I love credit cards so much!

[GusGus16]

Decided to go for it, and was just approved for SPG Business Card. I have a plan to meet both MS and will have until the end of November to do it! Then probably wait until December or early next year to double dip with SW.

 

[striker1064]

I'm seeing several DPs of people getting the denied sign-up bonus popup when they apply for the SPG Lux... it's concerning this may be widespread. I haven't applied for an Amex in a while but will likely be again soon. Guess we'll see what happens.

 

[shairpdrh]

Hi everyone I'm new to posting,

I have been reading through many pages of this forum, and am trying to get an understanding of how to use points for travel. It is a lot to process. I do know I want to travel more in 2019, and I like the idea of using credit card points to help.

I am one of those people that has used my debit card for most everything. I am pretty conservative with money, and was always taught to use cash. We do have a couple credit cards, and always pay the full balance when we use them. I just haven't thought about using them much to our advantage?!?

These 2 cards are in my husbands name, and I am an authorized user on both.

- Barclays Upromise card - Opened in 2007 - this was our primary card until recently. We were able to put a good amount of money in a 529 for our son's college. We don't need it anymore. I was going to cancel it, but should I just transfer to a different card from this bank?

- Chase Sapphire Preferred - Opened in 2015. We have not utilized this card to maximize the benefits. Since I started reading this thread this month, we have been putting all of our dining on this card. I shopped through the rewards portal for the first time on Saturday!

We do not have a Hilton credit card, but have points from hotel stays.

We fly Delta, and live in an area where this makes the most sense. We have not flown in a while. I've thought about trying Southwest, but get nervous thinking about trying to find my own seat.

My first question is, I would like to apply for a card in my name, but am not sure what to apply for first? I was thinking the Chase Freedom, or perhaps a Hilton or Delta card? I do not have a business, and don't feel comfortable applying for a business card yet.

Thanks so much for any suggestions

Welcome! You will get great advice here and there are a few Delta experts if that works best for you. I have personally used a combination of Chase cards and Amex Delta cards to pay for our travel (mostly Delta flights). With the Amex Delta cards, I have waited for a good bonus before applying and have stuck with the business cards since joining this group. I have just recently started earning Amex MR points and will likely use those on Delta flights occasionally.

 

[DisneyMandC]

The Amex rep on chat just tried to tell me I had spent $4692 towards my MSR... really, because three days ago you told me I was at $4942?

 

[GZanta77]

Anyone book Swolphin with URs? How do I add it to MDE?

Hi @kidsfirsttrip - didn't see anyone reply to this and tho' I haven't done this myself - I have read somewhere that you have to contact the Dolphin and they will give you a different reservation number that you can use for MDE.

 

[schmass]

I thought I was going to go for the SPG Lux since I have an upcoming Sheraton stay for work and would definitely use the $300 credit. However, seeing that the bonus is lower than expected, and the fact that I already have all of the other perks through other cards, I am not going to apply right now. So now I'm thinking of applying for the SPG Personal and/or Marriott Biz within the next few days. Does this make sense, or should I just wait until the SPG Lux comes out with a better bonus? Right now I have only ever had the SPG Biz.

I'm still feeling burned by the Marriott Cat 6 Travel Package. If I truly can cancel that, I will and get 75,000 points for it but will need more points to stay at a DL hotel for 5 nights.

 

[Judique]

well, good morning folks!

I am the happy owner of a new American Express SPG Lux card! Couldn't resist! Instant approval!

That will make 5 cards Spg Lux, Spg Personal, Spg Business, Marriott personal and Marriott Business!

 

[WVMomof3]

Hi everyone I'm new to posting,

I have been reading through many pages of this forum, and am trying to get an understanding of how to use points for travel. It is a lot to process. I do know I want to travel more in 2019, and I like the idea of using credit card points to help.

I am one of those people that has used my debit card for most everything. I am pretty conservative with money, and was always taught to use cash. We do have a couple credit cards, and always pay the full balance when we use them. I just haven't thought about using them much to our advantage?!?

These 2 cards are in my husbands name, and I am an authorized user on both.

- Barclays Upromise card - Opened in 2007 - this was our primary card until recently. We were able to put a good amount of money in a 529 for our son's college. We don't need it anymore. I was going to cancel it, but should I just transfer to a different card from this bank?

- Chase Sapphire Preferred - Opened in 2015. We have not utilized this card to maximize the benefits. Since I started reading this thread this month, we have been putting all of our dining on this card. I shopped through the rewards portal for the first time on Saturday!

We do not have a Hilton credit card, but have points from hotel stays.

We fly Delta, and live in an area where this makes the most sense. We have not flown in a while. I've thought about trying Southwest, but get nervous thinking about trying to find my own seat.

My first question is, I would like to apply for a card in my name, but am not sure what to apply for first? I was thinking the Chase Freedom, or perhaps a Hilton or Delta card? I do not have a business, and don't feel comfortable applying for a business card yet.

How much spend can you put on a card in 3 months? If I were you I would have DH refer you for the CSP and if you are comfortable apply for the CSR on the same day. That would mean you need to spend $8000 in 3 months. Is that doable? If not then just go for the CSP then have DH downgrade his CSP card for the freedom. When you are done with your spend then you can refer your DH again for the CSP (and CSR if you double dipped and are comfortable to do it again.) Do not add each other as AUs.

Thanks so much for any suggestions

How much spend can you put on a card in 3 months? If I were you I would have DH refer you for the CSP and if you are comfortable apply for the CSR on the same day. That would mean you need to spend $8000 in 3 months. Is that doable? If not then just go for the CSP then have DH downgrade his CSP card for the freedom. When you are done with your spend then you can refer your DH again for the CSP (and CSR if you double dipped and are comfortable to do it again.) Do not add each other as AUs. ​

 

[Lain]

Decided to go for it, and was just approved for SPG Business Card. I have a plan to meet both MS and will have until the end of November to do it! Then probably wait until December or early next year to double dip with SW.

Congratulations!

​

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Hi @kidsfirsttrip - didn't see anyone reply to this and tho' I haven't done this myself - I have read somewhere that you have to contact the Dolphin and they will give you a different reservation number that you can use for MDE.

Ok thanks!! Wasn’t sure if it was hung up in merger stuff!

 

[Lain]

I'm seeing several DPs of people getting the denied sign-up bonus popup when they apply for the SPG Lux... it's concerning this may be widespread. I haven't applied for an Amex in a while but will likely be again soon. Guess we'll see what happens.

I've been following reports of bonus denial pop-up messages, and the one commonality seemed to be churners who signed up for Amex cards, met MSR, and didn't put any spend on the cards after getting the bonus. kerrigjl's DP that he put a few thousand a month across all Amex cards is troublesome.

I've been putting a lot of spend on my Amex cards to take advantage of recent Amex Offers, so I don't think I'm a target (I'll apply for the SPG Lux and see after I've had more coffee). My wife got approved for the Hilton Biz even though her spending on her SPG Biz fell off after meeting MSR. But I've started carrying her Amexes around with me to put some regular spend on them to keep Amex happy.

 

[Lain]

I thought I was going to go for the SPG Lux since I have an upcoming Sheraton stay for work and would definitely use the $300 credit. However, seeing that the bonus is lower than expected, and the fact that I already have all of the other perks through other cards, I am not going to apply right now. So now I'm thinking of applying for the SPG Personal and/or Marriott Biz within the next few days. Does this make sense, or should I just wait until the SPG Lux comes out with a better bonus? Right now I have only ever had the SPG Biz.

I'm still feeling burned by the Marriott Cat 6 Travel Package. If I truly can cancel that, I will and get 75,000 points for it but will need more points to stay at a DL hotel for 5 nights.

So you've only ever had the SPG Biz, which you got at the end of March 2018.

You'll need to apply for the Marriott Biz before 8/26, because when the new restrictions take effect you'll be disqualified based on having received a signup bonus on the SPG Biz in the last 24 months.

You can go for the SPG Personal card after 8/26, because the only disqualifying factors are having had the Marriott Rewards, Marriott Premier, Marriott Premier Plus, or Ritz-Carlton card in the last 30 days. [Edit: some conflicting information here, see my post below.]

The SPG Personal is rumored to be discontinued to new applicants by early next year when the Marriott brands fully merge because Amex is only retaining the small business (SPG Biz) and super premium consumer (SPG Lux) cards from Marriott. There's some speculation that Amex may increase the welcome bonus in one last push to sign up new customers. The current 75k Marriott points offer is equivalent to only the old 25k Starpoints offer. The speculation is the SPG Personal card will be grandfathered and stays with Amex.

However, if you get the Marriott Biz now, you'll be locked out of the SPG Lux for 24 months after you receive the signup bonus.

The SPG Lux's 100k introductory bonus is disappointing, so I totally get waiting if you can.

There is some debate on r/churning whether the restrictions about bonus eligibility matter at signup (if you sign up before the new rules take effect on 8/26, you'll get the bonus regardless of the new restrictions that would make you ineligible) vs. at bonus posting (even if you sign up before 8/26, bonus eligibility is determined through Marriott and Chase and Amex can deny you the bonus under the new restrictions if you meet MSR after 8/26). I personally don't think Chase or Amex will approve you for a card, then deny you for a bonus because you didn't hit MSR before the new rules took effect.

See the new restriction charts here: https://viewfromthewing.boardingare...r-marriott-and-starwood-credit-card-approval/

 

[DisneyMandC]

Has anyone had to change their legal name on Paypal and know how long it takes after you submit document? @amalone1013 maybe?

 

[schmass]

So you've only ever had the SPG Biz, which you got at the end of March 2018.

You'll need to apply for the Marriott Biz before 8/26, because when the new restrictions take effect you'll be disqualified based on having received a signup bonus on the SPG Biz in the last 24 months.

You can go for the SPG Personal card after 8/26, because the only disqualifying factors are having had the Marriott Rewards, Marriott Premier, Marriott Premier Plus, or Ritz-Carlton card in the last 30 days.

The SPG Personal is rumored to be discontinued to new applicants by early next year when the Marriott brands fully merge because Amex is only retaining the small business (SPG Biz) and super premium consumer (SPG Lux) cards from Marriott. There's some speculation that Amex may increase the welcome bonus in one last push to sign up new customers. The current 75k Marriott points offer is equivalent to only the old 25k Starpoints offer. The speculation is the SPG Personal card will be grandfathered and stays with Amex.

However, if you get the Marriott Biz now, you'll be locked out of the SPG Lux for 24 months after you receive the signup bonus.

The SPG Lux's 100k introductory bonus is disappointing, so I totally get waiting if you can.

There is some debate on r/churning whether the restrictions about bonus eligibility matter at signup (if you sign up before the new rules take effect on 8/26, you'll get the bonus regardless of the new restrictions that would make you ineligible) vs. at bonus posting (even if you sign up before 8/26, bonus eligibility is determined through Marriott and Chase and Amex can deny you the bonus under the new restrictions if you meet MSR after 8/26). I personally don't think Chase or Amex will approve you for a card, then deny you for a bonus because you didn't hit MSR before the new rules took effect.

See the new restriction charts here: https://viewfromthewing.boardingare...r-marriott-and-starwood-credit-card-approval/

Thanks, Lain! I didn't realize that I'd be still be eligible for the SPG personal after waiting 30 days after gething the Marriott biz. I think I might go for the Marriott card now then. Thank you, as always!

 

[Lain]

Thanks, Lain! I didn't realize that I'd be still be eligible for the SPG personal after waiting 30 days after gething the Marriott biz. I think I might go for the Marriott card now then. Thank you, as always!

Wait... I'm seeing some discrepancy between VftW and DoC:

VftW says under the new rules, you'd be ineligible for the SPG Personal if you currently have or have had any of the following Cards in the last 30 days:

• Marriott Rewards Premier Plus
• Marriott Rewards Premier
• Marriott Rewards ($45 AF card)
• Ritz-Carlton Rewards

https://viewfromthewing.boardingare...r-marriott-and-starwood-credit-card-approval/

DoC says under the new rules, you'd be ineligible for the SPG Personal if you have or have had any of the following Chase cards in the last 30 days:

• Marriott Rewards Premier Plus
• Marriott Rewards Premier
• Marriott Rewards ($45 AF card)
• Marriott Rewards Premier Business

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/spec...s-limiting-spg-marriott-bonuses/#SPG_Personal

If DoC is right, you'd be ineligible for the SPG Personal after 8/26 if you get the Marriott Biz now. I need to do a little more digging.

ETA: Greg at Frequent Miler seems to think that getting the Marriott Biz won't disqualify you from the SPG Personal, but it looks like he's relying on VftW's charts: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/2018/07/30/navigating-marriotts-byzantine-credit-card-rules/

VftW writes in the body of the article I linked to you:

• To be eligible for a new Starwood Amex card initial bonus (the personal card that will be available only until the programs rebrand next year), you cannot have (or have had in the last 30 days) a Chase-issued Marriott.

Unclear whether a "Chase-issued Marriott" includes the Marriott Biz, which is not included in his charts.

But to be safe, I'd apply for both the Marriott Biz and SPG Personal before 8/26.

ETA 2: Sometimes, going directly to the source is the answer.

From the Offer Terms for the Amex SPG Personal:

Effective 8/26, welcome offer not available to applicants who have or have had The Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, The Marriott Rewards Credit Card from Chase, or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card from JP Morgan in the last 30 days.
​

No mention of the Marriott Biz. VftW was right. Getting the Marriott Biz now won't disqualify you from getting the SPG Personal after 8/26.

 

[jen7233]

You can book Disney room only through the portal (I think you just have to search the right way). To do a package you actually call into the Cruise and Tour department and they can book full Disney packages (room, tickets, dining, w/ discounts) just like you would on the Disney site. It's pretty amazing and a bunch of people on our thread here have done it.

Thanks I'm going to really look into this when we plan our next Disney trip summer 2019. Undecided on Land or World at this time. I should have enough rapid rewards on SW for flights for 4 of us. The hotel deals have me very interested! We've never done a full package but I'll definitely be checking this out and running the numbers when I get close to planning time.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Wait... I'm seeing some discrepancy between VftW and DoC:

VftW says under the new rules, you'd be ineligible for the SPG Personal if you currently have or have had any of the following Cards in the last 30 days:

• Marriott Rewards Premier Plus
• Marriott Rewards Premier
• Marriott Rewards ($45 AF card)
• Ritz-Carlton Rewards

DoC says under the new rules, you'd be ineligible for the SPG Personal if you have or have had any of the following Chase cards in the last 30 days:

• Marriott Rewards Premier Plus
• Marriott Rewards Premier
• Marriott Rewards ($45 AF card)
• Marriott Rewards Premier Business

If DoC is right, you'd be ineligible for the SPG Personal after 8/26 if you get the Marriott Biz now. I need to do a little more digging.

But to be safe, I'd apply for both the Marriott Biz and SPG Personal before 8/26.

Hmm if DoC is true that will put a damper on my plans... but I'm not trying to do $8000 in Amex spend in the next 90 days plus finish off a Citi AA card.

 

[tink1970]

Does anybody else like to obsessively check their point balances? I probably login to Chase, AMEX, Marriott, Southwest 2-3 times a day...

I know nothing is gonna change but it just makes me happy to visit my friends...my points, LOL!

It's gonna be super hard to part with 300,000+ URs when we book our Disney trip...but SO worth it to go for free, LOL!

LOL! Especially when I'm expecting a bump in MRs...I have the Amex App on my phone and I'll go to it way too frequently. Since they are good about emailing when a statement closes (not that I don't have them memorized ) I really start checking. I'm trying to figure out what time of day they post, not just the time frame (latest DP: 3 days post statement close, before 7 am CDT) so I can be as accurate as possible when people here (tempted to say "folks 'round here" in honor of @wendow and her mom!) ask about MRs posting.

We are going to go on an 8 day, 7 night trip in late January. We have a family of 4; 2 adults and 2 children ages 5 and 8 at time of travel

I'm sorry but when I read that I had the hardest time imagining Thurston Howell III with young kids AND in WDW. Sorry that's just how my brain translates "bankers."

well, good morning folks!

I am the happy owner of a new American Express SPG Lux card! Couldn't resist! Instant approval!

That will make 5 cards Spg Lux, Spg Personal, Spg Business, Marriott personal and Marriott Business!

Congrats! I so want this but am sticking to The Plan (wait to cancel DL Amex Gold in Nov, apply for Hilton Aspire). Hoping a little time away from Amex makes them less likely to consider me a churner. Please let us know if it is heavy

I've started carrying her Amexes around with me to put some regular spend on them to keep Amex happy.

I've started putting random one off charges on all of my cards, just sort of cycling through the stack to keep Amex happy. Fortunately I've only cancelled two since this started so hoping they won't hold that against me. Gotta keep Amex happy until I book OZ/NZ flights!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I'm still feeling burned by the Marriott Cat 6 Travel Package. If I truly can cancel that, I will and get 75,000 points for it but will need more points to stay at a DL hotel for 5 nights.

I'm still following this situation intently and it seems that whole release of info on Saturday is a farce. People get return emails from filling out the form saying no 30k points back. People who try to change dates on attached certs can't without reverting to the new prices or having their certs completely cancelled. Unattached still can't be attached. Basically the entire release was false. It is a hot mess. So just sit tight and I will try to remember to post here if something ever happens with it. Alot of people are very disappointed in how this is being handled, even marriott loyalists who aren't affected by it.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

How much spend can you put on a card in 3 months? If I were you I would have DH refer you for the CSP and if you are comfortable apply for the CSR on the same day. That would mean you need to spend $8000 in 3 months. Is that doable? If not then just go for the CSP then have DH downgrade his CSP card for the freedom. When you are done with your spend then you can refer your DH again for the CSP (and CSR if you double dipped and are comfortable to do it again.) Do not add each other as AUs. ​

exactly what I would do...but I'd be sure to do the double dips. That is ALOT of URs and one can NEVER have TOO MANY URs!