I love credit cards so much!

[GlamMistress]

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/authentication/login/?returnUrl=/passholder-program/verify/

You can try this link to see if spots are available. The only one in October was the 25th at Epcot from 9pm-11

Thanks. All spots filled. Sad I didn't know about this. Oh well.

 

[speedyfishy]

Thanks. All spots filled. Sad I didn't know about this. Oh well.

I didn’t get an email either, but my SO did. It’s odd how they send the emails to only some people.

 

[tink89]

I have an Alaska airline companion fare ticket expiring next month. I also do not have any travel plans for the moment.
What can I do to not loose the ticket? Can I book for travel later and then switch it for something else. Will there be any fees? We will be going back to Disney as a solo family (not with a group) through out the year after our December trip.

any help on how to use and or save this ticket or how to maximize on using it. Thanks.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I don't...they got out May 18.

Wow. That IS early. Our schools are out by Memorial Day but city of Chicago goes well into June and starts after Labor Day

 

[calypso726]

First Off - @calypso726 - you definitely NEVER throw anything in anybody's face. Everything you post here reads with a tone of trying to HELP others!

On the topic valuing points and miles...I totally get what you're saying on it being difficult to value them given how you redeem them. For us it's fairly simple - I value it on historical redemptions and expected future redemptions and as you know, we rarely (never?) do any wild redemptions so perceived value is real value to us.

SW RR = 503,419 @ 1.48cpp = $7,451 (expected value of flights)
Chase URs = 322,364 @ 1.50cpp = $4,835 (expected to redeem for Disney through Chase UR travel/tour)
Amex MRs = 247,520 @ 1.25cpp = $3,094 (expected Schwab cash-out)
Marriott = 1,422,187 @ 0.8cpp = $11,377 (0.8cpp based on historical and future expected redemptions)
TOTAL = $26,757
We also have another scattered 37k points across 5 programs that I value at $175.

This is just the nerdy spreadsheet guy in me that wants to not only know my actual net worth but also my "churning net worth" haha!

Thank you, I"m glad to know my posts are coming off as intended

I never look at my points and think of them as money. I look at them and think of them as ideas. Also, now that I look at this, I believe something is wrong on my spreadsheet since I'm pretty sure that is more than 4 million points and miles. This is why I like Post it notes better than Excel spreadsheets.

Chase URs = 714,932 - In case paying with points is better than using miles. In case I need to top off United, BA or some other partner I might use.
Amex MRs = 455,960 - In case I get low on URs. In case I need to transfer to an airline that I don't collect or Chase UR transfers to.
Marriott = 290,487 - In case I need to transfer to an airline where I don't have currency and there are over 30 airlines to pick from because Marriott will = SPG to me
IHG = 716,155 - Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
Hilton = 725,490 - Overwater bungalows in the Maldives
American Airlines = 936,408 - Miami is an AA hub so I am a One World hostage and thus always need AA miles
United = 231,401 - Back up in case AA doesn't pan out for me
British Airways = 362,461 - short haul flights, use half the number of points needed when paired with a travel together ticket
Alaska = 543,349 - Diverse airline partner options. I want to take a shower on a plane.
Club Carlson = 240,222 - Radisson Blue properties in Europe I don't need to pay for

 

[brownhaired_girl]

I think it's super important that we remember this - and thanks for saying it again @trenty! We are NOT r/churning here, and we are NOT flyertalk (thank God)! We are a group that is (a) super welcoming and helpful to newbies and (b) operating on the DISboards. Now while other places on the DIS are known for petty arguments, one-upsmanship, and full of "I'm Right, You're Wrong" posters - that isn't and can't be us! We are my safe place on the DIS, and it's so awesome chatting about churning with the great folks here!

We also have people stumble on to our thread who are looking to just apply for 1 card...ONE CARD? Crazy, right?? But we help them make the best choice and they probably think we're crazy and move on. This is unheard of on places like r/churning where we must nail the newbie to the wall and lash them for their utter lack of knowledge of churning.

Last week was the 2 year anniversary of our thread (yup 7/18/16 it all started). I've been a lurker since the beginning and quite active for over a year myself. I know many here have been active for well over a year. Our DISchurners reddit group is almost a year old and now has 178 members. This thread often moves through 10 pages a day or more when it used to be a page a day. While it's exciting to see how we've grown, I hope we don't lose sight of why we are the BEST churning group on the internet. Let's respectfully disagree, admire others strategies if they are different, and always remember that there is NO WRONG way to churn.

I don’t post much, but read every post. This is an AMAZING group. I’ve said before, it feels like friends I just haven’t met yet. Even more surprising is how everyone new is met with a wonderful “welcome”.

 

[MrPTato]

Get Ready...

I just did my first (I would consider first...maybe real) free travel bookings. Just booked our first DCL cruise (first cruise ever) and of course we need flights and I am thinking a hotel to stay at the night before. I had enough RR points to book the 4 tickets to MCO from PVD and only paid OOP for the taxes. The return flights haven't come out yet...but I may be able to get those for free as well. I also had the Hyatt card a couple years ago so had some points sitting on that...just short of a free night stay at the Hyatt MCO for 12k points a night. I was able to purchase 1k for $24 so that is a lot better than spending $250 OOP for the room.

Small accomplishments!

 

[magickingdomprincess]

I'll continue the lovefest and say that I have learned so much from this thread and very, very much appreciate the time that goes into the detailed posts, and all of the advice that everyone is willing to offer! I read (almost) all of the posts, but don't post myself much because a) I'm terrible at typing on my phone, which I'm on most of the time, and b)I still feel like I have so much to learn! Our family has been able to fly almost completely on points from SW for the past four years, thanks to this thread and others on the budget board. My DH and I are also going to Vegas for free next month on UR, SW points, and the CP, all thanks to the things I've learned on here! It is really an awesome thread and I really look forward to reading it everyday so a big thank you to everyone for posting!!!

 

[amalone1013]

I'm sure this wont work on gift cards, but since there's quite a few Kroger/Fred Meyer shoppers, here's 10% off your next visit: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/kroger-10-off-your-next-purchase/

 

[Alexle2007]

Quick question. I had used Disneygiftcard.com site to combine my $200 gift card with my $300 card and it was showing a balance of $500 on the site. When I used the GC at DL, only the $300 was showing. Do I have to use the $300 up before the $200 show up? I am confused since this was my 1st time doing it. Of course, with the free breakfast and HH at the hotel, we have spent very little in the parks.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Hi everyone! I've been trying to get caught up here all afternoon and now my head is spinning! I agree that this is a great thread with so many helpful people. And I love that I can try to do this slowly and not be judged for doing it all wrong. We live in a high cost of living area (a bit south of you @Lain) and I'm trying to play this game by only spending what we would already spend.

I do have a few questions if that's ok:

1) If I don't have a business card (just not comfy with that idea at this point) is Plastiq something I don't need to worry about?

2) What is LOL/24? I'm assuming it's much higher than 5/24. I didn't think that was possible. Can someone explain it to me?

3) If I am an AU on my DH's AMEX Platinum, do I need to get rid of that card if I want to try to get one of my own for the MR bonus? Can I even get my own for the points? Can we combine points? Is it worth the effort?

4) Once DH hits the MS on the CSP/CSR cards, should he refer me? Should he downgrade his cards at some point?

Sorry for so many questions again.



ETA: I really appreciate people sharing their different approaches to all of this since it helps me learn about so many different options.

Wait- another fellow CA?! How did I miss that?!

 

[gottalovepluto]

I didn’t get an email either, but my SO did. It’s odd how they send the emails to only some people.

Must be using the same email system as Chase

 

[Albort]

Thank you, I"m glad to know my posts are coming off as intended

I never look at my points and think of them as money. I look at them and think of them as ideas. Also, now that I look at this, I believe something is wrong on my spreadsheet since I'm pretty sure that is more than 4 million points and miles. This is why I like Post it notes better than Excel spreadsheets.

Chase URs = 714,932 - In case paying with points is better than using miles. In case I need to top off United, BA or some other partner I might use.
Amex MRs = 455,960 - In case I get low on URs. In case I need to transfer to an airline that I don't collect or Chase UR transfers to.
Marriott = 290,487 - In case I need to transfer to an airline where I don't have currency and there are over 30 airlines to pick from because Marriott will = SPG to me
IHG = 716,155 - Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
Hilton = 725,490 - Overwater bungalows in the Maldives
American Airlines = 936,408 - Miami is an AA hub so I am a One World hostage and thus always need AA miles
United = 231,401 - Back up in case AA doesn't pan out for me
British Airways = 362,461 - short haul flights, use half the number of points needed when paired with a travel together ticket
Alaska = 543,349 - Diverse airline partner options. I want to take a shower on a plane.
Club Carlson = 240,222 - Radisson Blue properties in Europe I don't need to pay for

... How the...
...

and this is...

after your Singapore Air redemption..
...

i think ima have a...
nvm.

 

[wendow]

Quick question. I had used Disneygiftcard.com site to combine my $200 gift card with my $300 card and it was showing a balance of $500 on the site. When I used the GC at DL, only the $300 was showing. Do I have to use the $300 up before the $200 show up? I am confused since this was my 1st time doing it. Of course, with the free breakfast and HH at the hotel, we have spent very little in the parks.

You should not have to use the $300 to get the $200 to show.

 

[wendow]

I'm sure this wont work on gift cards, but since there's quite a few Kroger/Fred Meyer shoppers, here's 10% off your next visit: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/kroger-10-off-your-next-purchase/

Where do you add it? It's not under my Kroger or King Soopers account.

 

[afan]

Get Ready...

I just did my first (I would consider first...maybe real) free travel bookings. Just booked our first DCL cruise (first cruise ever) and of course we need flights and I am thinking a hotel to stay at the night before. I had enough RR points to book the 4 tickets to MCO from PVD and only paid OOP for the taxes. The return flights haven't come out yet...but I may be able to get those for free as well. I also had the Hyatt card a couple years ago so had some points sitting on that...just short of a free night stay at the Hyatt MCO for 12k points a night. I was able to purchase 1k for $24 so that is a lot better than spending $250 OOP for the room.

Small accomplishments!

Awesome what you were able to do! I don't have access to Lain's spreadsheet , so I don't know if you have any UR earning cards. But if you do and you want to use Hyatt again you can transfer 1:1 from UR to Hyatt. Though 1k for 24 bucks is a good deal too.

I'm sure this wont work on gift cards, but since there's quite a few Kroger/Fred Meyer shoppers, here's 10% off your next visit: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/kroger-10-off-your-next-purchase/

For fear that this 10% will come off on a starbucks purchase, since that's normally the first stop my mom or I make, I'm going to use it tomorrow and I'll let you know. I need to find a tank to wear for my 8k race that will now be in almost 90 degree weather so I'll grab a small gc to try it out. Don't have anything big enough it's worth trying to save it for so I'll be the dp.

 

[wendow]

Where do you add it? It's not under my Kroger or King Soopers account.

ETA: I think I got it loaded, even though it shows up nowhere...KS app keeps crashing on me so maybe their site is wonky.

 

[snugglebug]

.

That works great until you have a big spend that does not take credit cards. My main focus on getting the CIP and plastiq was to pay DDs tuition. My choices otherwise are check or bank transfer, no CCs allowed. Just set up payment yesterday, looks good so far! Hoping it goes all the way through with no problems.

For me it's HOA. They want a check or bank draft for no fee. Or, I can do a credit card or ACH payment for $2.75 + 3.5%. I don't bank draft anything and I'm not taking the time to find stamps and a check, I don't even carry checks anymore. Those fees are outrageous and make no sense to me at all. Less work for them, more fees for me. I hopped on Plastiq and sent a check that way. Even paying the full 2.5% if I used any card I would have been coming out ahead, but I used CIP so even better. Now I have IHG MC to use for next month to meet spend on which I'll use through Masterpass for no fee.

 

[striker1064]

I'm sure this wont work on gift cards, but since there's quite a few Kroger/Fred Meyer shoppers, here's 10% off your next visit: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/kroger-10-off-your-next-purchase/

Aww, these make me sad, cause we have Harris Teeter. Owned by Kroger with none of the benefits.

Well, it is a really good grocery store, but coupons dangit!

 

[Ngwira]

I just got a passholder email from Disney with regard to special VIP passholder events - one in August, Sept, and October for 2 hours each after park close. We don't go until November so won't make it, but the event seems similar to the DVC events, two of which I've attended. Sort of like a free 'after hours'.

I also got the email and got into the MK event in August. So excited.