I love credit cards so much!

[palhockeymomof2]

CIP approved!

Congrats !

 

[amalone1013]

It's more than I'd be willing to do...But I'm pretty much terrified of a Chase shutdown

I am too. I'm just torn now on if I skip Marriott, what if CIC is turned down either for CIP being too new still or getting it yet messing up my SW CP plans...

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Think this is too crazy?

• Disney Visa, SPG personal 8/16
• CSR 8/17
• CIP 5/18
• Marriott personal 8/18
• CIC 10/18 or 11/18
• Double Dip SW for CP biz plus personal 12/18 or 1/19

Credit karma 800, credit limit including biz cards is about 15% of total income

If it were me I’d leave out the CIP or the Marriott...2 months between cards seems too close...

 

[calypso726]

thanks for the staples heads up, I had it on one of mine,and one of DH's..... after I'm done with Lowes this week(whew) I'm focusing on those staples offers..... how many gc's is too many for my stash?

Not sure about your stash but my stash is requiring over $35,000 in Disney GCs

The multi-tab/multi-browser tricks are dead for adding an Amex Offer to multiple cards in your name; the same Amex Offer on AU cards (in other people’s names) seem fine. It looks like Amex really wants to limit their offers to one per person.

(A few weeks ago, I recall reading DoC and seeing something about not being able to add the same Amex Offer to AU cards in the primary cardmember’s name if that cardholder already added it to his/her primary card. Seems to fit in with the one offer per person policy.)

Looks like in addition to having family members move in for SPG points this year we will have AU family members for Amex offers.

I'm amassing gift cards at discount to pay off my DVC dues next time around and also for a little free spend at Disney in November. 3 Best Buy offers, plus the BBB offers and now my one lonely Staples offer gave me $1000 for $890. I need roughly $2900 but have a stash already plus this recent windfall. Some are 5% discount, some 10% and some 20%. I try to work in the purchases in my regular travels and live where there are multiple stores, so I think it is easier for me, plus being retired I have time to spend.

10% of 3k is almost $300 back in my pocket. I'll take it. (Plus add in the credit card rewards on the 3K spend.) In the 'old' days 3k spend on my Amex spg was worth a weekend night at an Aloft or Sheraton on the way to Disney, which was roughly $125- $175 in value so it all comes together.

Your stash should depend on your goals - I'll always or most likely always have a goal of $3500-$4000 in discounted Disney gift cards in a year with most going to dues.

Same here, discounted gift cards from the Amex offers and the MR points they earn or 5x UR. I'll take all the points and 10% of better discounts I can.

I’m jumping in the middle of a conversation here, but I’m interested in this Disney card and DVC topic. Is this in reference to purchasing a DVC contract with a Disney credit card? Meaning, making the down payment with a Disney credit card? What bonus does the Disney card have? Is this better than using a CSP?

I wouldn't use the Disney Visa for the Disney dollars back as you can do so much better with a CSP or CSR card. If you really needed to float the purchase with no interest for a bit then I'd open up an Amex Blue Business card which would get you 2X MR points for the purchase and 0% interest for 15 months.

This is very interesting! I bought into dvc not too long ago and recently received an offer in the mail to add on points. A part of me is thinking it might be worthwhile with this strategy... I just don’t know if it’s worth the large expense right now. I have to put some more thought into it. Thank you for the information!

DVC member here with 1300 points that has purchased 10 contracts at 4 resorts both direct and resale. Our first contract was a direct purchase in 2006 and back then the promo was $86 per point for SSR. Currently I'd only purchase direct for a very small contract like 25-50 points as it isn't worth the hassle of resale, waiting on Disney to ROFR and for a contract which may be stripped. Or, a brand new resort that was the end all be all of everything we wanted.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

So cool about your trip, I hope you do a mini trip report. Were all those hotels booked with points?

Only the 5 nights at the Protea Hotel will be booked with points. I don't have enough points for two rooms for two nights at a Marriott in London. The downtown London Marriott hotels are mostly Level 9 and don't sleep 4 to a room, so I'd need 2 rooms. I was able to book a family room that sleeps 4 with cash at London House Hotel in Kensington. I may open one of those savings accounts with the bonus I keep reading about on here to help offset that cost. Shindzela (the private safari camp) and Tamboti (the SANParks tent camp) aren't bookable with any kind of points unfortunately.

 

[Mopedmom1]

I am FINALLY all caught up after being on vacation last week visiting my parents in Alaska! DP on Anchorage PP...both times the AK Board Room had the sign out that PP members were not allowed due to high volume. Didn't even try to test it.

Time for a little help from the experts please! (I am CLEARLY in the 95% group. The SPG/Marriott card exclusions is giving me a migraine. ) I think we need a Marriott/SPG card. I don't think I am interested in the LUX.

History

Me:
10/17 DIS Visa 15k
01/18 CIP 12K
03/18 SPG Biz 12K

DH:
02/18 CIP 12k
05/18 CSR 27k

We also obtained a small car loan (14k) in April, somehow getting 2 hard pulls. ??? This has messed with our CS a little. I am at 785-832 depending on who you ask. I haven't checked dh other than Chase, which is at 832. We also have no traceable mortgage. My DF is carrying the contract on the family home.

Towards the end of the year I want to go for the SW DD for the CP in my name, and sometime in the spring try for CSR. (And probably not DD. We will need to recover from the SW MSR'S, and not interested in MS.)

I have 44k SPG points but don't have a Marriott account. It appears that I am shut out from getting the Nights and Flights. ???

Also if this new card is in DH name will we be able to combine points?

Thanks in advance for your help! (DH is having an angiogram tomorrow, so I may not respond back in a timely matter.)

 

[Judique]

Ok, DoC says you can't get the SPG personal if you have or have had a Marriott biz in the last 30 days... still have my Marriott biz opened in 1/18 so does that mean I can't get an SPG card?

You can get it up until August 26.

 

[Psychodisney]

Think this is too crazy?

• Disney Visa, SPG personal 8/16
• CSR 8/17
• CIP 5/18
• Marriott personal 8/18
• CIC 10/18 or 11/18
• Double Dip SW for CP biz plus personal 12/18 or 1/19

Credit karma 800, credit limit including biz cards is about 15% of total income

I would say it depends on how badly you want the CP. For me that's #1 so I'm laying low. I wouldn't add another Chase Biz until you get the SW biz. I fear them denying me another Biz card even though I have a legit business. Good credit limit to income ratio though!!

 

[Lain]

On another note, does anyone know what GC denominations we need to use for AA GCs to trigger the $200 statement credit?

AA is $100 in separate transactions. But always double check the latest DPs on FlyerTalk by googling “FlyerTalk Amex airline credit AA”.

 

[DisneyMandC]

If 2 nights at the Courtyard Virginia Beach is $581 or 80k points, it’s better to pay out of pocket, right? And I’m thinking it is better to use by CSR now instead of SPG Biz?

I don't have any input on which card to use, but just curious as to which one you're planning to stay at. I've stayed at the Courtyard at 37th street for the last two years and am starting a three night stay at the Courtyard at 25th Street starting tomorrow!

 

[Alexle2007]

I don't have any input on which card to use, but just curious as to which one you're planning to stay at. I've stayed at the Courtyard at 37th street for the last two years and am starting a three night stay at the Courtyard at 25th Street starting tomorrow!

I booked the 37th St one. Is it nice? It looked like it had the nicer pool. I know we’re at the beach but DH likes the beach and I prefer the pool. We’re hitting several the week before Labor Day- 2 nights at GWL in Williamsburg, 2 nights in Virginia Beach, 1 night in OCMD and 1 night in Wildwood NJ.

 

[JKalai]

I haven't had time to catch up, but I saw this on my SW RR account today under the promotions tab.

Earn up to 6,000 bonus Rapid Rewards® points.
Details
Earn up to 6,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points after you opt in to receive the Rapid Rewards® Email Update before September 30, 2018. Register for this offer and remain opted in to receive the Rapid Rewards Email Updates for three consecutive months to earn 3,000 bonus points. If you remain opted in for an additional three months, you will receive 3,000 more bonus points. 6,000 points, now that’s rewarding! When you’re on our email list, you’ll get the inside scoop on Cardmember exclusive news like special offers and VIP Cardmember experiences.

In order to fully qualify for this promotion, please be sure to complete both Step 1 and Step 2.

Step 1: Sign up for the Rapid Rewards® Email Update here: https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/emails

Step 2: Sign up for the Promotion

Easy 6k points Seems like you have to activate it first before registering your email.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I booked the 37th St one. Is it nice? It looked like it had the nicer pool. I know we’re at the beach but DH likes the beach and I prefer the pool. We’re hitting several the week before Labor Day- 2 nights at GWL in Williamsburg, 2 nights in Virginia Beach, 1 night in OCMD and 1 night in Wildwood NJ.

Yes, it's a great hotel! The pool is very nice. Has some cool fake rock features and whatnot in it. All the rooms are ocean facing too, which is nice. You're a little further from all of the main action of the boardwalk down near the Neptune statue, but certainly within easy walking distance of it all. I actually like 37th Street because you're almost at the end of the boardwalk so it's a little quieter. I would've liked to stay there again this year, but it was about $50/night cheaper for me to stay at 25th Street. I probably shouldn't have cared since it's a work trip, but I felt bad about billing a $330/night room to the government.

I've never stayed at GWL but have heard good things. Are you doing anything else in Williamsburg? I forgot to respond to @amalone1013's post earlier, but there's apparently a Busch Gardens Amex offer right now.

 

[Judique]

Now I am curious! That is the first I have heard of the offer. What are they offering? I bought the OKW points direct and have a BLT contract that the sellers are sitting on and haven't returned their closing documents. I know I am being negative but I am afraid they are going to back out and breach the contract. So I might as well have possible options...

Use the following chart to explore potential savings:


When You Purchase... You'll Receive a Purchase Credit of...
125 to 149 Vacation Points $750
150 to 174 Vacation Points $1,500
175 to 199 Vacation Points $2,000
200 to 249 Vacation Points $2,500

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Think this is too crazy?

• Disney Visa, SPG personal 8/16
• CSR 8/17
• CIP 5/18
• Marriott personal 8/18
• CIC 10/18 or 11/18
• Double Dip SW for CP biz plus personal 12/18 or 1/19

Credit karma 800, credit limit including biz cards is about 15% of total income

A few thoughts:

1. I agree with @Psychodisney...getting a CIC before the SW Biz...sounds risky. Each subsequent biz card will be harder to get with Chase. 2 is harder than 1, 3 is harder than 2. Your ability to get a CP will be greatly impacted if you miss out on the SW Biz.
2. If you decide to go for it anyways, the pacing seems too fast. Maybe you could do Marriott 8/18; SW Biz 11/18; SW Personal 1/19; CIC 4/19...
3. You're probably not a risk for Chase Shutdown yet. Regardless of what you do, I wouldn't do a true double dip with the SW cards (no need to since you aren't trying to get 2 personal cards). You can get one and then get the other a couple months later.

 

[GlamMistress]

I'm super jealous of all the recent Chase approvals in this thread. Grr.

Happy for you all tho. #ButStill

 

[Albort]

If 2 nights at the Courtyard Virginia Beach is $581 or 80k points, it’s better to pay out of pocket, right? And I’m thinking it is better to use by CSR now instead of SPG Biz?

$581/80k = $.007 per point. Marriott usually can get u $.09 per point so logically cash might be worth doing. Is there a cash+point deal? usually those arent too bad. Id still put it on the SPG Biz as you earn 6x marriott. I still think earning Marriott points is not that bad. valuewise, 3x$581 = 1743 UR pts x $.021 = $36.60 vs 6x $581 = 3486 marriott points x $31.37. i guess CSR wins in value... but i see marriott harder to earn i guess. choice is up to u though.

Think this is too crazy?

• Disney Visa, SPG personal 8/16
• CSR 8/17
• CIP 5/18 | 3/12 1/6 1/3
• Marriott personal 8/18
• CIC 10/18 or 11/18 | 3/12 2/6 1/3
• Double Dip SW for CP biz plus personal 12/18 or 1/19 | 4/12 2/5 1/3

Credit karma 800, credit limit including biz cards is about 15% of total income

your */12 is pushing shutdown rules. id probably skip the Marriott Personal imo. CIC still transfers to Marriott.

I am too. I'm just torn now on if I skip Marriott, what if CIC is turned down either for CIP being too new still or getting it yet messing up my SW CP plans...

CP seems to be very valuable since u have an SO. Id say skip Marriott and go with your SW CP plans. that is a good idea for u.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I'm probably not alone in having this complaint...but I miss out on the SPG free night by 25 days! My cardmember anniv. is 7/7/18 and my annual fee posted 7/24/18 with my statement close. I applied for the card in July last year because I was getting my roof done in early August. Now I wish I'd have procrastinated on getting the roof done, haha. I called in just to discuss the frustration and they didn't even offer a retention offer at all on the card. They were willing to just let me cancel, so I'll probably do that on a subsequent call after I've had a chance to think about it.

 

[Alexle2007]

Yes, it's a great hotel! The pool is very nice. Has some cool fake rock features and whatnot in it. All the rooms are ocean facing too, which is nice. You're a little further from all of the main action of the boardwalk down near the Neptune statue, but certainly within easy walking distance of it all. I actually like 37th Street because you're almost at the end of the boardwalk so it's a little quieter. I would've liked to stay there again this year, but it was about $50/night cheaper for me to stay at 25th Street. I probably shouldn't have cared since it's a work trip, but I felt bad about billing a $330/night room to the government.

I've never stayed at GWL but have heard good things. Are you doing anything else in Williamsburg? I forgot to respond to @amalone1013's post earlier, but there's apparently a Busch Gardens Amex offer right now.

We’ve been to GWL many times and have a kids club suite this time for DS11. Besides dinner at Captain George’s, yum!, and maybe some outlet shopping with never leave the resort. We’ve only been to VA Beach once before and I can’t remember where we stayed but DH thinks it was a Comfort Suites.

It’s funny you mention the “boardwalk” since being from MD, that boardwalk is very different than what we consider a boardwalk.

 

[SBWB48]

AA is $100 in separate transactions. But always double check the latest DPs on FlyerTalk by googling “FlyerTalk Amex airline credit AA”.

Tried FT and not seeing many DPs for the Citi $200 statement credit that came with the latest (now expired) Citi AA Biz offer. Definitely plenty of DPs for the Amex travel credit, though.