I love credit cards so much!

[gottalovepluto]

If you didn't injure yourself and you are not on fire...go in! Don't miss out on the deals!

“OUR DEALS ARE SO HOT!!!...” terribly inappropriate but I can’t be the only one picturing a bad local ad here...

 

[mmmears]

1. If the AU is for a card opened in the past 24 months, it’ll likely count against you. The best way to check is probably pull a copy of your credit report, or check your credit reports on Credit Karma (which pulls the data from Equifax and TransUnion), look at your card accounts and count the ones opened in the last 2 years.

Although you mentioned that two are store cards, they may or may not be reported, and will likely count if issued by a bank. If a store card puts you at or over 5/24, you could recon Chase and ask they disregard the cards as store cards only. But DPs are mixed whether the Chase rep will not count them.

2. Chase has 3 Ink business cards, the Preferred (CIP), Cash (CIC), and Unlimited (CIU). @calypso726 @SouthFayetteFan and others had a very detailed discussion weighing the benefits of each card last week. Just do a search.

One basic way to look at which card to get (first — because if you plan it right, you can eventually get them all), is do you value the initial signup bonus or the ongoing earning ability of the card?

The CIP has the biggest signup bonus with 80k UR and the ability to refer at 20k per approved signup, but it has a $95 AF and a severely nerfed 3x UR bonus category now that Chase killed Plastiq earning 3x UR on the CIP. Remember, @Haley R and her husband signed up for just 1 CSR and 2 CIPs, with her DH signing up first then referring her for a CIP, and had enough points for 2 business class RT tickets to Japan, a hotel, and points left over.

The CIC and CIU don’t have AFs, but each card currently offer a 50k UR signup bonus (with no ability to refer), so an awesome deal on no fee cards. The CIC is a potential UR-earning machine, because it earns 5x UR on up to $25k/year in spend on, particularly, office supply stores. Office supply stores like Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples sells prepaid VGCs, MCGCs, and third-party gift cards like Disney, Amazon, gas, restaurants, retailers, etc. You’ve been doing RMN — all those gift cards you see at Staples? You could be earning 5x UR on them and passing on that category bonus to whatever merchant you buy a gift card to. The CIC also earns 5x on a gift card app called Gyft when using it through PayPal checkout, which can save you a trip to the office supply store.

Totally understand your DH wanting to space out his next app after a Sapphire double dip and waiting for those points to post first.

Thanks. I'm copying this all down so we can figure out where to go from here. My MSR on the AMEX Plat is almost done. Unfortunately both store CCards showed up on his credit report when he checked. And I think at least one is a Visa. We had older versions and they weren't working when we were shopping, and they said they would fix it and this is the result (we didn't realize that they had switched to bank cards). Now I know to say no.

The SPG points no longer exist. Only Marriott points now. Even SPG earns Marriott points.
There are no dumb questions. If it has anything to do with airlines, I would have to ask the most basic of questions.

I wish Marriott would give the points and the rewards program a new name.

Isn't the SPG Lux card new? You'd think they wouldn't have chosen to go with that name if there are no SPG points. Silly!

It made more sense for us to do Hilton cards for our Hilton Tokyo bay stay. The rooms there on the UR portal are non refundable which is a big no no for me. I also figured why not get Hilton points and use the URs for the other parts of our trip.

I totally get that. I want all my hotel stays to be cancel-able/refundable.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I'm going to jump in with the Chase bank bonus. I've read a bit about it and believe it's a soft pull. If my DW and I both open accounts, will that affect/delay us in our quest for one of the Sapphire cards at least 60 days from the last time we opened another Chase CC(30 days left of that 60)?

No links between Chase Banking and Chase Credit Cards at all. Church and State. No hard pull for the Chase Bank accounts either. You're good to go!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Anyone want to place bets on how long til RMN cash back is dead? I just saw it on FB too. It is spreading like a weed.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Ack, just when you'd made up your mind. Ugh, I hate it because once I've made up my mind I'm like all in and something like that just screws with me so much as well!

TBH I'm happy for the info you got on refunds on Disney Redemption Cards. I'd like to change my BC res for this fall if something opens up at YC or maybe even CL at any epcot resort but that part of my trip was also paid for with my Disney Redemption Card and I was wondering how refunds were processed on that. Although in my case I was hoping they could refund it in a Disney gift card because I'm scared Chase will like "woah! how much money is on this Disney Rewards Redemption card? That looks weird, freeze it!" and that would be disastrous. Good luck!

I will keep you guys posted. Everything is booked now so that’s good. We just need to work out the refund on the initial deposits...then refund my Disney CC and out the new deposits back on my Rewards cards. SO much effort...but worth it

 

[gottalovepluto]

I'm due for another card and would like some input, if anyone can offer advice.

Me:
Target (don't judge) 1/24
Amex Blue Cash 2/24
CIP July 20, 2018

DH:
Amex 1/24
CSR/CSP 3/24 - meeting MSR for CSR this week, CSP got closed on us. Applied September 2, 2018

I would like one of us to go for the SW CP for 2019/2020 and am not sure how to best position us to do that. We have a SW flight in the beginning of December so I intend someone to apply for the 50k offer on the flight if it's still available. I've read the r/churning thread on the Companion and am aware how/when NOT to meet the spending. Just not sure about the applications. I don't need the pass for early 2019, so don't feel the need to squeeze the points in on January 3rd or anything. Should I hold off and do the CP myself because DH is too close to his traumatic double dip and might be under greater scrutiny? Can I do a business and have DH do the applications in Dec/Jan? Any suggestions? Thanks much everyone.

Just chiming in to say we don't judge here It's specifically what makes this such a great group!

 

[Psychodisney]

I had a pending transaction for over a week, but when the transaction finally posted, I could see the points that day on the Amex site and I think next morning on my Marriott account. Have you spent the full MSR plus the $450 fee?

I've spent the full MSR without the $450 fee. My AF hasn't been charged yet. It should be a prorated fee I think but hasn't been charged yet. I have used the $300 credit. I have one pending transaction but I think that puts me well over.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I received an offer from Delta for the Gold card with 60000 bonus miles if I spend 1k in the first 3 months. I am almost ready to apply for another card. We are planning on flying out of DTW next spring (we live in a delta hub) to Orlando. I was wondering in that offer is a good deal?

A couple things to consider...

-Have you had this card before? If you have and this is a no "lifetime" language mailer jump on it.
-If you haven't had the card and you don't need the miles now pass, we've seen offers including $50 statement credit or 70k miles
-If you could use the miles for that spring trip do it. 60k is still a good offer and $1k makes it a great offer. 70k and statement credits often come with a $3k spend.
-If your SO has the card they can refer you to the 60k offer but it will be a $3k spend. The upside is they would get 10k miles for the referral.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Interesting. I thought NOLA would be a huge hit just because of how cool a city it is and people can can hit the highlights in just a couple days... but it's definitely not for everyone and can be expensive to fly into (at least the cash prices were expensive from CA when I was looking for my trip I did in June).

OMG the complaints and negativity about NOLA on the cruise forum
Some downright nasty. I mean say it’s not for you but no need to say it’s disgusting, vile and has terrible food, etc. I loved NOLA, and while I’ve never been to NYC I know quite a few people tell me how dirty it is. I think every city has its pluses and minuses

 

[gottalovepluto]

Did we call DH Lounge Lord on here? He went to Reno yesterday morning for work and comes back tonight. I just got a text asking if there's a lounge there

I would SO love a Reno lounge. I fly out of there half the time having family in the area. Every time I see their new Escape lounge I question my judgement in not getting an Plat Amex card

 

[gottalovepluto]

I took the afternoon off. I'm so burned out on work. Plus I keep getting a warning from HR EVERY WEEK that I need to take time.

I want to go do my third round of RMN but I might just take a walk and nap instead and do the gift cards tomorrow with DH.

I have about $700 left to pay on my Disney cruise. It has to be paid off November 1. I go to Food and Wine in 2 weeks so I've held some gift cards back for that... trying to determine if I should just put them all on the cruise or use at the parks. Six of one, half a dozen of the other I suppose. First world problems for sure.

Personally I use cards on the first expenses due every time. Who knows what other deals you might stumble your way into between F&W and Nov 1?

 

[gottalovepluto]

OMG the complaints and negativity about NOLA on the cruise forum
Some downright nasty. I mean say it’s not for you but no need to say it’s disgusting, vile and has terrible food, etc. I loved NOLA, and while I’ve never been to NYC I know quite a few people tell me how dirty it is. I think every city has its pluses and minuses

Wow. Just... wow! I'm a bit different than some others, I grew up visiting Vegas as a kid because a parent saw a specialist doctor there and I traveled internationally as a child as well so really no city in the world can shock me I guess. If only this negativity would translate into extra good deals on DCL! I can't think of a better dream trip for my dad (whose always wanted to DCL and LOVES NOLA). (And bashing NOLA FOOD? I try not to judge but I am judging that. Every city in the world has amazing food- it's the responsibility of the tourist to find it!)

 

[Haley R]

Interesting. I thought NOLA would be a huge hit just because of how cool a city it is and people can can hit the highlights in just a couple days... but it's definitely not for everyone and can be expensive to fly into (at least the cash prices were expensive from CA when I was looking for my trip I did in June).

I personally think the Hawaiian itinerary looks very boring. 5 days at sea? I’d rather fly to Hawaii and spend those 5 days on the island. I’ve never been to New Orleans but it seems like a cool place to visit before a cruise. Pofq is our favorite Disney resort.

 

[kmc8826]

Dh just got approved for the Arrival+!

Gotta work on getting those cash back bonuses in case Chase doesn't see the error of their ways!

Also @schmass and anyone else who just got the Arrival Plus:
https://milestomemories.boardingarea.com/barclaycard-arrival-plus-plastiq-offer/

I am so bummed! Pretty much other than a gift card to Costco plastiq is all I have used my new Arrival for! So I won't be getting the 4% but that is a good deal. If you have a mortgage it is nice that it is a Mastercard so you don't have to try to trick the system or anything...just code it as a mortgage and you are good to go.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Wow. Just... wow! I'm a bit different than some others, I grew up visiting Vegas as a kid because a parent saw a specialist doctor there and I traveled internationally as a child as well so really no city in the world can shock me I guess. If only this negativity would translate into extra good deals on DCL! I can't think of a better dream trip for my dad (whose always wanted to DCL and LOVES NOLA). (And bashing NOLA FOOD? I try not to judge but I am judging that. Every city in the world has amazing food- it's the responsibility of the tourist to find it!)

I am a foodie and some of the best food I’ve ever had was in NOLA and SF. Of course, Chicago is no slouch so my standards are pretty high.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I personally think the Hawaiian itinerary looks very boring. 5 days at sea? I’d rather fly to Hawaii and spend those 5 days on the island. I’ve never been to New Orleans but it seems like a cool place to visit before a cruise. Pofq is our favorite Disney resort.

Yeah, have to admit HI doesn't appeal to me. Give me more island time any time!

 

[Limes96]

I was approved for the CIP on 7/4. I was going to wait until end of October to DD the Sapphires, but since that’s out the window, I’m thinking I could probably go ahead and apply for the CSR next weekend. We’re finishing minimum spend on the IHG Premier (DH’s) tomorrow. 3 months in between and I’m good to go, right? Also needing advice on when to set DH up with a new (MR earning?) card. He got the CIP end of July and the IHG Premier 3 weeks later. Thinking January for him?

 

[gottalovepluto]

I've been itching to get a new credit card, after being denied by BoA today I was approved by Citi for another AA card! Time for more AA miles!

Also time to remind everyone to drop your Citi limits to $2k before closing the cards. My first card was closed with $11k limit as I didn't know better and Citi has approved me for smaller limits each time despite my closing cards and dropping limits. Last card was around $6k, this card was around $4k... I'm worried my days of auto-approval for easy AA miles may be coming to an end

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I was approved for the CIP on 7/4. I was going to wait until end of October to DD the Sapphires, but since that’s out the window, I’m thinking I could probably go ahead and apply for the CSR next weekend. We’re finishing minimum spend on the IHG Premier (DH’s) tomorrow. 3 months in between and I’m good to go, right? Also needing advice on when to set DH up with a new (MR earning?) card. He got the CIP end of July and the IHG Premier 3 weeks later. Thinking January for him?

I think your fine with 3 months between applications

 

[amalone1013]

Anyone want to place bets on how long til RMN cash back is dead? I just saw it on FB too. It is spreading like a weed.

Me too. Re activated Walgreens and stopped by for one more. If DHs follows my timeline it should credit tomorrow and I'll drag him over for one more