I love credit cards so much!

[Albort]

When on the cruise our only stop is in Nassau. Been looking at ways to enjoy a nice beach/pool day using points. I have Marriott Points that can be used at Atlantis (35,000 points) then about $70 in fees and still not sure if that covers 2 people or all 4. Then I found Baha Mar which is Hyatt and can get a room there for 20,000 points ( I don't have Hyatt points but do have UR Points). From what I read I don't think there would be any additional fees if paying by points.

Has anyone done either of these before and any preferences from either Atlantis or Baha Mar. I posted on Cruise Critic but no responses yet. I know Baha Mar just opened a year ago and not sure everything is open but it looks fabulous..

It looks like Atlantis has a bigger set of activities to do than Baha Mar. One thing ive learned helping my friend plan her trip to NAS was that the owners of Baha and Mar are in a dispute, so if u were to stay at Baha Mar, you wouldnt be able to buy your way into Atlantis.

If points arent a way to go, everyone seems to mention the Comfort Inn next to Atlantis, it gives us free access into Atlantis and its usually a cheaper price. might be worth looking into.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I honestly can't imagine doing it twice a day daily. We visit at least once a year (this weekend actually!) and it annoys us just doing it the couple times a weekend. I'm pretty sure Buddha himself would start a mild case of road rage if he had to do it daily. I'm glad you get to work from home

I basically just stopped going to the office, haha. One day I had enough, cancelled my parking pass and just started showing up once a week for our team meeting (I ride the commuter train that day). Nobody asked me about it and I blew away my goal for the year last year so...I guess it’s ok now hahaha!

 

[Lain]

Thanks..I will


Ok will do that...do you recommend calling or sending a sm ?

Then how long do I wait to apply for the CIP ?
Appreciate all your help

Flyertalk says 24 hours.

“There is no known minimum wait between lowering a CL and having the freed-up amount become available for purposes of a new application. A prudent applicant will, as recommended above, plan well in advance; failing that, an applicant would be wise to wait at least 24 hours between lowering a CL and applying for a new card.”

So well I’m advance is probably like a month or more...lol. Otherwise 24 hours hahaha. Love that non-specific advice from the flyertalk experts!!

I agree that there are no definite DPs about how long it takes from reduction of credit limits to that amount freeing up for a potential new card. The whole idea of whether to even do it or not is a topic of fierce debate. But watching the credit limits I get with each new card diminish lends me to think that there is some sort of limit to how much credit Chase is willing to extend you. Since I've been in this game a little longer, and I map out what card to get for DW or me next months in advance, I personally would give it about a month or at least lower the credit limit and let the statement close before applying. The last time I lowered my credit limit over SM, Chase responded within 2 hours and the change was effective immediately.

The thing about the CIP is that there's supposed to be an in-branch promotion going on right now for Small Business Week (April 29-May 5, 2018) that offers a 100k UR signup bonus on the CIP. If you get the CIP online application in (or approved) by May 5, you could possibly call into the CIP's customer service line and ask that they match your signup bonus to the 100k UR that is/was available in-branch. @DisneyMandC lucked out with her request and got an extra 20k UR. However, most data points ("DPs") I've seen from people asking to be matched have been denials and told to talk to a Chase Business Relationship Manager ("BRM"). So there's a 99% chance that there's no benefit to rushing your application through during Small Business Week if Chase ends up denying your request for a match anyway. But there's that small chance you could get lucky with a nice customer service rep who'll honor the in-branch offer. Keep in mind that most Chase business card applications go pending with a "we'll let you know in 30 days" message, and it can sit for a few days before it's approved or denied.

Edited for clarity.

 

[WVMomof3]

I honestly can't imagine doing it twice a day daily. We visit at least once a year (this weekend actually!) and it annoys us just doing it the couple times a weekend. I'm pretty sure Buddha himself would start a mild case of road rage if he had to do it daily. I'm glad you get to work from home

I would hate to do it twice a day! I actually prefer going at high traffic times because then I have time to figure out which lane I need to be in when I get out. I don't do it often enough to know. I have a panic attack when the cars are flying and you have to zoom over 3 lanes or exit on the wrong bridge.

 

[Lain]

I haven’t been to Baha Mar but I did look into that too, but decided on Atlantis because of the water park.

It looks like Atlantis has a bigger set of activities to do than Baha Mar. One thing ive learned helping my friend plan her trip to NAS was that the owners of Baha and Mar are in a dispute, so if u were to stay at Baha Mar, you wouldnt be able to buy your way into Atlantis.

It's funny because I see banner ads for Baha Mar on here all the time.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I agree that there are no definite DPs about how long it takes from reduction of credit limits to that amount freeing up for a potential new card. The whole idea of whether to even do it or not is a topic of fierce debate. But watching my credit lines diminish with each new card lends me to think that there is some sort of limit to how much credit Chase is willing to extend you. Since I've been in this game a little longer, and I map out what card to get for DW or me next months in advance, I personally would give it about a month or at least lower the credit limit and let the statement close before applying.

The thing about the CIP is that there's supposed to be a promotion going on right now for Small Business Week (April 29-May 5, 2018) that offers a 100k UR signup bonus on the CIP. If you get the CIP application in (or approved) by May 5, you could possibly call into the CIP's customer service line and ask that they match your signup bonus to the 100k UR that was available in-branch. @DisneyMandC lucked out with her request and got an extra 20k UR. However, most data points ("DPs") I've seen from people asking to be matched have been denials and told to talk to a Chase Business Relationship Manager ("BRM"). So there's a 99% chance that there's no benefit to rushing your application through during Small Business Week if Chase ends up denying your request for a match anyway. But there's that small chance you could get lucky with a nice customer service rep who'll honor the in-branch offer. Keep in mind that most Chase business card applications go pending with a "we'll let you know in 30 days" message, and it can sit for a few days before it's approved or denied.

I called in for a match and was also told to call back once I meet the min spend. It seemed too easy and didn’t seem like the rep was guaranteeing me the 20k points. She said the marketing team would have to approve the request and that she’d make a note on my account. I hope it’s easy but I’m anticipating a little fight. I made sure to sound very presumptuous that I’d get the points on the call so that if somebody had to go back and listen I could argue that I felt like they made a promise and they didn’t correct me either lol!m

EDIT: and yes I did all of this in my high feminine voice

 

[Lain]

On the subject of reducing credit lines, I lowered the CL on my United Select card by ~$10k down to $5k last week. I made the request over SM and Chase responded within 2 hours; the change was effective immediately.

This is my oldest card but I never use it except for the one charge I put on it every year to keep it active. I've kept it as a Select card in part for the anniversary points, but I'm planning to PC it to the no-fee MileagePlus Card the next time the AF posts because the basic card still gives a 25% bonus on MPX and the MileagePlus shopping portal and increased award inventory.

I'm planning to apply for the CIC 50k UR offer either for myself or DW before the rumored expiration date of 5/20/18.

 

[elgerber]

There is a guy on Rachael Ray right now, who is formerly homeless and in huge debt, saying to NOT get credit cards. He calls a credit score, your debt score, and you don't want one. Um...yeah, you need to be responsible, but you cannot get through life without one. Is he planning to rent forever? I work in mortgage, we have files we have to deny because of no credit.

 

[babyready]

For Amex there is an option under gift cards, then Theme Parks to redeem for Universal Orlando tickets. Here are the options:

Universal Orlando® 2-Park 1-Day Park to park Child - 22,750 points

Universal Orlando® 2-Park 1-Day Park to Park Adult - 25,125 points

Universal Orlando® 2-Park 2-Day Park to Park Child - 31,875 points

Universal Orlando® 2-Park 2-Day Park to Park Adult - 33,125 points

Universal Orlando® 3-Park 2-Day Park to Park Child - 39,750 points

Universal Orlando® 3-Park 2-Day Park to Park Adult - 41,250 points

Universal Orlando® 3-Park 3-Day Park to Park Child - 41,875 points

Universal Orlando® 3-Park 3-Day Park to Park Adult - 43,125 points

THANK YOU!

This is what I was looking for. Now I just need to figure out if that is a decent redemption rate since I know nothing about MR!

 

[amalone1013]

Plus doesn't a credit score play into renting...?

Last week, I attempted to pass along good credit card information to two coworkers, who are just a year or two younger than me, so mid-20s. One was talking about how her mom set her up so well because she worked at Wells Fargo, and had gotten her a secure card when she was younger, and how crazy it was that her card she has now (I didn't ask what it was) upped her limit to $2k and that's just crazy! And the other coworker agreed about that, and I'm just standing there like, oh my last card gave me a $15k limit... which is nothing compared to some of you!

 

[elgerber]

Plus doesn't a credit score play into renting...?

Last week, I attempted to pass along good credit card information to two coworkers, who are just a year or two younger than me, so mid-20s. One was talking about how her mom set her up so well because she worked at Wells Fargo, and had gotten her a secure card when she was younger, and how crazy it was that her card she has now (I didn't ask what it was) upped her limit to $2k and that's just crazy! And the other coworker agreed about that, and I'm just standing there like, oh my last card gave me a $15k limit... which is nothing compared to some of you!

Yes it plays into renting, and insurance, and everything else.
My dd, when she was 18, got a Cap One card with a $3500 limit, all on her own LOL, so $2000,woo hoo!
ETA. I just checked my sons info, and at 22, he got a $12600 line on SW Card, and an $8400 on an IHG Card.

 

[ski_mom]

To get an unofficial count of the credit cards you’ve opened in the past 24 months, you can check Chase’s “Credit Journey” feature. If you’re a Chase customer, when you log into your account you should see a free credit score feature on the lefthand side of your screen, click on it and it’ll take you to Credit Journey that offers you insight into what’s on your credit report, including how many card accounts you’ve opened in the past 24 months! You can also sign up free for Credit Karma, which pulls data from TransUnion and Equifax, including what credit cards show up on your report and when you opened those accounts. When applying for credit cards, different issuers will pull your report from different credit bureaus, and this can even depend on your state. Data points (“DPs”) show Chase pulls from a mix of the 3 major bureaus so you should be aware what each might be reporting. You can pull a free credit report from each of the 3 major bureaus annually from https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.

Thanks so much for posting this! DH and I have been opening cards, but I honestly wasn't 100% sure how to check the true reports. This is so helpful!

 

[afan]

Not churning but budget board related. I'm enjoying my free IKEA lunch of Swedish meatballs before I go use the $15 off $15 or more coupon I got. Both are for my birthday and from being in their free family thing that gives you better pricing.

I'll probably get some more of their packing cubes, they're nice and a great price. 2 1/2 weeks til we leave for Paris!

 

[miztressuz]

Can someone help me understand the Hilton Honors site? I've signed up for the new double points promotion like 5 times but it doesn't show anywhere I look on our account. If I go to https://www.hiltonhhonors.com/MyOffers/ it tells me I'm not signed up for any active offers, it says to "Check the My Eligible Offers tab to see the offers available to you." but that label doesn't exist anywhere. I have a My Available Offers tab but it's only the credit card offer, always, for months now (since we started using the account again). On the plus side it says the 100k points offer is good until Jan 2019 so I'm not in a rush to get the card now as long as that stays on our account.
We signed up for the 2000 points offer that ended 4/30 and that showed in our active offers. So I assumed I'd see the double points one in there too. I want to make sure we'll get double points for our stay this weekend. What am I missing?

 

[elgerber]

Not churning but budget board related. I'm enjoying my free IKEA lunch of Swedish meatballs before I go use the $15 off $15 or more coupon I got. Both are for my birthday and from being in their free family thing that gives you better pricing.

I'll probably get some more of their packing cubes, they're nice and a great price. 2 1/2 weeks til we leave for Paris!

OMG, jealous, I LOVE those meatballs!!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Alternate viewpoint - I prefer to call because I know they can’t screw it up and misread my message LOL! Plus then you can move exactly what you want to each card. I’d probably wait a week after before applying - Anybody else here think differently on that?

My wife let’s me apply for her as long as she doesn’t have to do anything either so o totally get that. Referring your husband to the CIP down the line would be amazing as that single signup could then be worth over $1,500 to you with the referral!! 2 player mode is awesome!!

Very good point on calling....just need to figure out which cards to reduce...my thought is to reduce the two cards I’ll be closing at the end of the year when the bonus SW points hit.

As far as cards for my husband...since he’s never had his own SW card I want to wait and see what this new personal card is all about and yes assuming I’m approved for the CIP I’d like to refer him once the spend is complete on my card.
So my thinking is call and reduce CL...wait a week then apply for my CIP.....if approved it will probably take 2-3 months to hit the min spend.....then refer my husband for the CIP or is there a different personal card I should consider for him ?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks so much for posting this! DH and I have been opening cards, but I honestly wasn't 100% sure how to check the true reports. This is so helpful!

I have free accounts on a Experian for me and my wife. I like using that too

 

[speedyfishy]

Plus doesn't a credit score play into renting...?

Last week, I attempted to pass along good credit card information to two coworkers, who are just a year or two younger than me, so mid-20s. One was talking about how her mom set her up so well because she worked at Wells Fargo, and had gotten her a secure card when she was younger, and how crazy it was that her card she has now (I didn't ask what it was) upped her limit to $2k and that's just crazy! And the other coworker agreed about that, and I'm just standing there like, oh my last card gave me a $15k limit... which is nothing compared to some of you!

Yes it plays into renting, and insurance, and everything else.
My dd, when she was 18, got a Cap One card with a $3500 limit, all on her own LOL, so $2000,woo hoo!
ETA. I just checked my sons info, and at 22, he got a $12600 line on SW Card, and an $8400 on an IHG Card.

I just added SO and I’s credit limit up for fun. Between Discover, Amex and Chase we have 124,500 in available credit. We could get ourselves in a lot of trouble. Credit cards are beneficial if you use it properly. I’m 23 and a lot of my friends have maxed out cards. Like they can’t put a $5 purchase on their card.

 

[afan]

OMG, jealous, I LOVE those meatballs!!!

My first time having them. They were yummy. They built a new bigger store and the cafe is at least twice the size of the old one, part of why I've never had them, it was always packed.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I agree that there are no definite DPs about how long it takes from reduction of credit limits to that amount freeing up for a potential new card. The whole idea of whether to even do it or not is a topic of fierce debate. But watching the credit limits I get with each new card diminish lends me to think that there is some sort of limit to how much credit Chase is willing to extend you. Since I've been in this game a little longer, and I map out what card to get for DW or me next months in advance, I personally would give it about a month or at least lower the credit limit and let the statement close before applying. The last time I lowered my credit limit over SM, Chase responded within 2 hours and the change was effective immediately.

The thing about the CIP is that there's supposed to be an in-branch promotion going on right now for Small Business Week (April 29-May 5, 2018) that offers a 100k UR signup bonus on the CIP. If you get the CIP online application in (or approved) by May 5, you could possibly call into the CIP's customer service line and ask that they match your signup bonus to the 100k UR that is/was available in-branch. @DisneyMandC lucked out with her request and got an extra 20k UR. However, most data points ("DPs") I've seen from people asking to be matched have been denials and told to talk to a Chase Business Relationship Manager ("BRM"). So there's a 99% chance that there's no benefit to rushing your application through during Small Business Week if Chase ends up denying your request for a match anyway. But there's that small chance you could get lucky with a nice customer service rep who'll honor the in-branch offer. Keep in mind that most Chase business card applications go pending with a "we'll let you know in 30 days" message, and it can sit for a few days before it's approved or denied.

Edited for clarity.

Thanks for the information...I’m ok with waiting to apply for the CIP, last year it did go pending ...with the 30dY message then was approved .