I love credit cards so much! v5.0 - 2022 (see first page for add'l details)

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CaliforniaGirl09 said:
@Isutigers03 Sounds like you've gotten some great advice already, but I thought I'd chime in on a few things. I just got back from a short Oxford/London trip to pick up DD22 to bring her home after almost 5 years in England. Crazy how fast time goes. I spend quite a bit of time in the UK--4 to 5 times a year--and will be heading back when you will be there in Sept/October.

Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and at least a walk by Buckingham Palace are all first time must-dos. I love Churchill war rooms, and it took me way too long to visit there the first time. I go to the British Museum almost every time I'm in London. If you go to Stonehenge, I recommend going in conjunction with a British Museum exhibit they are having right now on Stonehenge. I also love the Markets in London--Borough Market is incredible. I've even done cooking classes at the Bread place there :) As a PP said ... go hungry. I went to the Harry Potter studios the first few months it opened, and keep meaning to go back in the winter when they have snow, etc., but I always forget to get tickets. If you want to go, you may have to book ahead.

I would definitely try to go to a show while you are there. You can probably go to the box office the day of and get cheap tickets at that time of year, especially with the shows that have been around a while. My favorite of the past few years is SIx. It's kind of a girl power take on the six wives of Henry VIII and the lyrics are awesome. It's also short and cheap so very easy to work into a short trip. If you have nice weather, I love walking around the Royal Parks. You could do the Diana walking trail and see parts of Hyde, Green, and St. James. Regent's park is also great. Kensington Palace and the V&A are also possibilities. Years ago we did an RIB tour on the Thames and it was a blast. If you have the energy, I love the pub walks and Jack the Ripper tour via London Walks. They have great tours, although COVID has changed a few things (not sure if you have to pre-book).

Have you looked into doing tea? You can probably just drop by at Fortnum, Harrods, or Liberty, but if you want one of the prestige ones like the Ritz, the Savoy, Claridges, etc. you'll want to pre-book. My family loves doing tea, so we tend to go once a trip.

Not sure if you are a shopper, but Harrods is something to see (don't miss the foodhalls--highly recommend the rotisserie chicken sandwiches). I kind of have a love/hate, as it's hard to actually shop there, but definitely something to see. Regent street is great for window shopping--don't miss Liberty of London--and covent garden is also great for walking around. Love Soho for restaurants.

Definitely use no FTF cards for the tube--super easy. I had to laugh about the currency story from PP. I had the same thing happen. Lots of old £20 pound notes that I had to use my daughter's Barclay account to convert. You really don't need cash. Everything is card. If you want notes for tipping wait until you get there and use an ATM (like a PP I used Schwab and never get his with fees; I also have BofA and they charge a couple bucks but it was still better than the horrible exchange rate).

I have used a GiffGaff SIM in an old iPhone for years. Years ago, I ordered it a few days before we left and it was waiting for me at my hotel. EE is also a good choice as a PP mentioned. Data is so cheap there it will blow your mind :) I sometimes use the AT&T $10 a day for short trips if I want access to any non-imessage texts.

@georgina have a great time in Oxford. I just left there a week ago. My daughter has been there the last couple years, and it's one of my favorite places in the UK. If you have time, the Ashmolean is my favorite museum. It's so well done and easy to see things. If you like cider, try Rosie's Pig Rhubarb at the White Horse pub (across from the Bodliean and Sheldonian).
Click to expand...

Thanks for this detailed list --and all the other England ideas. I know someone else asked about this, but we are also going in October, so the tips have benefitted me too.
My husband is very interested in hiking Seven Sisters Cliffs or Dover Cliffs but I'm not sure about wind/cold in late October?
Two places I'd love to see are a concert at Royal Albert Hall (I work for a symphony orchestra) and C.S. Lewis home/Bodleian library/his grave at Oxford.
 
Hi Everybody!

Been lurking around the boards for a bit but first time posting over in these parts. Hopefully someone has some good input as I'm not sure which direction to go in for my setup.

I do not fly much at all and I'm not looking for travel rewards. We are trying to focus on cash back... using that towards DVC dues and/or money when on vacation. My wife is leaving this to me so she would just be an AU.

Here is what's going on so far; I know this is more than the 24 month request, but figured the more thorough the better so cards aren't suggested that wouldn't work :

10/10 - Capital One Venture (was something else but bank got bought by Cap One)
1/11 - Chase Continental Airlines card >>> 2018 - Chase United Explorer
11/12 - Amex SPG >>> 9/13 - Amex Marriott Bonvoy (use for free night and status)
4/16 - Wells Fargo Cash Back (don't use anymore, don't like Wells Fargo)

Past 24 months
3/21 - CITI Simplicity
3/22 - Chase United Gateway (PC'd from Explorer, don't use/fly United anymore)
5/22 - Capital One Savor (gets most use)
6/22 - PC'd Cap One Venture >>> Quicksilver (catch all)

  • What amount of spend would you put on a card monthly (i.e. groceries, gas, insurance, cable, cell phone, other expenses)? $2000
  • Do you currently payoff your CCs in full every month or do you carry any balances/pay any interest? I have a balance on one card I'm paying off but nothing on all other cards; paid monthly.
  • What airport(s) do you typically fly out of? CLT
  • Do you have a preference of Frequent Flyer program? Prefer AA (not necessary tho)
  • Does SOUTHWEST Airline service your airport? Yes
  • Do you have a Hotel Rewards program preference? Marriott
  • Do you currently have travel points or miles in any program? (if so, which programs and how much) Marriott Bonvoy - Gold - 13800, United MileagePlus - 42,051.
  • What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? As stated above, I'm looking for cash back and if that can help offset DVC dues great, if not just extra spending money for vacation.
  • When do you plan to take these trips? Usually vacation August - February

I'm trying to figure out what to pair with the Savor card as it gets good cash back. I'd like something more than the Quicksilver but it does the job for now. Should I move over to Chase? I like that I would have the option, if needed, to move points to Marriott; however, I feel like I'd still be making the same cash back mount and would need the Savor for groceries as Chase only has rewards for Online Orders. I'm not keen on Amex too much because their cash back is statement credit.

If I shouldn't change anything great but I need some input from more knowledgeable folks please!
 
Narnia_girl said:
Thanks for this detailed list --and all the other England ideas. I know someone else asked about this, but we are also going in October, so the tips have benefitted me too.
My husband is very interested in hiking Seven Sisters Cliffs or Dover Cliffs but I'm not sure about wind/cold in late October?
Two places I'd love to see are a concert at Royal Albert Hall (I work for a symphony orchestra) and C.S. Lewis home/Bodleian library/his grave at Oxford.
Click to expand...
Hiking along the southern coast is on my list (as is hiking along the Pembroke coast). I haven't hiked that late in the year, but I think the weather can be okay in October. I'm not sure when England does their time change (it's a week before or after ours), but that would be the thing to think about since it will get dark so early. I'd plan to do it, but maybe have easily cancelable plans with a backup in place? England weather is a crapshoot anyway :) I haven't seen a concert at the Royal Albert yet, and I'm bummed to be missing Alfie Boe by a week or two (he'll be there mid-October). The Bodleian is amazing. I'm so jealous my daughter got to study there all the time :) I love Oxford and the Cotswolds--you can combine the two in a tour on a day trip from London. We did it a few years back before our daughter got in and it was great.
 
palhockeymomof2 said:
No you can’t do that…Chase will only give the bonus on Sapphire cards…the CSR and CSP once every 48 months.

It’s Also recommended you leave a card open at least 1 year before closing it so the bank does not claw back the points…
Click to expand...

Thank you. I found out today I can split my payments and the fee is just $35. I think it is worth it to get two cards for the bonuses.
 
TraderStitch said:
Hi Everybody!

Been lurking around the boards for a bit but first time posting over in these parts. Hopefully someone has some good input as I'm not sure which direction to go in for my setup.

I do not fly much at all and I'm not looking for travel rewards. We are trying to focus on cash back... using that towards DVC dues and/or money when on vacation. My wife is leaving this to me so she would just be an AU.

Here is what's going on so far; I know this is more than the 24 month request, but figured the more thorough the better so cards aren't suggested that wouldn't work :

10/10 - Capital One Venture (was something else but bank got bought by Cap One)
1/11 - Chase Continental Airlines card >>> 2018 - Chase United Explorer
11/12 - Amex SPG >>> 9/13 - Amex Marriott Bonvoy (use for free night and status)
4/16 - Wells Fargo Cash Back (don't use anymore, don't like Wells Fargo)

Past 24 months
3/21 - CITI Simplicity
3/22 - Chase United Gateway (PC'd from Explorer, don't use/fly United anymore)
5/22 - Capital One Savor (gets most use)
6/22 - PC'd Cap One Venture >>> Quicksilver (catch all)

  • What amount of spend would you put on a card monthly (i.e. groceries, gas, insurance, cable, cell phone, other expenses)? $2000
  • Do you currently payoff your CCs in full every month or do you carry any balances/pay any interest? I have a balance on one card I'm paying off but nothing on all other cards; paid monthly.
  • What airport(s) do you typically fly out of? CLT
  • Do you have a preference of Frequent Flyer program? Prefer AA (not necessary tho)
  • Does SOUTHWEST Airline service your airport? Yes
  • Do you have a Hotel Rewards program preference? Marriott
  • Do you currently have travel points or miles in any program? (if so, which programs and how much) Marriott Bonvoy - Gold - 13800, United MileagePlus - 42,051.
  • What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? As stated above, I'm looking for cash back and if that can help offset DVC dues great, if not just extra spending money for vacation.
  • When do you plan to take these trips? Usually vacation August - February

I'm trying to figure out what to pair with the Savor card as it gets good cash back. I'd like something more than the Quicksilver but it does the job for now. Should I move over to Chase? I like that I would have the option, if needed, to move points to Marriott; however, I feel like I'd still be making the same cash back mount and would need the Savor for groceries as Chase only has rewards for Online Orders. I'm not keen on Amex too much because their cash back is statement credit.

If I shouldn't change anything great but I need some input from more knowledgeable folks please!
Click to expand...
Welcome! If you've been lurking (which I did too), you know this is a very friendly and helpful group. I focus on points, so I will let some of the experts answer your questions. Good luck!
 
Hey all, our Thanksgiving flights have been cancelled and rebooked by KLM, each pushed out by 24 hours. I've spent all day trying to get this worked out, and have half of our party (booked through Flying Blue) rebooked on AirFrance on our original dates. I booked 2 pax through Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club (on KLM metal) and another booked with cash with KLM. These have proved trickier to rebook on our original dates. I'm considering accepting the return flight which leaves a day later. From KLM's website, I get the impression they'll reimburse for hotel and reasonable food expenses for that extra day. It would be preferable to keep all together, but I'm sure these young adults wouldn't mind an extra day in Rome. But I don't know if my interpretation is correct as this flight cancellation is months away, yet it is an unforeseen expense vs what I originally booked. Thoughts? How do you interpret it?

"Unforeseen expenses​

If you had unforeseen expenses because of a delay or cancellation, such as extra costs for a lunch or a phone call, you can request a reimbursement."

1657847968823.png


This is AirFrance's policy and it seems KLM/AF are pretty well tied together. It just seems a bit more thorough, though I realize I would have to claim with KLM. Thought it worth sharing.

"1.1 Cancellation assistance If your flight is canceled, you may choose between the following:

  • Rerouting to your final destination under comparable transport conditions as soon as possible as indicated by the carrier, or at a later date at your convenience, subject to the availability of seats; and
  • Reimbursement for the part or parts of your journey that were not made, and for the part or parts already made if the flight no longer serves any useful purpose, taking into consideration the original flight plan, and also a return flight to the first point of departure as noted on the ticket (if applicable).
In addition, you will receive free of charge:

  • meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time;
  • hotel accommodation in cases where an overnight stay or a stay in addition to that which you originally intended becomes necessary (transport included);
  • one prepaid phone card or the cost of two telephone calls (limited to 5 minutes each), or 2 fax messages or 2 e-mails."
 
Last edited:
I see an envelope in informed delivery for p2 from US Bank. Guess thats finally the denial for his Altitude Reserve. Pretty crazy with over 800 scores, you can get denied for two cards at the same time LOL. I feel like we have hit the churning wall right now. I am off to WDW with no MSR next week, for the first time ever. I don't know what to do with myself without an msr LOL.
There are a couple of low sub cards I want, but can't get one before I leave. I didn't want to get anything else with the reserve app pending.
 
TraderStitch said:
Hi Everybody!

Been lurking around the boards for a bit but first time posting over in these parts. Hopefully someone has some good input as I'm not sure which direction to go in for my setup.

I do not fly much at all and I'm not looking for travel rewards. We are trying to focus on cash back... using that towards DVC dues and/or money when on vacation. My wife is leaving this to me so she would just be an AU.

Here is what's going on so far; I know this is more than the 24 month request, but figured the more thorough the better so cards aren't suggested that wouldn't work :

10/10 - Capital One Venture (was something else but bank got bought by Cap One)
1/11 - Chase Continental Airlines card >>> 2018 - Chase United Explorer
11/12 - Amex SPG >>> 9/13 - Amex Marriott Bonvoy (use for free night and status)
4/16 - Wells Fargo Cash Back (don't use anymore, don't like Wells Fargo)

Past 24 months
3/21 - CITI Simplicity
3/22 - Chase United Gateway (PC'd from Explorer, don't use/fly United anymore)
5/22 - Capital One Savor (gets most use)
6/22 - PC'd Cap One Venture >>> Quicksilver (catch all)

  • What amount of spend would you put on a card monthly (i.e. groceries, gas, insurance, cable, cell phone, other expenses)? $2000
  • Do you currently payoff your CCs in full every month or do you carry any balances/pay any interest? I have a balance on one card I'm paying off but nothing on all other cards; paid monthly.
  • What airport(s) do you typically fly out of? CLT
  • Do you have a preference of Frequent Flyer program? Prefer AA (not necessary tho)
  • Does SOUTHWEST Airline service your airport? Yes
  • Do you have a Hotel Rewards program preference? Marriott
  • Do you currently have travel points or miles in any program? (if so, which programs and how much) Marriott Bonvoy - Gold - 13800, United MileagePlus - 42,051.
  • What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? As stated above, I'm looking for cash back and if that can help offset DVC dues great, if not just extra spending money for vacation.
  • When do you plan to take these trips? Usually vacation August - February

I'm trying to figure out what to pair with the Savor card as it gets good cash back. I'd like something more than the Quicksilver but it does the job for now. Should I move over to Chase? I like that I would have the option, if needed, to move points to Marriott; however, I feel like I'd still be making the same cash back mount and would need the Savor for groceries as Chase only has rewards for Online Orders. I'm not keen on Amex too much because their cash back is statement credit.

If I shouldn't change anything great but I need some input from more knowledgeable folks please!
Click to expand...
Regarding Amex, there is another option to get cash back. If you open an online Schwab One with High Yield Savings account, you will be eligible for the Charles Schwab Platinum card that offers 100,000 MR for $6,000 in spend (within your budget). With the CS Plat, you can cash out any MR you earn at 1.1 cpp. So, the sign up bonus is worth $1,100, minus the $695 annual fee and you're already starting at $405 in cash back (better than most cards offering a straight cash back sign up bonus). More importantly, you could get other Amex MR products (both personal and business) and cash out those points too without relying on the statement credit and at a better rate of return.

If you are able to use any of the many credits and benefits of the Platinum card (including lounge access -- CLT has a Centurion), then its just a cherry on top. High annual fees tend to scare people off because its an up front cost, but in this game if you're profiting overall, you're doing it right.
 
Arcades said:
Regarding Amex, there is another option to get cash back. If you open an online Schwab One with High Yield Savings account, you will be eligible for the Charles Schwab Platinum card that offers 100,000 MR for $6,000 in spend (within your budget). With the CS Plat, you can cash out any MR you earn at 1.1 cpp. So, the sign up bonus is worth $1,100, minus the $695 annual fee and you're already starting at $405 in cash back (better than most cards offering a straight cash back sign up bonus). More importantly, you could get other Amex MR products (both personal and business) and cash out those points too without relying on the statement credit and at a better rate of return.

If you are able to use any of the many credits and benefits of the Platinum card (including lounge access -- CLT has a Centurion), then its just a cherry on top. High annual fees tend to scare people off because its an up front cost, but in this game if you're profiting overall, you're doing it right.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the great idea! I was under the impression that the Schwab account had to be a brokerage account and that Savings accounts weren't eligible for that MR point conversion. If that is the case tho, Amex might be my next stop! Thank you again, I'll look into that option ASAP!
 
elgerber said:
I see an envelope in informed delivery for p2 from US Bank. Guess thats finally the denial for his Altitude Reserve. Pretty crazy with over 800 scores, you can get denied for two cards at the same time LOL. I feel like we have hit the churning wall right now. I am off to WDW with no MSR next week, for the first time ever. I don't know what to do with myself without an msr LOL.
There are a couple of low sub cards I want, but can't get one before I leave. I didn't want to get anything else with the reserve app pending.
Click to expand...
denied for no relationship with US Bank Funny, my checks and joint account bank statements say otherwise.
 
elgerber said:
I see an envelope in informed delivery for p2 from US Bank. Guess thats finally the denial for his Altitude Reserve. Pretty crazy with over 800 scores, you can get denied for two cards at the same time LOL. I feel like we have hit the churning wall right now. I am off to WDW with no MSR next week, for the first time ever. I don't know what to do with myself without an msr LOL.
There are a couple of low sub cards I want, but can't get one before I leave. I didn't want to get anything else with the reserve app pending.
Click to expand...
I got a US Bank letter today also - my statement for the card they turned my old and discontinued Raddison card into. I had paid the annual fee, got the new card, tossed it in a pile and forgot it back in May. Never activated it. Opened it to discover I had a credit for the annual fee of $75. Now I have to use the card to get my $75 back (or request a check I guess). Maybe I should keep it in the event I need a relationship with them for another card.
 
I ended up getting my IPad for grad school yesterday. I went through Apple for student pricing. It was $50 off plus I got a $100 apple gift card (used for my Apple Pencil 2) and Apple Care was 20% off. I did get a $500 gift card at Kroger which will get me $60 in free gas and $30 back from Amex. I've downloaded my Accounting Primer and am ready to go! Unfortunately my first quarter I have two classes on Wednesday nights at 6 and 9. I get up between 4 and 5 AM. This is going to be interesting!
 
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