I love credit cards so much!

[calypso726]

@SouthFayetteFan’s Guide to the RIGHT way to churn!

Fair Warning – this is a long post, but something I think many of you here may enjoy reading… Lately there has been a lot of discussion on r/churning and other groups (at times heated) regarding the RIGHT way to churn. I figured, I’d share with our group the RIGHT way to churn so we are all on the same page.

• Some people like to churn slowly. They want to open no more than 2-3 cards per year, and never more than one card at a time. In between MSRs they focus on category bonuses on their existing cards…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to open as many cards as possible, dozens in a year even. They push the envelope of the issuers’ rules and throw caution to the wind. They’ve never met a signup bonus they didn’t like AND they wouldn’t dare think about going without an MSR for even a day…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to get a moderate amount of cards each year, hovering around 5/24 so that they avoid being locked out by Chase but still putting the majority of their spend towards an MSR…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are in Two-Player mode and can alternate applications and increase their earning potential…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no player two. They go about it on their own and do their best to earn as many points as possible…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have an unwilling player two. They wish that their P2 would be willing like others that comment so happily about their ability to double their earnings. But they still do their best to earn as many points as possible (and convince their P2 to join eventually) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are super-comfortable with Business Cards. They have so many you’d think they are a Fortune 500 company…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are wary of applying for a Business Card. It’s just not something they’re comfortable with and they still earn a decent number of points focusing on personal cards only…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people get non-Chase personal cards while still under 5/24 (GASP!) because it fits their strategy…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people wouldn’t think of touching a non-Chase personal card until they’re over 5/24…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people pay numerous annual fees to keep cards open because it’s worth it to them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people avoid annual fees at all costs and product change or cancel cards rather than paying them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to use churning to take extravagant trips beyond most folk’s wildest imaginations. They often incur additional expenses (annual fees, out of pocket costs, etc.) to do this but they love it and can afford it…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people take a moderate number of vacations each year which churning is able to partially or fully pay for and wouldn’t think of wasting their precious points stash on things like First Class or Awesome hotel suites…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people use churning to help afford just one nice vacation a year because finances or tight, or they have a large family, or for myriad other reasons…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people focus on cash back because travel is not their cup of tea…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people love to participate in MS (Manufactured Spending), they not only enjoy the points they earn, but they actually have fun doing it. It’s a game to see how many points they can generate at the least expensive cost…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will only do MS from the comfort of their couch (bank funding, applepay, etc.)…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think MS is not for them, perhaps they even think it’s illegal or skirting the rules. They don’t judge others for doing it but choose not to participate themselves…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will focus on numerous programs all at the same time. Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Southwest, Delta, United, American, URs, MRs…it doesn’t matter, they’ll take ‘em! They’ve never found a point they didn’t like…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people choose to focus on a limited number of programs, perhaps even a program that others think isn’t quite worth it (yup I’m looking at you HILTON!) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people also like to do bank bonuses as a way to increase their earnings in the game…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think bank bonuses aren’t worth the hassle…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people plan multi-year strategies of which cards they’ll get and when. They can’t imagine somebody participating in this game without having a game-plan (and perhaps they even quietly judge those that don’t have one…although they’d never publicly shame them) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no strategy whatsoever. Whichever card they feel like next…that’s the card they get. Gosh, we’ll just figure out how to use the points later. They think people who have these plans are just setting themselves up for disappointment because the rules will change and the target will move anyways…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have a spreadsheet to track every detail (or heck, maybe dozens of spreadsheets in my case) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people just keep track on a napkin…or maybe not at all. Keeping all that data is too much of a hassle and if the game requires work like that, well then it’s not just fun…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people forget to use a Support Link on DISchurners…and they are shunned…and THIS IS THE…wait…no that’s the wrong way to churn JK JK JK!!!

The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn!

I absolutely love this!!! I am so glad our group keep things this way and that we have never turned into some of those other forums and threads that are so "judgey". I love that we are so welcoming to everyone here and allow the newbies to get comfortable with things at their own pace. I love that everyone here shares their personal "right way to churn" without making it seem like that is the only way. I recognize myself and DH in some of those descriptions and have adopted other "right ways" to my strategy thanks to everyone here who shares their "right ways". I love that everyone here can share what they accomplished with their churning and how everyone else is so happy and excited for what they did no matter how different it might be from what they do themselves. This is the the best churning group ever!

 

[calypso726]

honestly, i think the new value of starriott is still up in arms. were still getting some pretty cool point usage(increased).

I don't know. I'm going to have to do a lot of "mathing" before August to figure out if it will still be worth using it on non category spend. We'll see.

 

[trenty]

@SouthFayetteFan’s Guide to the RIGHT way to churn!

Fair Warning – this is a long post, but something I think many of you here may enjoy reading… Lately there has been a lot of discussion on r/churning and other groups (at times heated) regarding the RIGHT way to churn. I figured, I’d share with our group the RIGHT way to churn so we are all on the same page.

• Some people like to churn slowly. They want to open no more than 2-3 cards per year, and never more than one card at a time. In between MSRs they focus on category bonuses on their existing cards…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to open as many cards as possible, dozens in a year even. They push the envelope of the issuers’ rules and throw caution to the wind. They’ve never met a signup bonus they didn’t like AND they wouldn’t dare think about going without an MSR for even a day…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to get a moderate amount of cards each year, hovering around 5/24 so that they avoid being locked out by Chase but still putting the majority of their spend towards an MSR…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are in Two-Player mode and can alternate applications and increase their earning potential…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no player two. They go about it on their own and do their best to earn as many points as possible…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have an unwilling player two. They wish that their P2 would be willing like others that comment so happily about their ability to double their earnings. But they still do their best to earn as many points as possible (and convince their P2 to join eventually) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are super-comfortable with Business Cards. They have so many you’d think they are a Fortune 500 company…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people are wary of applying for a Business Card. It’s just not something they’re comfortable with and they still earn a decent number of points focusing on personal cards only…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people get non-Chase personal cards while still under 5/24 (GASP!) because it fits their strategy…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people wouldn’t think of touching a non-Chase personal card until they’re over 5/24…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people pay numerous annual fees to keep cards open because it’s worth it to them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people avoid annual fees at all costs and product change or cancel cards rather than paying them…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people like to use churning to take extravagant trips beyond most folk’s wildest imaginations. They often incur additional expenses (annual fees, out of pocket costs, etc.) to do this but they love it and can afford it…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people take a moderate number of vacations each year which churning is able to partially or fully pay for and wouldn’t think of wasting their precious points stash on things like First Class or Awesome hotel suites…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people use churning to help afford just one nice vacation a year because finances or tight, or they have a large family, or for myriad other reasons…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people focus on cash back because travel is not their cup of tea…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people love to participate in MS (Manufactured Spending), they not only enjoy the points they earn, but they actually have fun doing it. It’s a game to see how many points they can generate at the least expensive cost…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will only do MS from the comfort of their couch (bank funding, applepay, etc.)…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think MS is not for them, perhaps they even think it’s illegal or skirting the rules. They don’t judge others for doing it but choose not to participate themselves…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people will focus on numerous programs all at the same time. Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Southwest, Delta, United, American, URs, MRs…it doesn’t matter, they’ll take ‘em! They’ve never found a point they didn’t like…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people choose to focus on a limited number of programs, perhaps even a program that others think isn’t quite worth it (yup I’m looking at you HILTON!) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people also like to do bank bonuses as a way to increase their earnings in the game…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people think bank bonuses aren’t worth the hassle…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people plan multi-year strategies of which cards they’ll get and when. They can’t imagine somebody participating in this game without having a game-plan (and perhaps they even quietly judge those that don’t have one…although they’d never publicly shame them) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have no strategy whatsoever. Whichever card they feel like next…that’s the card they get. Gosh, we’ll just figure out how to use the points later. They think people who have these plans are just setting themselves up for disappointment because the rules will change and the target will move anyways…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people have a spreadsheet to track every detail (or heck, maybe dozens of spreadsheets in my case) …and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people just keep track on a napkin…or maybe not at all. Keeping all that data is too much of a hassle and if the game requires work like that, well then it’s not just fun…and THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO CHURN
• Some people forget to use a Support Link on DISchurners…and they are shunned…and THIS IS THE…wait…no that’s the wrong way to churn JK JK JK!!!

The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn!

 

[Disneyonmymind]

Thanks. I think you are correct about payment being due 30 days before arrival. It's been a long time since we've been to WDW and an even longer time since we booked a package, but free dining was too tempting to pass up (I would trade it for a room discount, but it's definitely better than no discount, which is what I was expecting).

Do you happen to know who at Chase to call to transfer the reservation? I think there was some discussion a ways back about a certain person at Chase who was knowledgeable about transfers (or maybe it was tickets . . .).

I do remember the discussion but not the names. I think it’s on the reddit-DIS-Churners site. One other thing I remember reading is that we have to make any changes to the package before the transfer to Chase. This is giving me some stress though, so if anyone knows differently, then I’d be happy to hear it, lol. So, my understanding is, if room discounts come out, we’d have to cancel and rebook.... Not sure about lesser changes like dining packages, ticket upgrades, etc? I’m trying to nail it down the best I can today because my 30 days is almost up. I feel like trying to book a second identical package today just to start the 30 day ticker again to give myself more time, lol.

 

[RedM94]

I do remember the discussion but not the names. I think it’s on the reddit-DIS-Churners site. One other thing I remember reading is that we have to make any changes to the package before the transfer to Chase. This is giving me some stress though, so if anyone knows differently, then I’d be happy to hear it, lol. So, my understanding is, if room discounts come out, we’d have to cancel and rebook.... Not sure about lesser changes like dining packages, ticket upgrades, etc? I’m trying to nail it down the best I can today because my 30 days is almost up. I feel like trying to book a second identical package today just to start the 30 day ticker again to give myself more time, lol.

How does one join the reddit dis-churners page?

 

[MrPTato]

How does one join the reddit dis-churners page?

Send a message to @Albort or @SouthFayetteFan with your user id.

 

[tink1970]

For anyone who uses their Amex Offers- $60 off $300 SPG stay showed up on my SPG card (whoo hoo!) as well as others AND both 10% and 15% off at Starbucks, up to $5. Not sure if they'll apply the 15% or 10% first or simultaneously. DD is hooked on SB so it's a win at this house

 

[DisneyMandC]

Thanks. I think you are correct about payment being due 30 days before arrival. It's been a long time since we've been to WDW and an even longer time since we booked a package, but free dining was too tempting to pass up (I would trade it for a room discount, but it's definitely better than no discount, which is what I was expecting).

Do you happen to know who at Chase to call to transfer the reservation? I think there was some discussion a ways back about a certain person at Chase who was knowledgeable about transfers (or maybe it was tickets . . .).

Theoretically, anyone in the Cruise and Tour Department should be able to do it for you. However, if you call and get someone who says they can't, hang up and call back and dial the extension for Melissa x. 4179. Others have had success with her before, and I booked my trip with her.

 

[1st*toright]

@SouthFayetteFan’s Guide to the RIGHT way to churn!

The truth of the matter is…There is no WRONG way to churn. I love how accepting this group is of everybody’s varying preferences and habits in the game. I know we all are happy to share OUR PERSONAL best practices, but nobody forces their “right” way on others. I truly love our group here, I’m glad we have a friendly space to discuss churning without anger, name-calling, and other drama. Just consider this a friendly reminder that when somebody is doing something different than you in the game…that maybe it’s their right way to churn!

Love it - sums up this thread nicely! The best thing about this approach is that we keep a whole spectrum of churning types interested and active on the board - so there is usually someone out there who has done whatever I am contemplating trying and I can count on thoughtful, helpful advice, even if what I'm contemplating doesn't actually make sense. Also, people are very gentle when someone doesn't have their facts straight - and people who do make errors in posts are receptive to corrections. Its almost like people interact here the way you would interact with people you actually know IRL and give each other the benefit of the doubt.

Anyway, nice to come in to a little love fest on a Friday morning

 

[hsmamato2]

I hate to spend $50 on the darn thing before knowing if he'd like it. He has a tea he likes, and I guess he watched some youtube video where someone brewed a very concentrated tea and used that for the flavor with the soda stream. I'm just like, can you try making the tea and mixing it into a bottle of soda water from the store first? He says he misses the fizz when he drinks his tea.

I make my own seltzer...I hate all the plastic bottles and waste and lugging stuff ( I LOVE seltzer) I bought some stuff off of Amazon and make my own since I felt like the sodastream was too pricey....and I didn't want a big machine around the house. I bought this one
https://www.amazon.com/SodaSparkle-Sparkling-Carbonated-Seltzer-Beverage/dp/B012BQ5M6M
and a load of off brand chargers (small silver color cylinders) (Leland brand)
I'm sorry It's been so long I don't remember how much I paid, but at the time It was maybe $25 for the kit,and another $40 or so for the chargers. I like it,it's simple. I can recycle the little chargers after use(single use) so a lot less plastic waste too,since I still use the same bottle I've had for years. I love it, so I'm with your DH lol

 

[Lain]

For anyone who uses their Amex Offers- $60 off $300 SPG stay showed up on my SPG card (whoo hoo!) as well as others AND both 10% and 15% off at Starbucks, up to $5. Not sure if they'll apply the 15% or 10% first or simultaneously. DD is hooked on SB so it's a win at this house

Pretty sure Amex Offers for the same merchant on the same card will stack.

 

[DisneyMandC]

There's an Amex offer this morning for 15% back on Starbucks, up to $5 total in statement credits. Had it on my Hilton biz.

 

[Lain]

Just noticed while adding this morning's Amex Offers that Amex reduced the CLs on my SPG Biz and Personal cards, likely to reallocate to my new Hilton Biz.

 

[Lain]

For anyone who uses their Amex Offers- $60 off $300 SPG stay showed up on my SPG card (whoo hoo!) as well as others AND both 10% and 15% off at Starbucks, up to $5. Not sure if they'll apply the 15% or 10% first or simultaneously. DD is hooked on SB so it's a win at this house

There's an Amex offer this morning for 15% back on Starbucks, up to $5 total in statement credits. Had it on my Hilton biz.

Another DP:

Got 15% off Starbucks on my SPG, SPG Biz, MB Plat, and PRG.
Also got 10% off Starbucks on my SPG Biz.
Got the $60 off $300 SPG stay on my SPG Biz, MB Plat, and PRG.

 

[Lain]

This would be amazing, as I am waiting for Southwest to up their bonus points so I can finally apply.

If you're considering pairing this rumored Southwest premium card with another SW consumer card signup for the Companion Pass, be aware that there's a new restriction that applies to all of SW's consumer cards:

The product is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapids Rewards® Credit Card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card who received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months. This does not apply to Cardmembers of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Card and Employee Credit Card​

For more info: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/warn...ass-offer-targeted-one-per-brand-restriction/

 

[Judique]

I make my own seltzer...I hate all the plastic bottles and waste and lugging stuff ( I LOVE seltzer) I bought some stuff off of Amazon and make my own since I felt like the sodastream was too pricey....and I didn't want a big machine around the house. I bought this one
https://www.amazon.com/SodaSparkle-Sparkling-Carbonated-Seltzer-Beverage/dp/B012BQ5M6M
and a load of off brand chargers (small silver color cylinders) (Leland brand)
I'm sorry It's been so long I don't remember how much I paid, but at the time It was maybe $25 for the kit,and another $40 or so for the chargers. I like it,it's simple. I can recycle the little chargers after use(single use) so a lot less plastic waste too,since I still use the same bottle I've had for years. I love it, so I'm with your DH lol

I clicked on your link to check out the items and noticed an ad for a Discover Credit card with $75 after 1st Amazon purchase plus the 5% category and 10% match after your first year, just in case someone was looking at Discover - I hadn't seen any up front bonus for this card but I also don't pay much attention to it.

 

[Judique]

For anyone who uses their Amex Offers- $60 off $300 SPG stay showed up on my SPG card (whoo hoo!) as well as others AND both 10% and 15% off at Starbucks, up to $5. Not sure if they'll apply the 15% or 10% first or simultaneously. DD is hooked on SB so it's a win at this house

Thank you! I got both offers on my SPG personal and on my old obsolete and no fee MR card - the Optima - that has a $2k limit and I've kept it that way on purpose for 20 years. It kinda balances out the 30K on my SPG, and if I ever get another MR card, somewhere to stash the points. Right now, it's a place to redeem offers and it does a great job of that.

 

[hsmamato2]

Hi everyone... so I'm rethinking our Hawaii trip - mostly because I keep reading how expensive everything is. We are planning 13 days, I could cut that back but I feel like we should do at least do 10 days since travel time is about 17 hours.
We would have all flights and hotel covered via points, but that still leaves all food and activities. I could see us spending $500/day, would you all agree with that? Is that a reasonable amount for a family of 4 - we would like to do some activities- like snorkeling, Kualoa Tour, Road to Hana, boat rental, Luau. Car rentals and activities would be about $3.5K.
We are now considering Costa Rica, is that just as expensive as Hawaii? We would only do 8 days in Costa Rica. I haven't done much research there so I'm not sure how expensive an 8 day trip would be, we would also do many activities including zip-lines, hot springs, tours.

Trip would be around Memorial Day 2019.

I would guess any destination is as pricey as you make it...I've never been to HAwaii, but since we're going in December, hotel/flights/car paid for with points, so that leaves food. I'm researching the best local places with decent food prices,overall it doesn't seem too bad. I know we can get grocery type food easily,and eat breakfast and some snacks etc in our room when we want. We may or may not pay extra for big activities, but I honestly don't see us personally spending a ton on that stuff, we tend to do 'off the beaten path' activities,or more low key. (My AK cruise stops were....interesting but seriously on budget!) I'd say pick whichever appeals to you most,and make it work in your budget. I'd think either choice could be expensive or more frugal depending on your choices.

 

[virtuoso1989]

Hi guys. I am planning to get a Chase Sapphire and planned to apply for the Reserve, but saw that Preferred had the 80,000 points offer for the $20k spend. I think that the preferred seems more worth it if I am getting the card just for travel hacking. The Priority Pass benefit is not essential as we have Amex Platinum in the household. Am I correct to think this, or am I missing something and should totally just go for the Reserve? Thanks for helping this beginner out!

 

[hsmamato2]

I'm a big believer in diversifying your wallet so you have a card that earns you some kind of bonus on every one of your expenses and anything that may come up.

• 
  
• I often buy Visa gift cards using an Amex on which I'm working towards MSR or an Amex SPG to use at Costco (because they only accept Visa).
• .

Please elaborate on this..... where have you done this successfully towards Amex MSR? thanks....