I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[GlamMistress]

Have you had any trouble getting it through the TSA? I just looked it up and it's listed at $4.95 with good reviews, except one of the few that I read complained that the TSA people made her take her stuff out of it and shove it into a smaller TSA bag. I always worry about this stuff.



LOL. I don't know. DD thought it was ridiculous, but then the girls would all get together late at night and have a snack party, so she said she was glad that the kid brought the extra suitcase (esp. since DD didn't have to carry it).



The flat rate boxes at the USPS get there quickly and are much more reasonably priced. I use them in various sizes to send care packages to my DD at college.

I've never had an issue.

 

[mmmears]

I've never had an issue.

Good to know! I'll check them out next time I'm near Sephora.

 

[leahgoogle]

You can apply for the business card while holding the existing cards, but since the rule change last year you can't get another personal until you cancel the existing ones. The business and personal cards are counted separately. Even with a legit business, some suggest for the business card just applying as a Sole Proprietor with your SSN and business name exactly the same as you name for simplicity. In an odd twist, people with actual businesses seem to have a harder/longer time getting a Chase business card than those of us with "businesses". If you're not in a rush you can apply with all your legit s-corp paperwork, but Chase might want the documentation and such before approval.

As for the credit score, it shouldn't take much of a hit if you're going to be replacing that credit line with a new card anyway. You can also move some of your existing CL to other Chase cards before closing it. (keeping in mind it's easier to get approval if your Chase CL to listed income ratio is less than 50%, usually) If it's an age of accounts concern, just know that your closed accounts remain on your report for up to 10 years and continue to influence your score, so it's not usually as dramatic of a hit as people think.



Even better! My $45 still plays hide and seek as I try to decide what I want to buy to use it up. Their site is glitchy as I'll put something eligible in the cart with something that wasn't and I won't get it to apply, so I remove the ineligible item, refresh or update and still nothing. Empty the whole cart, start with just the eligible item and then it'll show up again. It's been bizarre. I'm half tempted to stock up on a year's supply of Mac & Cheese and have done with it.

Well, DH decided to apply for the SW business card in the business name and he was instantly approved! We actually are an LLC not an S-Corp so that may have made a difference.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Ooo, yeah, nab that 45K redemption. Sure, it might be off peak, or it might be a Pointsaver rate, but if you reserve it at 45K then you've locked in that rate, even when you do it as a points advance reservation.

I don't have Lain's spreadsheet, so I'm not sure if you're using points or a FN certificate? My approach for points is going to be for book-4-get-5th-night-free or airline transfers with Marriott points. Otherwise I'll string along some combination from FN certificates since I have 5 to work with from SPG Biz x 2, Marriott x 2, SPG Lux x 1.

Lol ..no FN certificate...I have the room booked on points we just earned from the SPG business bonus and spend

 

[afan]

The flat rate boxes at the USPS get there quickly and are much more reasonably priced. I use them in various sizes to send care packages to my DD at college.

It's what I looked up when I got home. Just hoping I can squish it in a small box. The problem will be finding the right size that's international and hoping what I have isn't more than 4lbs because that's the limit looking on the website. I still think almost 27 bucks to ship to Toronto is nuts. It'd be 37 to ship to the UK from here which makes more sense cause it's over twice as far. It wasn't anywhere near this expensive the last time I shipped something to Canada but I guess there's been quite a few price increases since then. Just annoying that it's almost as much to ship as what I spent on the gift (thank goodness for clearance sales). I guess since I rarely pay shipping rates and they aren't that high that I always have sticker shock when I need to send something more than an envelope.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Well, DH decided to apply for the SW business card in the business name and he was instantly approved! We actually are an LLC not an S-Corp so that may have made a difference.

Congrats on the instant approval

 

[disneedee]

You can apply for the business card while holding the existing cards, but since the rule change last year you can't get another personal until you cancel the existing ones. The business and personal cards are counted separately. Even with a legit business, some suggest for the business card just applying as a Sole Proprietor with your SSN and business name exactly the same as you name for simplicity. In an odd twist, people with actual businesses seem to have a harder/longer time getting a Chase business card than those of us with "businesses". If you're not in a rush you can apply with all your legit s-corp paperwork, but Chase might want the documentation and such before approval.

As for the credit score, it shouldn't take much of a hit if you're going to be replacing that credit line with a new card anyway. You can also move some of your existing CL to other Chase cards before closing it. (keeping in mind it's easier to get approval if your Chase CL to listed income ratio is less than 50%, usually) If it's an age of accounts concern, just know that your closed accounts remain on your report for up to 10 years and continue to influence your score, so it's not usually as dramatic of a hit as people think.



Even better! My $45 still plays hide and seek as I try to decide what I want to buy to use it up. Their site is glitchy as I'll put something eligible in the cart with something that wasn't and I won't get it to apply, so I remove the ineligible item, refresh or update and still nothing. Empty the whole cart, start with just the eligible item and then it'll show up again. It's been bizarre. I'm half tempted to stock up on a year's supply of Mac & Cheese and have done with it.

sounds like your are shopping at kohls.

 

[PolyRob]

Am I foolish not to upgrade my Disney Visa to the Premier one?

I just received a letter in the mail for the same $50 credit after 1 purchase promo. This is now Chase's 4th attempt to have me upgrade (previous attempts were all e-mail). I've been holding out hoping a better one would eventually come. I originally downgraded January of '17 and really only use the card if there is a room discount or if I am on property for the character meets. Dining and travel are going on my CSR. I don't currently have a grocery or gas card, but is an additional 1% worth changing for? I am using my Citi dividend for gas because its currently 5% for the quarter and all my other charges are being used for the CIP MSR. I guess I feel like its an unnecessary PC and call to Chase. Why couldn't $100 be offered or waive the AF in addition to the $50 credit? Thats more enticing lol

 

[Jaime4004]

I probably should have mentioned:

Lifetime warranty on them and they have promos like now quite often.
But more- AMEX has offers on ebags regularly. $15 off $75, etc. so you can usually get them for $75-80ish.

The weekender junior is “personal item” size and fits under seat (barely). It’s the perfect “travel backpack” for us as it’s like wearing another carry on.
My super skinny 9 year old looks like a turtle wearing it, but she’ll have it for a decade+

That is my go-to carry on also. My kids also each have one so I make them bring theirs too, and they do all look like turtles

 

[Lain]

Hm, you've given me something to think about. I'll have to mull this over.
SPG Personal + Marriott Biz = 150k bonus, two 35k FN cert, $194 AF, would most likely keep both for the annual FN

OR

SPG Personal + SPG Lux = 175k bonus, one 35k/one 50k FN cert, $545 AF, would probably not keep Lux for more than 2 years risking the popup.

OR

Get the SPG Personal + SPG Lux = 175k signup bonus.

The AF is waived on the SPG Personal for the first year, then it's $95 but you'll get a 35k FN cert about 6-8 weeks after the AF is billed.

The SPG Lux has a $450 AF, not waived, but offset by a $300/cardmember year Marriott credit, and you also get Gold Elite status, Priority Pass, and Pre-check/Global Entry credit. You'll have to pay the AF again in the second year in order to get the 50k FN cert, but you'll also get the $300 Marriott credit again and can downgrade to the SPG Personal after the FN is deposited to get most of your money back. See my post about this on DISchurners. Then you'll end up with 2x SPG Personal cards that give you 2x 35k FN certs every year for $95 AF each.

But yeah... tough decision. Good luck! Let us know if you need more input.

 

[NewbieMom]

It's what I looked up when I got home. Just hoping I can squish it in a small box. The problem will be finding the right size that's international and hoping what I have isn't more than 4lbs because that's the limit looking on the website. I still think almost 27 bucks to ship to Toronto is nuts. It'd be 37 to ship to the UK from here which makes more sense cause it's over twice as far. It wasn't anywhere near this expensive the last time I shipped something to Canada but I guess there's been quite a few price increases since then. Just annoying that it's almost as much to ship as what I spent on the gift (thank goodness for clearance sales). I guess since I rarely pay shipping rates and they aren't that high that I always have sticker shock when I need to send something more than an envelope.

Something else you might want to try- instead of using a box, use mail bags. I save mine from when I order stuff from Disney or Gap and take off the labels. It's a thick waterproof bag, and I wrap the clothes in tissue paper. I send my kids' outgrown baby clothes to my sister and it's usually about $5.

 

[platamama]

Am I foolish not to upgrade my Disney Visa to the Premier one?

I just received a letter in the mail for the same $50 credit after 1 purchase promo. This is now Chase's 4th attempt to have me upgrade (previous attempts were all e-mail). I've been holding out hoping a better one would eventually come. I originally downgraded January of '17 and really only use the card if there is a room discount or if I am on property for the character meets. Dining and travel are going on my CSR. I don't currently have a grocery or gas card, but is an additional 1% worth changing for? I am using my Citi dividend for gas because its currently 5% for the quarter and all my other charges are being used for the CIP MSR. I guess I feel like its an unnecessary PC and call to Chase. Why couldn't $100 be offered or waive the AF in addition to the $50 credit? Thats more enticing lol

Do you know your anniversary date with your Disney card? If you time it right then you might not have to pay that increased AF for a long time (based on the pattern I'm seeing)...

 

[Andysol]

Thanks for noting this. It's not a problem for me since the Rose Gold is my first venture into Amex.
I will be sure to use a support link once I choose a path.



Hm, you've given me something to think about. I'll have to mull this over.
SPG Personal + Marriott Biz = 150k bonus, two 35k FN cert, $194 AF, would most likely keep both for the annual FN

OR

SPG Personal + SPG Lux = 175k bonus, one 35k/one 50k FN cert, $545 AF, would probably not keep Lux for more than 2 years risking the popup.

Why not all 3?

Or- you could always get the personal and wait to see if you get a Lux upgrade offer. 100k bonus is what I jumped on. Not sure if it’s still around (traveling and not enough time to dig it up)

 

[MrPTato]

Holy crap fedex is expensive. Went to send the baby clothes, less than 5lbs to my friend in Toronto cheapest was 90 bucks! Guess I'll cross my fingers with the post office.

Its crazy...USPS rates just went up in the last couple days too.

 

[Lain]

Why not all 3?

Or- you could always get the personal and wait to see if you get a Lux upgrade offer. 100k bonus is what I jumped on. Not sure if it’s still around (traveling and not enough time to dig it up)

The Marriott Biz would disqualify @NewbieMom from the SPG Lux's signup bonus:

Welcome offer not available to applicants who (i) have or have had The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card from JP Morgan in the last 30 days, (ii) have acquired The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, The Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, or The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 90 days, or (iii) received a welcome or upgrade offer for The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, The Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, or The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 24 months.

 

[MrPTato]

Am I foolish not to upgrade my Disney Visa to the Premier one?

I just received a letter in the mail for the same $50 credit after 1 purchase promo. This is now Chase's 4th attempt to have me upgrade (previous attempts were all e-mail). I've been holding out hoping a better one would eventually come. I originally downgraded January of '17 and really only use the card if there is a room discount or if I am on property for the character meets. Dining and travel are going on my CSR. I don't currently have a grocery or gas card, but is an additional 1% worth changing for? I am using my Citi dividend for gas because its currently 5% for the quarter and all my other charges are being used for the CIP MSR. I guess I feel like its an unnecessary PC and call to Chase. Why couldn't $100 be offered or waive the AF in addition to the $50 credit? Thats more enticing lol

Tough nut to crack...it will wash, but you will get that 2% on dining, gas, and your Disney non-travel purchases. I can't pry it out of my DWs hands...so that is what she uses...thankfully I get the gas about 95% of the time and do the groceries 100%. I guess you have nothing to lose for the first year and you get that extra 1%.

 

[NewbieMom]

Or- you could always get the personal and wait to see if you get a Lux upgrade offer. 100k bonus is what I jumped on.

Welcome offer not available to applicants who (ii) have acquired The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, The Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, or The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 90 days, or (iii) received a welcome or upgrade offer for The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, The Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, or The Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 24 months.

This is interesting. Does welcome offer = upgrade offer? If I get the Biz & Personal, and later an offer to upgrade to Lux, that's not a new application so does that count as a welcome offer?

 

[afan]

Something else you might want to try- instead of using a box, use mail bags. I save mine from when I order stuff from Disney or Gap and take off the labels. It's a thick waterproof bag, and I wrap the clothes in tissue paper. I send my kids' outgrown baby clothes to my sister and it's usually about $5.

I don't think the packaging is going to make a difference because I'm shipping to Canada. It's also a gift, which is a bit different than sending hand me downs. Plus I'd have to order something to get one of those bags. It's a good idea, but I really don't ship stuff that often just like my friends don't have their first baby that often.

 

[Lain]

This is interesting. Does welcome offer = upgrade offer? If I get the Biz & Personal, and later an offer to upgrade to Lux, that's not a new application so does that count as a welcome offer?

No, ≠. If you got the Marriott Biz and the SPG Personal, you should still be eligible for an upgrade offer on the SPG Personal to the SPG Lux, if available. I believe a few people here took upgrade offers on the Personal to the Lux last August-ish. Upgrade offers tend to be targeted though, and I think the upgrade offer bonus varied in the points offered.

 

[Mopedmom1]

So the 2/90 rule for Amex.....is that their cards, or ANY cards? What about business cards?Got the SW Priority in-flight 12/03/18 and the SW BIZ 01/05/19. Would I be good to go for the SPG personal before 02/12/19?

have a backup plan just incase the go with the flow seems to be going nowhere.