I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[wendow]

Years ago my sister added me to her Discover card since I go to DL much more often than they do so I could buy her stuff while I was there with her card if necessary.

She just let me know today that "our" card number was compromised so Discover is sending all of us new ones.

It's not major, but do any of you know whether that would add to my */24? I don't think it will because I don't even see the original Discover on my Credit Karma... but... shouldn't I? Isn't that what I'm trying to do with adding my 15yo as an AU... build credit? So is it weird that I don't see that Discover anywhere? (I had forgotten I even had that card until she texted me this morning).

This will not add to your */24 count. I'm not sure why you don't see the card in your credit history but it's definitely not impactful for you today.

 

[calypso726]

1.). I'm not sure why it has been said that LHR is difficult to fly in/out of? It's just like any airport, has it's hassles although busy. It's one of the shortest flight distances from the US so I actually would recommend flying in there. London is always my recommended "first trip to Europe from the US" cities as there isn't a language barrier, yet it definitely feels very European. It's one of my favorite cities!

As has been mentioned the tough part is shelling out the taxes and fees on an award flight. On first class flights one is looking at about $1,000 RT, a bit less for business and still way too much for an award flight in coach.

Now, in addition to that, if someone newer to inernational travel and is connecting through London or pieced together award flights on different carriers they may well bite off more than they can chew if they didn't do a bit of research. Depending on arrival time and how many people are transferring at a given moment, taking the shuttle bus from terminal 3 to connect to terminal 5 can cost you a good 30 minutes or more. Then, if you didn't fly business or first and didn't get a fast track to go through customs, the line can be easily over an hour. Someone may not anticipate that after that line, depending on which country you are headed, there is another security line to go through. There are a number of variables that could easily make going through London tough. If London is the final destination, then obviously one doesn't have to anticipate those hurdles.

 

[disfanforlife]

We upgrade our phones every two years. I do it at Best Buy on Black Friday. They usually offer some kind of gift card 300 at least for Samsungs and a decent discount off I phones. We've been with Sprint for 13 years. We get 25% off our plan through my husband's work and then we get a 10 dollars off per phone loyalty credit for easy pay. I'm not going to lie I love my cell phone and upgrading is one of my splurges....that and Dooney and Burke DCL purses. It's also my kid's Christmas present every other year because they also love their phones. My DH, on the other hand, has an old dinosaur phone. He could care less.

Speaking of Dooney, have you seen the newest design? I am in love!!!

 

[Judique]

They must have better service than our local ones did. They recently closed the suburban Chicago location, and rumors are that the downtown location will close this year or next.

I can't say I've had bad service except maybe the time the waiter dropped a tray and doused me with lots of water and other debris. That was a long time ago.

I actually don't understand this chain. Tyson's Corner (Va) closed a long time back and it was full every time we went - kids were younger then and it was what they always asked for. I think they didn't have their lease renewed because that mall upgraded to a lot of high end and very pricey retail. They didn't reopen nearby, but that was before Landry's took over. And Landry's is constantly expanding or dropping locations. The AK restaurant was jam packed with a 45 minute wait at 5:30 (if you weren't a select member).

 

[Judique]

I was out and about walking this morning and there was a steady stream of people taking the walking path to DHS. I'm all the way in the back by the tennis courts and walk out the door closest to DHS to get my morning stroll, and this morning was at 6:30am.

I couldn't walk towards DHS as on my return I would have been walking in the wet grass as there were so many people! Hopefully many will clear out tomorrow and things will get less crowded, but I fear this will not be the case. I was talking to some younger couples while waiting in line at AK and they were laying out their plans for ROTR - they had researched and had the basics down, but had failed to get a boarding group the day before.

The crowds I'm seeing are really high. Doesn't bother me that much - I decided to do some MK and was able to go online and get 'my' desired fast passes fairly easily. I did have to spend about 15 minutes using the well known strategy and saw most attractions appear for me and all the 3 I wanted. I'm sure party of one was also easier to accommodate. But, I pity the uninformed first timer. November and January visits were quiet parks compared to this past weekend.

 

[Brandilla]

Hey guys. I'm still new to all of this and trying to ease myself in and working on my 2 year plan (ha!). A couple of questions:
1. I have the Disney Visa with the AF. It used to be my everyday card so I earned way more than the $49 AF back and was satisfied, but I've learned there are better options. I want to have a Disney card for the potential benefits on trips, but would it be better to close it and apply for a no AF card (I should get the $200 bonus at least, I think?) or call and see if I can downgrade to the no AF card? I assume no bonus that way, but maybe wouldn't count as a new card?
2. I haven't seen a lot of chatter re: Bonvoy rewards program, and what I do see tends to not be great. The current offer I'm seeing is for 100,000 points with min spend, which looks like I could get a free week (or close to it) at a hotel. Is there any reason to avoid this card/program?
Thanks guys! I love reading this thread and trying to absorb everything! I appreciate everyone's kindness and willingness to help!

Edit to add 1 more question: Hubby has an old Chase Freedom card from waaaay back when. Like 13 years ago that we don't use and haven't for years. If I apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited, would we still qualify for a bonus if he applied as my P2? Or should that acct be closed first? Does it matter?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I was out and about walking this morning and there was a steady stream of people taking the walking path to DHS. I'm all the way in the back by the tennis courts and walk out the door closest to DHS to get my morning stroll, and this morning was at 6:30am.

I couldn't walk towards DHS as on my return I would have been walking in the wet grass as there were so many people! Hopefully many will clear out tomorrow and things will get less crowded, but I fear this will not be the case. I was talking to some younger couples while waiting in line at AK and they were laying out their plans for ROTR - they had researched and had the basics down, but had failed to get a boarding group the day before.

The crowds I'm seeing are really high. Doesn't bother me that much - I decided to do some MK and was able to go online and get 'my' desired fast passes fairly easily. I did have to spend about 15 minutes using the well known strategy and saw most attractions appear for me and all the 3 I wanted. I'm sure party of one was also easier to accommodate. But, I pity the uninformed first timer. November and January visits were quiet parks compared to this past weekend.

We flew home yesterday....Friday was definitely more crowded in the parks with the start of Presidents week and most schools in the north east off...not sure about other areas.
Glad you were able to get the fast passes....I was to grab a Space Mountain FP on Friday...

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Hey guys. I'm still new to all of this and trying to ease myself in and working on my 2 year plan (ha!). A couple of questions:
1. I have the Disney Visa with the AF. It used to be my everyday card so I earned way more than the $49 AF back and was satisfied, but I've learned there are better options. I want to have a Disney card for the potential benefits on trips, but would it be better to close it and apply for a no AF card (I should get the $200 bonus at least, I think?) or call and see if I can downgrade to the no AF card? I assume no bonus that way, but maybe wouldn't count as a new card?
2. I haven't seen a lot of chatter re: Bonvoy rewards program, and what I do see tends to not be great. The current offer I'm seeing is for 100,000 points with min spend, which looks like I could get a free week (or close to it) at a hotel. Is there any reason to avoid this card/program?
Thanks guys! I love reading this thread and trying to absorb everything! I appreciate everyone's kindness and willingness to help!

Edit to add 1 more question: Hubby has an old Chase Freedom card from waaaay back when. Like 13 years ago that we don't use and haven't for years. If I apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited, would we still qualify for a bonus if he applied as my P2? Or should that acct be closed first? Does it matter?

I would downgrade the Disney card to the no fee card when the next AF posts...you can do this either online or phone

I’m not a Marriott expert so I’ll leave that to others....but you may be better off applying for Chase UR cards like the CIP, CSR or CSP since URs are more flexible, and could be transferred to Marriott if you held one of these cards

for your DHs age of accounts he could keep the CF open....it does not affect you...both of you can apply for cards individually...don’t add the other as an authorized user or it adds to your 5/24 count

You could apply for the CFU and get the bonus, but other Chase cards have higher UR bonuses...if you can meet the minimum spend in 3 months
CIPis $5k for 80 k URs
CSP is $4k for 60k
CSR is $4 k for 50k
CIC and CIU are $3k for 50k

 

[Psychodisney]

I would downgrade the Disney card to the no fee card when the next AF posts...you can do this either online or phone

I’m not a Marriott expert so I’ll leave that to others....but you may be better off applying for Chase UR cards like the CIP, CSR or CSP since URs are more flexible, and could be transferred to Marriott if you held one of these cards

for your DHs age of accounts he could keep the CF open....it does not affect you...both of you can apply for cards individually...don’t add the other as an authorized user or it adds to your 5/24 count

You could apply for the CFU and get the bonus, but other Chase cards have higher UR bonuses...if you can meet the minimum spend in 3 months
CIPis $5k for 80 k URs
CSP is $4k for 60k
CSR is $4 k for 50k
CIC and CIU are $3k for 50k

I agree with palhockeymomof2 about the Disney card. Downgrade it to the no AF card. There are other bonuses worth more than $200! Keep the no AF card open with a low credit line to help average age of credit.

I would also agree with getting a CSR or CSP instead of Marriott. UR points are way more versatile than Marriott points. With either of these cards, you can transfer UR points to Marriott but often times, it makes more sense to book through the UR portal for less points! Use your DH's CF for the bonus categories to boost your UR balance.

 

[Judique]

We flew home yesterday....Friday was definitely more crowded in the parks with the start of Presidents week and most schools in the north east off...not sure about other areas.
Glad you were able to get the fast passes....I was to grab a Space Mountain FP on Friday...

I was flipping and refreshing and I saw many opportunities for Space, Big Mountain and pretty much all the MK attractions for tomorrow. I wanted specific times 6,7, and 8pm so I can arrive by 7 and leave right after I do the 8pm or line up if I feel like it. Then I'll do some dinner and back to the ranch.

I was also doing the same with DHS and could have gotten Alien Saucers, RnR, Tower of Terror, Toy Story and almost all the older attractions by flipping around. I did see Slinky once. I was trying to fit either Indiana Jones or B and the Beast in a particular time frame and finally realized they don't exist at that time!

I've yet to book anything for Wednesday or Thursday, and Friday I'm supposed to leave, depending on weather up north. I may extend for a few more days off site at the 'free' points options - maybe go to the beach for a day. I don't want to go back to Maryland just yet. We will see how I feel about it in a couple of days, lol!

 

[becauseimnew]

Do you plan to eat breakfast at the hotel? If not, the Hyatt Place's free breakfast is not a factor. With an 8 a.m. opening, our family would be out the door at 7 a.m. to make it over to the park, get through bag check, and line up at the Esplanade for rope drop. Disneyland (and DCA) typically starts scanning guests through the turnstiles around 7:45-7:50 a.m. and holds guests at the Hub for rope drop. Especially if you're hoping to join a boarding group for RotR, you need to be scanned in before official park opening. I also cannot stress how much you can get done between park opening and 11 a.m. Those first 3 hours or so in the parks, before the masses descend upon DLR will see shorter lines, wait times, and be strategic about pulling FastPasses (or MaxPass if you decide to splurge).

Another thing to consider is Disneyland Park has its EMH/Magic Mornings on Thursdays and Saturdays. Disney California Adventure has its EMH on Fridays. So while the official opening time for the parks is 8 a.m., Disneyland will already have been open an hour before that, since 7 a.m., on Thursday and Saturday, and DCA will have been open an hour earlier on Friday. This means if you're not an EMH guest, even if you're lined up for an 8 a.m. opening at a park at has EMH/MM, you'll enter a somewhat crowded park and be at a disadvantage for FastPasses and lines. (I believe the early entrants still have to wait for official park opening at 8 a.m. in order to join a boarding group.) You may want to open up the park opposite of EMH/MM, i.e., DCA on Thursday and Saturday, and Disneyland on Friday.

What our family typically does for "breakfast," when we're staying at one of the offsite hotels along Harbor, is if there's enough time once we get in line, we'll place a mobile order at Starbucks next to the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney (note there are two Starbucks locations in DTD, so you'll probably want to order from the one further east, closer to the Esplanade), and I'll run and grab some coffee, drinks, and pastries to bring back to the line. We'll juice up and eat in line or at the Hub waiting for rope drop, which usually tides us over well enough until lunch when the crowds start getting heavy.

If you do plan to move hotels (and we've done this), what I'd do is wake up a little early the morning of the move, pack up everything you can (or do this the night before), then come back to the hotel around 10-11 a.m. (when the parks start getting crowded) to finish any packing that's left, get your bags, check out, and take an Uber down Harbor to the Fairfield, check in. (Or just send DH?) Then you can grab a bite to eat offsite (there's a Pizza Hut kiosk at the Fairfield, a McDonald's and Panera Bread nearby) or head back to DLR and grab lunch in the parks, hotels, or DTD.

The Fairfield is a LOT closer to DLR than Hyatt Place -- about a 5 minute walk across the street. Normally, I'd recommend against utilizing the Toy Story Shuttles, because I don't think they save very much time (just footsteps), but from Hyatt Place, the Toy Story Parking Lot is on the way anyway. I think if you go early enough, you won't have much of a wait in line or have to wait for the next bus because of crowds.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I just looked and Fairfield is almost sold out for Friday, no award nights available so that plan to move hotels is off the table now.

Our plan is to go to DCA on Thursday, but we will leave the Hyatt at 6:30 and check in at DL first to try to get BG, then I'll head back to the hotel for my conference and DH and the girls will hop to DCA to spend the rest of the day there. IF we get a BG we'll hop over to DL. Enjoy Soarin' around the World.

On Friday, the last day of my conference, same as above but will stay at DL. That is the first day of the new parade at DL so I'm betting it will be crazy busy.

Saturday, same as Thursday. But instead of Soarin' around the World, we'll be Soarin' over California.

I'm so excited! And we are so excited about the hours at Disneyland. We plan to open and close the parks all 3 days. 8AM-midnight.

Our flights leave LAX Sunday at noon.

 

[Brandilla]

I would downgrade the Disney card to the no fee card when the next AF posts...you can do this either online or phone

I’m not a Marriott expert so I’ll leave that to others....but you may be better off applying for Chase UR cards like the CIP, CSR or CSP since URs are more flexible, and could be transferred to Marriott if you held one of these cards

for your DHs age of accounts he could keep the CF open....it does not affect you...both of you can apply for cards individually...don’t add the other as an authorized user or it adds to your 5/24 count

You could apply for the CFU and get the bonus, but other Chase cards have higher UR bonuses...if you can meet the minimum spend in 3 months
CIPis $5k for 80 k URs
CSP is $4k for 60k
CSR is $4 k for 50k
CIC and CIU are $3k for 50k

Thanks for the reply! I'm trying to stay away from business cards at this point. I know they typically have the highest rewards, but I'm still nervous about them, as I don't actually have any business expenses but I have sold on ebay so there is potential once I'm more comfortable with the "game".

 

[Judique]

Hey guys. I'm still new to all of this and trying to ease myself in and working on my 2 year plan (ha!). A couple of questions:
1. I have the Disney Visa with the AF. It used to be my everyday card so I earned way more than the $49 AF back and was satisfied, but I've learned there are better options. I want to have a Disney card for the potential benefits on trips, but would it be better to close it and apply for a no AF card (I should get the $200 bonus at least, I think?) or call and see if I can downgrade to the no AF card? I assume no bonus that way, but maybe wouldn't count as a new card?
2. I haven't seen a lot of chatter re: Bonvoy rewards program, and what I do see tends to not be great. The current offer I'm seeing is for 100,000 points with min spend, which looks like I could get a free week (or close to it) at a hotel. Is there any reason to avoid this card/program?
Thanks guys! I love reading this thread and trying to absorb everything! I appreciate everyone's kindness and willingness to help!

Edit to add 1 more question: Hubby has an old Chase Freedom card from waaaay back when. Like 13 years ago that we don't use and haven't for years. If I apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited, would we still qualify for a bonus if he applied as my P2? Or should that acct be closed first? Does it matter?

I'm going to suggest you look for the $50 retention offer on your Disney Visa before taking the downgrade option. That way you will still have it for free for another year. You will have to call Chase for this, and if they don't give it to you then downgrade.

One thing is you really didn't spell out all details - what you are trying to get with your points cash back - and all your card details what you have when you got it and what you use, both yourself and player 2, or whether you have added each other as authorized users - something which is not recommended.

Also, dig out that Chase Freedom and activate Jan to March 31 this 3 month term's special offer of 5% for gas and streaming and phone service. That's a nickel per dollar in your pocket or as UR's which are very valuable. Don't close that Chase Freedom - its sort of a very valuable default card! There are also some other offers that can pay off - check online or on the App for Chase.

 

[becauseimnew]

Well, looks like DH will have to get another SW Biz card this year to extend his CP one more year, we don't have any plans to use SW next year, because we have one big trip to Europe but it's always nice to have just in case.

This is from referrals and the 7,500 for this Priority.


I know 2 of those are from friends, but I'm not sure where the other 3 came from and I'm wondering if he had more than 5 referrals.

 

[becauseimnew]

Thanks for the reply! I'm trying to stay away from business cards at this point. I know they typically have the highest rewards, but I'm still nervous about them, as I don't actually have any business expenses but I have sold on ebay so there is potential once I'm more comfortable with the "game".

You should only do what you feel comfortable.
The Chase Freedom is a really good card to have and use. The rotating categories are easy to earn the extra points. I would have your husband refer you to the card.

 

[Brandilla]

I agree with palhockeymomof2 about the Disney card. Downgrade it to the no AF card. There are other bonuses worth more than $200! Keep the no AF card open with a low credit line to help average age of credit.

I would also agree with getting a CSR or CSP instead of Marriott. UR points are way more versatile than Marriott points. With either of these cards, you can transfer UR points to Marriott but often times, it makes more sense to book through the UR portal for less points! Use your DH's CF for the bonus categories to boost your UR balance.

Thanks for replying! I am planning to mostly stick with UR cards, as it seems those rewards can't be beat. Just trying to look to the future!
Dh just got the southwest card as my P2, so we are working on the spend for that (should take about 2 months). Then my next move is to apply for CSP. Once I meet that spend Dh will join as P2 and we will make that spend. Then I'm unsure which card we will go with after that. I was considering either the CFU or the Bonvoy boundless. Whichever I go with, hubby will follow suit as P2. So my "spend" is tied up for the next 6-8 months, probably as it is all our regular bills/spending.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thanks for the reply! I'm trying to stay away from business cards at this point. I know they typically have the highest rewards, but I'm still nervous about them, as I don't actually have any business expenses but I have sold on ebay so there is potential once I'm more comfortable with the "game".

Totally understand....you could apply for the CSP...it’s a personal card with a 60k UR bonus....then send your DH a support link....you earn another 15k URs and your DH earns the 60k bonus as well
After meeting the MSR on both cards you would have 143,000 URs

edited...lol posted this before seeing your post above....excellent plan

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Well, looks like DH will have to get another SW Biz card this year to extend his CP one more year, we don't have any plans to use SW next year, because we have one big trip to Europe but it's always nice to have just in case.

This is from and the 7,500 for this Priority.
View attachment 474465

I know 2 of those are from friends, but I'm not sure where the other 3 came from and I'm wondering if he had more than 5 referrals.

Wow that’s great...I have never had a support click on the SW cards

 

[Brandilla]

I'm going to suggest you look for the $50 retention offer on your Disney Visa before taking the downgrade option. That way you will still have it for free for another year. You will have to call Chase for this, and if they don't give it to you then downgrade.

One thing is you really didn't spell out all details - what you are trying to get with your points cash back - and all your card details what you have when you got it and what you use, both yourself and player 2, or whether you have added each other as authorized users - something which is not recommended.

Also, dig out that Chase Freedom and activate Jan to March 31 this 3 month term's special offer of 5% for gas and streaming and phone service. That's a nickel per dollar in your pocket or as UR's which are very valuable. Don't close that Chase Freedom - its sort of a very valuable default card! There are also some other offers that can pay off - check online or on the App for Chase.

Thanks! I didnt know a retention offer was a "thing". I'll give them a call. My AF will post April 1st so I want to get it taken care of sooner than later.
And I didn't even realize Dh still had the chase freedom open until last week, but I saw those 5% categories and told him we need to start utilizing those, but he can't find the card... We just moved 4 months ago, so it's probably in a box somewhere and may need to just request a replacement.

I have a Chase Disney which hubby is AU on. Otherwise all accts are separate. I have a southwest card opened 3 years ago. Hubby joined this month as my P2.
He has the Chase Freedom. I otherwise only have a handful of store cards. Most recent opened in April 2018 which will fall off soon, and another from Nov 2019.
Then hubby has some old citi cards from 10 years ago as well.

Our biggest goal is to go to Universal Studios/Disney in Nov 2021. If possible, maybe a less expensive spring break 2021 trip somewhere undecided. Maybe Charleston, SC.

I'm figuring I will be able to use UR's for most of our Universal trip expenses, as we have lots of time to build them up. Any other trip we can take will just be an amazing bonus.

Thanks again for the replies!

 

[smmco]

Speaking of Dooney, have you seen the newest design? I am in love!!!

I have the 2019 DCL newest edition. Is there a 2020 one yet?