I love credit cards so much!

[pillow]

Looking for a cross country flight this fall for a fam member and my jaw dropped when I saw United Saver First space available- I wasn't even logged in! It had a warning sign on it "mixed cabin" so I hover over it to find out the first 2 legs (7.5 hours total flying time) are economy but the last leg (45 mins) was in First. BE SO CAREFUL if you see First Saver space pop up on United, I can't believe their system actually considers that a First Class Flight. United: never ceasing to amaze!

Thats crazy!

On the flip side . . . I was pleasantly surprised by United today. My son's luggage was delayed on a January trip to the Dominican Republic. He bought about $65 worth of clothes since he wasn't sure when his luggage would arrive, but he did not keep his receipt. I filed a claim anyway, but figured they wouldn't pay out since no receipt. I had forgotten about it since it had been 3 months. I was surprised to get a check in the mail today along with a $75 voucher as an apology for it taking so long. $75 isn't a lot, but still - was a nice gesture.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I also got a $1000 credit limit. Credit score in the 800's, good income, long credit history, I don't understand. I'm going to request a credit increase after the first month. I had planned to use the card to pay my homeowner's insurance, but that bill is over $2000. Amex is making this too difficult with the low credit limits and the number of places that don't accept the card. After I finish with these two cards, I think I will just work on building up my UR points with Chase.

Oh no! I hate that they did that and I am super curious as to why since we are both well qualified.
My research says to wait it out and they often increase without asking but you can request a 3x increase at 45-60 days and again 3x after 6 months. Will see what happens but I really just want the points and then can cancel it.

 

[peel]

Just now, instant approval for DH's SPG Biz using my referral link. But it won't let me add the new card to his existing account even though he was logged in during the application process. It says I have to create a new account for this card. Any idea why? Both my SPGs are under one login.

 

[elgerber]

Better churner than I, I still can't make myself use a card at the dollar store if it's under $10. Unless I absolutely have no cash on me. Hubby has no problem, he's always been the type of guy to put gum on a CC. (and before CC's, he did actually write a check for some amount under a dollar)

LOL I charge anything and everything. Yes I have charged things under $1

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

@SouthFayetteFan RE:above - I just got notified today of my Chase inquiries and I got pulled from both TU and EX.
My TU has 0 inquires in the last 2 years and EX only has the 1 from 5/17.
I forgot that despite Discover using TU for their credit score card they actually pulled from Equifax and I only remembered that my installment loan pulled the same one as Discover (not who they pulled from. I always forget about EQ because it seems everyone else has. it's my lightest CR)

Thanks for such a thorough DP. My wife’s credit report won’t be quite that clean come June but I’m very hopeful that we will execute a clean Double Dip

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

LOL I charge anything and everything. Yes I have charged things under $1

Same here. Obviously one reason is hitting MSRs and the other is tracking all of our expenses. The way my financial tracking mega-spreadsheet works best is with CC expenses

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Just now, instant approval for DH's SPG Biz using my referral link. But it won't let me add the new card to his existing account even though he was logged in during the application process. It says I have to create a new account for this card. Any idea why? Both my SPGs are under one login.

Every once in awhile I just had to wait to get the card to add it to my login. Probably happened on 3 or 4 of my AMEX cards (out of 20ish total cards)

 

[StephPlum]

@pillow We're spending 5 days in Moab and that was cut down from an original 6 days. Here is what we are doing in Moab - 2 days in Arches for hiking; 1 day in Canyonlands and dead horse point state park; 1 day for ATV Tour; 1 day trip to a slot canyon and goblin state park (about an hour or so away). We are skipping white water rafting and biking and some scenic drives (looking for Dino sites). Definately think there is enough to do for 7 days.

We usually move around as well so this will be different for us too.

 

[peel]

Just now, instant approval for DH's SPG Biz using my referral link. But it won't let me add the new card to his existing account even though he was logged in during the application process. It says I have to create a new account for this card. Any idea why? Both my SPGs are under one login.

Quoting myself and adding another question...how long does it usually take for the setup email to arrive after approval? I seem to remember mine coming almost immediately, however DH has only received a "reviewing your application" email so far.

 

[peel]

...aaaaand one more question...
since Mr. Cooper is still working via Plastiq with my CIP, is it safe to assume I could pay with the new SPG Biz for MSR?

 

[JC0712]

Oh no! I hate that they did that and I am super curious as to why since we are both well qualified.
My research says to wait it out and they often increase without asking but you can request a 3x increase at 45-60 days and again 3x after 6 months. Will see what happens but I really just want the points and then can cancel it.

Thanks for the information on requesting an increase. My insurance isn't due until the beginning of July so I have time to wait before requesting one. Its funny that with Chase I've gotten such large credit limits that I will have to lower some of them before applying for my next card and with Amex I'm going to have to request an increase just to pay some of the bills I need to meet the minimum spend.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Just now, instant approval for DH's SPG Biz using my referral link. But it won't let me add the new card to his existing account even though he was logged in during the application process. It says I have to create a new account for this card. Any idea why? Both my SPGs are under one login.

I couldn’t add my personal SPG the last couple days to my Amex acct. When I got the physical card today and activated it auto added to my account finally.

 

[peel]

I couldn’t add my personal SPG the last couple days to my Amex acct. When I got the physical card today and activated it auto added to my account finally.

Oh, good to hear. I thought maybe I had done something wrong. I hope the acceptance email comes soon...I checked, and my application & approval emails came one minute apart from each other.
I don't know why I'm more nervous about this one because it wasn't part of my plan. And since it's in DH's name it's making me more on edge that things aren't happening they way the happened when I got my own. Plus, it's going to be tough to reach $5K.

 

[WardFam]

Oh no! I hate that they did that and I am super curious as to why since we are both well qualified.
My research says to wait it out and they often increase without asking but you can request a 3x increase at 45-60 days and again 3x after 6 months. Will see what happens but I really just want the points and then can cancel it.

My DH also got a $1k limit. So crazy!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I had been dithering back and forth since Monday about an SPG Biz. I had the personal years ago so couldn't benefit from getting it again. Well, I asked DH tonight and he said to apply (which took me by surprise, because he usually objects to such things. Am I wearing him down?) I applied for the SPG Biz using a Dischurners link and got instant approval. I need to order insulation panels for our basement in the next month or so, which will eliminate the entire spend in one single blow. Double checked that the company took Amex!

@kmc8826 Another DVC owner here. DH and I took some wedding gift money and bought a direct 55 point Poly contract in 2015. No regrets here. We have loved our trips so far and can't wait for our first trip with DD next March. We are currently saving up for another contract at VGF and then plan to add on to our Poly contract after that, both via resale.

 

[snugglebug]

Not entirely off topic as we are on the Disboards after all...I would just rather ask you all than do a separate post somewhere else on the forum. If you don't want to clutter this thread than pm me. I just feel like I "know" you guys and appreciate your input. We are counting down the days to our next WDW. Leave in a month for 6 nights. I booked it as a bounce back with 2 rooms at CBR. Travel party is myself, husband, 3 girls who are 11, 9, 7. We stayed at CBR in January with UR points and it worked really well being in the two rooms. Everyone got their own bed and 2 bathrooms so that was the huge plus. The construction was not a big issue as we always rent a car. Last couple of years we have been off site only so being in the Disney bubble was nice. Sad but true. Now I am thinking about switching the CBR reservation to a one bedroom at Old Key West. We have never stayed there. It would cost $350 more but I think it is probably a wash as we would be able to buy some food and not eat out all the time. Bad part is girls would have to share bed and only one bathroom. Possible drama for sure. Worth it?!? Would give us a chance to stay DVC which leads me to my next question:

I keep obsessing about just buying into DVC with a small contract. Prices keep going up! I know @calypso726 you have DVC points as do a couple of you others. Are you glad you are in? Buyers regret? Worth buying at least the 75 for benefits direct from Disney? Is it bad that I am more than partially swayed to buy direct so I can put the money on cards? (Sweet UR"s coming our way).

At any rate any thoughts appreciated. I realize this is a huge tangent and if you want to just PM me responses that's great too. Thanks guys!

I've only been DVC for not quite 2.5 years. I love it. I only have 100pts, wish I had more, but that's the budget for now. We rented points for a 3 night stay at AKL and ended up buying on that trip. We loved the space we had at AKL. It also guarantees that I will get a vacation every other year, which is something our family has skimped on and I truly regret. I have since learned all this CC stuff and it's even better.

We do travel with an air mattress typically for any hotel. We own at Poly and just get 2 rooms there so need for it, but we'd definitely take and use it if needed. As I'm looking at Hawaii hotels the first thing I look for is "can I get an air mattress in there?" lol

 

[gottalovepluto]

My DH also got a $1k limit. So crazy!

Well that settles it. Someone finally looked at AMEX’s books and went “uh... guys... if things go south DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH EXPOSURE WE HAVE? WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA?!”

 

[gottalovepluto]

Idk either! I wrote down the personal card number after I was approved, and think it's cool that they sent it so quickly but I won't be using this card right now anyways. Still gotta finish off my spg biz first. So, for once, I get Amex to overnight a card and I don't really need it yet lol.

ROFL because I was in the same darn boat. Both of my first Amex cards I wanted asap & took forever & then BOOM! SPG personal card on my doorstep before I’ve even filed away my acceptance email...

 

[Ava]

Well, I applied for the SPG Personal with the 25K offer. I tried for about an hour but couldn't get the 30K to pull up, and its getting late here and I have other things I need to be doing. So, 75K Starriott points it is! At least I was auto approved, with a $16K CL. I am shocked that others here have only gotten $1K. My income is not that high, but apparently AMEX likes me for some reason. I have been a "card member" since 2001, so maybe that has something to do with it.

So, I am now 3/24. I'm holding one of my two remaining spots for the new Marriott Personal card, because if there is a 100K sign up bonus as has been reported I want to go for that. Then I will use my last slot to try for the CIC later this year. I had originally wanted a JetBlue card before we fly with them again this summer, but I bought our flights with UR points so the card won't even get us free checked bags. I'll pick one up next time there is an increased bonus (which hopefully won't be until after I'm done with Chase).

Now I need to nail down some travel plans for next year, hopefully utilizing all these Starriott points & free nights I'm going to have!

 

[calypso726]

Not entirely off topic as we are on the Disboards after all...I would just rather ask you all than do a separate post somewhere else on the forum. If you don't want to clutter this thread than pm me. I just feel like I "know" you guys and appreciate your input. We are counting down the days to our next WDW. Leave in a month for 6 nights. I booked it as a bounce back with 2 rooms at CBR. Travel party is myself, husband, 3 girls who are 11, 9, 7. We stayed at CBR in January with UR points and it worked really well being in the two rooms. Everyone got their own bed and 2 bathrooms so that was the huge plus. The construction was not a big issue as we always rent a car. Last couple of years we have been off site only so being in the Disney bubble was nice. Sad but true. Now I am thinking about switching the CBR reservation to a one bedroom at Old Key West. We have never stayed there. It would cost $350 more but I think it is probably a wash as we would be able to buy some food and not eat out all the time. Bad part is girls would have to share bed and only one bathroom. Possible drama for sure. Worth it?!? Would give us a chance to stay DVC which leads me to my next question:

I keep obsessing about just buying into DVC with a small contract. Prices keep going up! I know @calypso726 you have DVC points as do a couple of you others. Are you glad you are in? Buyers regret? Worth buying at least the 75 for benefits direct from Disney? Is it bad that I am more than partially swayed to buy direct so I can put the money on cards? (Sweet UR"s coming our way).

At any rate any thoughts appreciated. I realize this is a huge tangent and if you want to just PM me responses that's great too. Thanks guys!

We currently have 1300 DVC points and zero regrets. We bought 180 points at SSR direct in 2006 and it was $86 per point back then. We rented from a member and stayed at SSR. That was it and I never wanted to go back to a value or even a moderate again. We have bought both resale and direct since then at SSR, AKV, VGF and BCV. The most we ever paid direct was for VGF at $135 pp and that was because it was brand new, no resale option and DH's favorite resort so we bought on day one. AKV, SSR and BCV were all purchased in the $85 - $100 per point range. We would not buy direct now for a larger contract. The price is insane. The discount benefits for direct owners are not guaranteed. They come and go. Using DVC points for cruises etc. is a very poor value proposition. So there really isn't a compelling reason to purchase direct in most circumstances. I would only consider buying direct on a very small contract because the price is likely closer to resale on a small contract once you factor in closing costs and the probability that a small resale contract is stripped.

I would recommend renting where you want to stay and then deciding if you like the resort and location before buying. Some resorts resonate better with some folks than others. What one person may consider the best place ever, you may feel rather "meh" about it. 75 points is a small enough contract that I would consider purchasing direct. First, I'd compare what is available on resale, and compare. DH and I both agree that the best purchase we ever made was DVC. The argument could be made that purchasing DVC was the catalyst that led me to travel hacking and getting to know all of you fine folks. After purchasing DVC, we went on our first Disney cruise which was the DVC member cruise. We "met" and got to know fellow cruisers on the Disboards cruise meets threads. A group of 20 something of us all clicked and have remained friends and travel together to this day. One of these friends we suspect separated from me at birth. We have the same interests, tastes and can start and finish each other's sentences. We are both avid readers and she gave me the book Outlander by Diana Gabaldon as a Fish Extender gift. I had been resisting reading the book for many years despite recommendations. She promised I'd thank her for it. Well, that book series made me fall in love with Scotland and when Adventures by Disney announced they'd be doing a trip there, I had to go. I discovered travel hacking as a means to afford that trip. I also rented out DVC points for the first time to help fund that trip.

DVC has provided us with amazing memories and allowed us to have vacation experiences we would not have been able to do without it. It led us to meeting some of our dearest friends and to travel hacking. The only potential negative of owning DVC is add-on-itis. Keep in mind we started with 180 points. We have no kids. We live in Florida. 3 hours away from WDW. Now we have 1300 points. It's a very serious side effect of DVC