I love credit cards so much!

[peel]

Who else is anxiously awaiting @Budzooka's return so we can hear what was in his CIP shutdown letter? I'm holding off on referring DH until I hear what happened. I know it's only one DP, but it's one of us, so somehow it feels more real. Fingers and toes are crossed that he can get it reinstated.

 

[Judique]

A+ is our only non-category over 1pt/$ card. No current plans, but we've got $208 on it so definitely a usable amount.

Hmm... technically last SPG was the Dolphin in January at 4.6cpp (whoa!) But what I have coming up in Sept at Dolphin is 2.6cpp. That was before the category change tho, accounting for that itd be 2.2cpp if I booked it today. I'm torn on what to value them at too.

Still seems like a winner... I appreciate you taking the time on today's episode of WWDD

You spurred me on to do a cost analysis of my last months spending and what cards I should have used. It brought home to me that I could definitely be doing better with a greater selection of cards. I am happy with the rewards I get from the cards I have, but could be happier.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Has anyone done this CitiBank offer? Any loopholes or fine print one should be aware of?

• Open a new checking and savings account in the Citibank Account Package between 4/1/18-6/30/18.
• Within 30 days of opening your account deposit $15,000 New-to-Citibank funds into the checking and/or savings account.
• Maintain a minimum balance of $15,000 in your eligible linked checking and/or savings account for 60 days.
• Get $400 deposited to your account!

I’m doing a checking account one with $5k deposit for $200. Here’s Doc’s write up: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/citi...lable-nationwide-direct-deposit-not-required/

Imho you will earn your bonus with Citi. Whether you have to petition Citi when they don’t post the bonus (doesn’t happen to everyone, does happen to more than it should) and/or you get to enjoy their crap IT, it’s not the easiest bonus ever.

So far I’ve found the online system typical Citi, constantly having to reset the password for some reason. I made sure to create a seperate login as I’ve heard of people being locked out of their Citi credit cards years after closing a bank account and Citi requiring their debit card number and then having to call in and go through a process to unlock it all. Somehow when I created my banking login it fried my credit card login & I had to create a new login for my credit cards and re-register both of them.

Citi bonuses are totally doable, they’re just not necessarily going to be as cake walkie as say Memory Bank.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

@crazymomof4 did you do discover savings yet? It is super easy.

 

[pillow]

Rainy season is May-Nov. I guess back to the Hawaii plan. I don’t think we could go during spring break.

We did spring break. I pulled my daughter out of school early. She missed 2 days, which wasn't too bad. Honestly, I wanted more time there - beautiful country!

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

We need to un-freeze our credit report. Does anyone know which bureau(s) Chase uses for credit checks?

 

[Albort]

We need to un-freeze our credit report. Does anyone know which bureau(s) Chase uses for credit checks?

varies by state. you can apply, chase will ask you to call in and i think you give them a pin that allows them to pull your credit or something like that.

 

[Artygal90]

We need to un-freeze our credit report. Does anyone know which bureau(s) Chase uses for credit checks?

We must be on the same wavelength! I fired up my laptop to ask *exactly* this same question since I'm re-applying for the CIP next week. Trying to unfreeze at all three bureaus and Experian wants $10.83 to thaw or cancel my freeze. Highway robbery...I'm hoping I can get approved without needing to cough up even more money to Experian. Any idea?

Second question for the group, especially anyone with business cards: I am applying for the CIP as a sole proprietor. I have a couple little side hustles - for example, this week I'm making $30 petsitting, $50 babysitting, and also need to finish up some clothing alterations that will make me about $75. I also have a business idea that could grow to $1k this year, if I work at it. No EINs, no employees, just me making a bit of side cash. I asked Reddit about which business I should put on my app for the best chances of approval. They said I should add up the years I've been in business and my revenue from all my business income streams and put all of it on the app. I want to double-check here before I follow their collective advice because I trust you guys more, lol, and I also want to apply for a couple more business cards down the line. (my fault for asking in r/churning! I take everything with a fistful of salt!)

 

[Albort]

Who else is anxiously awaiting @Budzooka's return so we can hear what was in his CIP shutdown letter? I'm holding off on referring DH until I hear what happened. I know it's only one DP, but it's one of us, so somehow it feels more real. Fingers and toes are crossed that he can get it reinstated.

theres a 2nd DP on reddit with the same affect. im not sure whats going on. reddit seems clueless too.

 

[AmyAnne]

Last I checked you can make ADRs at 180 regardless of whether you have a trip book, though obviously that doesn't help you for your +10. I wouldn't think transferring it has any impact though unless you transfer the same day your ADR 180 date is maybe. I booked my November trip with Chase and had no issues at my 180 date.

Can you all check my understanding of how to use URs to pay for a WDW package? Is it correct that I can either book with Chase and pay the deposit (or more, but at the time of booking) or I can book with WDW and then transfer to Chase and pay the balance with URs?

I impulsively booked a package through the WDW website this afternoon . . . I had meant just to get an idea of what prices would be, but I realized that Disney is offering free dining during the time we will be there. We've never done free dining before because it's been a better deal to get a room discount, but we will be there the week of Christmas so I'm not expecting any discounts. Although I wasn't expecting free dining either. If a room discount does come out, I'll probably cancel the free dining package, but I assume I could do that regardless (as long as it's 30 days before).

 

[khmorgan]

Who else is anxiously awaiting @Budzooka's return so we can hear what was in his CIP shutdown letter? I'm holding off on referring DH until I hear what happened. I know it's only one DP, but it's one of us, so somehow it feels more real. Fingers and toes are crossed that he can get it reinstated.

I certainly am.

 

[Disneyonmymind]

Can you all check my understanding of how to use URs to pay for a WDW package? Is it correct that I can either book with Chase and pay the deposit (or more, but at the time of booking) or I can book with WDW and then transfer to Chase and pay the balance with URs?

I impulsively booked a package through the WDW website this afternoon . . . I had meant just to get an idea of what prices would be, but I realized that Disney is offering free dining during the time we will be there. We've never done free dining before because it's been a better deal to get a room discount, but we will be there the week of Christmas so I'm not expecting any discounts. Although I wasn't expecting free dining either. If a room discount does come out, I'll probably cancel the free dining package, but I assume I could do that regardless (as long as it's 30 days before).

That’s what I did. I booked a package with Disney and will transfer it to Chase. This is the first time for me so I’ve been reading and asking questions. You must transfer it to Chase within the first 30 days after booking with Disney. Also, when you pay it off, you can only apply UR once so I am planning to pay it off with UR and gift cards at the final payment date which is 30 days prior to arrival, I think.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

@SouthFayetteFan’s Guide to the RIGHT way to churn!

Fair Warning – this is a long post, but something I think many of you here may enjoy reading… Lately there has been a lot of discussion on r/churning and other groups (at times heated) regarding the RIGHT way to churn. I figured, I’d share with our group the RIGHT way to churn so we are all on the same page.

• Some people like to churn slowly. They want to open no more than 2-3 cards per year, and never more than one card at a time. In between MSRs they focus on category bonuses on their existing cards…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to open as many cards as possible, dozens in a year even. They push the envelope of the issuers’ rules and throw caution to the wind. They’ve never met a signup bonus they didn’t like AND they wouldn’t dare think about going without an MSR for even a day…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to get a moderate amount of cards each year, hovering around 5/24 so that they avoid being locked out by Chase but still putting the majority of their spend towards an MSR…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are in Two-Player mode and can alternate applications and increase their earning potential…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no player two. They go about it on their own and do their best to earn as many points as possible…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have an unwilling player two. They wish that their P2 would be willing like others that comment so happily about their ability to double their earnings. But they still do their best to earn as many points as possible (and convince their P2 to join eventually) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are super-comfortable with Business Cards. They have so many you’d think they are a Fortune 500 company…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are wary of applying for a Business Card. It’s just not something they’re comfortable with and they still earn a decent number of points focusing on personal cards only…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people get non-Chase personal cards while still under 5/24 (GASP!) because it fits their strategy…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people wouldn’t think of touching a non-Chase personal card until they’re over 5/24…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people pay numerous annual fees to keep cards open because it’s worth it to them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people avoid annual fees at all costs and product change or cancel cards rather than paying them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to use churning to take extravagant trips beyond most folk’s wildest imaginations. They often incur additional expenses (annual fees, out of pocket costs, etc.) to do this but they love it and can afford it…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people take a moderate number of vacations each year which churning is able to partially or fully pay for and wouldn’t think of wasting their precious points stash on things like First Class or Awesome hotel suites…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people use churning to help afford just one nice vacation a year because finances or tight, or they have a large family, or for myriad other reasons…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people focus on cash back because travel is not their cup of tea…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people love to participate in MS (Manufactured Spending), they not only enjoy the points they earn, but they actually have fun doing it. It’s a game to see how many points they can generate at the least expensive cost…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will only do MS from the comfort of their couch (bank funding, applepay, etc.)…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think MS is not for them, perhaps they even think it’s illegal or skirting the rules. They don’t judge others for doing it but choose not to participate themselves…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will focus on numerous programs all at the same time. Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Southwest, Delta, United, American, URs, MRs…it doesn’t matter, they’ll take ‘em! They’ve never found a point they didn’t like…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people choose to focus on a limited number of programs, perhaps even a program that others think isn’t quite worth it (yup I’m looking at you HILTON!) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people also like to do bank bonuses as a way to increase their earnings in the game…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think bank bonuses aren’t worth the hassle…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people plan multi-year strategies of which cards they’ll get and when. They can’t imagine somebody participating in this game without having a game-plan (and perhaps they even quietly judge those that don’t have one…although they’d never publicly shame them) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no strategy whatsoever. Whichever card they feel like next…that’s the card they get. Gosh, we’ll just figure out how to use the points later. They think people who have these plans are just setting themselves up for disappointment because the rules will change and the target will move anyways…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have a spreadsheet to track every detail (or heck, maybe dozens of spreadsheets in my case) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people just keep track on a napkin…or maybe not at all. Keeping all that data is too much of a hassle and if the game requires work like that, well then it’s not just fun…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people forget to use a Support Link on DISchurners…and they are shunned…and THIS IS THE…wait…no that’s the wrong way to churn JK JK JK!!!

The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn!

 

[AmyAnne]

That’s what I did. I booked a package with Disney and will transfer it to Chase. This is the first time for me so I’ve been reading and asking questions. You must transfer it to Chase within the first 30 days after booking with Disney. Also, when you pay it off, you can only apply UR once so I am planning to pay it off with UR and gift cards at the final payment date which is 30 days prior to arrival, I think.

Thanks. I think you are correct about payment being due 30 days before arrival. It's been a long time since we've been to WDW and an even longer time since we booked a package, but free dining was too tempting to pass up (I would trade it for a room discount, but it's definitely better than no discount, which is what I was expecting).

Do you happen to know who at Chase to call to transfer the reservation? I think there was some discussion a ways back about a certain person at Chase who was knowledgeable about transfers (or maybe it was tickets . . .).

 

[gottalovepluto]

@SouthFayetteFan’s Guide to the RIGHT way to churn!

Fair Warning – this is a long post, but something I think many of you here may enjoy reading… Lately there has been a lot of discussion on r/churning and other groups (at times heated) regarding the RIGHT way to churn. I figured, I’d share with our group the RIGHT way to churn so we are all on the same page.

• Some people like to churn slowly. They want to open no more than 2-3 cards per year, and never more than one card at a time. In between MSRs they focus on category bonuses on their existing cards…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to open as many cards as possible, dozens in a year even. They push the envelope of the issuers’ rules and throw caution to the wind. They’ve never met a signup bonus they didn’t like AND they wouldn’t dare think about going without an MSR for even a day…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to get a moderate amount of cards each year, hovering around 5/24 so that they avoid being locked out by Chase but still putting the majority of their spend towards an MSR…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are in Two-Player mode and can alternate applications and increase their earning potential…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no player two. They go about it on their own and do their best to earn as many points as possible…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have an unwilling player two. They wish that their P2 would be willing like others that comment so happily about their ability to double their earnings. But they still do their best to earn as many points as possible (and convince their P2 to join eventually) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are super-comfortable with Business Cards. They have so many you’d think they are a Fortune 500 company…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are wary of applying for a Business Card. It’s just not something they’re comfortable with and they still earn a decent number of points focusing on personal cards only…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people get non-Chase personal cards while still under 5/24 (GASP!) because it fits their strategy…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people wouldn’t think of touching a non-Chase personal card until they’re over 5/24…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people pay numerous annual fees to keep cards open because it’s worth it to them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people avoid annual fees at all costs and product change or cancel cards rather than paying them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to use churning to take extravagant trips beyond most folk’s wildest imaginations. They often incur additional expenses (annual fees, out of pocket costs, etc.) to do this but they love it and can afford it…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people take a moderate number of vacations each year which churning is able to partially or fully pay for and wouldn’t think of wasting their precious points stash on things like First Class or Awesome hotel suites…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people use churning to help afford just one nice vacation a year because finances or tight, or they have a large family, or for myriad other reasons…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people focus on cash back because travel is not their cup of tea…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people love to participate in MS (Manufactured Spending), they not only enjoy the points they earn, but they actually have fun doing it. It’s a game to see how many points they can generate at the least expensive cost…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will only do MS from the comfort of their couch (bank funding, applepay, etc.)…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think MS is not for them, perhaps they even think it’s illegal or skirting the rules. They don’t judge others for doing it but choose not to participate themselves…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will focus on numerous programs all at the same time. Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Southwest, Delta, United, American, URs, MRs…it doesn’t matter, they’ll take ‘em! They’ve never found a point they didn’t like…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people choose to focus on a limited number of programs, perhaps even a program that others think isn’t quite worth it (yup I’m looking at you HILTON!) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people also like to do bank bonuses as a way to increase their earnings in the game…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think bank bonuses aren’t worth the hassle…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people plan multi-year strategies of which cards they’ll get and when. They can’t imagine somebody participating in this game without having a game-plan (and perhaps they even quietly judge those that don’t have one…although they’d never publicly shame them) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no strategy whatsoever. Whichever card they feel like next…that’s the card they get. Gosh, we’ll just figure out how to use the points later. They think people who have these plans are just setting themselves up for disappointment because the rules will change and the target will move anyways…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have a spreadsheet to track every detail (or heck, maybe dozens of spreadsheets in my case) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people just keep track on a napkin…or maybe not at all. Keeping all that data is too much of a hassle and if the game requires work like that, well then it’s not just fun…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people forget to use a Support Link on DISchurners…and they are shunned…and THIS IS THE…wait…no that’s the wrong way to churn JK JK JK!!!

The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn!

EPIC. (Also, I believe you have written our manifesto for DISchurners. On a Thursday night no less making it even more impressive!)

 

[msufan]

On your app did you use the US address?

You can check your status by calling 888-338-2586. If it says 2 weeks you are likely approved 7-10 days is a denial. And 30 days means they haven’t made a decision.

Did you list your income as 0? If you did that you probably won’t get approved. But for your next application you have the right to use anyone’s income that you live with that you use for support.

Thanks so much for the help, guys (particularly speedyfish, gottalovepluto, and Albort) giving me the contact info. I was able to get the approval via telephone in just a matter of minutes, so thank you! I never would have called had you guys not encouraged me to do so.

Thanks for the guidance!

 

[wendow]

EPIC. (Also, I believe you have written our manifesto for DISchurners. On a Thursday night no less making it even more impressive!)

I agree! @SouthFayetteFan I love what you wrote. I have a hard time believing people would argue about such things but I'm sure I could venture over to r/churning and find people doing just that. I'm very thankful for this group as well! Bestest thread ever on the DIS (and I loved, loved, loved the GC churning thread back in the day...of course, all my favoritest peeps from there moved here!!)

 

[WVMomof3]

CIP approved.

 

[Lain]

CIP approved.

Woohoo! It’s a party!



CONGRATULATIONS! I know you’ve been anxiously thinking about then waiting to apply for the CIP for months, and patiently enduring the pending status for the last few days, and I’m so glad it was all worth it! The CIP is a great card — and that BONUS!

I’m wondering if you call to expedite the card ASAP tomorrow, whether it’ll arrive before you leave for Disney on Tuesday... then you can put a real dent in the minimum spend and have it code 3x as travel. If you haven’t already, it might be worth calling CIP customer service at 1-800-945-2028 to inquire, mention you’re leaving for a trip on Tuesday, and if there’s any way to get the card before then. Good luck!

 

[Jme57]

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-chase-will-launch-premium-southwest-card/

A $150 annual fee, rumored to have an offer of 70,000 bonus points and priority A1-15 boarding.

This would be amazing, as I am waiting for Southwest to up their bonus points so I can finally apply.