I love credit cards so much!

[Alexle2007]

...except I'm not sure I really understand this workaround...DoC says you have to cancel your membership FIRST, then it still extends to actual date it would end(???) how does that work? If i cancel it now doesn't it end NOW? and then supposed to buy gift of membership thingy and hold onto it until that (above noted) date?

Given that I have the grandfathered in 4 extra accounts, I am not doing the work-around. I will admit that I did it when they raised it before and it worked just fine though.

 

[spacerangerqueen]

I don't see why it wouldn't work for room rates, but maybe I'm wrong. Try it and let us know the results if you do!

Also, assuming that there aren't any other special details the Chase agent would have to input for the cast rate, I would think they'd just be able to transfer it the same way they would a bounceback offer or discounted room. If your rate is already locked in at the cast rate through Disney, maybe it wouldn't be an issue?

Right, the rate should be locked in. I would guess normally people have no need to transfer to a travel agent so there's nothing on the booking end that says you can't. I guess I can always cancel if it doesn't work!

 

[mhartman09]

So I've called Chase 5 times already to check status on my CIC app. I applied in the early evening on Tuesday, so I guess that's not too obsessive. My last call was about 2 hours ago and it still says 30 days. Trying to just wait it out for the status to change, but it's so hard to keep myself from calling every hour.

 

[Albort]

I think this thread has convinced me to go for the CIC next week. Originally I was planning my next card to be the CIP (with a referral from DH) early Sept. But I can push that out further I think. If I apply for the CIC, do you think I'm moving too fast? I have:

CSR 1/18
JetBlue plus 1/18
SPG Biz 3/18

Thanks!

if thats all the cards u have applied for in the last 2 years, you are good!

For those who have asked to expedite your Chase card, what service was it shipped and how soon did they get it out? I called and asked for my CIC to be expedited and she said I'd have it in a day or two. That was yesterday at 8AM but FedEx/UPS delivery managers show nothing in bound to me yet. :-( Was hoping to get it tomorrow to get some spend put on it this weekend as we are going to get a lot of yard work done.

all of my chase card came UPS. They usually ship it out next business name, if you call on a thurs or fri, it might not ship out until monday.

I've been following this thread for a little over four months now and as much as I've learned, I'm still finding this all a little overwhelming. It's like sitting in on a calculus class when all I've had is basic arithmetic. But I have faith that I'll get there!

Right now I have a very basic question. I jumped right in when I first got started with this and got three new cards in three months. My husband was "on board" to an extent, but he doesn't understand how this all works (not that i really do either) and just doesn't have the time or the inclination to figure it all out. While he trusts me, this is making him a little nervous. So I'm putting my plans for going into two-player mode on hold just for the summer. It's been hard to go from meeting minimum spends to just "spending!"

So my question is, now that I went from only a couple cards to (what seems to me) like a wallet full, how do I decide which one to use for which purchases? I need to figure out what cards get the best returns in various spending categories. I understand from this board that this also changes from time to time?

Right now when I get to a register I feel like I'm looking into my wallet and going "pick a card, any card" and I just grab one. There must be a strategy more worthy of the excellent tutelage I've received on this thread!

On top of the Wallaby suggestion, I know a lot of people in here also use label makers to label the cards for their noobish SO.
Like the Freedom card would have a sticker currently that says Grocery stores.

 

[ski_mom]

Just wanted to share my DP - I applied for the CIP for DH on 5/1 and was approved on 5/2. He was out of town on business, so I didn't want to bother him with calling to expedite - we didn't have any big bills coming up anyway - and it came in yesterday's mail, so even without expediting, it only took one week after approval! I didn't think that was too bad.

 

[amalone1013]

Just actually catching up for the day...

Let me tell you a story about young @SouthFayetteFan who swore by his Discover card at 1% back. Trying to earn more than that was frivolous he thought - a waste of time and energy. From the time he was 18 years old until the time he was 27 years old that's all he did. Then one day a $200 Gift Card mailer for a Disney card showed up...and he thought wow if me and my sweet beautiful wife both get this card we could get $400 to Disney. So we did that...and then back to the Discover card we went.

Then in late 2013 Mr. and Mrs. @SouthFayetteFan were the proud parents of a 3 1/2 year old lil' SFfan and newbown baby SFfan and they found out that their extended family was planning a summer trip to WDW (and this would be in addition to the small family unit's annual trip in Jan/Feb each year. @SouthFayetteFan had earned a small stash of SW points from business travel and could score one or two free tickets. But 2 round trip flights for the family in a 5 month span called for a bigger plan and so this necessitated a google search "How To Earn Lots of Southwest Points". A blog popped up...Million Mile Secrets...which spoke of a mythical creature...the elusive Companion Pass. Filled with awe and wonder, @SouthFayetteFan had to have one of these. It seemed too good to be true...but all the comments said it worked. There truly was no "catch"... And so he went about earning one, once again turning his back on his Discover 1%. Much to his surprise, with no issues whatsoever, a companion pass just fell into his lap for spending a meager $4,000 (plus some slight other point earning efforts). Once the Companion Pass was earned, he continued to put purchases on the SW cards to pad the point total a little more. Then there was another card or two in late 2014 including a Marriott card as that was the hotel chain of choice.

Then in early 2015 tragedy struck. @SouthFayetteFan's family business is sold and the young father finds himself soon to be out of work. At that same time a mailer showed up for the Mr. and Mrs. for an AMEX Blue Cash card offering $250 back for $500. This seemed too good to be true but sure enough there was no "catch" or fine print and the family was happy to take the free money. The "job crisis" lasted all of 2 weeks when job offers came rolling in and @SouthFayetteFan ultimately chose to move in a whole new career direction into banking. While the concerns over money were short lived, this new "game" of getting paid by CC companies to save money seemed to be a worthwhile hobby. The family got 14 cards in 2015; and then 29 in 2016. Travel suddenly cost nothing and the family was hooked on churning.

Now you have a little history of how I got into this game Also...I know what it's like to feel loyal to that 1% (or now 2%) card and think the game isn't worth it. I'm educated, analytical, financially savvy...and I didn't see the light for many years. I'm so glad (and fortunate) to have found this hobby as without it our family wouldn't have been able to form such wonderful memories on our countless trips

I love your story. And I still love my little Discover card, which was my first credit card

This sounds way better than my ongoing tale of “I’m broke but still want to go to Disney.”

Basically me.

How long does it normally take Disney to refund your credit card after you cancel a trip? I booked a room this past Saturday but almost immediately canceled it in favor of the room I had booked through Chase but still have not received a refund.

ETA: I also did not receive a cancellation email even though the reservation is no longer showing up on DME. Wondering if I should call...

Mine seem to be 10 days or so...

(Full disclosure: am DISing on a glass of wine tonight)

Ok, LET’S DO THIS!

I come down on the side of the CIP for your situation...

I’m going to start analysis with #3 because I love surprising fam with awesome trips and I also love that CSP/CSR double dip. Alas, I don’t love this combo. It’s just too messy for me. If Chase ever needs her to verify stuff she might need to know/stumble upon what was going on if you couldn’t fake being her and Chase is rolling out that voice recognition stuff the summer... Since you and the other kids/SOs are already planning to purchase the trip & it doesn’t hinge on getting these points I’d skip this plan. (Btw- y’all are awesome for doing that cruise for them!)

In 1 vs 2 the difference is about $980 in favor of #1. That’s a lot! The draw of the CIC is strong but do you see yourself spending $13K all in the 5x categories on the CIC in the next 12 months? Redeeming them via CSR’s 1.5x will basically get you to breakeven vs #1 with $13k of category spend, even more spend for non-cat spend obvs. If you really want a CIC downgrade CIP after a year (idk if you can do it earlier).
*even factoring in the Plastiq cost CIP wins hands down over CIC.

Imho your original plan was solid and still is

CIP for the win! The double dip is messy, but I'm hoping if we just transfer the sign up points to DH's account and he books/manages their reservation it would avoid anything that could ruin the surprise. We plan on telling them at Christmas (no gifts this year haha...) because they'll need time for passports and such. Hopefully it'd be a one-time transfer of points, and then they'd find out about 6 months before the cruise before anything important comes up.

I appreciate your thoughts and time!

 

[amalone1013]

So when I was explaining the double dip to DH last night, I said that it would save everyone almost $500 on their share of ILs cabin.

He goes, or just most of our share! I was like whatever you want, it's your family...

 

[fbb]

Guys, I proposed scenarios 1 and 3 to DH last night... and he seems in for scenario 3! The double dip CSR/CSP for MIL!

If your MIL offered you the same scenario you propose to offer her, would you do it?

 

[DaveL]

all of my chase card came UPS. They usually ship it out next business name, if you call on a thurs or fri, it might not ship out until monday.

Okay, Called yesterday at 8AM so should ship today and hopefully still be here tomorrow. :-D Otherwise I might have to put the yard work off week....

 

[Mopedmom1]

For those who have asked to expedite your Chase card, what service was it shipped and how soon did they get it out? I called and asked for my CIC to be expedited and she said I'd have it in a day or two. That was yesterday at 8AM but FedEx/UPS delivery managers show nothing in bound to me yet. :-( Was hoping to get it tomorrow to get some spend put on it this weekend as we are going to get a lot of yard work done.

I applied for the CSR for dh early Saturday. I didn't ask for it to be expedited because we were going to be gone until Wednesday and our gate would be locked so no one would be able to get to our front door. When we got home Wednesday it was sitting at our front door. Out trusty and amazing UPS driver jumped the fence, delivered it and then had to back out our driveway 1/4 mile until he could get turned around. I'm not sure what day it actually arrived, Mon, Tue or Wed, but it came very quickly for NOT having it expedited.

When I asked to have dh CIC expedited a few months ago it was on a Saturday as well and we received it on Tuesday. I'm sorry but I don't remember the carrier. I am thinking FedEx but I could be totally off on that.

 

[miztressuz]

quick question re: points activity on accounts to keep them active..... I know the time periods(like 12 mos etc) but does all activity count? like using some points, or geting soem thru cc spend? just double checking as I had a close call here with one acct.(whew)

depends on the program. I think most will take either earn or spend, but I recall one I was looking at that it had to be earned, spending didn't count (course I can't think of what that one was). Usually CC points count for earned, I can't think of one where it doesn't.

 

[shairpdrh]

So happy I could finally help someone here. I feel like I'm always on the receiving end of the help!

Thanks, that was new to me too!

 

[havaneselover]

So I’m at 4/24 plus CIP (12/17) and SPG biz (3/18). I’m without a minimum spend right now and my next two cards were supposed to be Marriott Premiere (can’t get until 10/18 because that will have been 24 months since I last got the Marriott bonus) and Amex SPG Luxury which I don't want to get until 9/18 in order to max out the $300 in SPG/Marriott spending which I wouldn't do until 8/2019). Should I go for CIC? I'd probably reduce CLs on several of my Chase cards proactively. I do currently have 5 personal Chase cards plus 1 business. I could probably cancel Chase Disney--was going to keep it until after my cruise in August but I really don't need it. Thoughts?

 

[1GoldenSun]

We can't answer that unless we know what cards you have and use. Here is what I am doing for now:

Groceries - Discover IT - I am in my first year so am basically getting 10x back since grocery is the 5x category
Restaurants - Sapphire Preferred - 2x - will switch this when Discover goes 5x to restaurants this summer
Paypay purchases - Freedom 5x; will put groceries on here if and when I max out Discover IT if paypal purchases don't max by then
Small purchases - Amex - need to do 20 transaction for the bonus points.
Everything else, including college tuition, car insurance, cell phone bill, etc - Discover IT - 2% back (1% now and 1% match in January) I do put some of this spend on Amex too to help out with the 20% more points bonus.
If I am working on a MSR (which I am not right now) almost everything goes to whatever card that is.

When my Discover IT anniversary hits I will only use it for the 5x rotating categories and my Amex will get more spend on it.

Basically - know what each card gives you so you know how to utilize it best.

My cards that aren't sock-drawered are;

AmEx SPG Business
AmEx Gold Business
AmEx Blue Cash Preferred
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred

And I love the idea of labelling the cards, or maybe just keeping a little cheat-sheet notecard in my wallet.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Saw a post here on the Budget Board for $100 of a $200 hotel on Expedia with a MasterCard, see post for code https://www.disboards.com/threads/100-200-hotel-reservation.3681904/. Works for Disney resorts. No use for it myself but maybe for someone here! If this is similar to offers we've seen before they go FAST!

 

[gottalovepluto]

So I’m at 4/24 plus CIP (12/17) and SPG biz (3/18). I’m without a minimum spend right now and my next two cards were supposed to be Marriott Premiere (can’t get until 10/18 because that will have been 24 months since I last got the Marriott bonus) and Amex SPG Luxury which I don't want to get until 9/18 in order to max out the $300 in SPG/Marriott spending which I wouldn't do until 8/2019). Should I go for CIC? I'd probably reduce CLs on several of my Chase cards proactively. I do currently have 5 personal Chase cards plus 1 business. I could probably cancel Chase Disney--was going to keep it until after my cruise in August but I really don't need it. Thoughts?

If you're not in Chase shutdown territory absolutely!

 

[wendow]

So I’m at 4/24 plus CIP (12/17) and SPG biz (3/18). I’m without a minimum spend right now and my next two cards were supposed to be Marriott Premiere (can’t get until 10/18 because that will have been 24 months since I last got the Marriott bonus) and Amex SPG Luxury which I don't want to get until 9/18 in order to max out the $300 in SPG/Marriott spending which I wouldn't do until 8/2019). Should I go for CIC? I'd probably reduce CLs on several of my Chase cards proactively. I do currently have 5 personal Chase cards plus 1 business. I could probably cancel Chase Disney--was going to keep it until after my cruise in August but I really don't need it. Thoughts?

You are in a good position to go the for the CIC. While 5 personal Chase cards seems like a lot, I'm guessing some of those are older and you are 5-6 months out from the CIP you have. The CIC is a keeper card imo, with a great offer. If you feel you could really benefit from the card, I think it's a great one to go for. It doesn't look like you have any other Chase cards on the horizon.

My cards that aren't sock-drawered are;

AmEx SPG Business
AmEx Gold Business
AmEx Blue Cash Preferred
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred

And I love the idea of labelling the cards, or maybe just keeping a little cheat-sheet notecard in my wallet.

Grocery store - BCP
Gas - BCP
All internet, phone, cable - CIP.
Travel - CIP
Dining - CSP

Sign up for plastiq and start paying everything you cannot pay with a CC through plastiq using your CIP (if you have questions about this, just ask us...lots of us use plastiq).

My dh keeps a list in his phone which card to use for what

 

[Judique]

Thanks! I’m going to login into my Hyatt account when I get home because I think whatever status I have I do have a M Life status. I hope they respond to my email saying I don’t have to go in person to get the match. Because, I agree that it wouldn’t be worth it. I’m far from a casino.

Not if you are in No Va - Alexandria area. MGM is right across the Potomac - you could take the water taxi.

 

[Judique]

quick question re: points activity on accounts to keep them active..... I know the time periods(like 12 mos etc) but does all activity count? like using some points, or geting soem thru cc spend? just double checking as I had a close call here with one acct.(whew)

I can sympathize as I've lost Hilton Honors points twice now. The last time because I thought they had a 2 year shelf life when it's only one year.

Usually it's use them buy them earn them or go through a shopping portal.

 

[thevalley]

Is it crazy to get Amex Hilton card for a stay in 10 days? This Pittsburgh trip has changed again. It still kinda helps with my Hawaii trip for 2020. Along with Marriott/spg vacation packages.

How hard is it to get a biz Amex.