excited to be planning 3 upcoming WDW vacations for 2018/2019 :0.

Has anyone stayed at the HR Grand Cypress? Any tips for doing WDW during Easter/Spring break?