I love credit cards so much!

[jhoannam]

I'm going to join in on the noob questions! I have VERY little knowledge so excuse my ignorance as I have not done my homework. I am in possession of SPG points. I believe SPG offers nights and flights packages, but only up to category 4 I think? I plan to use my points to stay at Swolphin, and I would like some more Southwest points while I'm at it! Is a nights and flights package for swolphin and southwest even possible...or will it be possible? I know there are still some unknowns.

You need to convert the SPG points to Marriott point. Currently they are Cat 5, not sure what they will be in the future. You could buy a Cat 5 Certificate and upgrade it later.

https://www.marriott.com/rewards/usepoints/morepack.mi

 

[Angrose]

I need to book a flight for DH. It's an AA flight... it's 17K UR on the UR portal, 21K in the Amex Portal, 20K AA miles.
We have 213K UR
81K MR
0 AA miles.

What's the best way to go about this? I haven't found a way to use MRs yet.

On the surface it would seem like using the UR portal is the best deal, except you need think about how you may use those URs in the future vs. the MRs. It sounds like you really don't have much use for them currently. URs are so valuable and flexible, I would keep those and use the MRs, even though it's using more points.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

You need to convert the SPG points to Marriott point. Currently they are Cat 5, not sure what they will be in the future. You could buy a Cat 5 Certificate and upgrade it later.

https://www.marriott.com/rewards/usepoints/morepack.mi

Yes, I did the conversion from spg. None of my points were actually Marriott. I can't currently redeem for spg properties but I guess eventually that should change.

 

[jhoannam]

Yes, I did the conversion from spg. None of my points were actually Marriott. I can't currently redeem for spg properties but I guess eventually that should change.

From what I've read, you should be able to book SPG properties with Marriot points beginning Aug. 1. I thought I read they would release the categories this month.

 

[amalone1013]

Off for the appraisal amount for DHs vehicle... last year mine was $2900 + $500 deductible, so I've been thinking it'll be around that times 2 for both vehicles. That's why I've been thinking We can knock out 2 $5k MSRs, and I've got a repair shop that takes AMEX!

Cards on my radar:

• AMEX Personal Platinum, if they'll give DH his expired offer
• Marriott Premier
• Marriott Biz
• Hilton Biz (yes, waiting until the last day... but I have no exact plan for Hilton points...)
• CIC
• Amex Biz Rewards Gold (That's BRG, right?) - this would be just one card due to $10k MSR

Anything else I should be considering? I have no concrete plans, but as I've mentioned before, would like to head to Europe at some point.... the only problem right now is after that family cruise next summer, it'll be at least March 2019 before DH would have 80hrs Still the "one more sale" thing about asking for more time off right now Maybe I'll just go myself The main reason the Marriott cards are on the list are because I've seen good options around London/Paris when playing around, though who knows what will happen in August.

I'm thinking only biz cards for me, because I want to get a CIP in November (and then I'd probably PC DHs CIP to a CIC... not sure I can fit in applying for one outright and be safe). Then maybe try a CSR/CSP double dip a few months later. Though all the talk of kissing 5/24 goodbye makes me debate this!

For DH, in Dec/Jan I want to get him the SW CP, so either biz+personal, double dip personals, or see what this fancy new SW card is... I don't want to push Chase too hard for either of us. Oh, and we don't have to each do a card, they could both be opened by the same person.

Points: 200k UR, 76k SPG

My cards (6/24, 5/24 as of July 1):

• SPG Personal 6/16, Disney 9/16, CSR 10/16, Sw Plus 5/17, Sw biz 5/17, Marriott Personal 9/17, CFU 9/17, SPG biz 10/17
• Older cards: no fee Barclay Arrival, Discover It

DHs cards (3/24):

• Disney 9/16, SPG personal 9/16, CSR 8/17, SPG biz 3/18, CIP 5/18
• Older cards: Barclay Arrival Plus, Discover it

 

[schmass]

I just received the Amex statement credits for a spend $40, get $10 back Etsy offer, as well as the Starbucks one. I was talking to my friend about it as we walked to Starbucks and she seemed pretty interested. She told me she wants her DH to get a new credit card because he uses his debit card for everything. She said his main spending is for groceries, restaurants and gas. I was thinking of suggesting the Amex BCP, CSP, or Discover IT. Is there anything I'm missing here that would be a great card to recommend in this case?

 

[Lain]

Off for the appraisal amount for DHs vehicle... last year mine was $2900 + $500 deductible, so I've been thinking it'll be around that times 2 for both vehicles. That's why I've been thinking We can knock out 2 $5k MSRs, and I've got a repair shop that takes AMEX!

Cards on my radar:

• AMEX Personal Platinum, if they'll give DH his expired offer
• Marriott Premier
• Marriott Biz
• Hilton Biz (yes, waiting until the last day... but I have no exact plan for Hilton points...)
• CIC
• Amex Biz Rewards Gold (That's BRG, right?) - this would be just one card due to $10k MSR

Anything else I should be considering? I have no concrete plans, but as I've mentioned before, would like to head to Europe at some point.... the only problem right now is after that family cruise next summer, it'll be at least March 2019 before DH would have 80hrs Still the "one more sale" thing about asking for more time off right now Maybe I'll just go myself The main reason the Marriott cards are on the list are because I've seen good options around London/Paris when playing around, though who knows what will happen in August.

I'm thinking only biz cards for me, because I want to get a CIP in November (and then I'd probably PC DHs CIP to a CIC... not sure I can fit in applying for one outright and be safe). Then maybe try a CSR/CSP double dip a few months later. Though all the talk of kissing 5/24 goodbye makes me debate this!

For DH, in Dec/Jan I want to get him the SW CP, so either biz+personal, double dip personals, or see what this fancy new SW card is... I don't want to push Chase too hard for either of us. Oh, and we don't have to each do a card, they could both be opened by the same person.

Points: 200k UR, 76k SPG

My cards (6/24, 5/24 as of July 1):

• SPG Personal 6/16, Disney 9/16, CSR 10/16, Sw Plus 5/17, Sw biz 5/17, Marriott Personal 9/17, CFU 9/17, SPG biz 10/17
• Older cards: no fee Barclay Arrival, Discover It

DHs cards (3/24):

• Disney 9/16, SPG personal 9/16, CSR 8/17, SPG biz 3/18, CIP 5/18
• Older cards: Barclay Arrival Plus, Discover it

You may not want to get the Marriott Premier Plus or Marriott Biz for DH if DoC's rumor is to be believed. Those could bar him from the SPG Luxury's bonus when that comes out on 8/1 (not sure if this card is on your radar).

Interestingly, if this rumor turns out to be true, Marriott could be in effect forcing you to get Amex's SPG Luxury (and maybe the other SPG cards) first, if you want the bonus, before getting Chase's Marriott cards; and Amex's SPG Luxury and personal cards would add to your 5/24 count, and could bar the applicant from getting the Marriott cards and their bonuses. But who knows what Chase will do?

(There's a small window to get both Amex and Chase offerings, because conceivably, one could apply for the SPG Luxury and/or personal, then get the Marriott cards before Amex reports the SPG cards to your credit report in about 2 months.)

P.S. I've been seeing the SPG Luxury card referred to as SPG Lux on reddit, and I kinda like it so that's what I'll use going forward.

 

[vanjust14]

You need to convert the SPG points to Marriott point. Currently they are Cat 5, not sure what they will be in the future. You could buy a Cat 5 Certificate and upgrade it later.

https://www.marriott.com/rewards/usepoints/morepack.mi

OK thanks, I thought the same until I read this article. I was confused if this was currently or after the merger. I guess either way I would need to transfer to Marriott as Swolphin is Cat 5 (currently). I'm so confused.

https://awardwallet.com/blog/when-should-you-book-spg-nights-flights-awards/

 

[Lain]

I just received the Amex statement credits for a spend $40, get $10 back Etsy offer, as well as the Starbucks one. I was talking to my friend about it as we walked to Starbucks and she seemed pretty interested. She told me she wants her DH to get a new credit card because he uses his debit card for everything. She said his main spending is for groceries, restaurants and gas. I was thinking of suggesting the Amex BCP, CSP, or Discover IT. Is there anything I'm missing here that would be a great card to recommend in this case?

Possibly the Amex Premier Rewards Gold if they can pull up a 50k MR after $2k/3 months offer via incognito (it's really easy to pull up, but you may need to hold their hand on this one). The public offer is only 25k MR, and you know Amex has a one bonus per product/per lifetime rule. The PRG earns 2x MR on exactly the three categories you mentioned: groceries, restaurants, and gas. First year AF is waived, and $195 after that. It comes with a $100 per calendar year airline fee credit that's easily redeemable for gift cards on Southwest, Delta, and I believe AA is still working.

ETA: Annnd, just as I was looking up the PRG, I pulled up the higher 50k MR offer:

And I also got the 75k MR Platinum offer:

 

[CyndiLouWho]

So I was finally able to use my BedBath&Beyond gc to buy a Disney gc. I was denied a couple months ago and saw the same cashier next time I returned. Got off work early today and able to stop on a non weekend and no problem. I was planning on getting bbb GCs with all of my discover cash back but this seems too hard.

 

[schmass]

@Lain I just pulled up the 50k offer, as well! I will add this card to the list. I just know so little about MRs so I can't really explain it that well to them! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Pixiedustspreader]

I guess either way I would need to transfer to Marriott as Swolphin is Cat 5 (currently).

You can still book the SPG Nights and Flights until Aug 1st, the problem like you say is that SWOLPHIN are both Cat 5's and SPGs program only includes 3's and 4's. It wasn't long ago Dolphin was a cat 4 (Swan was a 5). It was a great use of those points I felt - 5 nights over Thanksgiving and 50k *SkyMiles. I hope we all have that option again when the conversion is complete!

*Edited to change SW to DL

 

[platamama]

I'm going to join in on the noob questions! I have VERY little knowledge so excuse my ignorance as I have not done my homework. I am in possession of SPG points. I believe SPG offers nights and flights packages, but only up to category 4 I think? I plan to use my points to stay at Swolphin, and I would like some more Southwest points while I'm at it! Is a nights and flights package for swolphin and southwest even possible...or will it be possible? I know there are still some unknowns.

Hmmnn, I have no idea about that. I thought only marriott had the packages.

You need to convert the SPG points to Marriott point. Currently they are Cat 5, not sure what they will be in the future. You could buy a Cat 5 Certificate and upgrade it later.

https://www.marriott.com/rewards/usepoints/morepack.mi

It is confusing because Starwood does have its own nights and flights packages (presumably until 7/31/18), which are separate and distinct from Marriott's travel packages.

The SPG nights and flights packages are 1) SPG Cat 3 costs 60,000 points and 2) SPG Cat 4 costs 70,000 points. Both packages get you 50K airmiles (with the ones Starwood has a 1:1 transfer ratio partnership) + 5 nights in either a Cat 3 or Cat 4. @vanjust14 Southwest is not a partner for SPG's airmiles transfers, and Swolphin is SPG Cat 5 so neither of those packages will get you what you're looking for with SPG points directly.

Looking at the conversion rates, 60K SPG = 180K Marriott and 70K SPG = 210K Marriott. Marriott travel packages start at 200K for redemption for 7 nights in a Marriott Cat 1-5 plus varying amounts of airmiles depending on which airline you choose. Using Southwest as an example, you'd get 7 nts + 50K Southwest RR points for the 200K package. It's generally accepted that the best play here for value is the 270K redemptions that get the 7 nts + the most miles with your preferred airline. Just google Marriott hotel flight, and an award chart will be readily available.

Lots of people are waiting for Marriott to release the new hotel category list, and some have decided to make the speculative play to redeem the Marriott 270K package [Cat 1-5 7 nt + 120K airmiles (or whatever is it for your preferred airline)] so that they have the miles now, and then can attach the 7 nt hotel certificate to hotel later. No one knows yet how that certificate is going to be handled, speculations abound.

 

[Pixiedustspreader]

Southwest is not a partner for SPG's airmiles transfers

Exactly right - I didn't get SW miles like I said in my previous post, I chose DL.

 

[Lain]

@Lain I just pulled up the 50k offer, as well! I will add this card to the list. I just know so little about MRs so I can't really explain it that well to them! Thanks for the suggestion!

The reason I suggested the PRG is because it covers the exact categories your friend's husband would utilize most, has a relatively low MSR, and comes with a big signup bonus if she can get the 50k MR offer, even though it's kind of a snoozer as far as category bonuses go. I think early in this hobby, big bonuses can really be eye opening. I also get some of my best Amex Offers on the PRG.

I could also suggest the Amex Blue Business Preferred, which earns 2x MR on every purchase up to $50k/year, and has $0 AF. But for someone new, they might be hesitant to apply for a business card and use it for all their personal spend, and the BBP's signup bonus is only 20k MR if targeted or 10k MR through a referral, which doesn't carry the same oomph as a 50k signup bonus.

Chase URs are so much easier to explain and understand! 1 UR = 1 cent as cash back, unless redeemed for travel through the UR portal, then it's 1.25 cents on the CIP/CSP, and 1.5 cents on the CSR. Or you can transfer to airline and hotel partners 1:1. So it's not a bad idea to start your friend off with the CSP, because it comes with a very easy to understand and use 50k UR signup bonus, even though it'll only earn him a 2x category bonus at restaurants.

Amex MRs can be worth about 0.5 cents when buying merchandise on Amex's shopping mall, 0.6 cents to pay eligible charges on your card statement, 0.7 cents if you pay with points on Amazon, about 0.8 cents towards cars, hotels, cruises or vacations booked on the Amex Travel portal, 1 cent if used to pay for airfare on the Amex Travel portal, 1.25 cents if cashed out using a Charles Schwab Platinum card, more if you pay with points on the Biz Platinum and get the 35% points rebate. And MRs are worth potentially even more if you transfer to airline partners, but it's not always at a 1:1 ratio, and then there are promotional transfer bonuses! Transferring to an airline partner is probably the best use of MRs.

MMS has a guide to using MR points: The Ultimate Guide to American Express Membership Rewards Points

 

[vanjust14]

You can still book the SPG Nights and Flights until Aug 1st, the problem like you say is that SWOLPHIN are both Cat 5's and SPGs program only includes 3's and 4's. It wasn't long ago Dolphin was a cat 4 (Swan was a 5). It was a great use of those points I felt - 5 nights over Thanksgiving and 50k *SkyMiles. I hope we all have that option again when the conversion is complete!

*Edited to change SW to DL

It is confusing because Starwood does have its own nights and flights packages (presumably until 7/31/18), which are separate and distinct from Marriott's travel packages.

The SPG nights and flights packages are 1) SPG Cat 3 costs 60,000 points and 2) SPG Cat 4 costs 70,000 points. Both packages get you 50K airmiles (with the ones Starwood has a 1:1 transfer ratio partnership) + 5 nights in either a Cat 3 or Cat 4. @vanjust14 Southwest is not a partner for SPG's airmiles transfers, and Swolphin is SPG Cat 5 so neither of those packages will get you what you're looking for with SPG points directly.

Looking at the conversion rates, 60K SPG = 180K Marriott and 70K SPG = 210K Marriott. Marriott travel packages start at 200K for redemption for 7 nights in a Marriott Cat 1-5 plus varying amounts of airmiles depending on which airline you choose. Using Southwest as an example, you'd get 7 nts + 50K Southwest RR points for the 200K package. It's generally accepted that the best play here for value is the 270K redemptions that get the 7 nts + the most miles with your preferred airline. Just google Marriott hotel flight, and an award chart will be readily available.

Lots of people are waiting for Marriott to release the new hotel category list, and some have decided to make the speculative play to redeem the Marriott 270K package [Cat 1-5 7 nt + 120K airmiles (or whatever is it for your preferred airline)] so that they have the miles now, and then can attach the 7 nt hotel certificate to hotel later. No one knows yet how that certificate is going to be handled, speculations abound.

Thank you both! I didn't realize Southwest wasn't even an option for SPG nights and flights. Too bad Dolphin wasn't still a cat 4. I hope we have that option too!

 

[Angrose]

Off for the appraisal amount for DHs vehicle... last year mine was $2900 + $500 deductible, so I've been thinking it'll be around that times 2 for both vehicles. That's why I've been thinking We can knock out 2 $5k MSRs, and I've got a repair shop that takes AMEX!

Cards on my radar:

• AMEX Personal Platinum, if they'll give DH his expired offer
• Marriott Premier
• Marriott Biz
• Hilton Biz (yes, waiting until the last day... but I have no exact plan for Hilton points...)
• CIC
• Amex Biz Rewards Gold (That's BRG, right?) - this would be just one card due to $10k MSR

Anything else I should be considering? I have no concrete plans, but as I've mentioned before, would like to head to Europe at some point.... the only problem right now is after that family cruise next summer, it'll be at least March 2019 before DH would have 80hrs Still the "one more sale" thing about asking for more time off right now Maybe I'll just go myself The main reason the Marriott cards are on the list are because I've seen good options around London/Paris when playing around, though who knows what will happen in August.

I'm thinking only biz cards for me, because I want to get a CIP in November (and then I'd probably PC DHs CIP to a CIC... not sure I can fit in applying for one outright and be safe). Then maybe try a CSR/CSP double dip a few months later. Though all the talk of kissing 5/24 goodbye makes me debate this!

For DH, in Dec/Jan I want to get him the SW CP, so either biz+personal, double dip personals, or see what this fancy new SW card is... I don't want to push Chase too hard for either of us. Oh, and we don't have to each do a card, they could both be opened by the same person.

Points: 200k UR, 76k SPG

My cards (6/24, 5/24 as of July 1):

• SPG Personal 6/16, Disney 9/16, CSR 10/16, Sw Plus 5/17, Sw biz 5/17, Marriott Personal 9/17, CFU 9/17, SPG biz 10/17
• Older cards: no fee Barclay Arrival, Discover It

DHs cards (3/24):

• Disney 9/16, SPG personal 9/16, CSR 8/17, SPG biz 3/18, CIP 5/18
• Older cards: Barclay Arrival Plus, Discover it

I would stick with Biz cards right now since you're hoping to get under 5/24. The AMEX BRG (yes, that's right) might be useful. I saw a 75K, $5K MSR on DoC: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/ymmv...ewards-75000-5000-spend-no-lifetime-language/ If you could pull that, it would be awesome! You could then refer DH. MRs could be useful for Europe by transferring to Air France or BA. We go to London almost every year (DH is British) and prefer Virgin Atlantic, so we transferred a bunch of MRs over there for our flights. The only thing is the fuel charges can be high with VA or BA. I've also used MRs to top off SPG when needed. You could also book fights through the AMEX travel portal, so there are options there too. Redeeming for hotels don't have as much value on the AMEX portal, but in a pinch it could work.

The Hilton Biz offer look good too and I have been considering that myself, even if I don't have immediate need for those points. They have nice properties in Hawaii and we will return there one day...(said with a sigh as I sit at my desk dreaming of gorgeous beaches and teal blue water...) Right, back to reality...that's a great offer and so tempting!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[WVMomof3]

@SouthFayetteFan FYI for your drive home from Myrtle Beach so you are not mad in southern WV again!

https://www.timesjournal.com/community/article_fc0bf44a-f4f8-52d4-893a-25a907ad4b43.html

 

[amalone1013]

You may not want to get the Marriott Premier Plus or Marriott Biz for DH if DoC's rumor is to be believed. Those could bar him from the SPG Luxury's bonus when that comes out on 8/1 (not sure if this card is on your radar).

Interestingly, if this rumor turns out to be true, Marriott could be in effect forcing you to get Amex's SPG Luxury (and maybe the other SPG cards) first, if you want the bonus, before getting Chase's Marriott cards; and Amex's SPG Luxury and personal cards would add to your 5/24 count, and could bar the applicant from getting the Marriott cards and their bonuses. But who knows what Chase will do?

(There's a small window to get both Amex and Chase offerings, because conceivably, one could apply for the SPG Luxury and/or personal, then get the Marriott cards before Amex reports the SPG cards to your credit report in about 2 months.)

P.S. I've been seeing the SPG Luxury card referred to as SPG Lux on reddit, and I kinda like it so that's what I'll use going forward.

Why I turn to the experts... we have chatter about that last night and then i forget I'll have to go read about the SPG Lux (I like that too) again, I had semi written it off just because I wasnt sure with the high fee. Seems to make sense to wait on Marriott no matter what. I feel like an AMEx biz is going to be the way to go

ETA IF THE PLATINUM DOESN'T WORK OUT

 

[vanjust14]

@platamama or anyone else with info, I have another question for you if you don't mind regarding nights and flights. I looked at the award chart and see how the package with the highest amount of miles is the best redemption. I also see that best guess I would need a cat 6, which would be 100K starpoints. I have 75K. Would you recommend purchasing 25K at 35% off to buy the package now or is the unknown too much of a risk?

Edited to add: My scenario is specifically for redeeming at Swan or Dolphin and highest amount of airline miles.