I love credit cards so much!

[wendow]

Y'all, oh my goodness...I'm done. I finally finished the spend on the spg biz. My mortgage went through plastiq again. I actually went way over since I was only $1400 away now and my mortgage is $2200. I don't care though. Huge sigh of relief!! Now to finish the spg personal. I only need $1000! And then...then...gasp...I do not have a MSR anywhere. What to do?? I think I'll wait until we get back from our trip and then apply again for my dh the CIC. If he gets denied again, I'm entering a deep state of depression and y'all will have to pull me out lol.

 

[afan]

@afan Love your avatar!! Did you post more pics of your trip somewhere else? I went back trying to find but I'm not seeing them. Where did you meet Darth Vadar?

Thanks! We met him at DLP, he has his own permanent space across from Star Tours. I linked my signature (which I now finally have) to my TR

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I'd have to agree with you, but that said, I'm still eyeing up one of their cards for hubby eventually (Hilton's his rewards account). IHG and Marriott generally cover everywhere but we have been to some places lately where their coverage was sparse and their were either 1. inconvenient 2. expensive! or 3. unavailable. Last couple trips a Hilton option was the backup. In Denver we had booked a Hampton Inn but closer to the trip I found availability open up at a more convenient RI for about the same price. And a few weekend trips this year it's been happening too. We've got healthy point balances (for us at least) at both brands so it seems to make sense to add a 3rd program... and who know where the future lies?
(Although everybody's Hyatt reports are making me interested there too someday )



Seconded. But I only had 1 inquiry, EX.



Might call you the Queen of Hearts now, off with his head! The force is really strong with this one That's a great pic though!
Which reminds me, I think I forgot to set a watch on your TR, I should go do that now... I'm loving your pics there too

I typed that Hilton comment for my own good too, LOL! I keep looking at that Hilton Biz and I’m tempted hahaha. The one big thing they have going is with all those cards now and the ability to combine points between spouses...you can earn a CrapTon of Hilton points!

Hyatt sounds so great but with just 1 card, how many points can I really earn there, lol. Same with IHG. When it comes to earning copious amounts of points thru signup bonuses, Marriott and Hilton seem to be the winners right now.

 

[calypso726]

Is a 15+ hour flight to Tokyo going to be horrible in Economy?

I was just going to knee jerk respond yes, mostly to amuse myself and others who like my warped sense of humor, but I’ll be serious and answer honestly instead.

The answer will 100% depend on a few factors: the aircraft, configuration and seat design as well as the airline.

Just as all first class seats aren’t created equal, neither are all business class seats or economy seats. First class domestic seats can be worse than an economy seat depending on the airline, plane type and seat type and configuration.

We flew Japan airline in business on a 2 cabin aircraft from Shanghai to Narita after the China ABD. I think the flight was 3 hours and the seats were great. They were pretty close to lie flat, there was an ever so slight angle. We both enjoyed the flight. The Plane Princess said he’d even be happy on that for the full 15 hours home.

I never, ever, ever book a long haul flight without first checking the aircraft and seat type on Seat Guru dot com and comparing the seat maps for the flight with the seat maps the aircraft that might be running that flight.

Often, I will book our flights based on the routing of specific aircraft in order to get the seat type I want. Obviously, we did this for the Singapore Suites flights. I did the same to come home from Narita on JAL so I am routing through ORD on purpose instead of going straight to Miami. Bonus, I’m even getting home faster doing it this way. When we flew to Hawaii I specifically routed us through DFW to get on a flight that had an aircraft with lie flat seats.

If JAL’s economy hard product is as good as their business and first class, I imagine you’d be in good hands and not an uncomfortable flight. Hope this helps.

 

[Artygal90]

Is a 15+ hour flight to Tokyo going to be horrible in Economy?

LAX-NRT, spring break 2005. Worst. flight. ever! It was me, my parents, and my two little sisters (all kids) flying to visit family and friends in Tokyo and Singapore. We were in the very, very last row in the back of the plane, right next to the restrooms, with no room to recline our seats. And for some reason, the plane didn't have individual entertainment screens in the back of the seat, just one screen alllll the way up front playing the in-flight movies with terrible audio over the free headphones they gave us. We were not very well behaved for our parents when we got to our final destination, unfortunately. I've flown a lot and that flight is by far the worst experience I've ever had!

BUT! That was a long time ago. If you can sleep slightly reclined in a plane seat, you've got a newer plane that will have better in-flight entertainment options, and it's an airline with good customer service on long-haul international flights, you'll probably be fine. There's nothing fun about being in economy that long, but I think it could be bearable, especially if you consider all the money/points you'd be saving over flying in first class.

Edited to add: definitely do what Calpyso726 suggested and check out the specific aircraft you'd be flying and what the experience is like before making any decisions.

 

[Albort]

Is a 15+ hour flight to Tokyo going to be horrible in Economy?

The answer will 100% depend on a few factors: the aircraft, configuration and seat design as well as the airline.

LAX-NRT, spring break 2005. Worst. flight. ever! It was me, my parents, and my two little sisters (all kids) flying to visit family and friends in Tokyo and Singapore. We were in the very, very last row in the back of the plane, right next to the restrooms, with no room to recline our seats. And for some reason, the plane didn't have individual entertainment screens in the back of the seat, just one screen alllll the way up front playing the in-flight movies with terrible audio over the free headphones they gave us. We were not very well behaved for our parents when we got to our final destination, unfortunately. I've flown a lot and that flight is by far the worst experience I've ever had!

BUT! That was a long time ago. If you can sleep slightly reclined in a plane seat, you've got a newer plane that will have better in-flight entertainment options, and it's an airline with good customer service on long-haul international flights, you'll probably be fine. There's nothing fun about being in economy that long, but I think it could be bearable, especially if you consider all the money/points you'd be saving over flying in first class.

Edited to add: definitely do what Calpyso726 suggested and check out the specific aircraft you'd be flying and what the experience is like before making any decisions.

@calypso726 is right about checking seatguru. although there isnt as extreme differences like first class and J class products, the one main difference is the seat configuration. I can tell you know that one big different is the 777 planes, some of those airlines configure them as 3-4-3 for economy. I flew in one once, its pretty squishy. u want to fly an airline with economy seats as 3-3-3. The only time i would fly a 3-4-3 is if u get one of those skycouches.

@Artygal90 2005 vs now is sooooo different now haha. things have changed a ton.
do u remember what airline you flew?

 

[Lain]

Y'all, oh my goodness...I'm done. I finally finished the spend on the spg biz. My mortgage went through plastiq again. I actually went way over since I was only $1400 away now and my mortgage is $2200. I don't care though. Huge sigh of relief!! Now to finish the spg personal. I only need $1000! And then...then...gasp...I do not have a MSR anywhere. What to do?? I think I'll wait until we get back from our trip and then apply again for my dh the CIC. If he gets denied again, I'm entering a deep state of depression and y'all will have to pull me out lol.

When you say “y’all,” does it come out with a Texas twang?

Congratulations on meeting that MSR, and with more than two weeks to spare! Too bad there’s no easy way to take $600 of that extra spend and move it to the SPG personal. You’ll get there.

And good luck on DH’s CIC. Trying again after reducing overall credit lines would be my move too. And if that doesn’t work, remember, Amex business cards are always there to help you pick up the pieces when Chase breaks your heart.

I did book through UR's

And seeing as my boys had never had McD's until 3 weeks ago but thought it was the coolest thing ever, I'm pretty sure we will be stopping there and at Panera. I think the Hojo will work well for us.

How can your boys never have had McDonald’s until 3 weeks ago?!

 

[Lain]

Thanks! We met him at DLP, he has his own permanent space across from Star Tours. I linked my signature (which I now finally have) to my TR

Loving how chill you look meeting the Dark Lord of the Sith.

 

[GZanta77]

When you say “y’all,” does it come out with a Texas twang?

Is there any other way to say it?

 

[DisneyMandC]

Word on the street is it's opening late this year. I think you're going next month? Sorry you will miss it!

Bummer, but not surprised. We ate at Black Tap when we went to NYC last year and it definitely isn’t overhyped- the food was awesome!! Milkshakes and burgers were delicious, we were very impressed. We managed to sneak in for Sunday lunch after about a 15 minute wait, which was a lot better than the 2 and a half hour wait they’d had Saturday night!

 

[amalone1013]

skycouches

I had to look these up, I'd never heard of them!

 

[pinkxray]

@Angrose, @Lain, @Albort

Thank you for your input on the SPG business card. I’ll hold off on that one.

 

[pinkxray]

I have few questions about Amex business cards.

I am looking to get my first Amex card(business) to dabble in the world of MR.

I am looking at the Amex Gold or the Blue.
I don’t have a ton of spend without daycare which is what I use to hit high spends quickly. Is Amex like Chase where I can really just use the business card for whatever? If not, I might not make the higher spend amount of the Gold.

Another ? I don’t love AF cards. If I was to get the gold can I product change to the no fee Blue?

Thanks!

 

[GlamMistress]

I have few questions about Amex business cards.

I am looking to get my first Amex card(business) to dabble in the world of MR.

I am looking at the Amex Gold or the Blue.
I don’t have a ton of spend without daycare which is what I use to hit high spends quickly. Is Amex like Chase where I can really just use the business card for whatever? If not, I might not make the higher spend amount of the Gold.

Another ? I don’t love AF cards. If I was to get the gold can I product change to the no fee Blue?

Thanks!

With Amex, you can never product change a CHARGE card to a CREDIT card, so no, you can't go from BRG to Blue+.

Yes, you can buy whatever you like with your business card. Be careful if you do manufactured spend.

 

[pinkxray]

With Amex, you can never product change a CHARGE card to a CREDIT card, so no, you can't go from BRG to Blue+.

Yes, you can buy whatever you like with your business card. Be careful if you do manufactured spend.

THanks for the response! I didn’t even realize one was a charge card card!
I have so much to learn about amex!
NEIther card will show my credit report right?

MS IS buying money orders and gift cards righT? I DOnt do that. I just pay my $2000+ Month daycare bill with my cards
SOrry about weird caps. Phone glitchy today

 

[GlamMistress]

THanks for the response! I didn’t even realize one was a charge card card!
I have so much to learn about amex!
NEIther card will show my credit report right?

MS IS buying money orders and gift cards righT? I DOnt do that. I just pay my $2000+ Month daycare bill with my cards
SOrry about weird caps. Phone glitchy today

Well Plastiq is MS - lots of info in this thread. Buying giftcards and unloading through other methods (Money Order) is MS too. Just buying a store branded gift card (like for Chiptole) and using isn't MS.

Some business cards REPORT on your personal credit file. Amex usually do not. This matters if you're worried about utilization or 5/24 status.

 

[havaneselover]

Went on a second date last night and we started talking about credit card strategies and chase freedom and $100 visa gift cards which we both had in our wallets. Maybe I’ve found player 2

 

[hsmamato2]

amex co brand or amex MRs. Amex co brand are a bit more relaxed vs amex MR cards. consensus is not to buy visa gift cards. any type of GC is okay with co brands, im not sure about MRs.
I have a level3 DP where i bought a $100 GC, i did receive points for it.

Lastly, avoid if your still making MSR

ok...I tried a small one...I'll stop

 

[WVMomof3]

How can your boys never have had McDonald’s until 3 weeks ago?!

I was wondering the same thing! We never just go there unless we are on a roadtrip. And my kids have been on a 2000 mile road trip every year of their life to visit grandparents. Sometimes twice a year as we usually drive to Disney/Universal. The pickings are slim sometimes when you are hungry and when they were little it was a great place to let off some energy with the playgrounds. Def not our favorite place to stop, but I like it more since they added breakfast all day. I usually just get an oatmeal.

 

[hsmamato2]

The "$200" statement credit is so terrible compared to the 25k/35k Starpoints offers back before April. I agree with @Albort that you might want to wait on the SPG Biz until after 8/1/18. Rumor is Amex will continue issuing the SPG biz and personal, in addition to a new luxury card, into next year when the Marriott/SPG/Ritz-Carlton brands completely merge, and that Amex will have rich signup bonuses coming:
Yes, the Starwood Amex Really Will Stop Taking Applications Next Year, Bet On It
American Express WON’T Continue To Issue Personal SPG Cards Long Term (Rich Sign Up Bonus To Come)
Amex SPG Personal Card Won’t Be Discontinued & Rich Signup Bonus Coming Soon

In the meantime, what do you think of the Amex Blue Business Plus (BBP), which has a 20,000 MR targeted offer after a $5k/3 months MSR, or a 10,000 MR offer via referral after a $3k/3 months MSR. The BBP has no fee so makes for a great card to park MR points, won't report to your personal credit report or count against 5/24, and earns 2x MR on every purchase up to $50k.

Or the Hilton Biz, which has a high offer of 125,000 HH points + $50 statement credit after a $5k/3 months MSR.

just got the amex hilton $50 credit! took a me a minute to figure out what it was