I love credit cards so much!

[Lain]

Reading r/churning, found a flowchart, and it suggests Chase Marriott cards as the first choice for those under 5/24, then CIP, CSR or CSP, and so on.
Do you guys agree with getting Marriott first, assuming I don't have any AMEX cards yet? Can you tell I'm confused?

Totally disagree. I’d dig up my previous posts about Chase Marriott cards vs. Amex SPG cards, but the search function seems to be broken.

With the new restrictions that went into effect on 8/26/18, you basically have to choose Chase or Amex. Getting a card from one issuer generally disqualifies you from cards from the other issuer.

For the time being, there are 3 Amex SPG cards > 2 Chase Marriott cards. Chase will lose the biz card and Amex will lose the lower end personal card next year.

The points are higher on the Amex cards, although the offers on the Biz and Lux will probably change tomorrow, and probably go back up in a few months.

Two of the Amex cards, the SPG Personal and Biz, also waive the first year AF; the Chase cards currently do not.

The Amex cards also give you the ability to self refer to other cards in the SPG family for 20k Marriott points each; the Chase Marriott Biz has no referrals and the Marriott Premier Plus allows for referrals to only that specific card (which you’d already have).

Just a few reasons offhand I can think of to go for the Amex SPG cards vs. Chase Marriott cards.

Use that sub-5/24 slot for another personal card than the Marriott(s).

 

[amalone1013]

but the search function seems to be broken

At least this part isn't just me

 

[mmmears]

I had a $10 cash back in store after spending $75..that I used yesterday and it’s pending.

Both DH and I used that one in store on Sunday and it's still pending for both of us.

I like Costco, the second driver is free. But you should keep checking even after you book cause the rates could drop.

Will do. Thanks!

SW flies out of our local airport 10 minutes away...so I collect RR points and the CP.....I’m definitely going to ask you about Amex probably the middle of next year when I’m ready to venture into MRs

I'd be happy to help. SW wasn't flying to Hawaii or to MCO (without 2 stops) so we rarely fly with them, but I think that could change since they seem to be going to longer flights. We did use them to take my DD to college on the east coast since those 6 free bags didn't hurt.

Costco has been good to us, plus you get the extra driver free.

Thanks. I'm checking them out now.

I look at the Costco travel site but also check the individual cars rental sites as well looking for the lowest price...so far this year Costco has had the lowest prices...but I check back daily since then do go down...

Thanks.

 

[Oscar Madison]

Totally disagree. I’d dig up my previous posts about Chase Marriott cards vs. Amex SPG cards, but the search function seems to be broken.

With the new restrictions that went into effect on 8/26/18, you basically have to choose Chase or Amex. Getting a card from one issuer generally disqualifies you from cards from the other issuer.

For the time being, there are 3 Amex SPG cards > 2 Chase Marriott cards. Chase will lose the biz card and Amex will lose the lower end personal card next year.

The points are higher on the Amex cards, although the offers on the Biz and Lux will probably change tomorrow, and probably go back up in a few months.

Two of the Amex cards, the SPG Personal and Biz, also waive the first year AF; the Chase cards currently do not.

The Amex cards also give you the ability to self refer to other cards in the SPG family for 20k Marriott points each; the Chase Marriott Biz has no referrals and the Marriott Premier Plus allows for referrals to only that specific card (which you’d already have).

Just a few reasons offhand I can think of to go for the Amex SPG cards vs. Chase Marriott cards.

Use that sub-5/24 slot for another personal card than the Marriott(s).

Thank you, this really helps. If I go for the AMEX SPG Biz, then the CIP, I'll still be at 3/24, correct?

 

[Lain]

Thank you, this really helps. If I go for the AMEX SPG Biz, then the CIP, I'll still preserve my 3/24 standing, correct?

Yep! And you’d be able to use the SPG Biz to self refer (for 20k Marriott points each) to the SPG Personal and Lux when the offers are better.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Am I correct that AMEX Business cards do not count against the 5/24?

You’re correct. The account itself will not show on your personal credit report. The worst that can come of it is an inquiry on your report (and sometimes they don’t even do a hard pull). AMEX biz cards are a great strategy to stay under 5/24 but still space out your applications with Chase.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Totally disagree. I’d dig up my previous posts about Chase Marriott cards vs. Amex SPG cards, but the search function seems to be broken.

With the new restrictions that went into effect on 8/26/18, you basically have to choose Chase or Amex. Getting a card from one issuer generally disqualifies you from cards from the other issuer.

For the time being, there are 3 Amex SPG cards > 2 Chase Marriott cards. Chase will lose the biz card and Amex will lose the lower end personal card next year.

The points are higher on the Amex cards, although the offers on the Biz and Lux will probably change tomorrow, and probably go back up in a few months.

Two of the Amex cards, the SPG Personal and Biz, also waive the first year AF; the Chase cards currently do not.

The Amex cards also give you the ability to self refer to other cards in the SPG family for 20k Marriott points each; the Chase Marriott Biz has no referrals and the Marriott Premier Plus allows for referrals to only that specific card (which you’d already have).

Just a few reasons offhand I can think of to go for the Amex SPG cards vs. Chase Marriott cards.

Use that sub-5/24 slot for another personal card than the Marriott(s).

FYI - the theory in the flow chart is to get the Chase Marriott Cards first so that you start the 24 month clock ticking. The idea is you can keep busy for 24 months with Chase and other issuers and then hit SPG cards. It’s actually not a terrible plan if somebody is that certain of their strategy.

 

[Oscar Madison]

Wow..when they say approvals in 30 seconds, they aren't kidding. Just got the AMEX SPG BIZ.
Thank you to everyone for your advice/guidance.

 

[vanjust14]

How do you look for the ap rates? I couldn't find a place to put it in the search engine.

Here is the link I use
https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/d...hildren=0&promo=aph&iata=&group=&hotels=&ada=

 

[afan]

Thanks for this.

They actually already have the companion pass and the Alaska Airlines CC, but Alaska Airlines is significantly more expensive than Delta, even considering one of them would fly for free. And their flights were really bad...like taking off at 1230 am with 2 stops bad. I was pretty surprised. Flying from Alaska is to MCO is a whole different beast from what I am used to!

What airport are they flying out of? Do they have to change in Alaska? I ask because Alaska flies non stop from SEA to MCO. If they have to fly from a small airport in AK to Anchorage to get to a bigger airport I can see how that would be annoying but otherwise short of flying to SEA on Alaska or potentially through SFO or LAX from Anchorage I don't see how they'd be able to do it on only one stop. Unfortunately there are just some places that that's what you have to do and I don't think there's that may places that fly non stop to AK that also fly non stop to MCO that would give them that one stop connection. Maybe try the transportation board to see if there are people that do that flight, though I think there's a couple of people here that did one way AK cruises that flew to/from there but I seem to recall it being more expensive and a hassle.

 

[Oscar Madison]

Dosh has dropped Sam's to 2%. Ugh.

 

[Haley R]

I was feeling all proud of myself, finally using ebooks from the library. And I had the thought the other day, not only can I read new books but I can read all of my old favorites! Most of my books are packed because we dont have room for them to be out right now. So I read the first in a trilogy, just finished... and the next one is checked out. I'm even more tempted to just buy it knowing I have 5% back on amazon lol

Lol you sound JUST like me. I recently started getting into ebooks because I love being able to read anywhere on my phone. I'll stay up super late trying to finish a book only to find out the next book is checked out. It takes a lot of self control not to just buy the next book

 

[MrsAlexis]

Hoping for some good offers from Amex tomorrow morning. Maybe some more good deals from RMN would be nice too!

I have been not so patiently waiting for RMN! I would be so excited to have more offers like the last 2 weeks of September

 

[mmmears]

I have been not so patiently waiting for RMN! I would be so excited to have more offers like the last 2 weeks of September

I just checked it, too, and it hasn't been updated yet.

 

[mmmears]

Costo does seem to have the cheapest options. Budget won in this case, but we will be checking periodically to see if anything better shows up. We have a few months before we need it anyway, but need a larger car so I didn't want to wait. (Learned that one the hard way).

 

[CyndiLouWho]

But that value becomes harder to justify if you’re spending 65 minutes waiting for a ride, or 2 hours staking out a spot to watch a 17 minute fireworks show.

We were at Six Flags last weekend and got in line for Superman, waited 2 1/2 hours. Yes 2.5! Part of the reason we didn’t jump ship was that there was really no way to get out of line, short of just pushing through hundreds of people waiting. Have never waited that long before for any ride (and will never do it again)

Is it normal for AMEX not to be accepted in a lot of places? There were 2-3 places we couldn’t use our card on our trip. We also apparently can’t pay dh’s doctor bills with it. Kind of a bummer because we are trying to meet my MSR.

Yes, I’m still working on MSR for SPG Lux, $1k to go. Would be done if the plumber, vet, and a few others took Amex. Amex spend is always harder for me to finish.

The weather has been awful here today. I didn't get a single trick or treater. Zero. So I guess I'll take my giant bag of Sam's candy to work tomorrow.

It's a new month in a few hours. Here's hoping the RMN deals are awesome - 22 days until Black Friday.

And apparently Kohl's is starting its Black Friday sale... tonight. Seriously.

Weather here was pretty good, in the 50s. We had more trick or treaters than before but we were home more of the time than usual. Still have some of my one giant bag left so will be donating that to the office. Plus DS managed to amass over 11# of candy

 

[gottalovepluto]

Anyone get in on redeeming Hilton points for $.005/point on Amazon this evening? I skimmed the news earlier this evening, did not really understand it & when it finally clicked in my sugar dazed brain and I see it’s dead. (The normal remdemption rate is $.002, appears there was a temporary glitch this evening.)

ETA: fixed the rates

 

[dina444444]

Costo does seem to have the cheapest options. Budget won in this case, but we will be checking periodically to see if anything better shows up. We have a few months before we need it anyway, but need a larger car so I didn't want to wait. (Learned that one the hard way).

I usually book Alamo even if it’s more expensive then budget solely because you can pick your car with Alamo.

 

[deide71]

What airport are they flying out of? Do they have to change in Alaska? I ask because Alaska flies non stop from SEA to MCO. If they have to fly from a small airport in AK to Anchorage to get to a bigger airport I can see how that would be annoying but otherwise short of flying to SEA on Alaska or potentially through SFO or LAX from Anchorage I don't see how they'd be able to do it on only one stop. Unfortunately there are just some places that that's what you have to do and I don't think there's that may places that fly non stop to AK that also fly non stop to MCO that would give them that one stop connection. Maybe try the transportation board to see if there are people that do that flight, though I think there's a couple of people here that did one way AK cruises that flew to/from there but I seem to recall it being more expensive and a hassle.

They fly out of Anchorage. Delta has flights that stop in SEA and flights that stop in MSP with better pricing than Alaskan Airlines, so they are likely going to book with Delta. What surprised me was Delta wants 110,000 Skymiles for a flight that prices out at 700-800 bucks. I could fly business class on Delta for 110,000 Skymiles!

 

[MrPTato]

I'm jealous of all the Marriott points people are getting. When we try it's 50 pts every single time.

I’m right there with you either 50 or 0 points..

Same here for DH and I. Never any more

Glad to see I am not alone.