I love credit cards so much!

[LynnTH]

If it goes through smoothly, you get a sent email. The processed email doesn't mean much. Once you get that sent email, go in and set up the payment as recurring, so it is automatic and less chance of being stopped in the future.

Will do that. Thanks. (keeping fingers crossed...)

 

[Angeliki19]

I'm in the game!!!! Yay!!!

Got instantly approved for both CSR and CSP after countless calls to credit bureaus to get my report all cleaned up. I'm so excited! Finally, something that went easy.

Thank you all so much for your help. Can't wait to get my new cards, new furniture and hopefully be able to afford some great trips coming up for myself and my two kids! Happy Friday y'all!!!

 

[Lain]

If it goes through smoothly, you get a sent email. The processed email doesn't mean much. Once you get that sent email, go in and set up the payment as recurring, so it is automatic and less chance of being stopped in the future.

@LynnTH — THIS!

 

[Albort]

Welp, pulled the trigger. Will be trying PNC funding next month. If for some reason that doesn't work, I will have questions.

theres other forms of MS that could be easier, there are some forms that do require fee but its even easier.
location location location... is important too.

 

[Lain]

I'm in the game!!!! Yay!!!

Got instantly approved for both CSR and CSP after countless calls to credit bureaus to get my report all cleaned up. I'm so excited! Finally, something that went easy.

Thank you all so much for your help. Can't wait to get my new cards, new furniture and hopefully be able to afford some great trips coming up for myself and my two kids! Happy Friday y'all!!!

Congratulations!! Double dip dance party!!!

 

[Melanie230]

FYI....I read somewhere on here that buying Disney Gift Cards at Best Buy you could not use your Best Buy Reward Bucks to purchase the gift cards. I had $15 in Best Buy rewards and I was able to buy a $50 Disney Gift Card with it. I love saving that $15!!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I'm in the game!!!! Yay!!!

Got instantly approved for both CSR and CSP after countless calls to credit bureaus to get my report all cleaned up. I'm so excited! Finally, something that went easy.

Thank you all so much for your help. Can't wait to get my new cards, new furniture and hopefully be able to afford some great trips coming up for myself and my two kids! Happy Friday y'all!!!

Congrats

 

[havaneselover]

FYI....I read somewhere on here that buying Disney Gift Cards at Best Buy you could not use your Best Buy Reward Bucks to purchase the gift cards. I had $15 in Best Buy rewards and I was able to buy a $50 Disney Gift Card with it. I love saving that $15!!!

Yes, this has not changed. Did it yesterday.

 

[miztressuz]

That would be awesome if it worked. Are you sure that it is MR > SPG at 1:1 though? I thought it was going to switch to MR > M(arriott)R 1:1 - I think it's possible that the MR > SPG disappears on 8/1. But now I'll be on the computer on 8/1 seeing if that MR > SPG transfer at 1:1 exists!

No, I'm not sure that it'll work. That's why I've said it's a possible loophole And tried to limit my thoughts to non-definitive phrases

But here's my take. The Summary of Changes, effective August 1, 2018 states (and if there are typos, they're mine. i'm typing it out from my paper notice cuz i'm not smart enough to find where the change notices are in my account):
"...To align with this, we are making changes to the Membership Rewards Program Terms & Conditions that impact Card Members who are enrolled in the Membership Rewards program and are eligible for a Membership Rewards point transfer. Membership Rewards points can now be transferred at 1:1 ratio into the Starwood Preferred Guest program and can be transferred in increments of 1,000 points"

The bolding is mine, of course, but since it transferred into your SPG program it should still be a "starpoint" until the program conversion. The actual change to the T&C is that effective 8/1 they're just straight deleting the bullet point that states it's a 1000:333 conversion rate. So anything transferred into SPG after 8/1 will transfer at the standard 1:1 rate. (or as they put it, "For most frequent customer programs, 1,000 Membership Rewards points will equal 1,000 miles, points or credits and must be transferred in 1,000-point increments unless otherwise noted." SPG would not be otherwise noted anymore)

Until 8/18 it is the SPG program and your member account number and everything stays the same.

I can't imagine they'd stop transfers to the program altogether for that time period, that seems like some kind of breach even if it might not be enforceable. If they were smart they'd figure out how to delay the transfer so that it worked in the spirit of the change. But how many folks read every single agreement change, and collect SPG points, and know about the program change "delay", and would transfer beaucoup points for it? It's possible AmEx just let's it go to keep the members happy and figure out how to mollify Starriott for the fallout. (AmEx is very a win some/lose some company, IMO. Only reason I think folks stick with them is for these type of win some situations )

But who knows? I guess we'll find out next week, but for right now it seems possible (maybe ).

 

[amalone1013]

Coming out from lurking with a couple questions!

Any opinions on the Discover It card? My main cards are the CF, CFU, CSP, and AmEx Blue Cash, and I was considering the Discover It. It sounds like the CF but with cash back instead of URs. Is it worth it with the cards I already use?

For anyone that has it, does anyone know what credit bureau(s) they use when you apply?

My Discover It was my first card. I like it, have always had good customer service with Discover.

As for getting one now, I would say it depends on your goals. Would you rather have cashback or more points? Do you have any travel plans in mind?

 

[kmc8826]

Coming out from lurking with a couple questions!

Any opinions on the Discover It card? My main cards are the CF, CFU, CSP, and AmEx Blue Cash, and I was considering the Discover It. It sounds like the CF but with cash back instead of URs. Is it worth it with the cards I already use?

For anyone that has it, does anyone know what credit bureau(s) they use when you apply?

I have had my Discover IT card since young. I didn't use for years and only recently started up. I like it especially for some categories like last Christmas time when it was 5% at Target and Amazon. I would guess they pull from Transunion. I just checked the FICO score they have on the app and it says it is from there. It is a nice option for gift card cash out or just the cash. Are there other Chase cards you want? Attempting to build UR's? If that is the case I would wait to get the Discover.

 

[miztressuz]

Coming out from lurking with a couple questions!

Any opinions on the Discover It card? My main cards are the CF, CFU, CSP, and AmEx Blue Cash, and I was considering the Discover It. It sounds like the CF but with cash back instead of URs. Is it worth it with the cards I already use?

For anyone that has it, does anyone know what credit bureau(s) they use when you apply?

I agree it's pretty much the CF but earns you cashback, instead of UR points, to redeem for cash or gift cards and has no foreign transaction fees. (I know you have CSP for that, but discover has no AF, I think it's not a bad backup) If you need cash for something I think it's a good choice because of the cashback match in the first year. With that you'd be earning double what you could on the CF for 5 quarters. If you can max that out it's at least $750 in cash available for things you can't use points for.

The benefit to the CF is you can transfer your UR points to the CSP to use them for more things (partner transfers or the 25% bonus on travel redemptions), the benefit to the It is you get a bonus when you redeem your cashback for GC's. If you can use a GC you'll get at least an extra $5 on top, so if you redeem $20 for Bed Bath & Beyond they give you a $25 GC. Some are $45 gets you $50 and a few gets you a better bonus. This has worked for me as my BB&B's, so far, allow me to purchase a GC with a GC. So I turned a bunch of cashback into Disney gift cards for a 20% discount (or 20% bonus, however you like to look at it )

They pulled EQ for me last year. As for if it's worth it, I think that comes down to, what are you looking to do with the rewards you get from your next CC?

 

[Livelovedance]

My Discover It was my first card. I like it, have always had good customer service with Discover.

As for getting one now, I would say it depends on your goals. Would you rather have cashback or more points? Do you have any travel plans in mind?

I’m still learning the credit card tricks, so I don’t have a preference as of yet. I’ve been building up URs and recently transferred some with the CSP to SW to book flights, but that’s it so far. I don’t have any travel plans yet, but I know either way using the credit cards will help me save for future plans!

I’ve never had a Discover card, so when I got the mailing it did peak my interest! Thanks for the information!

I have had my Discover IT card since young. I didn't use for years and only recently started up. I like it especially for some categories like last Christmas time when it was 5% at Target and Amazon. I would guess they pull from Transunion. I just checked the FICO score they have on the app and it says it is from there. It is a nice option for gift card cash out or just the cash. Are there other Chase cards you want? Attempting to build UR's? If that is the case I would wait to get the Discover.

I do find the categories to be intriguing, especially when the CF categories aren’t that good for my personal spending. It’s nice to have that second option!

I don’t think I’ll be applying for any other Chase cards any time soon. I’m pretty happy with what I have with them (for now lol), but I am interested in the Discover. Thanks for the information!

I agree it's pretty much the CF but earns you cashback, instead of UR points, to redeem for cash or gift cards and has no foreign transaction fees. (I know you have CSP for that, but discover has no AF, I think it's not a bad backup) If you need cash for something I think it's a good choice because of the cashback match in the first year. With that you'd be earning double what you could on the CF for 5 quarters. If you can max that out it's at least $750 in cash available for things you can't use points for.

The benefit to the CF is you can transfer your UR points to the CSP to use them for more things (partner transfers or the 25% bonus on travel redemptions), the benefit to the It is you get a bonus when you redeem your cashback for GC's. If you can use a GC you'll get at least an extra $5 on top, so if you redeem $20 for Bed Bath & Beyond they give you a $25 GC. Some are $45 gets you $50 and a few gets you a better bonus. This has worked for me as my BB&B's, so far, allow me to purchase a GC with a GC. So I turned a bunch of cashback into Disney gift cards for a 20% discount (or 20% bonus, however you like to look at it )

They pulled EQ for me last year. As for if it's worth it, I think that comes down to, what are you looking to do with the rewards you get from your next CC?

Very interesting! You brought up a lot of points I didn’t know. It’d definitely be nice to have a 2nd card with no foreign transaction fees, just in case. I also like the double cash back for the first year, and the bonus with gift cards. That’s something I would definitely look into.

I asked about the credit bureaus because after a scam phone call scare, I became paranoid and decided to freeze my credit. To apply for the card I’d have to do a temporary or permanent unfreeze, and I was trying to figure out if I need to unfreeze all of them or if there is one known bureau that they use.

I don’t have a specific plan in play, I just figured the features of the card were appealing, and if I can make good use of it, it might be worth it to build up more savings for future use!

Thank you for all of the information!

 

[amalone1013]

I’m still learning the credit card tricks, so I don’t have a preference as of yet. I’ve been building up URs and recently transferred some with the CSP to SW to book flights, but that’s it so far. I don’t have any travel plans yet, but I know either way using the credit cards will help me save for future plans!

I understand! I like to save my Doscover cashback specifically for travel a couple weeks ago, I used $90 of it to get a $100 hotels.com gift card to minimize my out of pocket cost for a trip coming up

 

[miztressuz]

wow..ok! that's confusing..... so the only way to keep track of category spend is keeping track of my totals I guess

Pretty much, the progress bar is a nice touch and can confirm if things are being tracked correctly. But since it's not exactly real time I still use the Advanced Search to see how far I have left. It doesn't have pending transactions but the search is easy if it's a straight category like this quarter. I run that rather than keep track myself.




Or if you have specific companies, like 4th qtr last year with Target and Amazon, you can use the description field. It'll search for amazon or target and bring everything up.



For this upcoming 4th qtr where it's a store and a category will have to do two different searches. If you put something in the description (amazon) and select a category (wholesale clubs) it will look for that text only in transactions listed in that category.

What I totally forgot last quarter, is that Target codes as Supermarket on discover Instead of using some gift cards I got at 10% off for my Target purchases I could have just used that toward my category spend and not have some of these VGC's sitting in my safe. (another reason I was looking forward to not having a MSR to meet I can get rid of some GC's)

Hope that helps some, and I didn't just take up space on the thread ​

 

[AmyAnne]

and a $50 Saks statement credit

This reminded me -- curious if you might know whether gift cards will trigger the statement credit?

Also, thanks for the AmEx discussion -- I want to get a business card or two in the near future. Staying away from personal cards to possibly get under 5/24 by next May . . . I go back and forth about whether I should even try for under 5/24 since there's also the fear of a Chase shutdown, but if I did apply for a Chase card next year, I would be 2/24 with Chase.

 

[trenty]

Met the MSR on DH's CSP. So want to get the United Card for him. Waiting it out a bit to see if I can get an offer better than 40,000. I guess I will wait the 30 days si

Coming out from lurking with a couple questions!

Any opinions on the Discover It card? My main cards are the CF, CFU, CSP, and AmEx Blue Cash, and I was considering the Discover It. It sounds like the CF but with cash back instead of URs. Is it worth it with the cards I already use?

For anyone that has it, does anyone know what credit bureau(s) they use when you apply?

I have the Discover IT. I like that they match your cash back in the first year. It is like the CF which I also have. Sometimes both offer same 5x categories. But this quarter they are different. Right now it is my main card for most purchases since I am in my first year and they will match what I earn. When my year is up I will use it only on the 5x categories.

 

[platamama]

Coming out from lurking with a couple questions!

Any opinions on the Discover It card? My main cards are the CF, CFU, CSP, and AmEx Blue Cash, and I was considering the Discover It. It sounds like the CF but with cash back instead of URs. Is it worth it with the cards I already use?

For anyone that has it, does anyone know what credit bureau(s) they use when you apply?

I like the Discover It card especially the first year since your cash back gets doubled. You can shop through Discover Deals (it's like a portal that offers certain stores) and get 5% cash back and then that can be doubled that first year (so you end up with 10% thru Discover Deals).

Discover did nerf some benefits earlier this year: extended product warranty, return guarantee, purchase protection, auto rental insurance, and flight accident insurance. So if you use Discover for purchases you should know what kind of protections you have for your purchase (or don't have as the case may be).

As far as foreign transaction fees go, it's limited where Discover is accepted worldwide. I know when I went to Europe I didn't see a single merchant accept Discover.

What credit bureau gets pulls seems to vary depending on geographic location. Here's data from a 2016 DoC post https://www.doctorofcredit.com/credit-bureau-discover-pull/

I'd consider getting all the Chase cards subject to 5/24 that you want first before moving on to other companies. Have you looked at CIP?

 

[trenty]

Coming out from lurking with a couple questions!

Any opinions on the Discover It card? My main cards are the CF, CFU, CSP, and AmEx Blue Cash, and I was considering the Discover It. It sounds like the CF but with cash back instead of URs. Is it worth it with the cards I already use?

For anyone that has it, does anyone know what credit bureau(s) they use when you apply?

Whichever card you decide to get, consider joining our dischurners reddit group. You will find additional helpful tips and "support" links.

 

[AmyAnne]

FYI....I read somewhere on here that buying Disney Gift Cards at Best Buy you could not use your Best Buy Reward Bucks to purchase the gift cards. I had $15 in Best Buy rewards and I was able to buy a $50 Disney Gift Card with it. I love saving that $15!!!

Thanks for that -- good to know. I have been buying GCs at Best Buy recently (like in the last two weeks; thank you amEx offers and Swaybacks) and am wondering whether third-party GCs like Disney earn Best Buy reward bucks and if so, when do they post (and how do I find them)?