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

[MrPTato]

Talk in the reddit MS thread of a certain grocery chain allowing MOs to be purchased with credit. Any idea what this is?

ETA: if no one knows I will play around next week at some chains near me. Safeway won’t take any kind of card.

 

[snugglebug]

Anyone ever take advantage of an offer like this from "Southwest Getaways?" If so, is it worth the time?

I received that same mailer. I think I may have tossed it thinking it was just spam mail. I also got one from Holiday Inn or Hilton, I can't remember, but it was for Galveston and I have no interest in heading there.

 

[amalone1013]

Just set up my Citi Biz account and my miles are all there already, the 42k from MSR and spend. Now to ask for a match

 

[miztressuz]

So, I am trying to plan a few trips on points.

1. Cruise to Alaska next Summer for DH and I 25th Anniversary. This will be a surprise as he has wanted to go to Alaska. Will give it to him as a Christmas/Anniversary Gift. Friends of ours will be going also. Looks like Princess or Holland America are the 2 main cruiselines. I just got 55,000 for Referrals I just for dumb AMEX Cards for us (as we both get the pop up now - but still got the referral points) And I just got the email to get 5,000 MR points to add AU. So, I added both kids and need to spend $500 on each of the cards so that will be another 10,000 MR's. So, in total between DH and I - we will have about 190,000 MR's. I think I may cash those out for Carnival Corp Gift Cards as those would work for both Princess and Holland America. I have 70,000 Delta points and will have at least 400,000 UR's so will most likely use one or both of those for flights. Then I have about $900 in Cap1 Rewards - so thought about using those for excursions.

2. Going to Vegas next March (right after DS turns 21) Have no idea on where we will stay here. Hoping to build up SW stash again by getting 2 cards end of the year and then getting companion pass for 2020-2021. Have many family members coming with on this one. Usually rooms are not too bad (hopefully). I think it is too early to start planning that one.

3. That leaves me to my last trip. I have about 450,000 Bonvoy points and would like to use them somewhere tropical. Would like to go beginning of January. Both kids will be home from College - they don't start classes again until January 13th. So, I thought the rates might be better as the holidays are over at that point. Would like to go somewhere out of the US as weather can be iffy in January even in Florida. We stopped in Aruba for a cruise and really liked it - so thought that might be a good spot. Can get Aruba Marriott Stellaris Resort for 50,000 per night. I was seeing if I could use some AA points for flights - they don't always have the best options I am finding out. But after playing with the dates I found Economy Milesaver Awards for 15,000 points each way from MSP. So, only 120,000 points for the 4 of us (plus almost $400 in taxes and fees). I don't know anything about AA flights/bookings. From reading a bit - they cannot be cancelled like SW flights correct (without incurring a fee). If I have the AA Credit Card (new one on it's way), we can get free checked bags. Do you have to pay for the fees with the card or how do you get the free checked bags? Marriott you can cancel up to 7 days prior so that is not an issue. I thought this would be a great Christmas present for the kids before they go back to college (they are both going to the same college so same breaks and stuff and only 1-1/2 hours away). Anything I am missing here. Will have to talk to DH about this tonight before I book but seems like a no brainer

Oh - and I just got the email to upgrade my AMEX Bonvoy Card for 100,000 points with $5,000 spend. So, I would be able to use the $300 credit right at the resort - just charge everything to the room?? I have to reply to this by 4/24 (I already have AA Business card on its way but that I will just use Mortgage. I also have Cap 1 Arrival plus with $3,000 spend and $500 Each for the 2 AU cards for the Kids). I know I will have Tuition coming up but they don't take AMEX, but could possibly do Plastiq on that and just pay some early. Will they still upgrade me and give me the points even though I get the pop ups? Or is this handled differently.

Sorry for all the questions. Going in so many directions - don't know which way to go!!

Quick thought, I don't know where you're looking to stay in Vegas, but if you're interested in staying on the Strip I'd look into signing up for one of the Casino programs for room discounts. The two big ones I'm aware of are MLife and Caesars Rewards (formerly Total Rewards). I haven't been to Vegas in almost 6 years but both our trips were on comped or heavily reduced room rates in Feb and Mar at Caesars properties from being a member - even at the lowest tier. And we're not really gamblers so it's not like they were doing it for whales The last trip we got 5 nights comped and 3 nights with a room rate of $29 or less. All in with taxes and fees we paid less than $200. I know a lot can change in 6 years but I'm sure there's still deals there.

It's also fairly easy to get status at either through other Hotel program matching. Caesars partnered with Wyndham and MLife with Hyatt and they'll cross match status which gets you some perks, like waiving resort fees, and you can book rooms on points at most properties too. IHG has partnership with the Venetian/Palazzo as well. If you do a little legwork Vegas can be a cheap trip without sacrificing value, surprisingly.

 

[tink1970]

My DD is at Animal Kingdom today... she’s on the county academic team (quiz bowl) and the state competition is at BWI. Since there are only two girls on the team she just has one roommate (they’re staying at BWI as well as competing there). The county paid for transportation, rooms, half the food and 3 day park tickets. When I compare that to the um, not fun motels and cities the sports teams compete I think “it’s good to be a geek!”

(Happily since they won their round they move ahead and have all day tomorrow in MK...cannot lie I am a bit jealous!)

 

[LynnTH]

Quick thought, I don't know where you're looking to stay in Vegas, but if you're interested in staying on the Strip I'd look into signing up for one of the Casino programs for room discounts. The two big ones I'm aware of are MLife and Caesars Rewards (formerly Total Rewards). I haven't been to Vegas in almost 6 years but both our trips were on comped or heavily reduced room rates in Feb and Mar at Caesars properties from being a member - even at the lowest tier. And we're not really gamblers so it's not like they were doing it for whales The last trip we got 5 nights comped and 3 nights with a room rate of $29 or less. All in with taxes and fees we paid less than $200. I know a lot can change in 6 years but I'm sure there's still deals there.

It's also fairly easy to get status at either through other Hotel program matching. Caesars partnered with Wyndham and MLife with Hyatt and they'll cross match status which gets you some perks, like waiving resort fees, and you can book rooms on points at most properties too. IHG has partnership with the Venetian/Palazzo as well. If you do a little legwork Vegas can be a cheap trip without sacrificing value, surprisingly.

Thanks for the info. I will definitely sign up for both of those reward programs. We will be staying on the strip - probably somewhere close to the middle.

 

[Killer Fish]

Instant approval on new Citi Biz card (First one)!

First time that I will have a MSR at the same time as my wife (CIP) but we are up to the task!

 

[amalone1013]

So... now I should uh, gift someone virtually with magical card for flights? That I can then uh, charge them for?

 

[WardFam]

So, I am trying to plan a few trips on points.

1. Cruise to Alaska next Summer for DH and I 25th Anniversary. This will be a surprise as he has wanted to go to Alaska. Will give it to him as a Christmas/Anniversary Gift. Friends of ours will be going also. Looks like Princess or Holland America are the 2 main cruiselines. I just got 55,000 for Referrals I just for dumb AMEX Cards for us (as we both get the pop up now - but still got the referral points) And I just got the email to get 5,000 MR points to add AU. So, I added both kids and need to spend $500 on each of the cards so that will be another 10,000 MR's. So, in total between DH and I - we will have about 190,000 MR's. I think I may cash those out for Carnival Corp Gift Cards as those would work for both Princess and Holland America. I have 70,000 Delta points and will have at least 400,000 UR's so will most likely use one or both of those for flights. Then I have about $900 in Cap1 Rewards - so thought about using those for excursions.

2. Going to Vegas next March (right after DS turns 21) Have no idea on where we will stay here. Hoping to build up SW stash again by getting 2 cards end of the year and then getting companion pass for 2020-2021. Have many family members coming with on this one. Usually rooms are not too bad (hopefully). I think it is too early to start planning that one.

3. That leaves me to my last trip. I have about 450,000 Bonvoy points and would like to use them somewhere tropical. Would like to go beginning of January. Both kids will be home from College - they don't start classes again until January 13th. So, I thought the rates might be better as the holidays are over at that point. Would like to go somewhere out of the US as weather can be iffy in January even in Florida. We stopped in Aruba for a cruise and really liked it - so thought that might be a good spot. Can get Aruba Marriott Stellaris Resort for 50,000 per night. I was seeing if I could use some AA points for flights - they don't always have the best options I am finding out. But after playing with the dates I found Economy Milesaver Awards for 15,000 points each way from MSP. So, only 120,000 points for the 4 of us (plus almost $400 in taxes and fees). I don't know anything about AA flights/bookings. From reading a bit - they cannot be cancelled like SW flights correct (without incurring a fee). If I have the AA Credit Card (new one on it's way), we can get free checked bags. Do you have to pay for the fees with the card or how do you get the free checked bags? Marriott you can cancel up to 7 days prior so that is not an issue. I thought this would be a great Christmas present for the kids before they go back to college (they are both going to the same college so same breaks and stuff and only 1-1/2 hours away). Anything I am missing here. Will have to talk to DH about this tonight before I book but seems like a no brainer

Oh - and I just got the email to upgrade my AMEX Bonvoy Card for 100,000 points with $5,000 spend. So, I would be able to use the $300 credit right at the resort - just charge everything to the room?? I have to reply to this by 4/24 (I already have AA Business card on its way but that I will just use Mortgage. I also have Cap 1 Arrival plus with $3,000 spend and $500 Each for the 2 AU cards for the Kids). I know I will have Tuition coming up but they don't take AMEX, but could possibly do Plastiq on that and just pay some early. Will they still upgrade me and give me the points even though I get the pop ups? Or is this handled differently.

Sorry for all the questions. Going in so many directions - don't know which way to go!!

We just got back from Aruba and we stayed our first night at the Renaissance so we could visit the flamingos and 5 nights at the Marriott Stellaris. I’m planning on writing a quick review of our trip, but haven’t even finished unpacking yet! We had a fantastic time. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I had to come here and share my exciting news!!!!

I just booked the Waldorf Astoria Maldives for dd's spring break next April . Without churning this would never be possible.

I had to purchase 112,000 points, but Hilton has the point match right now so I purchased 56,000 for $560.00 and got 112,000 points. I used my CIP since the purchase is through points dot com, which apparently codes as travel on the CIP (let's hope). Oh yeah, the MSR for CIP #2 is now complete!

Now for the super exciting part!! The room would've cost us $2,884.00 per night. Yup, that's right, per night. Can I just say no way would I ever pay that price to go to the Maldives (for a few reasons, not the least of which is I am not a sun person -- to me pale is the new tan {I spent too much time in the sun in my younger days}, but dd really wanted to go).

The base room (which is what I booked) is a king beach villa that is 2,518 square feet with its' own pool (on the beach).

Now I need some expertise from the folks here.

How do I get a free night with my awards certificate for the 6th night I'll need? I'm afraid if I wait until my December renewal there won't be a reward night available (if I recall there has to be a reward night available to book a night with the certificate). I suppose if we had to we could spend a night in Male if the night isn't available ('cuz I'm not paying $2,884 for an extra night, that's for sure!). I wish I could use my reward certificate for this year, but I do believe it expires . First world problems.

@calypso726 any recommendations?

 

[platamama]

So, I am trying to plan a few trips on points.

1. Cruise to Alaska next Summer for DH and I 25th Anniversary. This will be a surprise as he has wanted to go to Alaska. Will give it to him as a Christmas/Anniversary Gift. Friends of ours will be going also. Looks like Princess or Holland America are the 2 main cruiselines. I just got 55,000 for Referrals I just for dumb AMEX Cards for us (as we both get the pop up now - but still got the referral points) And I just got the email to get 5,000 MR points to add AU. So, I added both kids and need to spend $500 on each of the cards so that will be another 10,000 MR's. So, in total between DH and I - we will have about 190,000 MR's. I think I may cash those out for Carnival Corp Gift Cards as those would work for both Princess and Holland America. I have 70,000 Delta points and will have at least 400,000 UR's so will most likely use one or both of those for flights. Then I have about $900 in Cap1 Rewards - so thought about using those for excursions.

2. Going to Vegas next March (right after DS turns 21) Have no idea on where we will stay here. Hoping to build up SW stash again by getting 2 cards end of the year and then getting companion pass for 2020-2021. Have many family members coming with on this one. Usually rooms are not too bad (hopefully). I think it is too early to start planning that one.

3. That leaves me to my last trip. I have about 450,000 Bonvoy points and would like to use them somewhere tropical. Would like to go beginning of January. Both kids will be home from College - they don't start classes again until January 13th. So, I thought the rates might be better as the holidays are over at that point. Would like to go somewhere out of the US as weather can be iffy in January even in Florida. We stopped in Aruba for a cruise and really liked it - so thought that might be a good spot. Can get Aruba Marriott Stellaris Resort for 50,000 per night. I was seeing if I could use some AA points for flights - they don't always have the best options I am finding out. But after playing with the dates I found Economy Milesaver Awards for 15,000 points each way from MSP. So, only 120,000 points for the 4 of us (plus almost $400 in taxes and fees). I don't know anything about AA flights/bookings. From reading a bit - they cannot be cancelled like SW flights correct (without incurring a fee). If I have the AA Credit Card (new one on it's way), we can get free checked bags. Do you have to pay for the fees with the card or how do you get the free checked bags? Marriott you can cancel up to 7 days prior so that is not an issue. I thought this would be a great Christmas present for the kids before they go back to college (they are both going to the same college so same breaks and stuff and only 1-1/2 hours away). Anything I am missing here. Will have to talk to DH about this tonight before I book but seems like a no brainer

Oh - and I just got the email to upgrade my AMEX Bonvoy Card for 100,000 points with $5,000 spend. So, I would be able to use the $300 credit right at the resort - just charge everything to the room?? I have to reply to this by 4/24 (I already have AA Business card on its way but that I will just use Mortgage. I also have Cap 1 Arrival plus with $3,000 spend and $500 Each for the 2 AU cards for the Kids). I know I will have Tuition coming up but they don't take AMEX, but could possibly do Plastiq on that and just pay some early. Will they still upgrade me and give me the points even though I get the pop ups? Or is this handled differently.

Sorry for all the questions. Going in so many directions - don't know which way to go!!

Re: AA award flights (nice score!) - as long as the origin and destination remain the same, you can change the dates and times with no penalty up to a year from original booking date. There is a $150 fee (1st person on PNR locator, $25 each add'l person on PNR) to redeposit your points if you cancel. For the checked bags, you just need to have your AA credit card linked to your AA account (names need to match the primary person on the PNR) at least 7 days prior to the flight, then you don't need to pay for the checked bags. ETA: IIRC international flights include a checked bag, so you wouldn't have to pay for a bag per person anyway. Nvm, AA treats the Caribbean as a domestic ticket for bags.

Re: $300 credit will be effective within a day (as soon as you see the new card design on your Amex login you're good to go) and yes, just charge everything to the room. Since you were targeted for the upgrade, I would assume this bypasses any pop-ups.

Sounds like fun!

 

[LynnTH]

We just got back from Aruba and we stayed our first night at the Renaissance so we could visit the flamingos and 5 nights at the Marriott Stellaris. I’m planning on writing a quick review of our trip, but haven’t even finished unpacking yet! We had a fantastic time. Let me know if you have any questions!

Can't wait to read your review. Did you stay in the Tradewinds section? As I understand it is an extra $200-$250 per day. Is this for 2 people. We will have 4 (both kids over 18). So would that be double the cost then. If so, than certainly not going to do that but am thinking about it if it is per room.

 

[schmass]

This isn't CC related, but is money related. My DS just brought home a birthday party invitation that is requesting money and not gifts... for a 6 year old! We are pretty new to the birthday party scene, but that just seems unbelievably bold to me!

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

So, I am trying to plan a few trips on points.

1. Cruise to Alaska next Summer for DH and I 25th Anniversary. This will be a surprise as he has wanted to go to Alaska. Will give it to him as a Christmas/Anniversary Gift. Friends of ours will be going also. Looks like Princess or Holland America are the 2 main cruiselines. I just got 55,000 for Referrals I just for dumb AMEX Cards for us (as we both get the pop up now - but still got the referral points) And I just got the email to get 5,000 MR points to add AU. So, I added both kids and need to spend $500 on each of the cards so that will be another 10,000 MR's. So, in total between DH and I - we will have about 190,000 MR's. I think I may cash those out for Carnival Corp Gift Cards as those would work for both Princess and Holland America. I have 70,000 Delta points and will have at least 400,000 UR's so will most likely use one or both of those for flights. Then I have about $900 in Cap1 Rewards - so thought about using those for excursions.

2. Going to Vegas next March (right after DS turns 21) Have no idea on where we will stay here. Hoping to build up SW stash again by getting 2 cards end of the year and then getting companion pass for 2020-2021. Have many family members coming with on this one. Usually rooms are not too bad (hopefully). I think it is too early to start planning that one.

3. That leaves me to my last trip. I have about 450,000 Bonvoy points and would like to use them somewhere tropical. Would like to go beginning of January. Both kids will be home from College - they don't start classes again until January 13th. So, I thought the rates might be better as the holidays are over at that point. Would like to go somewhere out of the US as weather can be iffy in January even in Florida. We stopped in Aruba for a cruise and really liked it - so thought that might be a good spot. Can get Aruba Marriott Stellaris Resort for 50,000 per night. I was seeing if I could use some AA points for flights - they don't always have the best options I am finding out. But after playing with the dates I found Economy Milesaver Awards for 15,000 points each way from MSP. So, only 120,000 points for the 4 of us (plus almost $400 in taxes and fees). I don't know anything about AA flights/bookings. From reading a bit - they cannot be cancelled like SW flights correct (without incurring a fee). If I have the AA Credit Card (new one on it's way), we can get free checked bags. Do you have to pay for the fees with the card or how do you get the free checked bags? Marriott you can cancel up to 7 days prior so that is not an issue. I thought this would be a great Christmas present for the kids before they go back to college (they are both going to the same college so same breaks and stuff and only 1-1/2 hours away). Anything I am missing here. Will have to talk to DH about this tonight before I book but seems like a no brainer

Oh - and I just got the email to upgrade my AMEX Bonvoy Card for 100,000 points with $5,000 spend. So, I would be able to use the $300 credit right at the resort - just charge everything to the room?? I have to reply to this by 4/24 (I already have AA Business card on its way but that I will just use Mortgage. I also have Cap 1 Arrival plus with $3,000 spend and $500 Each for the 2 AU cards for the Kids). I know I will have Tuition coming up but they don't take AMEX, but could possibly do Plastiq on that and just pay some early. Will they still upgrade me and give me the points even though I get the pop ups? Or is this handled differently.

Sorry for all the questions. Going in so many directions - don't know which way to go!!

Love Aruba!! No idea about AA miles but interested to hear. I can give you tips for some great restaurants. There is a fun pirate snorkel cruise that goes out right by the Marriott and it has a rope swing off it!

 

[LynnTH]

Re: AA award flights (nice score!) - as long as the origin and destination remain the same, you can change the dates and times with no penalty up to a year from original booking date. There is a $150 fee (1st person on PNR locator, $25 each add'l person on PNR) to redeposit your points if you cancel. For the checked bags, you just need to have your AA credit card linked to your AA account (names need to match the primary person on the PNR) at least 7 days prior to the flight, then you don't need to pay for the checked bags. ETA: IIRC international flights include a checked bag, so you wouldn't have to pay for a bag per person anyway.

Re: $300 credit will be effective within a day (as soon as you see the new card design on your Amex login you're good to go) and yes, just charge everything to the room. Since you were targeted for the upgrade, I would assume this bypasses any pop-ups.

Sounds like fun!

Thanks for the info. Sounds like this could be a fun and pretty cheap vacation on points (except for food and drink of course and the casino...)

 

[WardFam]

Can't wait to read your review. Did you stay in the Tradewinds section? As I understand it is an extra $200-$250 per day. Is this for 2 people. We will have 4 (both kids over 18). So would that be double the cost then. If so, than certainly not going to do that but am thinking about it if it is per room.

We have young kids so we just stayed in a regular limited view room. I think we had the worst view in the whole place, but in the end being there was what was important!

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

This isn't CC related, but is money related. My DS just brought home a birthday party invitation that is requesting money and not gifts... for a 6 year old! We are pretty new to the birthday party scene, but that just seems unbelievably bold to me!

I’ve heard of money to use for donating but never asking for cold hard cash for themselves. I’d be very put off.....

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

We have young kids so we just stayed in a regular limited view room. I think we had the worst view in the whole place, but I’m the end being there was what was important!

Interested in hearing about the Renessaince it’s a great point value

 

[wendow]

This isn't CC related, but is money related. My DS just brought home a birthday party invitation that is requesting money and not gifts... for a 6 year old! We are pretty new to the birthday party scene, but that just seems unbelievably bold to me!

For a 6yo? Are they donating it to charity or give a reason they are asking for cash?? I’ve never seen that on a kid’s bday invite and we’ve been invited to quite a few parties over the years.

 

[schmass]

I’ve heard of money to use for donating but never asking for cold hard cash for themselves. I’d be very put off.....

I know! It literally said "put some cash in a card"!