I love credit cards so much!

[hsmamato2]

Old school and cheap is me! I have my mobile data turned off and only turn on when needed when I am somewhere without free wifi. We went from Virgin Mobile phones to Comcast back last winter. Bought new phones outright - Samsung 8 and Samsung 9+ - and went on the by the gig plan. Most months since have been $12 plus taxes, ($12 for first gig) because almost everywhere has free wifi. This is for both phones. One month daughter used 1.2 gigs and then had to pay $24 plus taxes. It's the least expensive service I've had since Spring sold me a 9.99 plan back in 1998. Comcast runs on Verizon network. Between the phones (mine had a $250 rebate) and service we are paying quite a bit less than we did with Virgin and have much better service.



That's what I do if I am out and need to use my phone.

I'm going to look into this!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Well...that is an interesting thought. When I search BLT for my dates it shows availability for a studio on the Disney site for booking. I know that's no indication that it would be available for DVC but might be worth a shot...I'm going to have to consider that. It would actually be about $330 cheaper than the Poly room we are booking through the TA exclusive. Hmmmmm Wonder if it'd actually be available...

Not sure of your dates but think you were looking at end of January/begining of February...there are only 2 consecutive nights in a studio 2/5 and 2/6 or 2/8 and 2/9....lots of dates open in a 1BR lake view

 

[Tikitoi]

With all the Chase changes and the fact that I've been saving my last */24 spot for them I'm just wondering if it is even worth it for me to apply for their CSR card.

I mean maybe i should just go for a Discover card and get money back for my mortgage...i guess

Or maybe just another business card...Im just not sure.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Thanks for the DP's. Maybe user error on the other person's part. I will definitely attempt this one then!

I tried a purchase at Walgreens last week (an honest to gosh actual purchase) and an online purchase at Home Depot. Neither worked. Yesterday I did Walgreens and Home Depot and got notifications for both. Also did Staples last week and already have the cash back. So, I’m sure I did something wrong on the first two, but it’s working fine for me now.

 

[AmyAnne]

On another topic. Normally our vacations have been Disney or Cruise since kids were born. (they are now 19 and 17). We have been to Cabo and Colorado but not ventured very far. I talked to DH and Kids and said I would really like to plan a trip for Summer 2020 (next summer DD graduates and is going to China for a mission trip) somewhere international. Trying to branch out a bit. I just get so overwhelmed thinking of where to go and how to get there - it is so unfamiliar. I am working on getting a bunch of AA points now. Started DH and I on those - so hoping to use those points for flights. Looked at their award charts and they go lots of international places. Is AA a decent airline to use for International Travel (have never flown them before - we fly mostly Southwest).

You guys seem to know so much and travel all over the place. I get anxiety just thinking about it. Like the language barrier and how to get around etc... I think we are leaning towards Europe. So many places. Looking at maybe 3-4 different places (probably a 10 day trip or so). France, Italy, Austria, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Venice.. How to pick??

I just ordered 3 Travel Guide books on Amazon - so hoping that will help. I heard the trains are a good way to get around - are they easy to use? Any suggestions would be great.

Will have some MR Points (have 85,000 right now). I have about 130,000 UR's and hoping to add on to that with CIP #2 for both DH and I. I have almost 400,000 Marriott Points and currently about $800 each on 2 Barclay Arrival + Cards. Waiting on Points for Barclay AA for DH and I (100,000 total). Just got Citi AA Business Card and will use for Mortgage (Plastiq) for 2 months and will get DH Citi AA and use for Mortgage (another 140,000 points) and then cancel and repeat on those. Would love to not have to fly coach if possible, but don't like to just waste points either. Does AA charge fees to fly to Europe. I know some airlines the fees are more than the ticket.

Sorry so long. Just trying to figure out where to start on this and you guys know everything... Thanks.

Our first international trip was an DCL Med cruise -- it was a great way to see several European cities without having to plan the whole stay in each city. We have since done 3 other European DCL cruises and one with Norwegian. Also have done non-cruise trips to the UK and Asia, but I would recommend a cruise for ease of planning.

 

[mmmears]

Ok I'll join the Chipotle club. That's a quick place that I really, really like.

No Whataburger is just sad...I smile Every Single Time I eat in their store...just reminds me of Texas

OK - don't laugh. But I've never ever heard of a Whataburger until today on this thread.

On another topic. Normally our vacations have been Disney or Cruise since kids were born. (they are now 19 and 17). We have been to Cabo and Colorado but not ventured very far. I talked to DH and Kids and said I would really like to plan a trip for Summer 2020 (next summer DD graduates and is going to China for a mission trip) somewhere international. Trying to branch out a bit. I just get so overwhelmed thinking of where to go and how to get there - it is so unfamiliar. I am working on getting a bunch of AA points now. Started DH and I on those - so hoping to use those points for flights. Looked at their award charts and they go lots of international places. Is AA a decent airline to use for International Travel (have never flown them before - we fly mostly Southwest).

You guys seem to know so much and travel all over the place. I get anxiety just thinking about it. Like the language barrier and how to get around etc... I think we are leaning towards Europe. So many places. Looking at maybe 3-4 different places (probably a 10 day trip or so). France, Italy, Austria, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Venice.. How to pick??

I just ordered 3 Travel Guide books on Amazon - so hoping that will help. I heard the trains are a good way to get around - are they easy to use? Any suggestions would be great.

Will have some MR Points (have 85,000 right now). I have about 130,000 UR's and hoping to add on to that with CIP #2 for both DH and I. I have almost 400,000 Marriott Points and currently about $800 each on 2 Barclay Arrival + Cards. Waiting on Points for Barclay AA for DH and I (100,000 total). Just got Citi AA Business Card and will use for Mortgage (Plastiq) for 2 months and will get DH Citi AA and use for Mortgage (another 140,000 points) and then cancel and repeat on those. Would love to not have to fly coach if possible, but don't like to just waste points either. Does AA charge fees to fly to Europe. I know some airlines the fees are more than the ticket.

Sorry so long. Just trying to figure out where to start on this and you guys know everything... Thanks.

Our last trip abroad we used AMEX MRs for our flights, which made it easier to book since we had multiple airlines to choose from. But the one before this was booked exclusively with my AA points. I booked 3 tickets first class to Rome (had to change planes in the UK and fly BA to Italy), and then 3 first class seats back from London. AA was great on those flights so yes, it's definitely a valid airline to use to fly overseas. And yes, trains can be great over there. We took the chunnel one from Paris to London and it was definitely better than flying (did that a few times when I was younger and there was no train). Our last trip was a DCL cruise from Copenhagen to Dover (stopping in Norway, Iceland, and Scotland) and that's also a really fun way to get from place to place, depending of course on what interests you. As for CC strategies, I'll leave that to the experts on here. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

For the four transactions (Walgreens, CVS, Staples, Home Depot) I just did today I added a filler item for each. But I only got things I needed---baggies, a travel deodorant, a small padded mailer envelope, and a plastic saucer for under a plant pot.

I only added a filler because I was using my Amex and working on MSR. Boy, Home Depot candy bars are expensive.

 

[speedyfishy]

I tried to use the Kohl’s offer on RMN and it hasn’t went pending yet. I got a chipotle giftcard. Is Kohl’s slower than the other stores?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Not sure of your dates but think you were looking at end of January/begining of February...there are only 2 consecutive nights in a studio 2/5 and 2/6 or 2/8 and 2/9....lots of dates open in a 1BR lake view

Oooh ok then, lol. Figured I’d be too late on that - we need 1/30 thru 2/2 and would only be interested in Theme Park view. Thanks for checking!

 

[CoP Luv]

On another topic. Normally our vacations have been Disney or Cruise since kids were born. (they are now 19 and 17). We have been to Cabo and Colorado but not ventured very far. I talked to DH and Kids and said I would really like to plan a trip for Summer 2020 (next summer DD graduates and is going to China for a mission trip) somewhere international. Trying to branch out a bit. I just get so overwhelmed thinking of where to go and how to get there - it is so unfamiliar. I am working on getting a bunch of AA points now. Started DH and I on those - so hoping to use those points for flights. Looked at their award charts and they go lots of international places. Is AA a decent airline to use for International Travel (have never flown them before - we fly mostly Southwest).

You guys seem to know so much and travel all over the place. I get anxiety just thinking about it. Like the language barrier and how to get around etc... I think we are leaning towards Europe. So many places. Looking at maybe 3-4 different places (probably a 10 day trip or so). France, Italy, Austria, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Venice.. How to pick??

I just ordered 3 Travel Guide books on Amazon - so hoping that will help. I heard the trains are a good way to get around - are they easy to use? Any suggestions would be great.

Will have some MR Points (have 85,000 right now). I have about 130,000 UR's and hoping to add on to that with CIP #2 for both DH and I. I have almost 400,000 Marriott Points and currently about $800 each on 2 Barclay Arrival + Cards. Waiting on Points for Barclay AA for DH and I (100,000 total). Just got Citi AA Business Card and will use for Mortgage (Plastiq) for 2 months and will get DH Citi AA and use for Mortgage (another 140,000 points) and then cancel and repeat on those. Would love to not have to fly coach if possible, but don't like to just waste points either. Does AA charge fees to fly to Europe. I know some airlines the fees are more than the ticket.

Sorry so long. Just trying to figure out where to start on this and you guys know everything... Thanks.

We also have done a few European cruises and love love love to see Europe that way. You get on the ship, unpack once, let the cruise line be your transportation, don't (usually) have to worry about a language barrier while on the ship...

The downside is not being able to spend more than a day or two in each port city, but it's a great way to get your feet wet on international travel and not really have to worry too much about getting from city to city or country to country.

Our last one was this summer to Norway with 5 days tacked on beforehand in Lake Como, Italy. I used UR to United for business class flights there, economy back, the CSR travel credit for partial cruise payment, CSR P2 for travel credit for flights from Italy to Amsterdam (where the cruise began), and the CSR for no foreign-transaction fees and trip insurance.

When I was young, my parents took my family to London, Paris, and drove to Wales and the English Countryside. I didn't love Paris because of the language barrier (I was a kid, so it was really weird to me), but loved London. That might be a good place to start. Happy traveling!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

With all the Chase changes and the fact that I've been saving my last */24 spot for them I'm just wondering if it is even worth it for me to apply for their CSR card.

I mean maybe i should just go for a Discover card and get money back for my mortgage...i guess

Or maybe just another business card...Im just not sure.

Despite the changes, CSR and CSP signup bonuses remain strong! 54k URs back on $4,000 spend is 13.5% back in CASH. (And of course you have the transfer to partners and UR portal options to make it even better). CSP would be no AF if that’s attractive. CSR could be free Precheck/Global Entry AND 2x $300 Travel Credits for paying the $450 AF.

Despite the changes, both of these offers remain very strong and for what it’s worth, I would not pass them up for a Discover Card that will still be there when you’re > 5/24. Good Luck with whatever you decide to do!

...Also - I’d maybe even consider getting a CF or CFU and that signup to top off your 5/24 before a Discover. Lots to consider...

 

[Lain]

Amex referral bonuses appear to be seeing delays: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/9gtu9e/comment/e67d64q?st=JM885N7K&sh=dd69f504

 

[Calfan]

Amex referral bonuses appear to be seeing delays: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/9gtu9e/comment/e67d64q?st=JM885N7K&sh=dd69f504

Not good that it's happening, but good to know. I haven't received my bonus for my self-referral to the Biz Gold and was wondering if I somehow did it wrong...(I'm almost positive I did it the same way I did for the Biz Greens, and I got both of those referral bonuses, so this could be the reason.)

 

[Lain]

always wait. Amex is a once in a life time bonus. aka "7 years"

Is it really 7 years? Didn't know that.

card closed... ymmv.
"There are some reports out there that American Express considers a lifetime 7 years. If you haven’t had the card in over 7 years you may be able to get it again."
Source: https://milestomemories.boardingare...s-difference-between-credit-and-charge-cards/

Interesting DP today that Amex’s “once per lifetime” bonus rule may be just 7 years from the opening of the card (assuming the card needs to be canceled before applying again): https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/9gtu9e/comment/e67rv29?st=JM88A1G3&sh=26faad16

 

[LynnTH]

Our first international trip was an DCL Med cruise -- it was a great way to see several European cities without having to plan the whole stay in each city. We have since done 3 other European DCL cruises and one with Norwegian. Also have done non-cruise trips to the UK and Asia, but I would recommend a cruise for ease of planning.

That is definitely something we are considering. Will have to do more research.

 

[wanderlust7]

Is AA a decent airline to use for International Travel (have never flown them before - we fly mostly Southwest).

You'll want the flights on AA metal. The partner awards transatlantic on BA and Iberia have high surcharges. I learned that the hard way AFTER I racked up AA miles with 3 credit card bonuses....

 

[LynnTH]

Ok I'll join the Chipotle club. That's a quick place that I really, really like.



OK - don't laugh. But I've never ever heard of a Whataburger until today on this thread.



Our last trip abroad we used AMEX MRs for our flights, which made it easier to book since we had multiple airlines to choose from. But the one before this was booked exclusively with my AA points. I booked 3 tickets first class to Rome (had to change planes in the UK and fly BA to Italy), and then 3 first class seats back from London. AA was great on those flights so yes, it's definitely a valid airline to use to fly overseas. And yes, trains can be great over there. We took the chunnel one from Paris to London and it was definitely better than flying (did that a few times when I was younger and there was no train). Our last trip was a DCL cruise from Copenhagen to Dover (stopping in Norway, Iceland, and Scotland) and that's also a really fun way to get from place to place, depending of course on what interests you. As for CC strategies, I'll leave that to the experts on here. Hope this helps a bit.

Good to know. Would be great to fly First Class. Kids would be in heaven (and me too). A cruise is an option but then you are limited to their itinerary and only are there for a day - but looking into that also.

 

[LynnTH]

We also have done a few European cruises and love love love to see Europe that way. You get on the ship, unpack once, let the cruise line be your transportation, don't (usually) have to worry about a language barrier while on the ship...

The downside is not being able to spend more than a day or two in each port city, but it's a great way to get your feet wet on international travel and not really have to worry too much about getting from city to city or country to country.

Our last one was this summer to Norway with 5 days tacked on beforehand in Lake Como, Italy. I used UR to United for business class flights there, economy back, the CSR travel credit for partial cruise payment, CSR P2 for travel credit for flights from Italy to Amsterdam (where the cruise began), and the CSR for no foreign-transaction fees and trip insurance.

When I was young, my parents took my family to London, Paris, and drove to Wales and the English Countryside. I didn't love Paris because of the language barrier (I was a kid, so it was really weird to me), but loved London. That might be a good place to start. Happy traveling!

We do want to see Paris (typical tourist attraction) but I have heard not as many speak English in France. London would be good too.

 

[Tikitoi]

Despite the changes, CSR and CSP signup bonuses remain strong! 54k URs back on $4,000 spend is 13.5% back in CASH. (And of course you have the transfer to partners and UR portal options to make it even better). CSP would be no AF if that’s attractive. CSR could be free Precheck/Global Entry AND 2x $300 Travel Credits for paying the $450 AF.

Despite the changes, both of these offers remain very strong and for what it’s worth, I would not pass them up for a Discover Card that will still be there when you’re > 5/24. Good Luck with whatever you decide to do!

...Also - I’d maybe even consider getting a CF or CFU and that signup to top off your 5/24 before a Discover. Lots to consider...

Yes lots to consider. Have always leaned towards the CSR esp with the travel credit and global entry. And that's true Discover won't care if I'm 5/24... That's a Chase thing. Already have the CF AND CFU so I guess this would just top me off as far as Chase. Thanks for the reconfirm of the CSR still being a decent card.

But what you said about the CSP with no fee I'm assuming that for the first year only...?

 

[DisneyMandC]

Hit CVS on the way home for a $25 Disney GC and cough drops Showing pending for that. Didn't get to HD but maybe tomorrow... I also want to set up a second account now. I'm thinking I'll just throw DH's CIC on there for when the office supply stores show up.

ETA: I actually need some new tennis shoes so I might use the Kohl's offer legitimately! LOL