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

[miztressuz]

Speaking of Amazon, are there any other options to use their points? I have over 2,000 points.

We have just cash them out. Even if we wanted to use them on Amazon it's better to use the card to get the 5% back and then redeem the points to pay off the card. I was not aware of another option so I did a Google and found this page which says you can use them for GC and travel through Chase - https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/amazon/redeem-rewards

The Amazon's not my card so I can't login to check but sounds like you might get a 1cpp travel redemption like the Freedoms? Could be interesting but probably cash out yields better results.

 

[kmc8826]

Why was it hard getting the first CIP?

It was hard because they called me on it asking why I needed it. A call I was not expecting. DH has an actual business. When we got his we actually made the MSR in one charge buying equipment. But then I used his referral to get mine which was a “business.” I was not prepared and was floundering throughout the call. In hind sight I realized they called because I already had 6 personal cards and way too much credit. They still approved me though. It was just awkward and an experience I don’t want to repeat.

Wait - did you close the CIP or PC it? If you closed it then I don’t think you will get credit for the referral so that actually makes the CIP and CIC offers pretty much an identical return.

You could actually argue for one or the other in that instance depending on how you meet the MSR and factoring in the CIP annual fee. I'd almost lean towards CIC with the lower MSR which seemed better to you...

I closed the CIP outright. If I won’t get the referral then yes makes it a lot easier. My plan would be to go to the Office Depot 5 minutes from my house and make at least half the MSR in gift cards (mostly for Disney).

Maybe I just make my life easy and go with original plan of CIC.

Thanks.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

It was hard because they called me on it asking why I needed it. A call I was not expecting. DH has an actual business. When we got his we actually made the MSR in one charge buying equipment. But then I used his referral to get mine which was a “business.” I was not prepared and was floundering throughout the call. In hind sight I realized they called because I already had 6 personal cards and way too much credit. They still approved me though. It was just awkward and an experience I don’t want to repeat.



I closed the CIP outright. If I won’t get the referral then yes makes it a lot easier. My plan would be to go to the Office Depot 5 minutes from my house and make at least half the MSR in gift cards (mostly for Disney).

Maybe I just make my life easy and go with original plan of CIC.

Thanks.

Yeah - without the benefit of a referral you're looking at this math (assuming NO category bonus spend on the MSR)

• 85,000 URs for $5,000 MSR with $95 AF
• 50,000 URs for $3,000 MSR with no AF

The CIC provides a greater return BEFORE you even factor in the AF on the CIP. No matter what you value URs at, the CIC bonus will ALWAYS provide a greater % return than the CIP bonus. Since your MSR will be met in the 5x category the CIC return will blow away the CIP.

EDIT: For anybody else reading this... Keep in mind that when MOST of us are looking at CIP #2 we have the ability to ALSO earn the 20k referral points from a spouse or self-referral. This tilts the math back in favor of the CIP... I just don't want people reading this thinking that CIC or CIU is a better play than CIP #2. It really is a toss-up though and there's a lot of merit on both sides of the fence.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

It was hard because they called me on it asking why I needed it. A call I was not expecting. DH has an actual business. When we got his we actually made the MSR in one charge buying equipment. But then I used his referral to get mine which was a “business.” I was not prepared and was floundering throughout the call. In hind sight I realized they called because I already had 6 personal cards and way too much credit. They still approved me though. It was just awkward and an experience I don’t want to repeat.



I closed the CIP outright. If I won’t get the referral then yes makes it a lot easier. My plan would be to go to the Office Depot 5 minutes from my house and make at least half the MSR in gift cards (mostly for Disney).

Maybe I just make my life easy and go with original plan of CIC.

Thanks.

Ah that is awkward!! Just lower your CLs this time and all will be good!!!

 

[Haley R]

Alright, it's been awhile since I've talked churning because we've been working on our Capital One Venture MSR and wanted to stick to one at a time. We are now less than $200 away from meeting that MSR and I think Dh or I should get a card before our Japan trip. Here's where we are:

Me:
CIP-7/18
Hilton Biz-9/18
Capital One Venture-1/17/19

DH:
CIP-5/18
CSR-7/18
Hilton Honors-9/18
Southwest Biz-11/18

So I believe I'm at 1/24 and Dh is at 2/24 as well. Is that correct?

I'm kind of interested in the AA cards, but I'm not positive on that since we do have some URs. I potentially would use our URs for a future USO trip down the road (maybe next year). Once we hit one year for our CIPs we would either PC to CIC or close them and apply for CICs. I guess it depends where we're at with cards at that point. Dh's CIP is coming up here soon while mine isn't until July.

Any thoughts?

 

[wanderlust7]

It was hard because they called me on it asking why I needed it. A call I was not expecting. DH has an actual business. When we got his we actually made the MSR in one charge buying equipment. But then I used his referral to get mine which was a “business.” I was not prepared and was floundering throughout the call. In hind sight I realized they called because I already had 6 personal cards and way too much credit. They still approved me though. It was just awkward and an experience I don’t want to repeat.



I closed the CIP outright. If I won’t get the referral then yes makes it a lot easier. My plan would be to go to the Office Depot 5 minutes from my house and make at least half the MSR in gift cards (mostly for Disney).

Maybe I just make my life easy and go with original plan of CIC.

Thanks.

You still have your CIP? You could self-refer. Just wanted to make sure you didn't miss that part of @SouthFayetteFan post.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

You still have your CIP? You could self-refer. Just wanted to make sure you didn't miss that part of @SouthFayetteFan post.

Wait...yes - I totally missed that part...

Then @kmc8826 - you’re back to square one which is they provide a similar return (with CIP being better).

 

[FoxC63]

We have just cash them out. Even if we wanted to use them on Amazon it's better to use the card to get the 5% back and then redeem the points to pay off the card. I was not aware of another option so I did a Google and found this page which says you can use them for GC and travel through Chase - https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/amazon/redeem-rewards

The Amazon's not my card so I can't login to check but sounds like you might get a 1cpp travel redemption like the Freedoms? Could be interesting but probably cash out yields better results.

Wow thanks! I knew I could buy merchandise and gift cards but I didn't know I could cash out or use them for travel - thanks for that!

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Alright, it's been awhile since I've talked churning because we've been working on our Capital One Venture MSR and wanted to stick to one at a time. We are now less than $200 away from meeting that MSR and I think Dh or I should get a card before our Japan trip. Here's where we are:

Me:
CIP-7/18
Hilton Biz-9/18
Capital One Venture-1/17/19

DH:
CIP-5/18
CSR-7/18
Hilton Honors-9/18
Southwest Biz-11/18

So I believe I'm at 1/24 and Dh is at 2/24 as well. Is that correct?

I'm kind of interested in the AA cards, but I'm not positive on that since we do have some URs. I potentially would use our URs for a future USO trip down the road (maybe next year). Once we hit one year for our CIPs we would either PC to CIC or close them and apply for CICs. I guess it depends where we're at with cards at that point. Dh's CIP is coming up here soon while mine isn't until July.

Any thoughts?

Yes you are 1/24 and DH is 2/24. You are in a great position to continue to gather URs. I got a great redemption at HRH in October for UO with URs and tix when we just went. Paired with the Barclay arrival our entire 4 days at Uni were covered. I’d focus on that and plan to pick up a Hilton Biz for DH along the way. I’d probably go for CIC for you - 3k MSR and 5x office supply which is great for Disney gcs etc. You could have DH go for a second CIP or CIC. Or you could look as the CSP for you but that has an annual fee now not waived but does have a 60k sign up bonus. The world (of Chase) is your oyster!

 

[Haley R]

Yes you are 1/24 and DH is 2/24. You are in a great position to continue to gather URs. I got a great redemption at HRH in October for UO with URs and tix when we just went. Paired with the Barclay arrival our entire 4 days at Uni were covered. I’d focus on that and plan to pick up a Hilton Biz for DH along the way. I’d probably go for CIC for you - 3k MSR and 5x office supply which is great for Disney gcs etc. You could have DH go for a second CIP or CIC. Or you could look as the CSP but that has an annual fee now not waived but does have a 60k sign up bonus. The world (of Chase) is your oyster!

So many choices lol! Dh won't be able to think about any of this until after his interview so I'm just going to copy and paste your response into a Google Doc for now

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

So many choices lol! Dh won't be able to think about any of this until after his interview so I'm just going to copy and paste your response into a Google Doc for now

Haha! I’m sure some others will weigh in too!!

 

[pinkxray]

If I plan to buy a gift card for the AA credit on the Citi Aa biz card can I just get the e-gift card? I plan on listing it on Raise.

 

[havaneselover]

For anyone with a WF card, there are new Earn More Mall Offers for 40% off up to $40 at American Eagle, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. I'll be buying $100 gift cards at all three. DD loves American Eagle and someone can always use something from Gap.

 

[spacerangerqueen]

Just earned my 1500 URs from the Chase Pay promotion. Much easier to accomplish when there isn't a $25 min. I was wondering if it would work since the offer was on my Freedom that I had just PCed from my CSP and the email said it was for a Sapphire card. But the points were attached to my third transaction, woot!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

As of March 10 (yesterday) I am 4/24. Last personal card was September Barclays Arrival Plus and October Amex Gold. Last Chase cards were last April (CIP and IHG). I have one business card (the hard fought CIP).

Should I apply for a second CIP or follow original plan of CIC?

Credit limits are low but if I had to talk to them it would be tough to make any argument for another CIP when I already have one active with little spend.

I want the points of the CIP but find more value in the CIC. Already working on MSR’s for DH on BBP and Hyatt. I could do the $5000 but the $3000 is obviously easier. Also easier because would be worthwhile spend (gift cards) instead of just straight spend on the CIP. I am in the camp of having a hard time putting dining out on an MSR card instead of the CSR or Amex Gold. The missed point potential drives me crazy.

I closed DH’s CIP last week. He only got the Hyatt February 1st though and I want to give him a little more time before I open another one.

Sorry to ramble but thoughts welcome as I keep going back and forth.

When your ready to go after the signup bonus for a CIC....PC it to a CIU..they apply for a new CIC

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thanks! Good to hear that if nothing else it is a tough call. I have the referral link saved from DH’s CIP so that should still count even though card closed.

I wish the CIC had a referral...that would make it an easier choice. Or if the AF on the CIP was waived first year. Or if we knew how long this loophole with CIP would last. I guess I will sleep on it.

Since you closed your DHs CIP...don’t use that link..you wouldn’t get points on a closed card...if you had PCd it to a CIC or CIU...you would have

 

[palhockeymomof2]

It was hard because they called me on it asking why I needed it. A call I was not expecting. DH has an actual business. When we got his we actually made the MSR in one charge buying equipment. But then I used his referral to get mine which was a “business.” I was not prepared and was floundering throughout the call. In hind sight I realized they called because I already had 6 personal cards and way too much credit. They still approved me though. It was just awkward and an experience I don’t want to repeat.



I closed the CIP outright. If I won’t get the referral then yes makes it a lot easier. My plan would be to go to the Office Depot 5 minutes from my house and make at least half the MSR in gift cards (mostly for Disney).

Maybe I just make my life easy and go with original plan of CIC.

Thanks.

What a pain...I would of hated to speak with them also.....I’m probably too conservative with my CLs...and have lowered everything to around 20% of income..

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Alright, it's been awhile since I've talked churning because we've been working on our Capital One Venture MSR and wanted to stick to one at a time. We are now less than $200 away from meeting that MSR and I think Dh or I should get a card before our Japan trip. Here's where we are:

Me:
CIP-7/18
Hilton Biz-9/18
Capital One Venture-1/17/19

DH:
CIP-5/18
CSR-7/18
Hilton Honors-9/18
Southwest Biz-11/18

So I believe I'm at 1/24 and Dh is at 2/24 as well. Is that correct?

I'm kind of interested in the AA cards, but I'm not positive on that since we do have some URs. I potentially would use our URs for a future USO trip down the road (maybe next year). Once we hit one year for our CIPs we would either PC to CIC or close them and apply for CICs. I guess it depends where we're at with cards at that point. Dh's CIP is coming up here soon while mine isn't until July.

Any thoughts?

Your right with the counts...If it were me I’d stick with Chase and apply for all the business and personal cards collecting URs...since they are so versatile....

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Yes you are 1/24 and DH is 2/24. You are in a great position to continue to gather URs. I got a great redemption at HRH in October for UO with URs and tix when we just went. Paired with the Barclay arrival our entire 4 days at Uni were covered. I’d focus on that and plan to pick up a Hilton Biz for DH along the way. I’d probably go for CIC for you - 3k MSR and 5x office supply which is great for Disney gcs etc. You could have DH go for a second CIP or CIC. Or you could look as the CSP for you but that has an annual fee now not waived but does have a 60k sign up bonus. The world (of Chase) is your oyster!

Ohh..on vacation and the last I read the CSP was still a 50k bonus with the AF waived the first year...and the change was a rumor

 

[GlamMistress]

You know what? Boarding Area is really the pits now. Not a decent story on there. The exception always remains the Frequent Miler.

But I remember reading so many stories on Boarding Area daily, getting credit card tips and deals... now... not much.