I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[Hoosier John]

Hi folks,

Quick introduction post and question or two. I was big into churning some time ago and ramping back up in support of what we hope will be an insane 2022-2023 of Disney travel. After a year+ of balancing a full time job with volunteering with Public Health on COVID test/vaccine sites, we're ready to invest in some fun next year I'm 0/24 at this point and P2 (who is much more active on disboards) is 1/24. I had her get the CSP for the 80,000 point bonus last year, thinking it was too good to last (ha!). P2 has mandated layovers are not viable due to our kids issues with airsickness. We will be travelling out of a AA hub with direct Orlando flights from SW and Frontier, I'll be focusing on SW due to the few choices for transferring points to Frontier. We'd be staying onsite. Our normal monthly spend is about $2,000. We don't own a business or have any side-hustles that could be converted into a business.

My current plan is to maximize UR points and transfer to RR. Disney GCs will figure heavily into this. I did get the 5x points offer on the Disney Chase card and we'll be maximizing that. I'm thinking it would be best to get the CSR late this year (under my name) to maximize the time we get the travel benefits before cancelling prior to the second AF. P2 obviously is not going to be able to get another bonus due to the CSP. In the beginning of 2022 we hope for a good promo on the Chase SW RR card and will try for a companion pass using some combination of advanced methods, though that is a really tough spend number for us without the business card points. I'll likely do the CapitalOne Venture card promo for discounted tickets sometime before the end of year, which we'll convert into APs. That would put me at 3/24 and her at 2/24, so we have some wiggle room for good bonuses that come up. The Frontier card is also a (not great) option.

My primary question is regarding AMEX Platinum. I'm getting the 100,000 MR points offer with 10x groceries and the $200 furniture offer (disney GC at HD/Lowes), which seems bonkers good. However, I don't see a way to get the points transferred into something worthwhile to defray the remaining $350. i can't transfer to RR or Frontier, and the cash/GC rates are pretty abysmal. The remaining card benefits are not of any value to us, I'll find a way to use the two fee reimbursements but its not going to be something essential. I'm 50/50 on getting the card purely for the points cashout, but remembering to cancel the card is a frustration. Are there any angles here I'm missing? Is there a better way to use these points than the cashout given our chosen carriers?

Thanks!

Back

Looks like you have a good grasp of the game. Let's see if others have tips.

The only thing I noticed was that Sapphire cards only earn a SUB 48 months after your last SUB, so that's likely 51 months since they signed up.

And my plan with MRs is to store them up and use the Charles Schwab Platinum to cash them out at 1.25x. There are specifics about doing that, so when the time comes check back here.

 

[EACarlson]

What is the easiest way to check your credit score and how often does everyone do it? When I see posts about it dropping a couple points when doing certain activities (opening or closing cards, paying off mortgage, etc), I know I should be checking it more often, but not sure what the easiest / best way is.

Thanks!

I use Credit Check Total. For $1 you can check all three FICO credit scores and look at everything in your file. It's a good thing to do every 3 months or so, just to make sure everything is accurate. Many credit cards and bank accounts will show you a score, most but not all of these are FICO scores, which are really the only ones that matter.

I generally just look at my Fico score. It's an average of the 3, but not always accurate, though close enough.

All my credit card apps have a place to check it and it's updated once a month.

There are about 30 different FICO scores, the most common one right now is the FICO 08 Bankcard. That is the score used by most major banks for credit cards. Some lenders, like Navy Federal are starting to use FICO 09 Bankcard. Each of the three major credit reporting agencies will have their own score based on how they weight different things, it is not uncommon to have those scores differ by 20 points or more.

I just check credit karma once in a while. They’ll send emails periodically and that reminds me to have a look.

Credit Karma is great for making sure that the information in your file is correct, but don't pay any attention to the score they give you. It bears only a passing resemblance to the FICO score that lenders actually look at. Same with Credit Journey by Capital One.

Does anyone have a recommendation on decent headphones that don't cost a fortune? I typically don't use headphones with my phone (iphone), but would like to during flights. I hate to spend a lot of money on something I'll use a few times a year though. They don't have a to have superior sound quality or anything, just looking for some that are easy to use and work with iphones.

Suggestions?

I use Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones I got from Amazon for $50. Noise cancelling, not Bose or Sony quality but pretty good. Sound quality is better than I expected and incredibly long battery life. I wear mine 40 hours a week and only charge them once a week. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X3ZBYRF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

totally off topic, but UGH. this is the third time they have scheduled this now...
We are looking forward to welcoming audiences back for the best of Broadway later this year. Unfortunately, the continued effects of COVID-19 on the touring Broadway industry are making it necessary for us to reschedule Hamilton. The new dates will be April 4 – May 7, 2023.

Through Hennepin Theatre Trust? I may have to go, my wife wants to see it again and I wouldn't mind. Depending on how much tickets are of course.

Ok guys—any recommendations for a password organizer for my parents? My dad (77) isn’t getting paper statements (has several cards) and doesn’t know how to log into his accounts. Just goes off the email saying your balance of $x is due month/day. I want to get it set up so my mom (who is much sharper now) can get into all of their accounts.

I use LastPass, just bought a subscription.

I think it’s still free on one device.

One type of device, you can use it on as many computers as you want for free, or as many android devices, but not both types.

 

[pinkxray]

If I can’t get the transfer bonus for MR to Hawaiian Airlines am I better of just using my Platnium Amex to book the flights to earn 5x, apply for the Scwab and cash out the MR at 1.25?
I want to book flights next month once they are released for April break next year.
Am I missing something?

 

[happ]

Do business cards count towards your 5/24? I have:
CSP: 7/19
CF: 10/19
Cap one biz Spark: 01/20
CIP: 01/21

I want to apply for a CIC now. Can I use my own support link? I don’t have a participating P2. Also, new United Quest with 100,000 United miles is now available. Can I apply for this soon after applying for the CIC? Or will I be over my 5/24? Also, should I lower my CL on my CIP first. It’s 44,000. I rarely go over 10,000 on biz expenses. Thanks for all the experts out there who have been so helpful!

The Spark card may or may not count depending on whether you have the Miles or the Cash card. If it's on your credit report, it counts.

 

[Judique]

@Judique Have you stayed at the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach? It looks nice. It is on the bayside but has a small beach and is supposed to be not a bad walk to the ocean.

No, but I've seen the outside of it driving by. @Ngwira (probably wrong spelling) stayed there in 2018 or 2019.

I would say a 3-4 minute walk to the ocean from your room. They have the path over the dunes so the sand area for walking/sitting is not as wide - more like at Bethany but without a boardwalk.

When are you planning on going? Not much opens up as far as restaurants before Memorial Day/ early June.

 

[GBRforWDW]

There are about 30 different FICO scores, the most common one right now is the FICO 08 Bankcard. That is the score used by most major banks for credit cards. Some lenders, like Navy Federal are starting to use FICO 09 Bankcard. Each of the three major credit reporting agencies will have their own score based on how they weight different things, it is not uncommon to have those scores differ by 20 points or more.
Credit Karma is great for making sure that the information in your file is correct, but don't pay any attention to the score they give you. It bears only a passing resemblance to the FICO score that lenders actually look at. Same with Credit Journey by Capital One.

Thanks for that info, I thought I had heard at one time Fico was a combination of the 3 major reports.

 

[havaneselover]

Supposed to fly out tonight but our first flight is delayed and the connecting flight is the last flight to Richmond. Traveling with the dog so getting a hotel won’t be ideal. Hoping this sorts itself out and waiting for a callback from sw.

 

[Judique]

No, but I've seen the outside of it driving by. @Ngwira (probably wrong spelling) stayed there in 2018 or 2019.

I would say a 3-4 minute walk to the ocean from your room. They have the path over the dunes so the sand area for walking/sitting is not as wide - more like at Bethany but without a boardwalk.

When are you planning on going? Not much opens up as far as restaurants before Memorial Day/ early June.

Here is Ngwira's mention. I could only copy for some reason.

[IMG alt="Ngwira"]https://www.disboards.com/data/avatars/m/457/457017.jpg?1566443473[/IMG]
Ngwira
DIS Veteran
JoinedJan 14, 2013
Jul 10, 2018

• Add bookmark
• #36,594

Spent the weekend at the Hyatt Place in Dewey Beach Delaware which is 2 miles from Rehoboth Beach. Used free night certificates when cash rates were $400 plus for a summer weekend. Free breakfast included. Free parking as well. Weather was perfect-in the 70's, we needed hoodies lol. Boardwalk was crowded which is not unusual. Overall, had a great time, especially since we only paid for gas, tolls and food. Perfect summer weekend trip. I also did some damage to the wallet as they have a chain of outlets and NO SALES TAX.

We ate at Cooter Brown's and Iron Hill Brewery which was perfectly fine. Any questions, just ask.

Last edited: Jul 10, 2018

(Not sure what boardwalk she is mentioning - maybe in Rehoboth?)

 

[gottalovepluto]

I called the pass holder line this morning to follow up and was told they are 30 days behind on requests for renewing/buying passes. I told her we have a trip in less than a month and she mentioned that to the other cm but was told they can’t move us further up in line which is fair. I’m just slightly worried about getting park reservations for our trip

There is nothing fair about this absurd situation. Disney is behind because they aren’t willing to hire the necessary staff

 

[havaneselover]

So irritated with sw. The only availability they have is on a flight at 2:30. But they cannot book it over the phone. I can only make this switch at the airport.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

 

[CyndiLouWho]

the little notebook isn't streamline? I can barely get my DH to open it to look for a password....I can't imagine what he'd do with something he really had to think about on a computer

Ugh my DH doesn't even know where to find the notebook. He's forever coming time asking what's the password to xxx. I can't even get him to save basic passwords on his iPhone

DH was looking at Citi AA card for 60k miles for $3K spend. I don't know if it's even worth a slot. Any advice?

ETA: he's currently 2/24

CitiBiz? Just got approved last week, waiting on card to arrive.
65k miles for $4k spend in 4 months, won't count towards 5/24

 

[punkin]

CitiBiz? Just got approved last week, waiting on card to arrive.
65k miles for $4k spend in 4 months, won't count towards 5/24

That's not a bad idea. I'll have to think about it.

 

[wanderlust7]

Do business cards count towards your 5/24? I have:
CSP: 7/19
CF: 10/19
Cap one biz Spark: 01/20
CIP: 01/21

I want to apply for a CIC now. Can I use my own support link? I don’t have a participating P2. Also, new United Quest with 100,000 United miles is now available. Can I apply for this soon after applying for the CIC? Or will I be over my 5/24? Also, should I lower my CL on my CIP first. It’s 44,000. I rarely go over 10,000 on biz expenses. Thanks for all the experts out there who have been so helpful!

3 months is a good rule of thumb if you want to keep getting Chase cards. Getting 2 closer together might be ok, but the next one you’d want to wait even longer. Keeping your velocity low enough for approvals is more of a cumulative thing.

The United Quest offer ends 6/2, so that may factor in which you do first. It’ll take you to 4/24 if the Spark card is on your credit report. Also make sure you don’t have any store cards or AU cards that might count.

 

[Minnie368]

Any thought on best cc to use on Vrbo? Do any of them offer some type of trip insurance? I’m thinking I’ll use CSR but wanted to make sure I’m not missing something.

 

[Jax1023]

I downgraded my car to a freedom today.

When can I apply for the csp? I’m aiming for a double dip...

I think I read 5 business days? So can I apply Friday or should I wait til Monday with the double dip?

 

[havaneselover]

Airport was a hot mess. Agent couldn’t change the tickets. Finally called in. We now have c43-45 because our ebci was totally useless but otherwise we can’t get out until Monday. Ds is in a mood because of the changes but I’m thankful to have seats and be heading home.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I downgraded my car to a freedom today.

When can I apply for the csp? I’m aiming for a double dip...

I think I read 5 business days? So can I apply Friday or should I wait til Monday with the double dip?

I would wait until Monday to apply

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Airport was a hot mess. Agent couldn’t change the tickets. Finally called in. We now have c43-45 because our ebci was totally useless but otherwise we can’t get out until Monday. Ds is in a mood because of the changes but I’m thankful to have seats and be heading home.

Ugh...what a pain...had this happen two years ago...I called the SW customer service number and they refunded our EBCI since it was their fault we had to change flights

 

[havaneselover]

Ugh...what a pain...had this happen two years ago...I called the SW customer service number and they refunded our EBCI since it was their fault we had to change flights

I may call tomorrow. Ds is having a meltdown over having to possibly sit next to a stranger but I’m not paying $40 for priority seating for a 90 minute flight.