I love credit cards so much!

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Iceland is planned for Thanksgiving this year. Since DH has turned into a princess when it comes to flying, I couldn't talk him into flying on one of the budget carries like Wow air. He insists on flying in business or first on any flight that exceeds 3 hours :snooty: His argument is that if we spend time and energy playing this game then we should use it to fly up front. .

Your advice (and all the others here) have provided invaluable advice. Thank you!!

My husband and I both have CSR with a total of about 250k points. We are a family of 6 so my goal has been to pay for at least most of us to get to (anywhere) Europe this summer. I figure my best bet is going to be through the Chase portal.

You mention WoW air. I've found a decent price to Paris through Reykjavik. However, it doesn't pop up on the portal. If i call Chase, will they be able to see the Wow flights and maybe (fingers crossed) book a stopover in Iceland?
 
DH applied and was instantly approved for the INK. @Albort , you stated earlier that he should then apply for the CSR to transfer his UR to that. I'm confused, why does he need to do that? Is the INK redemption different in some way? I applied for the CSR right after we did his application and I got the message that I will be notified within 30 days. Is that not good? I'm really not too concerned. My credit score is excellent but I'm just wondering if it's not a good sign that I wasn't instantly approved.
 
Thanks. 5x points on a $100 gift card is how much in dollar savings? 1:1 minimum but depends on what we're redeeming for? I use my Amex Blue right now at grocery stores for 6% cash back so want to make sure the ink cash beats that. Also, why does he need a CSR to transfer UR to? Can he not use those reward points earned from the Ink to book travel without the CSR????

For Amex, 6% is great, but u get statement credit. UR points can be transferred to a chase partner and redeem for stays/airline tickets. U get a much better deal with that. For example, a Flight from Los Angeles to Taiwan in Business class is like $4000. If i move 140,000 points to United, i can redeem the same trip for that much points. if you calculate that 140k UR points, its worth around $1400. making it $.029 per point. Another example that ive done is hotels, I booked a hyatt hotel for 15k points or $150. Room rates for this hyatt was $270 a night. CSR/CSP/Ink+/InkPre/ are the only cards that can transfer to those partners...
Now, what CSR stand out in front of CSP/Ink+/InkPre is that you can use points to redeem on chase's travel site(basically expedia). it gives 1 UR pt = 1.5UR point on that portal. so a flight for $489 will only cost $320 on the portal. the CSP/Ink+/InkPre will only get 1.25.
Now when it comes to transferring points, you wont be able to go from his Ink Pre --> your CSR. Its against their T&C. He can still book @ 1.25 with u but u wont get to take advantage of the 1.5 on a CSR.

edit: also means, u cant combine his UR with your UR. so you may need to separate book your stuff.

DH applied and was instantly approved for the INK. @Albort , you stated earlier that he should then apply for the CSR to transfer his UR to that. I'm confused, why does he need to do that? Is the INK redemption different in some way? I applied for the CSR right after we did his application and I got the message that I will be notified within 30 days. Is that not good? I'm really not too concerned. My credit score is excellent but I'm just wondering if it's not a good sign that I wasn't instantly approved.

I hope the previous one is enough explanation. let me know if i confused u.
Now for your application, do you have other Chase CC or none. Do you have a relation with chase? If you want, give them a call and see whats up. They should usually tell you a reason. If the reason dont make sense, report back, we can probably figure it out for u maybe... Could be income is my best bet or something else.

Edit: sorry about the late reply, i just got back from school.

Finally, applied for Global Entry for DH, DS and me to use our CSR credit. Any idea how long the review takes to schedule the interview? Do they issue the card at the interview if they approve you? We fly out 4/12 for our cruise so I'm not expecting to have it in time for that but just trying to an idea on the timeframe.

theres 3 ways of getting your Global Entry expedited.
1) As someone else said, keep checking! i applied 4/5, conditional approval 4/15. Was flying out 5/20 but all appointments were in July. Scored a slot on 4/25 got approved like 30 secs after leaving the office.
2) Fly to a not busy airport. Is your trip going to another airport with one? My mom for example, we made a trip out to Fairbanks, AK. Literally no one there. We still needed an appointment though.
3) Walk ins. Generally its a hit and miss. Here is a >>LIST<< of people with successful/denial attempt at all sorts of airports. Would help you out!
 
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Thanks so much @Albort . Here's my understanding. He can redeem the Chase ink at 1.25 for travel through the UR site but for a better deal, he can transfer ur 's earned on his ink to his CSR ( which he will probably open next), for 1.5. And yes, I have a long standing Chase Disney card that I use regularly . I did close a Chase SW card last year but I've had a long solid history with Chase. I don't make a ton of money but am employeed full time as a registered nurse so wondering what's up now. I may call them in a few days.
 


Thanks so much @Albort . Here's my understanding. He can redeem the Chase ink at 1.25 for travel through the UR site but for a better deal, he can transfer ur 's earned on his ink to his CSR ( which he will probably open next), for 1.5. And yes, I have a long standing Chase Disney card that I use regularly . I did close a Chase SW card last year but I've had a long solid history with Chase. I don't make a ton of money but am employeed full time as a registered nurse so wondering what's up now. I may call them in a few days.

if u have a lot of credit currently with Chase, they might just need you to give up some credit on another card to the new card. Call and find out is the best thing to do!

edit: CSR require 10k too. so choose wisely! :]
 
if u have a lot of credit currently with Chase, they might just need you to give up some credit on another card to the new card. Call and find out is the best thing to do!

edit: CSR require 10k too. so choose wisely! :]
I just realized, I have a credit freeze I applied after my employer had a security breech! Ugh, I can't believe I forgot that. I assume it's appropriate that I call Chase tomorrow and explain. I have been getting solicitations from Chase for new accounts in the mail. I remember getting the one with $450 AF a few weeks ago. Now that i think of it, if I spend about $4000 a year on travel is that a better card for me than the CSR? ( $450 AF but a $300 travel credit and 3x on travel as opposed to 2x on travel with the CSR.) If so, i may ask them to switch my application when I call.
 
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This is so interesting. We're getting ready to have DH apply for an Ink, and aside from the link you provided, everything else I've read--mostly on Reddit--gave me the impression that people were only reporting the total income of the "business", not combined with personal income. Is that something you'd disclose if you had to call recon? I can't imagine telling them I'm planning on supplementing my Ebay business expenses, where I thought I'd make $2K a year, with my income.

As stated by other PPs I'd add all sources of income :rolleyes1

Not sure DH is going to be happy about this if he has to call in. :o

My DH wasn't happy about his first recon call either. So I told him he didn't have to call, but he'd be flying in steerage while I was up front drinking champagne :laughing: He called.

Your advice (and all the others here) have provided invaluable advice. Thank you!!

My husband and I both have CSR with a total of about 250k points. We are a family of 6 so my goal has been to pay for at least most of us to get to (anywhere) Europe this summer. I figure my best bet is going to be through the Chase portal.

You mention WoW air. I've found a decent price to Paris through Reykjavik. However, it doesn't pop up on the portal. If i call Chase, will they be able to see the Wow flights and maybe (fingers crossed) book a stopover in Iceland?

You're welcome! I honestly don't know but it never hurts to call the UR travel center and ask.

I just realized, I have a credit freeze I applied after my employer had a security breech! Ugh, I can't believe I forgot that. I assume it's appropriate that I call Chase tomorrow and explain. I have been getting solicitations from Chase for new accounts in the mail. I remember getting the one with $450 AF a few weeks ago. Now that i think of it, if I spend about $4000 a year on travel is that a better card for me than the CSR? ( $450 AF but a $300 travel credit and 3x on travel as opposed to 2x on travel with the CSR.) If so, i may ask them to switch my application when I call.

They will likely ask you to get it unfrozen. I went through that with a credit app I helped my mom with and we had to get the credit bureau to unfreeze before Chase would process anything. If you spend $2100 or more in travel then your best card will be the CSR. That doesn't mean you should not go after the Ink or any other cards. I will re-copy my suggestion here for you.
My advice is get the CSR card (50,000 UR), the CSP card (50,000 UR) and the Chase Ink Business preferred (80,000 UR) all for the sign up bonuses first. Have your DH also get the exact same cards in order to double your bonus points balance. Start with the Business preferred as that high bonus may not last. If you can't each make the spend on the same card at the same time that is ok. Take them one at a time and alternate. Once you have all 3 and for a year and the AF is going to hit, I'd suggest product changing the Ink business preferred to the Ink business cash so you can max the bonus categories. If you spend at least $2100 per year in travel and dining then keep the CSR card and product change the CSP card to a Freedom unlimited. If not, keep the CSP and product change the CSR to the Freedom unlimited.
 


Companion pass question: DH should have enough points to qualify for a companion pass by the end of April. We are flying to Fort Lauderdale in July. If we go ahead and book flights for all 5 of us before he gets the CP, can we cancel my ticket and get it with the CP later?

I'm hoping we can because I'd really like to get them booked. We have enough points to book them all right now.
 
Companion pass question: DH should have enough points to qualify for a companion pass by the end of April. We are flying to Fort Lauderdale in July. If we go ahead and book flights for all 5 of us before he gets the CP, can we cancel my ticket and get it with the CP later?

I'm hoping we can because I'd really like to get them booked. We have enough points to book them all right now.
You don't have to book yours now - only risk would be a complete sellout. However the idea of booking all on points including yours and then cancelling yours for the CP ticket is probably best and I've done exactly that many times.
 
You don't have to book yours now - only risk would be a complete sellout. However the idea of booking all on points including yours and then cancelling yours for the CP ticket is probably best and I've done exactly that many times.

thank you! That's what I was hoping! I'm going to book them now.
 
They will likely ask you to get it unfrozen. I went through that with a credit app I helped my mom with and we had to get the credit bureau to unfreeze before Chase would process anything. If you spend $2100 or more in travel then your best card will be the CSR. That doesn't mean you should not go after the Ink or any other cards. I will re-copy my suggestion here for you.
My advice is get the CSR card (50,000 UR), the CSP card (50,000 UR) and the Chase Ink Business preferred (80,000 UR) all for the sign up bonuses first. Have your DH also get the exact same cards in order to double your bonus points balance. Start with the Business preferred as that high bonus may not last. If you can't each make the spend on the same card at the same time that is ok. Take them one at a time and alternate. Once you have all 3 and for a year and the AF is going to hit, I'd suggest product changing the Ink business preferred to the Ink business cash so you can max the bonus categories. If you spend at least $2100 per year in travel and dining then keep the CSR card and product change the CSP card to a Freedom unlimited. If not, keep the CSP and product change the CSR to the Freedom unlimited.
Thanks for the advice again. Reading it today it's much clearer. Yesterday I was thinking that AF was too high but the more info that is sinking in it's looking like a better deal .
 
I have decided that I will try for the Chase Ink Preferred. I plan to apply in branch to have the annual fee waived for the first year. I have some work travel that I will be booking expenses for from May to around June 20. I want to make sure this will all count towards my $5000 spend since it should cover about 1/2 or more. Should I apply now or wait a week or so, to ensure that I have enough leeway for the June travel? Thanks.
 
I have decided that I will try for the Chase Ink Preferred. I plan to apply in branch to have the annual fee waived for the first year. I have some work travel that I will be booking expenses for from May to around June 20. I want to make sure this will all count towards my $5000 spend since it should cover about 1/2 or more. Should I apply now or wait a week or so, to ensure that I have enough leeway for the June travel? Thanks.

legit business? If you can hold off, i would. seems to be a rumor that the 100k is available without finding a business manager.
 
If you spend at least $2100 per year in travel and dining then keep the CSR card and product change the CSP card to a Freedom unlimited. If not, keep the CSP and product change the CSR to the Freedom unlimited.

Great advice, but I would like to clarify that you cannot directly product change the CSP and CSR to the Freedom Unlimited. Instead you need to product change the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve to a simple Sapphire card (which has no annual fee). Then, after waiting a couple of months, you can product change the Sapphire to the Freedom Unlimited.
 
Great advice, but I would like to clarify that you cannot directly product change the CSP and CSR to the Freedom Unlimited. Instead you need to product change the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve to a simple Sapphire card (which has no annual fee). Then, after waiting a couple of months, you can product change the Sapphire to the Freedom Unlimited.

You can downgrade an CSP/CSR to a freedom/freedom unlimited after 1 year. if you want to do it before your 1 year, the Sapphire card first then Freedom.
 
Great advice, but I would like to clarify that you cannot directly product change the CSP and CSR to the Freedom Unlimited. Instead you need to product change the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve to a simple Sapphire card (which has no annual fee). Then, after waiting a couple of months, you can product change the Sapphire to the Freedom Unlimited.

That is not correct. DH and I each had a CSP for years and when we each got the CSR, I product changed my CSP to a Freedom Unlimited. DH directly product changed his CSP to a second Freedom card. This same advice is given across the travel hacker blogosphere and there are tons of DP where others have done exactly what we did.
 
That is not correct. DH and I each had a CSP for years and when we each got the CSR, I product changed my CSP to a Freedom Unlimited. DH directly product changed his CSP to a second Freedom card. This same advice is given across the travel hacker blogosphere and there are tons of DP where others have done exactly what we did.
We did too. CSP to freedom unlimited and did it via secure message! It was after a year right after AF hit
 
I got my CSR in Sept 2016 and was planning to product change to a CFU in July 2017 to avoid paying the $450 AF again. Is this not doable? I need to downgrade to a 'regular' Sapphire card first? Not familiar with that card.
 
I got my CSR in Sept 2016 and was planning to product change to a CFU in July 2017 to avoid paying the $450 AF again. Is this not doable? I need to downgrade to a 'regular' Sapphire card first? Not familiar with that card.

No, you have to have the card for a year. When the AF hits again in September then cal and ask for a product change to CFU.
 
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