I love credit cards so much!

[amalone1013]

I got an email from Discover with a code for their savings account bonus. I feel like that's a sign to start with that one

 

[LB002]

First off, reddit is a social news and discussion site that's organized by subject and interests into subreddits. We have a subreddit called DISchurners at: https://www.reddit.com/r/DISchurners/ It's a private group of about 150 of us, and we encourage everyone to sign up for reddit and join DISchurners because that’s where we keep our most useful tips (since things tend to move fast and get buried here) and links to credit card applications and other money saving services that you can use if you want to show some appreciation to fellow members of this community. To join, just message either @SouthFayetteFan, @Albort, or me with your reddit username, and we'll invite you to DISchurners.


As you may know by now, Chase has a so-called "one Sapphire rule," meaning that Chase will only approve new applicants for a Sapphire card if they don't currently hold a Sapphire card and they haven't received a signup bonus on a Sapphire product in the past 24 months. You're good on that front. But under that rule, that means you can only get the CSP or the CSR, not both. Double dipping will get you around the "one Sapphire rule" by applying and getting approved for two Sapphire cards on the same day before Chase’s system knows you’ve gotten two cards despite their restriction. You’re essentially trying to sneak a second card approval in before Chase’s system is updated to recognize that it already approved you for your first Sapphire card and you're ineligible for the second.

For a double dip, start applying early during regular business hours of a non-holiday weekday in case you need to call Chase reconsideration ("recon") or verification departments.

For personal cards, be sure you're not running afoul of the 2/30 rule: you can only have two Chase credit card applications every 30 days or you'll likely be rejected.

Apply for the card you want first. If you're not instantly approved and perhaps got the we'll let you know in 30 days message, call the automated status line at 1-800-432-3117 to check the status of your application. If you still aren't approved, call recon at 1-888-270-2127 to get it approved. They'll likely ask you identity verification questions.

After that first card is approved, use a different internet browser or an incognito window for the second application, so Chase doesn’t get your cookies crossed and think you’re submitting a duplicate application in error. If you're not insta-approved, you can try to wait it out by checking the automated status line after an hour or so, but if you're still not approved then call recon to get it approved on the same day as the first approval. If you have to call recon, mention that you are calling about the second card only. You don't want recon realizing you've just been approved for an earlier Sapphire. It's likely an issue with needing to move around credit lines in order to have enough available credit to open up a new card.

As for the Amex Platinum, fingers crossed you can pull it up on Cardmatch again! These kinds of targeted offers have a tendency to disappear or expire and may or may not come around again. If you think you can meet the combined CSP+CSR MSR of $8k in 3 months and the Platinum's $5k MSR in the same 3 months, go for it! It's a great deal!

I don't really have a recommendation about applying for the Chase Sapphire double dip first or the Amex Platinum first. There are considerations both ways. Applying for two credit cards from Chase on the same day is a bit unusual (but necessary to get around the one Sapphire rule), so you may not want to draw more scrutiny by applying for the Platinum first and having Amex make a hard pull of your credit report just before your double dip. So in that sense, go for the CSP+CSR first. But you don't want to wait too long to apply for the Platinum because you could miss out on that offer. You could apply for the Platinum as soon as your CSP and CSR are approved, but Amex and Chase won't combine their hard pulls even if made on the same day so you'll see two hard pulls regardless of whether you apply for the Platinum on the same day as the CSP+CSR or on a later day. I’d add that although it’s likely that Amex will make a hard inquiry of your credit report when you apply for the Platinum, Amex will not report the opening of the new Platinum to your credit reports until at least the close of your first statement a month later, and more likely after the close of two statements or about two months later.

Of course, the Platinum offer is targeted and your best deal is to apply through the Cardmatch link. However, we do encourage people applying for new credit cards to show their support for the DIS community by applying through a DISchurners link whenever it's the same or better than the public offer. It's really a small thing to click through a link on reddit instead of a search engine, but it means a lot to the people here to know that their posts have been helpful to you and others.

Good luck!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. So much great info! Going to join Reddit today and keep learning! LOL

I know I may not see the Amex again, and I am fine with that possibility. You guys convinced me it's a good value, but the Chase cards are my first choice and I will probably keep one of them in my wallet long term and downgrade the other to a Freedom next year (see, I'm learning!). I dont think I will ever be a super-churner, just take advantage of 1-2 good opportunities a year. This is a reshuffle of my cards for me, and I will cancel 2 older unused cards after everything is settled. (Famous last words, huh?!?!?)

I will check out the DiSChurner referral links, always nice to pay it forward!

Fortunately or unfortunately, I don't have concerns about meeting the spend on all 3 (and DH got the Marriott card, so it's $18k) with our regular spend plus paying off camp for 2 kids next month. We already put everything that we can on cards (as long as no additional fee) and pay off monthly.

 

[Psychodisney]

Just booked our spring break for next year! This is probably my biggest churning return to date. I used my CIP bonus to transfer to Hyatt. 5 nights at the Baha Mar (20k/night) retail value over $2400! We'll be booking 2 rooms. Planning on earning Explorist on the Hyatt card to get lounge access passes.

Here's hoping for warm sunny skies next March!

 

[Luvdancink]

Sorry, I misread what you said. I’m out of it this AM. The Biz won’t count towards 5/24 and you can get it if you are over 5/24. What were the dates you opened the other Chase Biz cards? If they were recent it’s probably best to stick with Amex then.

February so I think I'll go amex. Thanks

 

[LB002]

@LB002, I wanted to add to @Lain ’s amazing post...
In regards to meeting msr x3 to the tune of $13k, you can knock out some chunks by sending your mortgage and many other things through plastiq.
You incur a fee, but you are earning back waaaayyyy more in bonus points that you spend on the fees. It can always be a last resort if the 90 day ornso deadline is approaching. Also, paying bills ahead is a good way to hit msr.

Good to know! I am not concerned, but like yoybsaid, a last resort at 90 days if necessary.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I received a mailed for the Citi AA card yesterday for 65,000 miles. Too bad it's for the personal card and I still have a couple Chase cards to get at the end of this year

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Did anyone read the MMS article the other day explaining how to be able to wait with someone at their gate in the airport without actually flying anywhere? It was basically "buy a southwest ticket to anywhere on points, go through security, cancel the flight as soon as you get through and have points refunded, hang out with friend for free!" Uhhhh...

And for the record, this wasn't some sort of "be able to wait with your unaccompanied minor at the gate" type article either. Just two adults.

They pulled the article (google still has a cached version tho)! They probably got some reader backlash as it’s an utterly STUPID idea.

They advise you book the cheapest points ticket to anywhere same day and then cancel...If somebody did his often neighbor, They are probably asking to get on some government watch list LOL.

THANKS for pointing this one out tho, it was a good laugh and facepalm moment.

 

[Calfan]

I haven't had a chance to catch up on the new pages of this thread since last night, but just wanted to pop in to share my excitement that DH has been APPROVED for the CIC!! Called the status line this morning hoping for two weeks, and it was an approval instead! Woo hoo! I've wanted this card both for the bonus but also the 5x categories, so super excited. We actually got a car insurance bill in the mail yesterday, so I've asked DH to call to expedite the card so we can get a good chunk of the MSR taken care of with that bill payment. Question for the experts: I know the CIC gets 5x on phone and cable/internet and at office supply stores (and 2x on gas). Does it also get 5x for purchases of gift cards on Gyft or Swych using PayPal at checkout? How about eBay seller and shipping fees and Netflix? And am I correct in thinking that Plastiq only works with the CIP for bonus spend? Thanks!

 

[SBWB48]

@SBWB48 Giant has double gas points on MasterCard giftcards.

Thanks!! Might have to snag a few to top off the CF category spend (I have 4 CFs and 4 Discovers between DH and I lol). I've hit the limit as far as liquidating these recently, so will be floating until July hits and I can resume

At Wells Fargo she asked if it was the same business and I said it was. So she did them together, but maybe that’s suspicious. I just wish I could open these online.

We definitely did this with the Wells Biz Bonus as well back in December. Went in together, each claimed our own business, and out the door in 45 min or so

 

[DisneyMandC]

They pulled the article (google still has a cached version tho)! They probably got some reader backlash as it’s an utterly STUPID idea.

They advise you book the cheapest points ticket to anywhere same day and then cancel...If somebody did his often neighbor, They are probably asking to get on some government watch list LOL.

THANKS for pointing this one out tho, it was a good laugh and facepalm moment.

Glad they pulled it! There were a couple comments on it when I looked the other day of the "***" variety. I really couldn't believe they were recommending that.

ETA: LOL accidentally got myself censored. It was just three letters, you can probably guess which ones

 

[KPK02090]

Usually the tax will drop off when the actual charge posts. Not sure why PayPal is making a difference, but I went to Land's End to check it out and without going to PayPal checkout just putting in my zip is giving me an estimated tax too but in PA we also don't pay tax on most clothes. (We do pay tax on shipping, not sure how MA does that, or if that would apply for you). I'm guessing it's doing the highest estimated charges for approval, and then the actual charge should be correct. But if you get charged tax that's on Land's End and you'd just dispute it with them. I think you're ok though.

Thank you. I went ahead and tried it and you were right! The tax came off at the end of the transaction.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I haven't had a chance to catch up on the new pages of this thread since last night, but just wanted to pop in to share my excitement that DH has been APPROVED for the CIC!! Called the status line this morning hoping for two weeks, and it was an approval instead! Woo hoo! I've wanted this card both for the bonus but also the 5x categories, so super excited. We actually got a car insurance bill in the mail yesterday, so I've asked DH to call to expedite the card so we can get a good chunk of the MSR taken care of with that bill payment. Question for the experts: I know the CIC gets 5x on phone and cable/internet and at office supply stores (and 2x on gas). Does it also get 5x for purchases of gift cards on Gyft or Swych using PayPal at checkout? How about eBay seller and shipping fees and Netflix? And am I correct in thinking that Plastiq only works with the CIP for bonus spend? Thanks!

 

[Angeliki19]

Thanks for heading over here!

I want to make sure that the 4 cards that you opened were under your name. Are any of these cards that your ex opened and added you as an authorized user on the card? If so, you can have yourself removed as an AU on those cards and then ask that they be removed from your credit report as well.

ETA: This quarter ends June 30.

Thank you! That is good info to know. I asked Ex-DH to remove me from his cards, 1 of which would help out the 5/24 situation. Do you know how I request to have them removed from my credit report?

Welcome! The people here are pretty awesome (and I'm not talking about myself )

If I was in your spot and wanted the Reserve (CSR) and Freedom, I would try a double dip - applying for both the same day. If you're comfortable with the $4k spend for the CSR, and are okay adding the $500(?) spend for the Freedom bonus, that's what I would do. Check in here before you apply for anything and everyone here can walk you through it for your best chance of getting both approved. The process does take into account going for the card you want the most first, in case it doesn't work.


ETA: If you list out your cards and the month/year opened, people here can help give you the very best advice!

Thank you! So after my husband removes me as an AU on our other cards, this is what I will have left:

Barclaycard Arrival (free version, downgraded to avoid annual fee after first year)- opened 4/1/2017
American Airlines Citi card- opened 12/1/2017
Marshalls/TJMaxx- opened 10/1/2017

Opened earlier than 24 months:

Disney Visa (free version)- 2/1/2016
Target- 1/1/2016

"I need to refinance my mortgage first and don't want anything to mess with that." TRUTH. This can wait until you wrap that up, but by planning this early you can have a solid plan when you're out of those mortgage woods!

Since you're 4/24 I would consider hitting the Chase Ink Preferred (CIP) first. This will leave you at 4/24 because Chase business cards don't count towards 5/24 (but you must be under 5/24 to qualify for a Chase biz card). You can then get the CSR after a few months. Depending on how everything lays out in your plans and x/24 status you could consider "The Double Dip". This is where by following some strict guidelines the churning community has figured out you can try to get yourself approved for the CSR and CSP in the same day. But, you need to have the self discipline to meet both spends in 3 months without purchasing items you would not otherwise purchase.

CIP is a business card. Don't have a business? Yes, yes you do I sell stuff on ebay, others sell on craigslist, some tutor, some sell cookies, some consult, does someone here braid horse hair for horse shows? I feel like someone I've encountered on the DIS does/did... Basically, we all have a business if we really think through stuff. You don't need an EIN, you don't need to have a business registered anywhere, you just apply using your name as the business name and your SSN as the tax id. If you want more info on this one just ask! As I said many here have CIPs for their "biz". The current CIP offer is 80k URs for $5k spend in 3 months plus af of $95 that is not waived. There is a 100k UR offer but you have to track down a specific banker at your local Chase and sit down and discuss your business so many opt for the 80k offer, we can also provide more info on the 100k route if you're interested. And- you can transfer the points to your CSR when you open that for the better redemption rate.

Interesting!! So thanks to the advice above, I may actually be at 3/24 since I was just an AU on one of those cards. Would you still recommend CIP? I am a little nervous about the spending limits.. its so hard for me to say. I need to be on a strict budget going forward, but I plan on spending at least $5k on new furniture, so I want to get these cards before that. Plus I want to book our Feb 2019 trip (renting points) so that will be another solid $2500. So in theory I guess I will meet them if I play my cards right and get these cards before I spend all that. But its tough waiting for the refi.

You’re in good company!

I’m so sorry to read about your divorce, but so glad you’re starting off single life smart. You’ll get some great credit card churning and travel hacking advice here. We’re friendly too.

Thank you so much!! I remember your great advice on the gift card thread. This has been a really tough time, to say the least, and I really appreciate the help.

I agree on CIP.

@Angeliki19 I’m a fellow single mom (since 2010) and boy do I appreciate a vacation with my children. This thread has made a Disney Cruise to Alaska possible and next summer we are hoping to do 10 days in Europe thanks to credit card sign up bonuses. Welcome!

Thank you! I'm glad to know I am not the only one, and that you have found a way to still take amazing trips with your children!! Kudos to you! Thinking about losing our vacations was one of the hardest things for me to come to grips with, but I am determined to find a way to make it work.

I think I'm out of my brain fog from this morning, so I wanted to reply too...

What cards do you currently have? I am wondering if you have one you could PC to a CF now so you can at least start racking up 5x UR while you are waiting for the refi to close.

When you do get past the refi, I would consider the CIP, if you have any sort of "business." It is kinda scary getting your first biz card but gets easier from there. If not, then a CSR/CSP double dip would be a great move. That basically consists of app'ing for both cards on the same day, but check here for directions prior to doing so. Once you have both, you can PC one to the CF. The more CFs the merrier.

I am just learning with the bank bonuses, but that may be a good way to get some cash to cover your dining plan.

Welcome to the group!

Thank you! I am not exactly sure what a PC is but it sounds like you are suggesting converting an existing card to a Chase Freedom? I don't think I have any that will work. I'm looking at a Barclaycard, a Disney Visa and an American Airlines card that I only opened for the sign up bonus and probably won't keep... we usually fly Southwest. I think that I might be at 3/24 so I could maybe go for 2 cards... but yeah I want to wait until my refi is done. Even though my credit is in the exceptional range, I can't afford to not get the best rate on my mortgage that I can.. I am keeping our home for the kids and its going to be tight as it is, ha!

 

[NewEngland47]

Just called to check on the status of my CIP - now 7-10 Days instead of 30 - is that a good sign?

Also based on advice found here I called about a retention bonus for our Amex platinum - I didn’t even know such a thing existed until this board. They offered us $500 credit or 50k points. I have been with Amex since 1995 and had the plat Mercedes for 3 years. We put almost everything on it and payoff monthly so we are great customers but I was still thrilled with 50k unexpected points!

Now I will be hoping for another Amex rewards to jet blue redemption offer! Want to try mint from east coast to LA this winter! Wish me luck!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Did anyone read the MMS article the other day explaining how to be able to wait with someone at their gate in the airport without actually flying anywhere? It was basically "buy a southwest ticket to anywhere on points, go through security, cancel the flight as soon as you get through and have points refunded, hang out with friend for free!" Uhhhh...

And for the record, this wasn't some sort of "be able to wait with your unaccompanied minor at the gate" type article either. Just two adults.

I wonder why you'd want to do that. When my DD18 was under 18, I'd ask for a pass to go through with her...even at 16 and 17. I just wanted to stay til she boarded. They never gave me any issues with it. Now she has flown enough that she just goes through on her own.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Thank you! That is good info to know. I asked Ex-DH to remove me from his cards, 1 of which would help out the 5/24 situation. Do you know how I request to have them removed from my credit report?

Thank you! So after my husband removes me as an AU on our other cards, this is what I will have left:

Barclaycard Arrival (free version, downgraded to avoid annual fee after first year)- opened 4/1/2017
American Airlines Citi card- opened 12/1/2017
Marshalls/TJMaxx- opened 10/1/2017

Opened earlier than 24 months:
Disney Visa (free version)- 2/1/2016
Target- 1/1/2016

Interesting!! So thanks to the advice above, I may actually be at 3/24 since I was just an AU on one of those cards. Would you still recommend CIP? I am a little nervous about the spending limits.. its so hard for me to say. I need to be on a strict budget going forward, but I plan on spending at least $5k on new furniture, so I want to get these cards before that. Plus I want to book our Feb 2019 trip (renting points) so that will be another solid $2500. So in theory I guess I will meet them if I play my cards right and get these cards before I spend all that. But its tough waiting for the refi.

Thank you so much!! I remember your great advice on the gift card thread. This has been a really tough time, to say the least, and I really appreciate the help.

Thank you! I'm glad to know I am not the only one, and that you have found a way to still take amazing trips with your children!! Kudos to you! Thinking about losing our vacations was one of the hardest things for me to come to grips with, but I am determined to find a way to make it work.

Thank you! I am not exactly sure what a PC is but it sounds like you are suggesting converting an existing card to a Chase Freedom? I don't think I have any that will work. I'm looking at a Barclaycard, a Disney Visa and an American Airlines card that I only opened for the sign up bonus and probably won't keep... we usually fly Southwest. I think that I might be at 3/24 so I could maybe go for 2 cards... but yeah I want to wait until my refi is done. Even though my credit is in the exceptional range, I can't afford to not get the best rate on my mortgage that I can.. I am keeping our home for the kids and its going to be tight as it is, ha!

When I had DH removed as an AU on one of my cards, he sent requests to each credit bureau to have the card removed from his credit report. I know that others have sent secure messages (SM) directly to Chase asking for them to have the AU removed and have had luck this way as well.

Since you are at 3/24, you could potentially get 4-5 Chase cards, spacing them out over several months. I agree with others that your first move should be a CIP. The bonus is 80k UR and it won't effect your 3/24 status. I opened mine for my eBay sales and stated annual revenue of just $1k. Right after the CIP, you could go for the Chase Freedom card, since it only adds $500 to your minimum spend requirement (MSR). This will allow you to take advantage of the rotating categories.

After that, you will be at 4/24. You could get another Chase business card, such as the Chase Ink Cash (CIC) or the soon-to-be debuted Chase Ink Unlimited (CIU), which gives you 1.5% on any purchase and is great for non-category spend.

Finally, I would recommend that you double dip your last 5/24 spot, which will put you at 6/24 afterwards. Either getting both CSR and CSP or getting CSR and CFU (especially if meeting the CSR/CSP MSR is too difficult).

Also, PC means product change. It is when you change from one category or type of card to another. You are correct that you do not have any cards to PC to a Freedom. You can't PC co-branded cards, such as Disney Visa, to Chase product cards like Freedom.

 

[Lain]

Did anyone read the MMS article the other day explaining how to be able to wait with someone at their gate in the airport without actually flying anywhere? It was basically "buy a southwest ticket to anywhere on points, go through security, cancel the flight as soon as you get through and have points refunded, hang out with friend for free!" Uhhhh...

And for the record, this wasn't some sort of "be able to wait with your unaccompanied minor at the gate" type article either. Just two adults.

They pulled the article (google still has a cached version tho)! They probably got some reader backlash as it’s an utterly STUPID idea.

They advise you book the cheapest points ticket to anywhere same day and then cancel...If somebody did his often neighbor, They are probably asking to get on some government watch list LOL.

THANKS for pointing this one out tho, it was a good laugh and facepalm moment.

What about the folks on /r/churning who brag about how they do the same thing so they can hang out at airport lounges? This is why we can't have nice things.

 

[Lain]

I haven't had a chance to catch up on the new pages of this thread since last night, but just wanted to pop in to share my excitement that DH has been APPROVED for the CIC!! Called the status line this morning hoping for two weeks, and it was an approval instead! Woo hoo! I've wanted this card both for the bonus but also the 5x categories, so super excited. We actually got a car insurance bill in the mail yesterday, so I've asked DH to call to expedite the card so we can get a good chunk of the MSR taken care of with that bill payment. Question for the experts: I know the CIC gets 5x on phone and cable/internet and at office supply stores (and 2x on gas). Does it also get 5x for purchases of gift cards on Gyft or Swych using PayPal at checkout? How about eBay seller and shipping fees and Netflix? And am I correct in thinking that Plastiq only works with the CIP for bonus spend? Thanks!

Congratulations to you and your husband on his second Chase business card in his wallet!



Remember, you can buy gas cards at office supply stores for 5x.

Yes, Gyft and Swych earn 5x on the CIC when using PayPal checkout.

I'm not aware that eBay seller fees earns 5x on the CIC. eBay shipping fees does not.

Netflix and Hulu earn 5x on the CIC.

Plastiq only earns bonus spend on the CIP.

 

[Calfan]

Congratulations to you and your husband on his second Chase business card in his wallet!



Remember, you can buy gas cards at office supply stores for 5x.

Yes, Gyft and Swych earn 5x on the CIC when using PayPal checkout.

I'm not aware that eBay seller fees earns 5x on the CIC. eBay shipping fees does not.

Netflix and Hulu earn 5x on the CIC.

Plastiq only earns bonus spend on the CIP.

Thanks so much both for the congratulations and the helpful info. Yes, I have realized that we can buy gas gift cards at office supply for 5x, but in case we don't have any on hand or can't find the ones we need, we'll still do better with 2x from the CIC than the current 1.5x we get with the CFU. (We need to use either Chevron or Albertsons gas stations to be able to use our rewards from the Albertsons Fuel Rewards program). I thought not on the eBay seller and shipping fees and Plastiq. Great on Netflix.

The CIC is already showing in DH's online account, so I requested an employee card for myself. DH has already called about expediting the card, and both cards should be arriving in 1-2 business days

Still need to catch up on this thread from last night. Darn work keeps getting in the way...

 

[peel]

Just called to check on the status of my CIP - now 7-10 Days instead of 30 - is that a good sign?

Also based on advice found here I called about a retention bonus for our Amex platinum - I didn’t even know such a thing existed until this board. They offered us $500 credit or 50k points. I have been with Amex since 1995 and had the plat Mercedes for 3 years. We put almost everything on it and payoff monthly so we are great customers but I was still thrilled with 50k unexpected points!

Now I will be hoping for another Amex rewards to jet blue redemption offer! Want to try mint from east coast to LA this winter! Wish me luck!

The 7-10 day message is not a good sign, unfortunately. It might be something as simple as needing additional info for identification, but it may be a denial due to some other factor. There are scattered reports of 7-10 days changing to 2 weeks and leading to an approval, but that's the exception not the rule. You can either wait for the letter indicating reasons for denial, or you can call to find out what the reason is and potentially subject yourself to some grilling about your business.

Congrats on your Amex retention though!