I love credit cards so much!

[1st*toright]

Not on everything. You get 10% off sale items and discounts on other things that are marked around the store.
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/amazon/prime

ETA: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa holders will get 10% back at Whole Foods from July 14-17.

There's an app to download. I was at WF last night and hadn't downloaded the app yet, so they gave me a courtesy Prime discount this time, along with a pamphlet on what to download and how to use it for next time. I got the discount on my bulk items and on a couple of things that were already on sale. It's not on everything.

This is all very new, I think. You don't even have to download the app, you can just add your phone number to your prime account and give them your phone number at checkout. I try not to shop at Whole Paycheck too much - way too easy to spend way too much on groceries, but I do get a lot of our meat from there, so I'm hoping there are some good things on sale during July 14-17!

 

[ctinct]

10k is the min you'll get approved for on the CSR, but you don't have to keep it there if you want to drop it. As evidenced by Chase themselves lowering peoples limits below that, it's not a definitive threshold. I just wouldn't go too low with it. If you wanted to use that to base your CL's then CSP is a 5k approval min, and most others are the same. I think there's a few that might be 3k.

There's no guarantee you'll get back what you lower so I'd make sure you don't go too drastic.

Yes, it’s a fine line I’m going to have to walk here, but knowing about chases % to income guidelines, I feel ok lowering some of my higher lines.

And, oh! I’ll be glad to provide a data point here. The last card I had approved was my IHG with a pretty low credit line of $2000. Kind of shocked me. That’s when I knew I was probably at my limit with Chase, because the majority of my cards are over 4 figure credit lines. And, IHG happens to be the card that they just raised my limit on, so I’m pretty sure that last application made them a bit leery about extending me more credit. Plus, the approval before that one involved shifting credit from another card. I don’t want chase to be nervous about me when I apply for my next card! But, going to keep my reserve and preferred where they are, I think, so that I do have some credit to move around if need be.

 

[Judique]

Well guys, I'm sitting here in my 2 bedroom Disney villa at Hilton Head while the rest of the family went out to breakfast. It was muggy the first few days then we had some nice breezes and of course nice hot weather. The babies love the beach and the baby pool! 1 1/2 & 2 1/2 years old!

It's so much fun to watch them as they get more independent. The younger walks/runs ahead whenever we go out leading the way. I just call out - go that way! No don't go in that villa! There is a path system inside the resort so no cars to worry about. The older one wants to hold my hand = she owns me!

The fireworks were lovely last night and our building is right across from the barge they shoot them from so just had to walk downstairs.....we are top floor. Our DVC villa was in excellent condition with nothing I had to call maintenance for. The room checks happen here also but they pop in to check the trash - which I've always already carried downstairs to the trash spot. They are always super friendly here and do special stuff as a matter of course. Trash removal - its South Carolina in July - I don't want any giant palmetto bugs visiting me so I'm more meticulous than the Disney team, lol!

We've done a few resort activities, visited the beach, shopped, ate out a few times (I get bored with this and sometimes just want a small bite from the fridge or fruit and hummus and crackers.)

On one beach trip we did Bullies BBQ takeout to the beach house and the others have gone several places, sushi, Mexican, etc. We did steaks in last evening as the resort was doing simpler food this year, and I didn't feel like lining up for it.

My favorite Crazy Crab burned down and got hit by a hurricane so it is under construction. The others went to the one in Sea Pines but I pouted and said I'll wait for 'mine' to be rebuilt - maybe I'll eat there when we come by in November.

I wanted to do a Low Country Backyard but we've sort of eaten that meal several times so maybe not this trip. I hear the others saying they want pizza later tonight. So many places to choose!

 

[peel]

This is all very new, I think. You don't even have to download the app, you can just add your phone number to your prime account and give them your phone number at checkout. I try not to shop at Whole Paycheck too much - way too easy to spend way too much on groceries, but I do get a lot of our meat from there, so I'm hoping there are some good things on sale during July 14-17!

Interesting, that isn't what the checkout lady told me. I'll look into that, since it's a little easier than having to open the app each time!

 

[bernina]

I got a few emails from them about the new accounts, but nothing with that subject line, and no mention of the bonus. I opened it last Thursday and the funding was in my account on Friday, so hopefully tomorrow or Monday I will see it. Otherwise I think I may have done something wrong. I did already have a 401k account with them, but from my understanding I should have still been eligible.

The same happened to me and the bonus did post.

Opened on 6/28 and funded that day.
Received a few emails on 6/30 but no mention of bonus.
Funding showed in Fidelity on 7/2.
Bonus posted 7/3.

Opened account for DH at same time. He has a 401k with Fidelity. His account needed extra verification so couldn’t fund until 6/30.
Funding showed on 7/3.
No sign of bonus yet.

 

[amalone1013]

I am debating whether to pay my county property taxes through Plastiq. It's $122 fee for 15000 UR. I think DH will be totally against it especially since my annual fee is coming due on 8/8 and I am supposed to be closing that account...

Are you transferring your URs to another card?

 

[schmass]

I have a 401k with them as well. It was the only thing I had until I opened these new ones. When you applied you went through the promo link and opened both accounts through the same application to start your stack? (https://communications.fidelity.com/pi/start-your-stack/?ccsource=offer) That was pretty much the only requirement other than not already having one of those accounts already.

Yup, I went through the link that was on DOC's website. Fingers crossed it will post later today or tomorrow.

The same happened to me and the bonus did post.

Opened on 6/28 and funded that day.
Received a few emails on 6/30 but no mention of bonus.
Funding showed in Fidelity on 7/2.
Bonus posted 7/3.

Opened account for DH at same time. He has a 401k with Fidelity. His account needed extra verification so couldn’t fund until 6/30.
Funding showed on 7/3.
No sign of bonus yet.

This gives me hope - thanks!

 

[schmass]

@Judique Enjoy your stay at HHI! We've been back less than 2 weeks and my 2 year old and 5 year old are already asking to go back. Yesterday we told them it was a day off and they wouldn't be going to daycare and they asked if they could go to Hilton Head instead!

 

[Lain]

I just requested to lower the credit limit on my oldest, useless Slate card that I just use once or twice a year so they don’t shut it down.

Why don’t you call Chase and ask to product change your Slate card to something useful, like a Freedom or Freedom Unlimited? It won’t affect your account opening date or age of account. You’ll need to call the number on the back of your card; Chase doesn’t do product changes over SM anymore.

 

[tink89]

Hey everyone just to update DH applied for Ink preferred and was approved and we have met the minimum spend of $5k in a month. What should i do to avoid being charged annual fee next year. What other options on cards do we need to explore. Here is an update on our current card app.

My cards
-Disney Premier -Opened in early 2017
-Alaska Visa signature- Opened in Early 2017-
-Hilton Amex-Opened in March 2018-
-Chase freedom Opened- June 2018


DH Credit cards
Regular Disney CC -Opened early 2017-Received $200 bonus-No Fee
Hilton Amex Opened in March 2018- Received 65K points
Ink Preffered- Opened June 2018

 

[jhoannam]

Hey everyone just to update DH applied for Ink preferred and was approved and we have met the minimum spend of $5k in a month. What should i do to avoid being charged annual fee next year. What other options on cards do we need to explore. Here is an update on our current card app.

My cards
-Disney Premier -Opened in early 2017
-Alaska Visa signature- Opened in Early 2017-
-Hilton Amex-Opened in March 2018-
-Chase freedom Opened- June 2018


DH Credit cards
Regular Disney CC -Opened early 2017-Received $200 bonus-No Fee
Hilton Amex Opened in March 2018- Received 65K points
Ink Preffered- Opened June 2018

You can PC it to the CIC or just close it.

 

[LynnTH]

So bummed. Just got denied on the CIP. I applied Tuesday and just got the dreaded 7-10 day notice. So, I called recon to see what they say. Says I have too many cards open in a short amount of time. Here is what I have:

AMEX SPG Business - 4/2018 (so they should not be able to see that)
Chase Marriott Business 2/2018
AMEX SPG - 12/2017
Chase SW Business - 6/2017
Chase SW Plus - 6/2017

I thought I would be good to go. I plan on closing both SW cards - was waiting on yearly points to post before doing that. I need a card ASAP as we need to get carpet ordered while promo still on and that is about $4000 right there. I will apply again after cancelling some cards. Think I should cancel the Marriott Business and SPG too??

 

[Disneyonmymind]

I have a US Bank MCGC that I bought at a grocery store. I finally opened package to figure out how to use it and a paper tells me to register my card at mygiftcardsite.com. Is that necessary?

 

[Lain]

So bummed. Just got denied on the CIP. I applied Tuesday and just got the dreaded 7-10 day notice. So, I called recon to see what they say. Says I have too many cards open in a short amount of time. Here is what I have:

AMEX SPG Business - 4/2018 (so they should not be able to see that)
Chase Marriott Business 2/2018
AMEX SPG - 12/2017
Chase SW Business - 6/2017
Chase SW Plus - 6/2017

I thought I would be good to go. I plan on closing both SW cards - was waiting on yearly points to post before doing that. I need a card ASAP as we need to get carpet ordered while promo still on and that is about $4000 right there. I will apply again after cancelling some cards. Think I should cancel the Marriott Business and SPG too??

That reason is “code” for you being at or over 5/24. Based on this list, you are only 2/24 if counting only your cards. Are you an authorized user on any cards that have been opened in the past 24 months? Those would count against you too. Although you have 2 Chase biz cards, they don’t count against your 5/24. The SPG Biz shouldn’t either. Your 2 Chase biz cards are appropriately spaced out (~8 months apart), and it’s been at least 4 months since your Marriott Biz which should be good enough to go for a third Chase biz card. Several of us have 3 Chase biz cards, so I’m not sure that’s an issue. I’m thinking you may not be counting some AUs that Chase is counting against you.

 

[Lain]

I have a US Bank MCGC that I bought at a grocery store. I finally opened package to figure out how to use it and a paper tells me to register my card at mygiftcardsite.com. Is that necessary?

If you plan to use it to shop online or otherwise make payments through an app, yes.

 

[Disneyonmymind]

If you plan to use it to shop online or otherwise make payments through an app, yes.

Thanks! Yes, I was thinking I’d load it on to Masterpass. The mygiftcardsite just looks a little sketchy haha.

 

[platamama]

I am starting to plan our flights to Australia for Aug 2019. I see on AwardHacker than I can fly first class for 140k on Alaska. Although it looks that Alaska would BWI to LAX and then Quantas to SYD. It looks like SPG is the only program that moves points to Alaska. Since there are 3 of us, I would like 420k. Any thoughts on the best way to accomplish this? Are 3 saver awards possible? Other thoughts? Currently, have SPG, Marriott and UR points.

When Starwood & Marriott start their new program on 8/1, you will be able to transfer 60K Starriott points (=20k SPG points currently) to 25K Alaska miles. The new transfer ratio is unchanged from current levels since any SPG point will become 3 Marriott points in August.

If you have enough Marriott points (including your 1 SPG:3 Marriott conversion + 1 UR: 1 Marriott) to redeem a 270K 7 nt travel package before 8/1, you will receive 120K Alaska miles + certificate good for a current Cat 1-5 Marriott hotel.*

With SPG airline transfers right now, to get 120K Alaska miles would take 5(20K)SPG = 100K SPG points (actually giving you 125K Alaska miles).
If instead, you use 270K Marriott points (= 90K SPG) good for 120K Alaska miles + aforementioned hotel certificate, you'd still have 10K SPG left over which you can still transfer to Alaska and get 10K Alaska miles, for a total of 130K Alaska miles. Nutshell: more miles. And currently SPG points are on sale until 7/20. But redemption has to happen THIS month and I would not wait til the last minute. The new travel packages starting 8/1 are insulting compared to what they are right now.

Alaska has a credit card issued by BoA, I think the signup bonus right now is 30K miles.

If you've determined that Alaska miles are your best bet, the current Marriott travel packages are the best way to get those miles right now.

*lots of unknown about what will happen to that certificate after 8/1. Some people who are doing this are considering the certificates mostly disposable since the miles transfer is the big winner with the travel package. If you view it that way, then whatever value the certificate has will be a happy surprise on 8/1.

 

[disneybirds]

Well guys, I'm sitting here in my 2 bedroom Disney villa at Hilton Head while the rest of the family went out to breakfast. It was muggy the first few days then we had some nice breezes and of course nice hot weather. The babies love the beach and the baby pool! 1 1/2 & 2 1/2 years old!

It's so much fun to watch them as they get more independent. The younger walks/runs ahead whenever we go out leading the way. I just call out - go that way! No don't go in that villa! There is a path system inside the resort so no cars to worry about. The older once wants to hold my hand = she owns me!

The fireworks were lovely last night and our building is right across from the barge they shoot them from so just had to walk downstairs.....we are top floor. Our DVC villa was in excellent condition with nothing I had to call maintenance for. The room checks happen here also but they pop in to check the trash - which I've always already carried downstairs to the trash spot. They are always supper friendly here and do special stuff as a matter of course. Trash removal - its South Carolina in July - I don't want any giant palmetto bugs visiting me so I'm more meticulous than the Disney team, lol!

We've done a few resort activities, visited the beach, shopped, ate out a few times (I get bored with this and sometimes just want a small bite from the fridge or fruit and hummus and crackers.)

On one beach trip we did Bullies BBQ takeout to the beach house and the others have gone several places, sushi, Mexican, etc. We did steaks in last evening as the resort was doing simpler food this year, and I didn't feel like lining up for it.

My favorite Crazy Crab burned down and got hit by a hurricane so it is under construction. The others went to the one in Sea Pines but I pouted and said I'll wait for 'mine' to be rebuilt - maybe I'll eat there when we come by in November.

I wanted to do a Low Country Backyard but we've sort of eaten that meal several times so maybe not this trip. I hear the others saying they want pizza later tonight. So many places to choose!

So glad you are having a great trip!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Did someone here tell me that you should only pay your Amex once a month when the statement is due? I'm the type that just pays on my credit cards every pay period (always pay in full, just like breaking up the payments). I felt like someone told me only to pay once a month but I can't remember for sure...

I've read that too, but I always send payments to DHs cards when he gets an expense check from work (4x a month) and for my own cards I have sent multiple payments as well if needed (looking at you $1k CL on spg amex ) to be able to hit the msr quickly. We have never had any repercussions.

For the Fidelity account - it's still saying that I have more steps to complete, but the funding step was successful last week. I haven't seen any bonus activity, either in my account or via email. Do I need to complete all of the additional steps (investing questionaires, etc) in order to receive the bonus? Or maybe somehow I'm just not going to receive it I know that the offer was still active when I signed up.

I didn't do any additional steps and our bonuses posted.

I am debating whether to pay my county property taxes through Plastiq. It's $122 fee for 15000 UR. I think DH will be totally against it especially since my annual fee is coming due on 8/8 and I am supposed to be closing that account...

Well the 15,000UR are worth a min of $150 so you make money. Then if you redeem them with a CSR or transfer to a travel partner you are getting even further value. This is why I use plastiq for everything I can't put directly on a card.

 

[LynnTH]

That reason is “code” for you being at or over 5/24. Based on this list, you are only 2/24 if counting only your cards. Are you an authorized user on any cards that have been opened in the past 24 months? Those would count against you too. Although you have 2 Chase biz cards, they don’t count against your 5/24. The SPG Biz shouldn’t either. Your 2 Chase biz cards are appropriately spaced out (~8 months apart), and it’s been at least 4 months since your Marriott Biz which should be good enough to go for a third Chase biz card. Several of us have 3 Chase biz cards, so I’m not sure that’s an issue. I’m thinking you may not be counting some AUs that Chase is counting against you.

I am not AU on any of DH's cards. (Except one Business one). I learned not to do that so have just been alternating opening cards between us. Very frustrating as I thought I would be good to go too. I am at 4/24. ( I have CSR opened 11/16). Any suggestions on new card quickly so I can get carpet ordered. Thinking the AMEX Business Gold. It is 50,000 MR Points ( I don't have any of those). After my points post for SW cards I am going to cancel those. Hopefully that will help and then reapply in a month or 2. Will have DS's tuition to pay so can use it then.