I love credit cards so much!

[amalone1013]

Also, if I just log in to my AMEX account on go to my SPG personal, I see my upgrade offer.

 

[Rjw615]

Maybe I can get some advice from the professionals here, daughter started kindergarten so our travel is cut down pretty good for the time being. We are planning two cruises for next year. So with that said, what should we do?

We have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, its annual fee is coming up in October. This will be the third year we have had it. First cruise is 01/12/19, PIF date is 10/14/18. I could keep this card, pay the cruise with it, get my $300 travel credit. Total cost of cruise will be about $4500. Its a Disney SWDAS. So between the travel credit and the 3% back, that will cover the cost of the annual fee. Issue here is I know the reserve has some form or travel insurance on the card but I don't know if it will cover say I get involved in a wreck on the way to the port or something crazy like that and can't make the cruise at the last minute?

OR

Do I let that card go and sign up for like the Discover card, it will have 5% warehouse stores this coming up quarter correct, I could buy gift cards to pay for the cruise and then Discover will match at the end of the first year. I estimate I will earn $450 doing this all be it, $225 of that will have to wait a year and then I would need to buy a standalone travel insurance plan, about $150.

OR

Sign up for the Citi Thank You Premier and book our cruise with it and earning the new reward bonus, 60,000 points.

We have never purchased travel insurance before on a cruise and DS thinks we should and I agree, maybe we should. Even after researching, I just don't know if our Sapphire Reserve is good enough to cover us in case something crazy happens or should we purchase a standalone plan and move to a different CC?

We will be driving from our house to the port about 7 hours and coming in the night before if that helps.

Hope I articulated what exactly I am asking here..lol. Thanks everyone!

 

[Lain]

I just want to put this out there again if anyone missed it yesterday. Whenever a new card comes out or a bonus increases (and we got hit with both yesterday from the SPG Lux and Hilton HH/Hilton Biz), we'll blow through pages discussing it, so posts tend to get buried fast. But these are also great opportunities to support your fellow members, and I don't want anyone to miss out.

SPG PERSONAL and SPG LUX Cards have support links that give you the same signup bonus and terms as direct signup links, so for anyone planning to apply for these two cards, please consider supporting a fellow DISer and use a DISchurners support link.

For those of you who have a SPG Personal, but don't have the SPG Lux, you can still generate a support link for the SPG Lux. Generate and click on your support link for the SPG Personal, scroll down to the bottom where you see "More American Express Cards" and the image of the SPG Luxury Card, you'll see that "Both you and the friend who referred you can still get rewarded if you select one of the Cards below." Click the "View Card Details" button, and you'll be taken to the referral page for the SPG Lux. Copy the URL as your support link.

If you're planning to apply for the SPG Lux, and you have the SPG Personal, you can self-refer using the method above. Click on your support link for the SPG Personal, scroll down to the bottom to click on the button to "View Card Details" for the SPG Lux. You'll be taken to the referral page for the SPG Lux, then check that there's the check mark in the circle in the blue banner up top to make sure you've been (self-)referred, and apply.

If you're planning to apply for the SPG Lux, but don't have the SPG Personal, and want to support a fellow member by using their link, you can support them by using the method above and going through the SPG Personal link even if they don't have a SPG Lux link.

 

[jhoannam]

I’m thinking I’ll jump on this. We do use AA and DH is under 5/24, was planning CIC next but heck I’ll squeeze this in too.

I think me, DH, and my parents will all apply for this card.

The Never Ending saga of HILTON biz card offers continues...https://www.doctorofcredit.com/hilt...card-125000-point-offer-100-statement-credit/

125k Hilton points PLUS $100 stmt credit (AF not waived) available via dummy booking.

This follows previous offers of:
- 125k + $50 stmt credit (AF not waived)
- 100k + $100 stmt credit (AF waived)

Seems they are just trying to figure out what works best...good luck to anybody trying for this offer

so many good Biz offers right now.
I want the Barclays Biz 60k AA, for DH and I. Fees $190
I want the SPG Biz for myself. Fee $0
I want the Hilton Biz. Fees -$5

I keep pushing my CSP/CSR double dip due to all these other great offers.

Is the Barclay Biz card hard to get? DH and I are both under 5/24.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

They only give 2-3 weeks notice before the next quarter. It’s strange...not sure why chase thinks it’s such a big secret!

More like this, unfortunately

Yeah, usually it's around the 14th or 15th of the month before the start of a new quarter. Should be around 9/15. There might be some leaks before then.

Lately they've been stingy and we don't know until the 15th when you can activate it. It'll leak on the 14th usually. Really not much point in a "calendar" anymore when all it says is 'Holiday offers'.... um thanks?, wouldn't have guessed that.

Thanks everyone! Yeah, "holiday offers"

 

[LynnTH]

I’d be super innocent about it tho. Don’t mention the popup - just ask to confirm the offer requirements... You don’t want to cause an issue if there isn’t one. We seriously have no DPs on how this works - you may be the first (and maybe it’ll workout just fine).

Ok. I just chatted with AMEX. Here is the text of the chat:

Hi David, how can I help you today?
Virtual Assistant - Aug 24, 2018 8:57 AM
Hi. I was just approved for the Premier Gold. I just want to verify the offer requirements for the card.
You - Aug 24, 2018 8:57 AM
You will be connected within 1 second.
Please add any relevant information below.
Nem has joined the conversation
Hi David.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 8:58 AM
Congratulations!
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 8:58 AM
Let me check your account. Please allow me a moment.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 8:58 AM
Thank you for waiting, David.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:00 AM
No problem
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:00 AM
I see that it's your newly opened account so the complete offer informations are not yet loaded. Please stay with me so that I can check it with my manager on his system.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:01 AM
Ok. Thanks.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:01 AM
Thank you so much.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:03 AM
Got it.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:03 AM
Through your new card : You can earn: •75,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after $1,000 or more in eligible purchases are made on the Card within the first 3 months (92 days) of Card Membership. •A $50 statement credit after the first purchase is made on the Card within the first 3 months (92 days) of Card Membership
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:03 AM
But this isn't a Hilton Honor Card. It should be 50,000 MR's with $1,000 in purchases. That is the prequalified link I clicked on.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:04 AM
You have selected PRG card right now.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
May I know the last 5 digits of your account?
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
51000
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
The above offers is for your 5100 0 card.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
You have 75000, you want less bonus offer ?
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:06 AM
Let me check your account. Please allow me a moment.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:06 AM
No. But you said it was Hilton Honors Points. But this is not a Hilton Honors Card. It is a Premium Rewards Gold.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:06 AM
Okay.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:07 AM
I'll certainly check this for you. Please allow me a moment.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:07 AM
For your new Premier Rewards Gold card : through this offer can get 50,000 Membership Rewards points after $1,000 in eligible purchases are made on the Card within in the first 3 months (92 days) of Card Membership. To meet the purchase requirement, eligible purchases can be made by the Basic Card Member and any Additional Card Members on the account. The introductory annual fee for the Premier Rewards Gold Card will be waived for the first year of Card Membership. After the first year, the annual fee is $195 for the Basic Card and $0 for up to 5 Additional Cards. The annual fee for 6 or more Additional Cards is $35 for each Card.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:07 AM
Great. That is what I thought. I just wanted to confirm that this offer was attached to the card. I know there were a few different offers out there and wanted to make sure it was this one.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:08 AM
Sounds perfect, David. Thank you for opening a new account with us today.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:08 AM
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:08 AM
That will be it. THanks.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:09 AM
You're most welcome.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:09 AM
Customer Care Professional is typing...
Low Connection.
Code cannot be sent in this window.

to send" rows="3">


So, sounds like the offer is on my card right?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Maybe I can get some advice from the professionals here, daughter started kindergarten so our travel is cut down pretty good for the time being. We are planning two cruises for next year. So with that said, what should we do?

We have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, its annual fee is coming up in October. This will be the third year we have had it. First cruise is 01/12/19, PIF date is 10/14/18. I could keep this card, pay the cruise with it, get my $300 travel credit. Total cost of cruise will be about $4500. Its a Disney SWDAS. So between the travel credit and the 3% back, that will cover the cost of the annual fee. Issue here is I know the reserve has some form or travel insurance on the card but I don't know if it will cover say I get involved in a wreck on the way to the port or something crazy like that and can't make the cruise at the last minute?

OR

Do I let that card go and sign up for like the Discover card, it will have 5% warehouse stores this coming up quarter correct, I could buy gift cards to pay for the cruise and then Discover will match at the end of the first year. I estimate I will earn $450 doing this all be it, $225 of that will have to wait a year and then I would need to buy a standalone travel insurance plan, about $150.

OR

Sign up for the Citi Thank You Premier and book our cruise with it and earning the new reward bonus, 60,000 points.

We have never purchased travel insurance before on a cruise and DS thinks we should and I agree, maybe we should. Even after researching, I just don't know if our Sapphire Reserve is good enough to cover us in case something crazy happens or should we purchase a standalone plan and move to a different CC?

We will be driving from our house to the port about 7 hours and coming in the night before if that helps.

Hope I articulated what exactly I am asking here..lol. Thanks everyone!

Hi and Welcome....Since you’ve had the Chase Sapphire Reserve 3 years...you are eligible to receive another sign up bonus if you cancel the card you have and reapply.
The sign up bonus is 50,000 UR points after spending $4,000 the first 3 months which it sounds like you would have no problem doing since your booking the cruise.

If you list all credit cards you and your husband have opened in the last 24 months, as well as other cards you have....you will get plenty of great advice here

 

[MrPTato]

Here's a question... you used to get 2x starpoints on restaurant charges at SPG hotels too. Are restaurants still going to trigger those bonus points?

Can you charge to your room?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Ok. I just chatted with AMEX. Here is the text of the chat:

Hi David, how can I help you today?
Virtual Assistant - Aug 24, 2018 8:57 AM
Hi. I was just approved for the Premier Gold. I just want to verify the offer requirements for the card.
You - Aug 24, 2018 8:57 AM
You will be connected within 1 second.
Please add any relevant information below.
Nem has joined the conversation
Hi David.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 8:58 AM
Congratulations!
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 8:58 AM
Let me check your account. Please allow me a moment.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 8:58 AM
Thank you for waiting, David.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:00 AM
No problem
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:00 AM
I see that it's your newly opened account so the complete offer informations are not yet loaded. Please stay with me so that I can check it with my manager on his system.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:01 AM
Ok. Thanks.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:01 AM
Thank you so much.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:03 AM
Got it.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:03 AM
Through your new card : You can earn: •75,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after $1,000 or more in eligible purchases are made on the Card within the first 3 months (92 days) of Card Membership. •A $50 statement credit after the first purchase is made on the Card within the first 3 months (92 days) of Card Membership
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:03 AM
But this isn't a Hilton Honor Card. It should be 50,000 MR's with $1,000 in purchases. That is the prequalified link I clicked on.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:04 AM
You have selected PRG card right now.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
May I know the last 5 digits of your account?
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
51000
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
The above offers is for your 5100 0 card.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:05 AM
You have 75000, you want less bonus offer ?
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:06 AM
Let me check your account. Please allow me a moment.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:06 AM
No. But you said it was Hilton Honors Points. But this is not a Hilton Honors Card. It is a Premium Rewards Gold.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:06 AM
Okay.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:07 AM
I'll certainly check this for you. Please allow me a moment.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:07 AM
For your new Premier Rewards Gold card : through this offer can get 50,000 Membership Rewards points after $1,000 in eligible purchases are made on the Card within in the first 3 months (92 days) of Card Membership. To meet the purchase requirement, eligible purchases can be made by the Basic Card Member and any Additional Card Members on the account. The introductory annual fee for the Premier Rewards Gold Card will be waived for the first year of Card Membership. After the first year, the annual fee is $195 for the Basic Card and $0 for up to 5 Additional Cards. The annual fee for 6 or more Additional Cards is $35 for each Card.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:07 AM
Great. That is what I thought. I just wanted to confirm that this offer was attached to the card. I know there were a few different offers out there and wanted to make sure it was this one.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:08 AM
Sounds perfect, David. Thank you for opening a new account with us today.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:08 AM
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:08 AM
That will be it. THanks.
You - Aug 24, 2018 9:09 AM
You're most welcome.
Nem - Aug 24, 2018 9:09 AM
Customer Care Professional is typing...
Low Connection.
Code cannot be sent in this window.

to send" rows="3">


So, sounds like the offer is on my card right?

So that is a good first step - the offer did attach to your card! It doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear...with that popup my concern is that your account will get flagged for RAT review. If somebody isn't aware of what "RAT" is... read this: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-american-express-now-rewards-abuse-team-rat/

IF somehow your account was flagged for RAT to review, they could still manually deny you your signup bonus. The only way to know for sure is to spend $1,000 and see if the points post. I would try to make sure ALL your spend on that card is above board (no MS, no Gift Cards). Hopefully you get the bonus - you'd be a great DP that all the churning world is looking for!

 

[1st*toright]

If you haven't gotten a Marriott card bonus in the last 2 years, and don't plan to open up any Marriott cards within 90 days before applying for the SPG Lux, you're not disqualified for the SPG Lux under the new rules. The SPG Biz doesn't affect your ability to get the SPG Lux. The SPG Biz also doesn't affect your ability to get the SPG Personal. However, the SPG Lux and Personal are personal cards that will add to your */24 count with Chase, although Amex can take up to two months to report these new cards to the credit bureaus, so consider how this fits in with your 5/24 strategy.

Thanks, @Lain - FOMO averted, returning to regularly scheduled churning program. I'm 3/24, with one dropping off this fall, so I've got some runway with Chase.

Here's a question... you used to get 2x starpoints on restaurant charges at SPG hotels too. Are restaurants still going to trigger those bonus points?

Can you charge to your room?

Dining charges charged to your room will give you the same points as room charges (so 6x points in the new world). If you don't have a folio open with the hotel, regular restaurant charges at a hotel restaurant won't get the increased points. So, if you're going to Bluezoo at the Dolphin, be sure to stay the night so that you get the 6x points on your meal (or use your CSR if you aren't staying over).

 

[Rjw615]

Hi and Welcome....Since you’ve had the Chase Sapphire Reserve 3 years...you are eligible to receive another sign up bonus if you cancel the card you have and reapply.
The sign up bonus is 50,000 UR points after spending $4,000 the first 3 months which it sounds like you would have no problem doing since your booking the cruise.

If you list all credit cards you and your husband have opened in the last 24 months, as well as other cards you have....you will get plenty of great advice here

Thanks! I made a mistake, we have had the card two years now, if we keep the Reserve, it will be our third year. DS already had it and cancelled his after one year this past Jan so he is for sure not eligible yet.

Credit cards we currently have is the Chase IHG, Chase Unlimited and Chase Freedom.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Maybe I can get some advice from the professionals here, daughter started kindergarten so our travel is cut down pretty good for the time being. We are planning two cruises for next year. So with that said, what should we do?

We have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, its annual fee is coming up in October. This will be the third year we have had it. First cruise is 01/12/19, PIF date is 10/14/18. I could keep this card, pay the cruise with it, get my $300 travel credit. Total cost of cruise will be about $4500. Its a Disney SWDAS. So between the travel credit and the 3% back, that will cover the cost of the annual fee. Issue here is I know the reserve has some form or travel insurance on the card but I don't know if it will cover say I get involved in a wreck on the way to the port or something crazy like that and can't make the cruise at the last minute?

OR

Do I let that card go and sign up for like the Discover card, it will have 5% warehouse stores this coming up quarter correct, I could buy gift cards to pay for the cruise and then Discover will match at the end of the first year. I estimate I will earn $450 doing this all be it, $225 of that will have to wait a year and then I would need to buy a standalone travel insurance plan, about $150.

OR

Sign up for the Citi Thank You Premier and book our cruise with it and earning the new reward bonus, 60,000 points.

We have never purchased travel insurance before on a cruise and DS thinks we should and I agree, maybe we should. Even after researching, I just don't know if our Sapphire Reserve is good enough to cover us in case something crazy happens or should we purchase a standalone plan and move to a different CC?

We will be driving from our house to the port about 7 hours and coming in the night before if that helps.

Hope I articulated what exactly I am asking here..lol. Thanks everyone!

Without typing a novel...why not just earn the bonus on the Sapphire Reserve (CSR) again? You could do the following:

• Generate a referral link for the CSR @ https://www.chase.com/referafriend/catch-all
• Call and downgrade your CSR to a Chase Freedom Card (I see you have one already, but that's not big deal, you can have more than one)
• Signup for a NEW CSR card using your own referral link
• Spend $4,000 and Earn 50,000 point bonus PLUS 10,000 points for referring yourself!

Now...if you want to get crazy, you could start doing what we do here...which is signing up for MULTIPLE cards a year to earn numerous bonuses. We might advocate you and a spouse to sign up for 3-4 cards combined in the next 6 months and earn a ton of money towards future travel. If you're interested in hearing more about that...let us know and hang around here!

Regarding Travel Insurance...I have no expertise there, but if I ever go on a cruise I fully intend to purchase a policy to protect us.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks! I made a mistake, we have had the card two years now, if we keep the Reserve, it will be our third year. DS already had it and cancelled his after one year this past Jan so he is for sure not eligible yet.

Credit cards we currently have is the Chase IHG, Chase Unlimited and Chase Freedom.

You know - I should've realized that...the card came out 2 years ago this week haha. So you can't Sign up for the CSR again until it's been 24 months since you earned the bonus...which is probably December or January...

So an interesting thought here...do you have a business, or any sort of side hustle that could qualify as a business? (rental property, Sell things on Ebay, sell cookies, teach piano, consulting, etc.)... If you would be open to a business card I would recommend the Chase Ink Preferred (CIP).

 

[LynnTH]

Maybe I can get some advice from the professionals here, daughter started kindergarten so our travel is cut down pretty good for the time being. We are planning two cruises for next year. So with that said, what should we do?

We have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, its annual fee is coming up in October. This will be the third year we have had it. First cruise is 01/12/19, PIF date is 10/14/18. I could keep this card, pay the cruise with it, get my $300 travel credit. Total cost of cruise will be about $4500. Its a Disney SWDAS. So between the travel credit and the 3% back, that will cover the cost of the annual fee. Issue here is I know the reserve has some form or travel insurance on the card but I don't know if it will cover say I get involved in a wreck on the way to the port or something crazy like that and can't make the cruise at the last minute?

OR

Do I let that card go and sign up for like the Discover card, it will have 5% warehouse stores this coming up quarter correct, I could buy gift cards to pay for the cruise and then Discover will match at the end of the first year. I estimate I will earn $450 doing this all be it, $225 of that will have to wait a year and then I would need to buy a standalone travel insurance plan, about $150.

OR

Sign up for the Citi Thank You Premier and book our cruise with it and earning the new reward bonus, 60,000 points.

We have never purchased travel insurance before on a cruise and DS thinks we should and I agree, maybe we should. Even after researching, I just don't know if our Sapphire Reserve is good enough to cover us in case something crazy happens or should we purchase a standalone plan and move to a different CC?

We will be driving from our house to the port about 7 hours and coming in the night before if that helps.

Hope I articulated what exactly I am asking here..lol. Thanks everyone!

I would definitely consider Cruise Insurance. We get it every cruise. Usually costs somewhere between $100-$150 for my family of 4. Go to insuremytrip and put in your criteria and a bunch of different plans will pull up. Look for the ones with better medical/evac. I have used my travel insurance twice now.

1. DS was on the basketball court - 1st day of the cruise and screwing around and fell and broke his wrist in 2 places. Went to ships Dr. They took xrays and put a temp cast on. Next day in Cozumel they took us to a Ortho Surgeon where they did xrays again and then had to put DS under, rebreak his wrist and then set in a cast. Of course you have to pay this all before you leave. Bill was 20,000 Pesos which sounded really bad but was $2000. Once we got home I submitted all the documentation and insurance paid.

2. Last cruise - I was so sick and just wanted to sleep. Went to Ships Dr. Had a sinus infection. Gave me 3 different prescriptions. Felt better that day. Submitted those receipts and those were all paid for as well.

Cruise insurance is really for the unexpected. So glad that we had it and will always continue to get it at this point. Especially being out of the county.

 

[mom2elal]

So I've been trying to decide how to redeem my Marriott Cat 1-5 (now 1-4) N+F certificate, and i found the Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate that I think I want to use in Oct. It has good reviews, is a pretty new property, is listed as .6 miles from DL, has free breakfast, and can fit 6 in the room. Has anyone stayed here and can offer any advice if this is a good place to stay?

I went ahead and booked it today, well sort of. First I called the number listed on the Marriott website that it says to call to attach to N/F cert. Well, that number is actually SPG and although she tried, the rep wasn't able to book it, and said she'd transfer me to a Marriott rep who could. Well, she hung up on me instead. Ok, no problem, I call Marriott. 35 minutes later am talking to a rep, who is in the process of booking for me, and all of a sudden am disconnected. Ok, fine, hang up and call back. 25 minutes later talk to a different rep, who books the resort for me, bu says he can't actually attach the cert for approx. a month, but at least the hotel is reserved and won't be booked up. Great! Well, not really because I looked online tonight and he actually reserved 9/13-9/20 instead of 10/13-10/20!

Assuming I can get this straightened out tomorrow and get the right dates booked, it will be a pretty sweet last minute trip. We''ll be gone a week and kids will only miss 3 days of school (kids are kind and 2nd grade so I think it's ok), SW had flights from Wichita to SNA for approx 17k RT with convenient flight times, which meant only 34k because of my CP, and DM can use her SW points and CP (which expires end of this year) for free flights too! DH will be staying home for this one as he can't miss work, and really doesn't mind not going either. Now to research DL as I've only been there one about 8 years ago. Any tips or good research spots are appreciated!

We haven't stayed at the Springhill Suites, but we stayed at the Residence Inn next door, that I think was built around the same time (I think it's the same number of points too and I highly recommend it!), this summer and it was very nice. I didn't think it was a bad walk at all, but then we frequently stay around the corner of Harbor and Katella when we go to DL, so I'm used to it. I have seen people on the Dis say that that area is a long walk.

As far as tips, after our first trip with Max Pass this summer, I would say definitely get it! Paying an extra $10 per person per day makes me so bitter as someone who grew up going to DL, but I have to admit that it worked out really well and makes it so easy to get those big rides in.

 

[jhoannam]

SPG Lux upgrade offers are out. Anywhere from 0-100k (!) and people are all across that range on DoC right now.

(This is a good deal for anyone who doesn’t want to take another slot with Amex up but wants the bonus and/or card.)

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/american-express-spg-luxury-100000-point-upgrade-offer/

Mine doesn't have an upgrade offer. It just says Apply for the new card - I didn't really want to spend $450 on Fees.

 

[LynnTH]

So that is a good first step - the offer did attach to your card! It doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear...with that popup my concern is that your account will get flagged for RAT review. If somebody isn't aware of what "RAT" is... read this: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-american-express-now-rewards-abuse-team-rat/

IF somehow your account was flagged for RAT to review, they could still manually deny you your signup bonus. The only way to know for sure is to spend $1,000 and see if the points post. I would try to make sure ALL your spend on that card is above board (no MS, no Gift Cards). Hopefully you get the bonus - you'd be a great DP that all the churning world is looking for!

All my spend will be organic spend. I have not gotten into MS Spend or gift cards. Not sure I like being a DP though.... Hope it's a good DP!!

Still not sure why it was flagged. Not too many accounts with AMEX at this point.

SPG - 3/2016 Closed
SPG Business - 7/2017
AmEx Green Business - 8/2018
And now the Gold Premier

Hope it all works out or I just wasted a spot...

 

[Angrose]

So I've been trying to decide how to redeem my Marriott Cat 1-5 (now 1-4) N+F certificate, and i found the Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate that I think I want to use in Oct. It has good reviews, is a pretty new property, is listed as .6 miles from DL, has free breakfast, and can fit 6 in the room. Has anyone stayed here and can offer any advice if this is a good place to stay?

I went ahead and booked it today, well sort of. First I called the number listed on the Marriott website that it says to call to attach to N/F cert. Well, that number is actually SPG and although she tried, the rep wasn't able to book it, and said she'd transfer me to a Marriott rep who could. Well, she hung up on me instead. Ok, no problem, I call Marriott. 35 minutes later am talking to a rep, who is in the process of booking for me, and all of a sudden am disconnected. Ok, fine, hang up and call back. 25 minutes later talk to a different rep, who books the resort for me, bu says he can't actually attach the cert for approx. a month, but at least the hotel is reserved and won't be booked up. Great! Well, not really because I looked online tonight and he actually reserved 9/13-9/20 instead of 10/13-10/20!

Assuming I can get this straightened out tomorrow and get the right dates booked, it will be a pretty sweet last minute trip. We''ll be gone a week and kids will only miss 3 days of school (kids are kind and 2nd grade so I think it's ok), SW had flights from Wichita to SNA for approx 17k RT with convenient flight times, which meant only 34k because of my CP, and DM can use her SW points and CP (which expires end of this year) for free flights too! DH will be staying home for this one as he can't miss work, and really doesn't mind not going either. Now to research DL as I've only been there one about 8 years ago. Any tips or good research spots are appreciated!

Glad you could make a booking, but bummer about the wrong dates. Good thing you caught that! If you can switch, I recommend the Springhill Suites Anaheim Resort/Convention Center on Harbor Blvd. It’s closer, newer, walkable to the parks, and located above a CVS which is super convenient. The other one, Maingate, is on Ball Rd and does not have easy access to the parks. You would need to take the ART shuttle or drive. Hope they can switch that for you.

 

[AmyAnne]

Thanks, @Lain - FOMO averted, returning to regularly scheduled churning program.

Ha -- this articulates perfectly how I feel on this thread a lot!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thanks! I made a mistake, we have had the card two years now, if we keep the Reserve, it will be our third year. DS already had it and cancelled his after one year this past Jan so he is for sure not eligible yet.

Credit cards we currently have is the Chase IHG, Chase Unlimited and Chase Freedom.

I second the recommendation to open the Chase Ink Preferred...80,000 UR points after spending $5,000 the first 3 months