I love credit cards so much!

[miztressuz]

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?

Regarding point 1, yep, no payment needed. (I like seeing all zeros in payment columns )

Regarding point 2, don't believe Chase's credit monitoring. I think they don't count closed accounts in that number but also will count accounts like loans in that number which doesn't affect 5/24 (5/24 is only looking for credit cards). I think last time I logged in it has me at 5/24 but I only opened 4 personal cards in the last 2 years, the 5th account has to be my HE installment loan (not a HELOC) from earlier this year. I opened every account they had listed and checked the dates and confirmed I only had 4 personal cards showing there so it had to be the new loan. So if you had card that you opened within the last two years but have since closed it, it's probably not showing up in that number but will count towards the 5/24 rule.

 

[mmmears]

Congratulations!



But that doesn’t sound right. From Apple itself: “On Apple Watch Series 3 and later, and iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and later, you can add up to 12 cards on a device. On earlier models, you can add up to eight cards on a device.” Sounds like your husband may be making excuses not to get another card. (Oh, unfortunately, Chase Ink business cards aren’t supported on Apple Pay anyway. )

Oh that's funny. He wouldn't use it as an excuse though, since he knows I'll stop whenever he wants me to. The issue is that he is the one who deals with all the bills, so if it gets overwhelming at some point I'd have to take over (and really don't want to go there since he knows much more about internet security than I do). I texted him the info. He's usually up to date on this stuff, too. (The Apple stuff, not the CC points stuff). I did offer to use a label maker to mark all of his cards though.

 

[striker1064]

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!

Let's be honest, Amex is going to change everything again in a couple months anyway.

 

[Lain]

Oh that's funny. He wouldn't use it as an excuse though, since he knows I'll stop whenever he wants me to. The issue is that he is the one who deals with all the bills, so if it gets overwhelming at some point I'd have to take over (and really don't want to go there since he knows much more about internet security than I do). I texted him the info. He's usually up to date on this stuff, too. (The Apple stuff, not the CC points stuff). I did offer to use a label maker to mark all of his cards though.

I hope you know I was only joking about that.

 

[DLgal]

This answer is probably here somewhere but I need a quick answer.

Now that Amex Gold changed their rewards program, we are not going to upgrade to Platinum after all. Our bulk spending every month is groceries and dining out and this will be a way better option for us.

That said, can I buy gift cards at a supermarket to somewhere like Target and get the 4% earnings? Or does Amex somehow know I am buying gift cards?

Also, does anyone know how Amex categorizes Wal Mart? Is it grocery? Visa categorizes it as grocery...

Thanks in advance!

 

[platamama]

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?

That is a great question, and made me go check into something I've been putting off for months. You're actually in a better position than I am. My AF will post 11/3. I just finished a chat with AX, and was assured that if I hold the BCP when the actual grocery spend occurs I will earn 6% on it (I have a screenshot). So I technically want to reach the rest of my 6% grocery cap before 12/3 (since AX gives you up to 30 days after the AF posts to get a refund) but I don't plan on cutting it that close. I'll aim to get it done before 11/3 just to keep things clean (will have to MS part of it) and downgrade by 12/3.

For you, that means that you could have the period between 12/11 - 2/10 to earn at 6% cash back on groceries (for 2019 calendar year) and still get your annual fee back so that's pretty neat.

 

[platamama]

This answer is probably here somewhere but I need a quick answer.

Now that Amex Gold changed their rewards program, we are not going to upgrade to Platinum after all. Our bulk spending every month is groceries and dining out and this will be a way better option for us.

That said, can I buy gift cards at a supermarket to somewhere like Target and get the 4% earnings? Or does Amex somehow know I am buying gift cards?

Also, does anyone know how Amex categorizes Wal Mart? Is it grocery? Visa categorizes it as grocery...

Thanks in advance!

So far, gift cards bought at grocery stores (Kroger and the like) are coding like a grocery store. But Target and Walmart and warehouse stores do not.

OMAAT wrote about it today. https://onemileatatime.com/amex-gold-card-bonus-categories/

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Some random Chase Strategy Musings...
As you guys know, I'm all about strategy in the game. Having a plan or guidemap to follow (obviously willing to call an audible though). Here are some scattered thoughts of changes that are occuring: (also I'll try to spell out acronyms where I can for newer folks reading this)

• One Sapphire Rule and no Double Dip: Previously we would shy away from applying for a Chase Freedom (CF) or Chase Freedom Unlimited (CFU) card because you could pickup both a CSP & CSR...and downgrade one of them to a CF or CFU later. CF and CFU signups aren't the most lucrative. Now though...you can only get either a CSP OR a CSR...that changes things a little. If you want to have a CF and/or CFU in your pocket...you may need to consider using a 5/24 slot on one. Of course, that's not a bad idea either since you can't use 2 slots on CSP & CSR anymore.
• Should I get a CF or CFU: In 1 player mode, get whichever one you want. In 2 player mode, I think that regardless of which card you actually want, CFU is the right answer for now. The Referral program for CF has ended for now. You can't generate new links, old links have expired. If Player 1 gets a CFU, they can then refer Player 2 to a CFU. Since there is no annual fee (AF) on these cards you can product change (PC) from CFU to CF whenever you want.
• Is the CFU signup bonus really worth it?: Hmmmm, let's see...
  • Well in 2 player mode, you can get 15,000 Ultimate Rewards points (URs) for a signup bonus for just spending $500. It says $150 cash back but they really are URs (which can then be transferred to your CSP or CSR and redeemed for more value). You can still add an Authorized User (AU) to get an additional 2,500 URs - just don't add your spouse and burn one of their 5/24 slots. Add yourself as a middle name or nickname, add your dog, add your kid. Add the base points from the $500 MSR and you earn 18,250 URs for $500. This could be worth almost $275!
  • THEN you refer player 2...you get everything I listed above PLUS 10,000 from the referral. You can basically earn ~$700 for spending $1,000. AND now you have 2 CFU cards in your pocket. You could PC one to a CF so you'd have one of each. You could PC both to a CF and have 2 Freedoms!
• OK, so back to your initial comment...Which Sapphire is best?: False...black bear. (sorry stupid office reference)...at any rate - we had this discussion before. It could make sense to get a CSR first IF you have an immediate need for the 1.50x redemption, TSA Precheck, Priority Pass, etc. IF not then maybe CSP makes more sense for you. There are a lot of factors that go into this decision. One thing worth considering is that CSP offers referrals (ummm hello player 2) and CSR currently does not allow you to generate new referral links. I wouldn't base my decision solely on that factor though as it's only 10,000 URs and if you ended up foregoing the 1.50x for just 1.25x you may spend a lot more than 10k URs. (example: if you redeemed URs for a $750 travel item, with CSR it will cost 50k URs; with CSP it will cost 60k URs. There's your 10k difference right there...any expense higher than that and you'll wish you had the CSR instead of those 10k referral points).

Hopefully this helps some people here! I know that I'm planning to do the CFU idea myself now. It seems worth a 5/24 slot to me

If you have any questions or thoughts, I'm happy to discuss

 

[kmc8826]

I caught up now after not being on all day until last night. On the old news self referral thing on Amex...I played with it this morning and I see that it can be done. But I also see there are terms and conditions that Amex has attached (showing dated October 3). I see we can self refer but has there any data points yet of people actually having points to your own account for the referral and then to your account once bonus met? Is it too early to say?

Also I am (of course) interested in the new Personal Gold. Especially if you get the points for a self referral. I know I have read before that if you get the Gold it hurts your chances of getting the Personal Platinum with an increased bonus? As I consider getting the PG is that something I should consider?

I am really tempted to just get it right now with self referral but still slogging away making spends on the other two Amex's. I agree if that self referral thing is working I don't think it will work for too long.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

I'm getting close to my my highly anticipated (by me!) application for the CIP on Nov. 2nd and am wondering if I should proactively lower my Chase credit limits. I have two Chase personal cards, which a few months ago I lowered the limits on by $14.5k in total. The remaining personal limits are 58% of my personal income (which is what I think I've used when applying), or 29% of our household income. I plan on using my household income for the app. I also have two Chase biz cards (SW and Marriott) that both have $5k limit. Any thoughts? Is it too late to matter now anyways? I got lucky and received instant approvals on both biz cards so I'm really hoping for another, although I know that can be rare. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[alryan]

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

Very strange how it says you said that

 

[tink1970]

whomever is main cabin

I am such a horrible helper...I forgot not everyone has a free bag on Delta (that is for people with 1) Delta co branded cc or 2) status). Sorry! That said, if you wanted to apply those fees to your Platinum card they would count as the airline credit (again, if DL is your carrier of choice). Sorry for any confusion!

I think I lean towards booking the 1 ticket thru the amex portal (is that worse than transferring the points to delta?).

The Amex portal is not as easy to use (whoa...just said something negative about MRs and positive about URs) so I'd definitely play around and see which way works out better/more cheaply...amex travel portal v. delta's own crappy website.

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

I know, I just want to cry or lean over and say "hon, bless your heart, we can make this a money making proposition." Of course, I don't but it kills me.

But fashion > comfort, right?

Duh...

That said, can I buy gift cards at a supermarket to somewhere like Target and get the 4% earnings? Or does Amex somehow know I am buying gift cards?

AFAIK, Level 3 (which is telling Amex what you're specifically buying) isn't reported by grocery stores. As an aside, Staples, does so most of us avoid doing that on a minimum spend with amex.

Also, does anyone know how Amex categorizes Wal Mart? Is it grocery? Visa categorizes it as grocery...

WM,Target and warehouse stores are NOT considered grocery.

 

[striker1064]

I caught up now after not being on all day until last night. On the old news self referral thing on Amex...I played with it this morning and I see that it can be done. But I also see there are terms and conditions that Amex has attached (showing dated October 3). I see we can self refer but has there any data points yet of people actually having points to your own account for the referral and then to your account once bonus met? Is it too early to say?

Also I am (of course) interested in the new Personal Gold. Especially if you get the points for a self referral. I know I have read before that if you get the Gold it hurts your chances of getting the Personal Platinum with an increased bonus? As I consider getting the PG is that something I should consider?

I am really tempted to just get it right now with self referral but still slogging away making spends on the other two Amex's. I agree if that self referral thing is working I don't think it will work for too long.

Too early to say. The last time I did a self-referral was a Biz Gold to Biz Green and it took 48 hours to get the referral bonus. So I'm not sure if referral bonuses post on Saturday or not... we may know tomorrow, or maybe not until Monday (or Tuesday since Monday is a holiday?).

Having any other Amex card hurts your chances of getting the 100k Platinum. The thing is, you may never get the 100k Platinum even if you never open any other Amex card. And you can pull 75k/$5k Platinum incognito. It's really up to you.

 

[georgina]

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.

I've had this fight with AmEx for several months. They specifically changed the wording last year on the BCP and BCE to say that charges now count for points in the year they were charged, not the statement month, so last December's purchases should have been credited last year for rewards.

I have an offer right now on my BCE to upgrade for $150 when I spend $1000 in 3 months. (I just downgraded mine on 11/1/2017.) I think I will do it. DH has the BCP and I get a lot of Disney and Universal GC when Giant Eagle offers double fuel perks, so I have already spent the $6000 on his for the year.

I expect that we will drop the AmEx PRG after a year and just go with the BCP/E and the CSR.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I'm getting close to my my highly anticipated (by me!) application for the CIP on Nov. 2nd and am wondering if I should proactively lower my Chase credit limits. I have two Chase personal cards, which a few months ago I lowered the limits on by $14.5k in total. The remaining personal limits are 58% of my personal income (which is what I think I've used when applying), or 29% of our household income. I plan on using my household income for the app. I also have two Chase biz cards (SW and Marriott) that both have $5k limit. Any thoughts? Is it too late to matter now anyways? I got lucky and received instant approvals on both biz cards so I'm really hoping for another, although I know that can be rare. Any advice is appreciated!

Personally, I think your CLs look pretty good - especially since you’re using household income.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I've had this fight with AmEx for several months. They specifically changed the wording last year on the BCP and BCE to say that charges now count for points in the year they were charged, not the statement month, so last December's purchases should have been credited last year for rewards.

I have an offer right now on my BCE to upgrade for $150 when I spend $1000 in 3 months. (I just downgraded mine on 11/1/2017.) I think I will do it. DH has the BCP and I get a lot of Disney and Universal GC when Giant Eagle offers double fuel perks, so I have already spent the $6000 on his for the year.

I expect that we will drop the AmEx PRG after a year and just go with the BCP/E and the CSR.

I wish GE would give us some double fuel perks soon! I’d like to start acquiring gift cards to payoff my trip since my plan of using URs died!

 

[georgina]

I wish GE would give us some double fuel perks soon! I’d like to start acquiring gift cards to payoff my trip since my plan of using URs died!

I could use some more Universal ones before Thanksgiving since DD is now bringing her boyfriend.

 

[Alexle2007]

I completely forgot about grocery stores now earning 4x on the PRG but luckily I am still trying to make the MSR on it so that was the card I pulled out to use at Weis this morning

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Whew! Took me four days to catch up after being away for a long weekend for a wedding in VA.

SW Flew BOS to BWI with CP. inflight offer was 50k Prioriy only.

PACKING CUBES got some with Amex offer from ebags. Holy hell life changing. Even DH was sold.

Luggage - we need more for big trip in Feb now that the kids are getting bigger and this is a long one. I’ll look at TravelPro. Way too many options.

PNC - just finished my requirements. How long did it take for the last 2 to get the bonus?

CIP - with PNC finished MSR up quick. Bonus was pending one week later. Statement closed a few days after that and I have my points!!

Where I’m at - still at 4/24, finishing up SPG lux MSR. Done with x2 SPG biz and BGR -phew!! Just got instant approval for JETblue biz (my first Barclay) and going to go for CIC in Jan. Will do P2 CIP next month. Might busy myself with an amex biz But going to finish MSR and do some spending (maybe Hilton). Once we get the 2 chase biz cards I will move back to some personal - maybe the new rose gold, or Hyatt or arrival plus. Decisions decisions

CSR - I’m thinking of downgrading. AF just hit. Once I get uso tix there is no major need. But my travel credit won’t hit until 12/18 so will I get prorated fee?

 

[MrPTato]

PACKING CUBES got some with Amex offer from ebags. Holy hell life changing. Even DH was sold.

I need to research these packing cubes...they have been talked about on here off and on...without looking, sounds like little boxes that must go in your luggage.