I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[disneymagicgirl]

@disneymagicgirl What is your */24? Could you (or your dh) get the Arrival+? That would give you $800 from just one signup that you could use for future wdw rooms. I cannot remember if you already have that card...?

We don't. We are both under 5/24. I am holding on him in case we decide to sell/move. I will keep that on the back burner though. Thanks!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Thank you for your concern, I have been careful to work on getting to my spends by merely using the card to pay our month's bills, then paying the balance off with the funds allocated from our budget. I do NOT want to go back down that road again.

For my purposes, the bank account/debit card might actually suit my purposes better. I really do just want the theme park discounts. Given that I'll already have the money, it will give me an excuse to remove it from our main account as well. Thank you for the suggestion I will look into it!

Maybe also consider playing the bank bonus game, if that would work for you. You could use the cash to pay towards your debt.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

For some reason I didn’t get a notification about you mentioning me in this post, idk why.

THE STICKY WINGS ARE GONE????!!!! That’s a huge disappointment. I have no idea why they would get rid of them. I doubt I will like their new fire roasted ones. Man I’m so upset. That was one of the main reasons for going. I had the Korean bbq wings at f&w and hated them because they tasted burnt and they were “fire roasted” as well. I might have to talk to Dh about this one....

I always order the sticky wings too. I doubt we will go back now. boo.

 

[miztressuz]

I am so tempted by some of these bank bonuses but almost all my cash is tied up in retirement accounts.

Yeah it's tough. I knew the $600 offer would come out after we spent our cash. Now any "real" money is in retirement or investment type accounts while we replenish. I'm scheming to see if maybe I can combine forces with Mom and we'd split the bonus if she doesn't have enough liquid to do it for herself. Meanwhile I've tried to be content with checking account offers.

 

[elgerber]

I just realized I have sold several things on eBay in the last month, my Biz cards are legit LOL

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Going to play devil's advocate because you mentioned this line and someone else started a discussion on this previously about how we (maybe not here, but definitely r/churning) try to chase the maximum cpp, even if in the process we 'forget' what our goals truly are or whatever is the best redemption for the individual/family. In your case, if "free" is best, then perhaps ignore the notion of cpp (I have a hard time saying this, but I think it's important for some to consider, in the right situations).

I think @GlamMistress said this recently, points are worth nothing if they aren't redeemed. I personally advocate for the Schwab cashout, but if timing is an issue, and free now is better than 1.25x later, then you do you.

I think this is a good point. We always talk about maximizing points and annual free nights but if something comes up and you need to use that free night for you to save cash or to help someone out and it's only a cat 1 it's still a good redemption if it fills the current need of free or if it'd go unused otherwise.

I totally agree. If there are a lot of bills to pay at the moment I'd care more about free than the value per point. I think it really depends on the situation. If I was going to travel right now, after paying a ton of bills (some expected and some unexpected) I'd be looking for as close to free as possible. At other times I'm looking for maximum value.

I agree with others who say the value is what you place on them. I have a number in my head that they are worth (and I have several hundred thousand) but IF I needed them to make a trip happen and it could, using them, then I would not math it out and utilize them. You never know when this game is going to change and points will devalue. Even if it's not the most lucrative redemption, a bird in the hand and all that.

Thanks all. This is basically my train of thought on them right now. I value a free WDW stay over 150k MRs sitting in my account until I get around to hypothetically going the Schwab route. We have several trips this year due to DD doing DCP, and it isn't the best year for it financially.

Fortunately, I don't have to decide right now and I have options. The Hilton is cheap ($107) or 41k points, but it will be just me and the 3 littles most of the trip, so on property is ideal.
Or I could have DH start staying at Marriott to top off those points and book S/D. Also, I am going to try and call today and upgrade my N+F package to cat 6...maybe I will get lucky.
I also want to see what DD can get on the CM portal in a couple weeks when she has access. I have about $800 worth of URs to put towards GC and we earn those pretty quickly as well...plus I may try the MS route here soon.
Just was tossing the idea around. Good problem to have.

 

[platamama]

For all of you who upgraded their Marriott Personal card last year, whose fee was originally $85 and the upgrade took it to $95:

When did you actually pay your first $95?

I applied for this card on Xmas Day 2017. No annual fee has been charged yet. Not the $85 nor the $95.

This morning I have a $95 credit for 'annual fee refund' in my account.

I'm guessing a 'new' annual fee will hit soon. But if it does then I have their refund to take care of it?

If this is correct, that means 2 years of the card without me paying an annual fee. Plus my free night is in my account. Plus the extra 50K points.

Best upgrade ever!

Nice! I still haven't paid for my $95 AF either and I upgraded in November. My balance has been sitting at <$39> for 3 statements now (with the AF refund backdated to 6/1/18). And the 50K points were added to my account on 12/2. My anniversary is in May and the AF posts on June 1, so maybe I won't be charged $95 until then? In your case, if your AF doesn't post by Feb 1, I think you might be super lucky! Marriott's IT is a mess. I'm going to start taking routine screenshots of my point balance/activity because they recently - out of the blue - deducted points from my account to pay for reservations that I had on points advance bookings. I had to go in and cancel all of them, and my refunded points balance was still less than what it had been prior to their screwup.

My AF or upgrade AF has it yet either and mine was in mid Dec. I already have my free night scheduled to use at the end of the month for our night at SeaWorld. DH’s should be coming sometime this month and I’m hoping he receives the same upgrade offer.

I think there is some way to check for the upgrade eligibility. But if I remember correctly it had to be done by 12/31/18 to get the 50K. You could call and enquire.

DH kept coming up with a "We're sorry, contact customer service" message when he tried to check for an upgrade offer. I SM'd Chase and got the reply that he was eligible for the 50K upgrade, and was sent back to that same website that still gave the "we're sorry" message. So he had to call in, talk to someone and who told him that he was indeed eligible for the offer (exp 12/31/18) and verbally ok the pc. That was last month. His anniversary is this month, and his statement shows a credit of <$7> as a refund of the AF backdated to 2/1/18. His one purchase only earned him 10K points, and I SM'd to remind them he signed up for the 50K upgrade offer. Seems like it will take another billing statement before the extra 40K show up. (FrequentMiler had a post about this happening to other people too). His statement just closed yesterday so I expect it will take a few days for the 10K to show up in his account.

 

[amalone1013]

Wishful thinking here, but let us know if it codes as anything more than 1x.

I will... but I've been making $600 payments every two weeks on it as part of my MSR and all have been 1x

I'm curious about plastiq....is there a writeup on this somewhere like reddit I can read?

@Lain had a writeup on Dischurners... not sure how recently updated it is? Main thing I'm thinking of is CIP used to earn 3x URs but doesn't anymore. But I'm still using to pay off my car to meet MSRs.

For all of you who upgraded their Marriott Personal card last year, whose fee was originally $85 and the upgrade took it to $95:

When did you actually pay your first $95?

I applied for this card on Xmas Day 2017. No annual fee has been charged yet. Not the $85 nor the $95.

This morning I have a $95 credit for 'annual fee refund' in my account.

I'm guessing a 'new' annual fee will hit soon. But if it does then I have their refund to take care of it?

If this is correct, that means 2 years of the card without me paying an annual fee. Plus my free night is in my account. Plus the extra 50K points.

Best upgrade ever!

Wow, that would be awesome for you! I applied 9/17, first AF posted 10/1/18 ($85). I upgraded 10/17/18, made my one purchase on 11/27, don't remember when I got my AF refund ($85) since it backdated to 10/1. Got my 50k points when my statement closed around 12/18. No new AF charge as of yet. For some reason I think they told me to expect the new AF charge in January, but I haven't seen it yet.

 

[Judique]

Nice! I still haven't paid for my $95 AF either and I upgraded in November. My balance has been sitting at <$39> for 3 statements now (with the AF refund backdated to 6/1/18). And the 50K points were added to my account on 12/2. My anniversary is in May and the AF posts on June 1, so maybe I won't be charged $95 until then? In your case, if your AF doesn't post by Feb 1, I think you might be super lucky! Marriott's IT is a mess. I'm going to start taking routine screenshots of my point balance/activity because they recently - out of the blue - deducted points from my account to pay for reservations that I had on points advance bookings. I had to go in and cancel all of them, and my refunded points balance was still less than what it had been prior to their screwup.





DH kept coming up with a "We're sorry, contact customer service" message when he tried to check for an upgrade offer. I SM'd Chase and got the reply that he was eligible for the 50K upgrade, and was sent back to that same website that still gave the "we're sorry" message. So he had to call in, talk to someone and who told him that he was indeed eligible for the offer (exp 12/31/18) and verbally ok the pc. That was last month. His anniversary is this month, and his statement shows a credit of <$7> as a refund of the AF backdated to 2/1/18. His one purchase only earned him 10K points, and I SM'd to remind them he signed up for the 50K upgrade offer. Seems like it will take another billing statement before the extra 40K show up. (FrequentMiler had a post about this happening to other people too). His statement just closed yesterday so I expect it will take a few days for the 10K to show up in his account.

I am really hoping that it is indeed 2 free years as that would help make up for me only getting $200 on my SPG Biz app. I'm still upset that I jumped the gun on that one by just a few hours - fomo!

Here's hoping your husband gets all 50K points!

So far, Marriott has eventually posted my points. I'm especially pleased with the lady at the Fairfield who made it possible to use points for my son earlier this week, making me feel a little better about Marriott in general. Then she was especially nice to my son, saying 'your mother was so nice on the phone.' The back story is that online you can't book a room for another person, you are supposed to be present, so I actually called to try to get a cheaper rate, expecting son to have to pay for the room.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Oof, I didn’t think the RMN offers could get much worse... $2 back on $100
Home Depot purchase? No thanks...

Yeah, that stinks---especially because yesterday I got the $5 from the last 5/50 and was going to use it again today! I linked it but it didn't stay linked

 

[platamama]

Oof, I didn’t think the RMN offers could get much worse... $2 back on $100
Home Depot purchase? No thanks...

I know, seriously lame. I linked the prior RMN that expired 1/31/19; I didn't realize that RMN would supersede previous offers like that!

 

[amalone1013]

Looking up my Marriott upgrade offer made me realize I had also gotten a new SPG Lux upgrade offer that I had forgotten about. But I took the Marriott upgrade, so I'd be locked out for 24 months. Then I read the email again... 50k points for $2500 spend. Even with the Lux $300 credit, I think Marriott's 50k points for one purchase ($12.84) wins. I don't feel so bad now.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Has anyone ever dealt with first bank?
offers

 

[kayteekt]

New thread looks great! Thanks @SouthFayetteFan

Been MIA somewhat...in a churning holding position, then with the Holidays and just got back from Disney a week ago.

Anyway, I think we're ready for some new cards...2 of our AC Units have gone out, one right before Christmas and one first week of January, delightful! We are looking at putting in Geothermal units instead. DH is thinking everything will be $10-15k, some of this will be labor and not able to use a CC on, but I'm thinking we can each hit a min. spend.

So, my strategy was to stay below 5/24 and get the the CIC. Ones in blue count towards 5/24, I find a lot of value in UR points...opinions on whether it's safe to get the CIP, or stay away from Chase still?

• ? Amex SPG 5/1/17 (this is my mom's card but she added me as an AU, I've tried to get it off my credit report, but I'm not sure it's come off all 3, even though I did all the steps for all 3)
• #1 Chase Freedom 9/20/2017
• Chase Bus. Ink Pref 9/20/2017
• #2 Chase Sap. Preferred 11/13/2017
• #3 Chase Sap. Reserve 11/13/2017
• #4 Chase Mariott Jan __ 2018
• Amex SPG BIZ Mar. 2, 2018
• Citi Aadvantage BIZ Plat Select 7/20/18 approx

DH is well under 5/24...

• Chase Bus. Ink Pref 11/6/2017
• Chase Bus. Ink CASH 1/10/2018
• #1 American Express SPG 1/15/2018
• #2 Chase Freedom 1/24/2018
• Amex SPG Biz 3/20/2018

We've not gotten into MR's because I'm not sure how much of a need we have for them. We don't fly frequently. At this point, with such a big expense, cash back wouldn't be the worst thing.

I'm curious about the Citi Prestige. Can you use the 4th night free at Disney resorts? Seems like I saw a blogger (points to neverland or something) have a write up about this. I know they're curtailing the 4th night, but we could possibly use one at BW CL (approx $500/nt) in May before the new rules take effect. Although, it doesn't look like there is a sign up bonus for this now? I've never had a card that earned Thank You points, so I'm clueless there.

Any direction appreciated, looking into all options

 

[Haley R]

Lol ...I was just looking at their division...everyone had the Islanders in last place at the beginning of the season

Haha I know. I’ve been a little obnoxious this season because I’ve waited so long for the jets to be this good.

 

[amalone1013]

Has anyone ever dealt with first bank?
offers

Please don't remind me, this is the account of DHs I just added myself too. Literally saw this offer on the way there. But at that point I knew I couldn't change plans or DH would throw a fit, plus I wanted to get us a joint account ASAP. They do charge either $10 a year for a debit card. After getting DH through a Chase bonus, I was planning to merge our Chase accounts for our joint account and I'll be looking for another offer like this from First Bank. DH has banked with them his whole banking life.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

New thread looks great! Thanks @SouthFayetteFan

Been MIA somewhat...in a churning holding position, then with the Holidays and just got back from Disney a week ago.

Anyway, I think we're ready for some new cards...2 of our AC Units have gone out, one right before Christmas and one first week of January, delightful! We are looking at putting in Geothermal units instead. DH is thinking everything will be $10-15k, some of this will be labor and not able to use a CC on, but I'm thinking we can each hit a min. spend.

So, my strategy was to stay below 5/24 and get the the CIC. Ones in blue count towards 5/24, I find a lot of value in UR points...opinions on whether it's safe to get the CIP, or stay away from Chase still?

• ? Amex SPG 5/1/17 (this is my mom's card but she added me as an AU, I've tried to get it off my credit report, but I'm not sure it's come off all 3, even though I did all the steps for all 3)
• #1 Chase Freedom 9/20/2017
• Chase Bus. Ink Pref 9/20/2017
• #2 Chase Sap. Preferred 11/13/2017
• #3 Chase Sap. Reserve 11/13/2017
• #4 Chase Mariott Jan __ 2018
• Amex SPG BIZ Mar. 2, 2018
• Citi Aadvantage BIZ Plat Select 7/20/18 approx

DH is well under 5/24...

• Chase Bus. Ink Pref 11/6/2017
• Chase Bus. Ink CASH 1/10/2018
• #1 American Express SPG 1/15/2018
• #2 Chase Freedom 1/24/2018
• Amex SPG Biz 3/20/2018

We've not gotten into MR's because I'm not sure how much of a need we have for them. We don't fly frequently. At this point, with such a big expense, cash back wouldn't be the worst thing.

I'm curious about the Citi Prestige. Can you use the 4th night free at Disney resorts? Seems like I saw a blogger (points to neverland or something) have a write up about this. I know they're curtailing the 4th night, but we could possibly use one at BW CL (approx $500/nt) in May before the new rules take effect. Although, it doesn't look like there is a sign up bonus for this now? I've never had a card that earned Thank You points, so I'm clueless there.

Any direction appreciated, looking into all options

Welcome back!
I'd start by finding out about the amex and what reports it came off of. I made a similar mistake and it was quickly removed from TU and Equifax, but Experian hasn't cooperated. Chase pulls TU and Experian for me, so you need to figure it out. You may be 5/24 for Chase. If it is still showing, amex should remove since it isn't a spouse. Apparently they say spouses are responsible for the amount and won't remove.

In the meantime, your DH can get another chase biz card. How about a CIU? Were you planning to cancel his CIP or CIC? If so, I'd cancel then apply for the CIU.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Please don't remind me, this is the account of DHs I just added myself too. Literally saw this offer on the way there. But at that point I knew I couldn't change plans or DH would throw a fit, plus I wanted to get us a joint account ASAP. They do charge either $10 a year for a debit card. After getting DH through a Chase bonus, I was planning to merge our Chase accounts for our joint account and I'll be looking for another offer like this from First Bank. DH has banked with them his whole banking life.

Thank you! So do you know if I can sign up for the checking and not get the debit card? I'm guessing probably not, but even if I have to pay it, the bonus is still $290, so well worth it.

 

[miztressuz]

Has anyone ever dealt with first bank?
offers

I have no experience with it, but I got lucky and found at least one post on DoC about that bank; maybe you can find others from that: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/ca-az-co-300-firstbank-checking-bonus-direct-deposit-optional/

My irrational peeve about all these small banks - you are NOT the First bank, stop calling yourselves it!!! Not sure why there are so many banks that decided on that name, it's like every state has at least one, and it's so confusing when you're looking for information on it. I guess they think they are First at something (ie, First in service, First in the county, First place in the potato sack race!) but that means they all need to have odd website URL's because there's so many out there. I have an account at a First Bank but it's not these guys If they weren't so conveniently located and I saw the sign in-person, I probably never would have found my bank online in all the noise.

 

[kayteekt]

Welcome back!
I'd start by finding out about the amex and what reports it came off of. I made a similar mistake and it was quickly removed from TU and Equifax, but Experian hasn't cooperated. Chase pulls TU and Experian for me, so you need to figure it out. You may be 5/24 for Chase. If it is still showing, amex should remove since it isn't a spouse. Apparently they say spouses are responsible for the amount and won't remove.

In the meantime, your DH can get another chase biz card. How about a CIU? Were you planning to cancel his CIP or CIC? If so, I'd cancel then apply for the CIU.

Yes, I need to sort out this AU business

For DH, I had no plans to cancel either of his Chase biz cards. We both have legit businesses and the CIP in particular is our biggest points earner (ebay and shipping fees for the win!). Love the CIC as well, use it for our phone/internet/satellite and 5x at office supply stores. Although if I had one, we wouldn't have to have 2...