I love credit cards so much!

[trstno1]

AMEX SUPPORT LINK "GO BANANAS" UPDATE...
*I like @striker1064's comment of this being "bananas" so I'm going with it

I don't have conclusive evidence for what I'm about to say yet...but I'm going to post the warning anyways because it could end up being VERY frustrating for people if true...

It was reported by a reddit user that the links for "other cards" that you don't actually have may be temporary and could expire after a few days or a week. That might explain why people's Hilton links for other cards keep dying. This could happen to all of these "other links". So if you were going to go out and create 29 links for every AMEX card that exists...you may have to Re-Generate those links every few days or once a week or something like that (I don't know the exact time frame yet).

When it dies it will probably show this message:

SORRY, it looks like something went wrong.
This could be:
A missing character
Incorrect character case
To correct please check the American Express Referral Link before trying again.​

We're not going to prevent you from posting all of these links on DISchurners...but if this turns out to be true, you will have to maintain them, regularly...potentially weekly or even more often. Keep in mind, that people here (especially newbies) are going out of their way to support another DISer. We don't want to torture them trying to find a link...clicking and clicking only to error out. Eventually they will give up and just use the public link and nobody will get that "support". With that in mind, if somebody consistently has numerous AMEX links dead that are in this format the moderators may have to take action which could include (a) removing that user's comment and asking them to re-post OR (b) if a repeated offender - preventing that user from posting future support links (I know this sounds harsh and I hope we don't have to take this action). If you aren't willing to monitor and Re-Generate those links if necessary...don't post them please.

Side note: This doesn't affect the "self refer" strategy as you can personally generate that link at any time for yourself.

Thanks all for making this a great community to Earn, Churn & Burn!! As I learn more about this, I will share it.

Do you think there is any reason not to share the single link with referrals to all 29 cards? I changed my DISchurner post to include only the single link, but now I am wondering if that is the best strategy.

 

[amalone1013]

Those jerseys usually aren't my style, but I've liked them ever since I saw them when we went to WDW last August. I figure since I've still liked them a year later, I'll probably go ahead and order one online for whatever sale the Disney store has for Black Friday.

I liked them, but didn't look too closely since I don't usually like that style of shirt. Then at MNSSHP last month, I was wearing my Castaway Cay shirt, and I happened to look down and saw this:



So then I thought maybe I would like one



ETA: here's the shirt, it's short sleeved so I didn't realize it was the same style essentially.

 

[GlamMistress]

I had that this morning with my husband's account. While he had a paypal account set up before this, I'm not sure it was ever used to send/receive money. I went to his e-mail that had and e-mail from service @ paypal that said I needed to accept the payment. I followed the link in that e-mail and once I "claimed" the money using the link in that e-mail it showed up in his Paypal account and I was able to immediately transfer to our bank.

Yep, just did that. Worked like a charm. Thanks.

 

[havaneselover]

I liked them, but didn't look too closely since I don't usually like that style of shirt. Then at MNSSHP last month, I was wearing my Castaway Cay shirt, and I happened to look down and saw this:

View attachment 355958

So then I thought maybe I would like one



ETA: here's the shirt, it's short sleeved so I didn't realize it was the same style essentially.

I stole my DD's DCL spirit jersey. I wear it around with joggers, but I prefer softer material and more fitted clothes. I did get one on DCL specific to Alaska in August that is soft and less boxy. When I'm wearing it with my Calia joggers it feels like I'm in jammies (probably looks like it too!).

 

[Judique]

If Disney makes a hotel with views of dolphins then I’m all in lol. We sat on our balcony a couple of times but we personally like resorts with the motel style. We love walking outside at night around the resort and the two port Orleans are perfect for that. We aren’t huge fans of the hotels with all inside corridors.

I've seen dolphins from my room at Disney's Hilton Head Resort. Once I was on the back steps to Live Oak Lodge and talking to some visitors to the resort that were thinking of buying. My back was to the water and I was telling the couple that sometimes the dolphins come in right behind us, and just at that moment a dolphin swam in and was swimming around the inlet. They often follow the kayakers in there.

I personally would hesitate to recommend that. I'd give up the discounts with Disney before I'd give up the 1.50x UR option.

• If this trip cost roughly $2,200 it would cost less than 150k URs via your CSR at 1.50x
• The $2,200 is roughly comprised of $700 Hotel/$1,500 Tickets.
• Even if Disney came out with a 30% discount on All Stars (which is unlikey) that would save $210 - the tickets won't be discounted
• So in that scenario they'd have a $2,000 trip which in cash would cost 200k URs (a much larger cost).
• Additionally they have avoided this whole Ticket issue with date based tickets (who knows what that could cost)

@MrsAlexis - Given these facts...I'd probably pay all but $200 in URs right now if I could and maybe leave that to be paid via a gift card. IF they can't change the reservation to the discount due to these factors...that would stink but you're still WAY better off having used URs at 1.50x.

As always, you are spot on with your calculations! I hadn't actually thought about the package and the fact that tickets cost might definitely outweigh the hotel cost. Great analysis!

When is the trip?
The points will all go back to where they were before. If you have banked 2018 into 2019, then they will go back into 2019.

I agree. Plus, once banked they are already committed to the year they are banked into, and that's the final home of those particular points.

 

[Ava]

Idk how my name got in there but I definitely didn't say that, looks like @alryan did https://www.disboards.com/threads/i-love-credit-cards-so-much.3528202/page-2716#post-59817889

Oops! I think I was originally quoting you and @alryan and somehow I deleted what I was quoting from you. This will teach me not to try to DIS from my phone late at night.

 

[GZanta77]

Okay--two questions for seasoned Amex users. I'm new to membership rewards and trying to figure everything out:

1) I have no plans to fly anywhere until next summer (probably JetBlue to MCO). It seems like I should designate an airline like SW where I can get a $100 gift card in this calendar year. Does that make sense? Better than wasting the credit, right?

2) I'm debating whether I still need my BCP since PRG is 4x at grocery stores. Anyone given this any thought? I know it's complicated and I'm honestly not sure whether PRG will be a keeper whereas I've had BCP for six years. I also am spending less at grocery stores these days mainly because I'm finding gift card deals elsewhere. I think my AF on BCP will post in December.

1) Yes - use this years credit on a gift card
2) I posted yesterday on this and basically decided that my BCP will be canceled, BUT that is on the basis that I think the Amex Gold(PRG) is a keeper. If you are not sure you will keep the Gold, then maybe downgrade your BCP to the free card for this year, and then you always have the option to upgrade it back to BCP if you decide to ditch the gold in the future.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Oops! I think I was originally quoting you and @alryan and somehow I deleted what I was quoting from you. This will teach me not to try to DIS from my phone late at night.

I sympathize! It’s generally thinking I can totally DIS before the coffee kicks in that gets me

 

[Lain]

Okay--two questions for seasoned Amex users. I'm new to membership rewards and trying to figure everything out:

1) I have no plans to fly anywhere until next summer (probably JetBlue to MCO). It seems like I should designate an airline like SW where I can get a $100 gift card in this calendar year. Does that make sense? Better than wasting the credit, right?

2) I'm debating whether I still need my BCP since PRG is 4x at grocery stores. Anyone given this any thought? I know it's complicated and I'm honestly not sure whether PRG will be a keeper whereas I've had BCP for six years. I also am spending less at grocery stores these days mainly because I'm finding gift card deals elsewhere. I think my AF on BCP will post in December.

I was thinking that @GZanta77 had the same debate at #2 and @platamama chimed in too: https://www.disboards.com/threads/i-love-credit-cards-so-much.3528202/page-2710#post-59816069

As for #1, if Southwest GCs work for you, do that this year. You can select/switch your airline for next year's fee credit on 1/1/19.

For SW, you can do the full $100 on one e-gift card transaction here: https://www.southwest.com/gift-card/create-card.html (Use the desktop site.) You should see the airline fee reimbursement on your statement 2-3 days later. (On the Amex Platinums and Hilton Aspire, if you ever get them, you can buy up to the full $200 and $250, respectively, in one transaction.) For latest DPs: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ame...ursement-reports-wn-fl-southwest-only-86.html

For Delta, buy $50 denominations in separate transactions. For AA, buy $100 denominations in separate transactions. Again, always check FlyerTalk for the latest DPs.

Out of caution, it's usually advised to wait 24-48 hours after selecting your airline before making a purchase to trigger the credit, but there are DPs of the credit working much sooner. Also, always use the airline's desktop (not mobile) sites.

Note that JetBlue gift cards do not trigger the airline fee credit. (Only AA, Delta, and SW work, but those could change at any time.) If you select JetBlue next year, you'll be able to use the $100 credit towards incidental fees like bags, seat upgrades, in-flight food and amenities, etc.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

I die a little every time I am in the grocery store and someone spends $200 in groceries and pays with a ...gulp... debit card. I was taking my Gold card for a spin on the 4x grocery MRs. It just hurts seeing that.

This was me until a couple of months ago! I just never thought about not using my debit card since I had the cash. Discovering this board has me thinking differently. Thanks!

That was me until July

I saw a couple in the grocery store write a check the other day and I couldn't believe it! I think I gasped out loud! They were probably in their 40's, not their 70's like my parents who are still writing checks.

I had to teach my 23yo dd how to write a check yesterday for something to do with a new apartment

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So what am I to do with all these points that I have from CSP and CSR now that you can't make reservations for Disney anymore? We were planning on going to WDW in March. Bummer.

First off...I definitely understand the frustration. This is a bummer...it sucks...but try to keep your head up, it's not all bad.

I'd first evaluate your normal travel and see if you have another good use for these:

• Transfer to partners: Southwest, United, Hyatt (just to name a few...there are a lot of others!)
• Redeem at 1.50x through the portal towards rental cars, hotels, flights, Universal Studios/Sea World tickets

If you don't see either of those making sense...then Cash is still a great option. While if you have 200,000 points...you're disappointed you can't get $3,000 towards Disney, you can still get $2,000 in cash (and that isn't bad ) Hopefully you find an option that is GREAT for you!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Do you think there is any reason not to share the single link with referrals to all 29 cards? I changed my DISchurner post to include only the single link, but now I am wondering if that is the best strategy.

It's not a bad idea...I would probably still have links to your specific cards there too though (the ones you hold).

Reason: When I go on to DISchurners looking for a link, I search the card name. For Example: I'll pull up the AMEX thread and search "SPG" and then look at who all has links for the card I'm applying for. Then I select somebody who has been helpful to me in the past. If you have an SPG link, but don't list it - I may never consider you. Just a thought!

Thanks for the idea too!

 

[danjoealexis3006]

First off...I definitely understand the frustration. This is a bummer...it sucks...but try to keep your head up, it's not all bad.

I'd first evaluate your normal travel and see if you have another good use for these:

• Transfer to partners: Southwest, United, Hyatt (just to name a few...there are a lot of others!)
• Redeem at 1.50x through the portal towards rental cars, hotels, flights, Universal Studios/Sea World tickets

If you don't see either of those making sense...then Cash is still a great option. While if you have 200,000 points...you're disappointed you can't get $3,000 towards Disney, you can still get $2,000 in cash (and that isn't bad ) Hopefully you find an option that is GREAT for you!

Thanks! I know we will figure something out but it's such a bummer.

 

[platamama]

I'm debating whether I still need my BCP since PRG is 4x at grocery stores. Anyone given this any thought? I know it's complicated and I'm honestly not sure whether PRG will be a keeper whereas I've had BCP for six years. I also am spending less at grocery stores these days mainly because I'm finding gift card deals elsewhere. I think my AF on BCP will post in December.

I posted yesterday on this and basically decided that my BCP will be canceled, BUT that is on the basis that I think the Amex Gold(PRG) is a keeper. If you are not sure you will keep the Gold, then maybe downgrade your BCP to the free card for this year, and then you always have the option to upgrade it back to BCP if you decide to ditch the gold in the future.

I'm planning on going with @GZanta77 's approach with our BCP. But first, I'll make sure I've maxed my $6000 on it (vgc probably), let the rewards post (this seems to take a couple statements so I need to hurry up with meeting that spend) and then PC to the no fee card. Remember with the BCP that the "calendar year" actually starts with your December statement. Meaning that if your statement closes on the 15th (or whatever date), then all purchases after the 15th get applied to the next calendar year. I guess this is only important if you're concerned about maxing out the 6% category this year.

Plus, there's always the chance of upgrade offers for the BCP card in the future if you have the BCE.

 

[3 DD love princesses]

Ok so finally caught up on the 700+ messages this week. Driving down to disney!

Does anyone have a screen shot they can share that shows the 5x with chase pay with best buy on 9/30. I didnt screen shot it and points arent showing up. Also if you have the 1500 for this week. I cant pull it back up. Thanks

 

[havaneselover]

I'm planning on going with @GZanta77 's approach with our BCP. But first, I'll make sure I've maxed my $6000 on it (vgc probably), let the rewards post (this seems to take a couple statements so I need to hurry up with meeting that spend) and then PC to the no fee card. Remember with the BCP that the "calendar year" actually starts with your December statement. Meaning that if your statement closes on the 15th (or whatever date), then all purchases after the 15th get applied to the next calendar year. I guess this is only important if you're concerned about maxing out the 6% category this year.

Plus, there's always the chance of upgrade offers for the BCP card in the future if you have the BCE.

Yikes. I’ve still got $1100 to go on BCP and my annual fee hits January 11th. Do I need to get all my spending in before my 11/11 statement hits given the lag?

 

[amalone1013]

Ok so finally caught up on the 700+ messages this week. Driving down to disney!

Does anyone have a screen shot they can share that shows the 5x with chase pay with best buy on 9/30. I didnt screen shot it and points arent showing up. Also if you have the 1500 for this week. I cant pull it back up. Thanks

I have the Best Buy one that ended 9/30

 

[amalone1013]

A room opened back up at the hotel I wanted in Nashville... so now I have an airport Marriott for Friday night if we get in at 11:30pm, and one downtown in case we take the earlier flight and get in at 6:30pm.

 

[jhoannam]

So what am I to do with all these points that I have from CSP and CSR now that you can't make reservations for Disney anymore? We were planning on going to WDW in March. Bummer.

I'm going to cash them out. Our stay would have cost us 165K UR's (with CSP), now it's going to cost us 200K. But in the end, using UR's is the only reason we are going back so soon, so I'm cashing it out. It's not the best redemption but it's what works for our family.

 

[Tikitoi]

As long as your current balance shows $0 you don't need to make a payment. You can double check through the payment screen, if it's showing current at 0 then there's nothing to pay and you're good.

Yes, requoting this again..lol. But I did check and the current balance, statement balance and minimum payment due are all zero. So I assume no payment needed...?

But another question for anyone. When I looked at my credit score info it says 3 accounts opened in past 2 years. This was on the Chase page. So does this make me 3/24 instead of the 4/24 i thought I was?