I love credit cards so much!

[miztressuz]

I am either paranoid or Chase hates me. My first deposits into both my new savings and checking account were both on hold for a whole week. I got tired of waiting and called. I had to speak with someone about who the checks were from. They verified this and then released the money. I am starting to really work for this bank bonus!

Yeah, Chase seems to suck as an actual bank but pretty sweet for the bonus. (props to whoever actually uses them successfully) It'll be worth it in the end

 

[palhockeymomof2]

We will never be under 5/24. No Chase biz cards.

If you know you can redeem the URs once accumulated with the CRS..I’d upgrade to that...I used the $300 travel credit on a refundable flight..$300 credited, flight cancelled so its a $150 annual fee vs CSP $95....

 

[kmc8826]

Do you feel that history has impacted your relationship with Amex regarding new card applications? Amex just seems so arbitrary who they consider worthy but what do I know? I don’t have an Amex (but hoping that changes next Month).

I would just echo the recommendations too only get a card you really want and then keep spending. I have had keeper cards for Amex since 2009. Either the hotel cards are good since free night or I have the Delta Platinum which gives the companion fare every year with AF and therefore makes it “worth it.”

My (and my wife's) history with AMEX has basically wrecked our future relationship with them. At this point we've opened 21 cards, closed 18 of them and on the vast majority haven't put a $ on them beyond the MSR and NEVER paid a 2nd year AF. Since I can't go back and revise history, I've pretty much written them off. Others that haven't perhaps abused them as bad could probably fix that relationship.

For somebody starting out, it's important to be methodical with your AMEX cards and only select cards where you like both the signup bonus but also the ongoing benefits.

EXACTLY!

Seriously. Everything in one year before Amex has a chance to count any card closures against you because you didn’t want to pay the AF, right?

I have been thinking that as far as my strategy. That means basically I need to get the BBP (then will be capped on credit cards), and then the green card and the personal platinum. I guess once I have those (and the points) they can decide they hate me and it will not matter. I want to wait and see if I can get a better offer on the personal platinum before I get it. So the green or BBP next? Any other charge cards I am missing? (I have both golds now and the Biz plat.

 

[DisneyMandC]

This is the card I've gotten the most Chase offers on. PetSmart 30% and Staples 30% and 10% - (Personal card) I'm up to $37 redeemed so far.

Mine's a business so nothing on that. My CF has been killing it on offers. DH has two offers on his CSP and has gotten nothing on his Amazon card.

 

[elgerber]

This is absolutely what I would advise someone just starting out on Amex to do. Hit them all, and I do mean all, in one year. They are reinforcing the idea of it's a sprint, not a marathon.

My first AF on my Biz cards is going to hit soon, wondering if I should try to get one last Biz card before I close stuff. I don't want any personal cards right now, in case I want to try Chase again in the spring. Gotta see what's out there.
My only personal cards have no AF, so I have no intention of closing those.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Has anyone used Citi Thank You points to book WDW hotels? I'm wondering if they work like Chase Cruise and Tours used to since they're the same outfit. Ideally I'd like to book using my TY points at 1.25 due to my Premier and pay the remaining balance with Disney gift cards.

 

[Limes96]

Since we’re likely to book flights to Europe (for May/June 2020) this summer, I’m thinking I’ll try for one of the United cards late spring. So I went ahead and made myself a United acct (DH already has one) and downloaded the United mpx app. Let me know if I’m understanding this correctly...I can use my CSR to buy e gift cards on MPX and get 3x UR for dining and travel cards, plus get some miles also? I know I can get 3x UR using my CIP through Gyft even on Walmart gc’s. Anyone know if that would work on MPX? It would be really nice to be able to get Walmart this way since the Amex BCP won’t credit WM as grocery for 6% back.

 

[StephPlum]

Another DELTA flyer in my mail box today (that makes 3 in about 2 months). I checked the targeted link and it looks like I can use this to get a Delta biz card with 75K miles. Expiration is 2/21. I am planning to use my SPG biz with the 10% on Staples to get a fee free Visa. That will put some spend on my AMEX (hopefully enough to counter any potential Pop-up), save me 26.95. I still have $1500 on my SW MSR. I need to put a little space between the two MSRs but don't want to wait too long if I need to work through a few pop-ups.

I also signed DH up for a Delta account. Hoping that gets him a few flyers in a few months.

 

[LynnTH]

So my $1250 Venmo charge to DD went through just fine. It is showing up in Chase now (not in pending status). So, glad about that.

Slowly my brothers are coming around to churning. (well just a little bit). One of them is interested in the SW CP. I swear he pays cash for everything. He has a legit business - he is a contractor and owns a real estate company. I have not totally kept up on SW as I have to wait until the end of the year to go for CP again.

So, am I correct in that he should:
1. Get a RR # from SW
2. Apply for SW Business Card - I believe is at 60,000 points. (DH has this card still can he refer him for this?) I'm assuming he should use his Business Name instead of his name on the application.
3. Then get SW Personal Card - I think there is still a 50,000 link somewhere. (DH has this card too but I believe referral would not be for 50,000 points). And is there a time period to wait after the Business Card.

Then they should get a bunch of points and CP for 2019/2020. The spend will be easy for him with his business.

 

[Albort]

Do you feel that history has impacted your relationship with Amex regarding new card applications? Amex just seems so arbitrary who they consider worthy but what do I know? I don’t have an Amex (but hoping that changes next Month).

my logic will differ than those of SouthFayetteFan, Lain and of striker1064
Amex will give u cards like candy at the beginning but judging by recent DPs in here, someone in here had only 3 Amex cards and was denied bonus on her 4th app. I think many ppl in this forum had similar problems but i dont recall who.
When it comes to Amex, it was shown via a reddit survey that people who tend to churn amex, 40% of ppl would only spend between $100-$600. I believe this is a huge no no with amex.

now another proof that ive seen is a friend of mine who MSes very hard. he puts close to $100k a month, sometimes peaking at $150k. he basically maxes out every single amex cards and then goes onto his other cards... He recently got a Amex Biz card, although he was denied with a 680 score, he still ended up approved later on.
I also havent gotten the message so far and ive been hitting amex cards hard. started 2 years ago with a SPG Personal card, currently have 5 Amex cards applied since then. i have spent close to 35k in 6 month last year on my SPG card, was given the 100k upgrade too. I think end of the year, i had close to $60k total used on amex card, i have yet to get the pop up. *knock on wood*

As for your first choice, would recommend getting a amex plat via cardmatch which would net u 100k, get the BBP next, since it is a nice non category card, hit that card hard, then slowly start churning the rest... stop if u get the pop up and just try to put as much spendings into Amex for the popup to go away.

Thats just my 2 cents.

 

[Albort]

So my $1250 Venmo charge to DD went through just fine. It is showing up in Chase now (not in pending status). So, glad about that.

Slowly my brothers are coming around to churning. (well just a little bit). One of them is interested in the SW CP. I swear he pays cash for everything. He has a legit business - he is a contractor and owns a real estate company. I have not totally kept up on SW as I have to wait until the end of the year to go for CP again.

So, am I correct in that he should:
1. Get a RR # from SW
2. Apply for SW Business Card - I believe is at 60,000 points. (DH has this card still can he refer him for this?) I'm assuming he should use his Business Name instead of his name on the application.
3. Then get SW Personal Card - I think there is still a 50,000 link somewhere. (DH has this card too but I believe referral would not be for 50,000 points). And is there a time period to wait after the Business Card.

Then they should get a bunch of points and CP for 2019/2020. The spend will be easy for him with his business.

once he gets the SW biz card, your brother can apply straight away for the SW personal card.
other than that, everything looks correct on screen.

 

[tink1970]

So the green or BBP next?

BBP! Self refer, earn those MRs, then make the 3K spend so that will be another 21MRs (3000 MSR x2+15000 bonus=21k) AND NO AF! I honestly don't know what the benefit is for the plain jane green is, other than the self referral bonus (value penguin calls it "the least valuable American Express card" -ouch but I concur).

 

[Chancery8]

So my $1250 Venmo charge to DD went through just fine. It is showing up in Chase now (not in pending status). So, glad about that.

Slowly my brothers are coming around to churning. (well just a little bit). One of them is interested in the SW CP. I swear he pays cash for everything. He has a legit business - he is a contractor and owns a real estate company. I have not totally kept up on SW as I have to wait until the end of the year to go for CP again.

So, am I correct in that he should:
1. Get a RR # from SW
2. Apply for SW Business Card - I believe is at 60,000 points. (DH has this card still can he refer him for this?) I'm assuming he should use his Business Name instead of his name on the application.
3. Then get SW Personal Card - I think there is still a 50,000 link somewhere. (DH has this card too but I believe referral would not be for 50,000 points). And is there a time period to wait after the Business Card.

Then they should get a bunch of points and CP for 2019/2020. The spend will be easy for him with his business.

Definitely get the RR# first. They ask for it on the CC application and it's easier to have it already then try to jump through hoops after the fact to get it linked to the CC. He should apply for the Business card first. I don't believe the SW biz card has referrals. He can apply for the personal card right after he's approved for the biz card. The 50k link is the inflight offer one and it's better for your brother than the referral from your DH.

 

[wanderlust7]

Urgh. My first recon call! Called the regular number (back of card) first as @Albort suggested, was told it was a denial for new card opened recently (CIU was a little over 2 months ago) and too much credit. So then called the recon line. Rep asked some questions, but main thing seemed to be why do you need so many cards? I said I wanted to keep each rental expense separate. At the end of the call, she said the decision is pending but she's recommending approval. Then maybe 1/2 hour later - approved! Geez that was nerve-wrecking!

Seems the more Chase cards the harder it gets. Thinking I should have gotten an EIN and gone for CIP #2 instead. But didn't because I thought that would require more verification - HA. I should have lowered credit limits as often mentioned here. My high ones are on my keeper cards though (CSR and CIU) and I was well under 50% of income. But this is what I get for not listening.

Well, Chase biz trifecta complete. I'm taking a break from Chase. I'll have DH try for CIP #2 with EIN a few months down the road. Will lower credit limits this time! And mentally prepare him for a recon call.

 

[Lain]

my logic will differ than those of SouthFayetteFan, Lain and of striker1064
Amex will give u cards like candy at the beginning but judging by recent DPs in here, someone in here had only 3 Amex cards and was denied bonus on her 4th app. I think many ppl in this forum had similar problems but i dont recall who.
When it comes to Amex, it was show via a reddit survey that people who tend to churn amex, 40% of ppl would only spend between $100-$600. I believe this is a huge no no with amex.

now another proof that ive seen is a friend of mine who MSes very hard. he puts close to $100k a month, sometimes peaking at $150k. he basically maxes out every single amex cards and then goes onto his other cards... He recently got a Amex Biz card, although he was denied with a 680 score, he still ended up approved later on.
I also havent gotten the message so far and ive been hitting amex cards hard. started 2 years ago with a SPG Personal card, currently have 5 Amex cards applied since then. i have spent close to 35k in 6 month last year on my SPG card, was given the 100k upgrade too. I think end of the year, i had close to $60k total used on amex card, i have yet to get the pop up. *knock on wood*

As for your first choice, would recommend getting a amex plat via cardmatch which would net u 100k, get the BBP next, since it is a nice non category card, hit that card hard, then slowly start churning the rest... stop if u get the pop up and just try to put as much spendings into Amex for the popup to go away.

Thats just my 2 cents.

I do believe there's a line somewhere you don't want to cross.

While some MS helps to inflate spend and makes Amex happy on the one hand, spending excessively in relation to the household income or business revenue you reported on your applications is asking for a FR on the other. I don't know where that line lies, but I'm frankly shocked that your friend hasn't been shut down for $100k+/month.

 

[Lain]

BBP! Self refer, earn those MRs, then make the 3K spend so that will be another 21MRs (3000 MSR x2+15000 bonus=21k) AND NO AF! I honestly don't know what the benefit is for the plain jane green is, other than the self referral bonus (value penguin calls it "the least valuable American Express card" -ouch but I concur).

There's been some buzz about picking up the Green on rumors from DoC about a possible refresh of the product: [Rumor] American Express To Refresh Green Card (4x On Gas, 3x On Streaming & More). Highlights include 4x points on gas purchases, 3x points on streaming services, and possibly Amazon Prime included. There's also a 15k or 20k MR signup bonus: Best American Express Green Sign Up Bonus (15,000/25,000 Points + 20,000 From Referral). I guess there's some concern the AF will go up (currently $95 waived in the first year) or the bonus may change.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

DoC did a write up on the new 30k SW CP credit card offer: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/why-...isnt-that-good/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Basically reiterates everything we’ve all been talking about here on both sides of the fence - but nice to have our discussion validated by a reputable blogger too.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

So my $1250 Venmo charge to DD went through just fine. It is showing up in Chase now (not in pending status). So, glad about that.

Slowly my brothers are coming around to churning. (well just a little bit). One of them is interested in the SW CP. I swear he pays cash for everything. He has a legit business - he is a contractor and owns a real estate company. I have not totally kept up on SW as I have to wait until the end of the year to go for CP again.

So, am I correct in that he should:
1. Get a RR # from SW
2. Apply for SW Business Card - I believe is at 60,000 points. (DH has this card still can he refer him for this?) I'm assuming he should use his Business Name instead of his name on the application.
3. Then get SW Personal Card - I think there is still a 50,000 link somewhere. (DH has this card too but I believe referral would not be for 50,000 points). And is there a time period to wait after the Business Card.

Then they should get a bunch of points and CP for 2019/2020. The spend will be easy for him with his business.

Yes that’s the order he should get the SW cards in...But I don’t think there is a referral for the business card

 

[Albort]

I do believe there's a line somewhere you don't want to cross.

While some MS helps to inflate spend and makes Amex happy on the one hand, spending excessively in relation to the household income or business revenue you reported on your applications is asking for a FR on the other. I don't know where that line lies, but I'm frankly shocked that your friend hasn't been shut down for $100k+/month.

we had a discussion about that as well... the pattern seems to be if u do a mistake on your end is what triggers an FR. ie, u pulled money from the wrong account and got a denied payment(wife did that and got triggered an FR).

 

[3 DD love princesses]

So what do you have this morning?? We are a mess and I'm just going to wait until it melts!

We ended up with 8” at our house. Annapolis got a lot more and 15 min north of us got more. Hoping they have school tomorrow