I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[ski_mom]

This year is will just be DH, DS and me which will be a little weird. I was trying to come up with something a little different and fun. We're from the STL area and the Cardinals are going to be in Denver and SF in the first full week of July, so I was thinking of going to each of those places for about 1/2 week each and catching a game in each place. We're big Cards fans and have seen games in a few other ballparks, but this would add two more to our list and would be fun places to visit too!

Anyway, wondering if anyone has experience with either of those parks (good places to stay) and just the areas in general.

Thanks for any thoughts and tips!

 

[Alexle2007]

Any ideas on where to go for a 50th birthday? It will be last week in August. I was thinking Aruba but DH says please no more beach. We have been to Miami Beach and Hilton head this year and we both actually hate the beach. Lol. Best if we can fly SW to use that companion pass that’s been hardly used. And also prefer Hyatt just because we are globalist. We like outdoor hiking/biking/kayaking and such. I was actually thinking we would go somewhere in October because DH is 50 in August and I’m in November so thought we could just do one trip to celebrate both of us but I’m just itching to plan a trip. Hoping to pick something while change window is open.

I am actually headed to Aruba for my 50th in 2 months. It’s not quite Australia but at least it starts with an A. Do any of the Miraval resorts interest you? They have lots of activities that you could partake in. We have DS to take with us. I am trying to talk my friends into going to Chicago.

Have fun deciding! I was all over the map.

 

[lsutigers03]

We went to Yellowstone for my husband's 50th and it was an awesome trip!

Did you remember to say hey to John Dutton?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Did you guys see the new Disney mask policy...just arrived in Orlando last night ...heading to the parks on Monday

 

[chattadisser]

This year is will just be DH, DS and me which will be a little weird. I was trying to come up with something a little different and fun. We're from the STL area and the Cardinals are going to be in Denver and SF in the first full week of July, so I was thinking of going to each of those places for about 1/2 week each and catching a game in each place. We're big Cards fans and have seen games in a few other ballparks, but this would add two more to our list and would be fun places to visit too!

Anyway, wondering if anyone has experience with either of those parks (good places to stay) and just the areas in general.

Thanks for any thoughts and tips!

I think this plan would be a lot of fun, I am a big baseball fan. We've caught games at in both Denver and SF. DH's brother lives near the ballpark in SF so I can't recommend any place to stay around there but if you have time I would recommend taking the ballpark tour. Really interesting tour and you can go out on the field. I found the ballpark to be close to everything else in SF and we easily walked or took public transportation. You're right on the embarcadaro and the Ferry Building has lots of places to eat in it.

In Denver, there was a pedestrian mall nearby with places to eat. I think when we were there we didn't stay nearby and stayed out closer to the airport as we had a flight the next morning. When we are in Denver we don't usually stay in the city for long, we head to the mountains.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Does anyone have experience staying at any of the Hilton Grand Vacation properties in Orlando. We checked into the Parc Soleil last night..haven’t seen the grounds in daylight but the 2 br is beautiful nicer than the Marriott and DVC rooms we have stayed in....wondering how the other properties are, we used our Chase UR points to book the room

 

[dunailie]

Since you like Chase URs are you at all interested in opening one of their business cards...both the CIC and CIU don’t hVe an annual fee...the sign up bonus is 75,000 URs after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months...iI sell stuff on eBay..others here have different side gigs

if you fly SW their cards are good for earning RR points, I’m not familiar with Delta or hotel cards...others here may be able to help with those

I have looked at the Biz cards and would love to do that at some point. Maybe need to hold a slot open for that. I have a side hustle in the beginning stages but not up and running yet.

Thank you!!

 

[AndreaDM]

This year is will just be DH, DS and me which will be a little weird. I was trying to come up with something a little different and fun. We're from the STL area and the Cardinals are going to be in Denver and SF in the first full week of July, so I was thinking of going to each of those places for about 1/2 week each and catching a game in each place. We're big Cards fans and have seen games in a few other ballparks, but this would add two more to our list and would be fun places to visit too!

Anyway, wondering if anyone has experience with either of those parks (good places to stay) and just the areas in general.

Thanks for any thoughts and tips!

We went to a game in Denver a few years ago and stayed at the Curtis, it’s a fun, funky hotel, look up photos. It’s a Doubletree. Great location to be able to walk around and explore.

 

[becauseimnew]

Hi everyone!

We are new at this and looking for advice for our next step. So far we've only opened two cards in the last 24 months:

02/21 Chase Sapphire Reserve (P1)
04/21 Chase Sapphire Reserve (P2)

Both MSRs have been met as we had some home improvement expenses recently. We also have a Chase Amazon that we've had for years.

About us: We typically put $1500 to $2000 spend on one card a month, but we have some larger purchases coming up. We pay off the card every month and do not carry any other balances. We fly out of BNA when we fly. We haven't flown recently because our family is so big, but now that the kids are older, the two of us may fly more often. We have good SW and Delta service. We have no loyalty programs so far with airlines or hotels. We currently have about 154,000 URs. We will be using a good portion of that for our trip this fall to Disney--we are booking a vacation rental through the UR portal, using PYB for tickets, and driving down (12 hours). We will have 6 adults traveling (me and dh, our teenage son, two adult children, and one fiancé). Adult children and fiancé are buying their own tickets.

Our goals for next year would be a cruise around May and another Disney trip in the fall. Cruise will be just dh and me. Disney trip may be just us or some or all of the kids. If it's just dh and me, I'd like to stay either Hilton or Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Generally, though, we aren't loyal to one hotel brand.

So, lots of variables! I like the Chase products for their flexibility. I'd like a card(s) to maximize points earned through daily spend. But the SUBs are awesome too! I'm thinking either a Chase Freedom Unlimited card for maximizing spend, or either the Hilton or SW card? Trying to put a strategy together for what's next.

Thanks!!!

Not sure if you got many responses, but since URs are the goal Chase Biz cards are your golden ticket when you are ready. I like our Freedom for the rotating categories, those are usually an easy way to earn 7,500 URs every quarter.
We love SW, we fly SW 3-5 times a year so we are always looking at ways to earn the most RR points and always transferring URs over. We are a family of 4, so need lots of RRs and the companion pass. We’ve maintained the CP since 2017 and make good use of it. Looks like there is a rumor of increased SUB on the SW cards, not a great time to earn the CP because you wouldn’t get the full 2 years out of it, but I would keep 2 slots open to double dip 2 SW personal cards if the CP is your goal. There is some good information on DisChurners on how & when to open SW cards to maximize the SUBs and CP.
If you would rather focus on Hilton points right now is a great time to apply for those cards.

 

[pinkxray]

We live in CT(southern CT, along Long Island Sound)
I have a week off and July and would like to do something for a few days that is within a 3ish hour drive.
Might do a day trip to Legoland NY if it ever opens or Lake Compounce but looking for something a bit more relaxing. My 4 year old and 6 year old aren’t the best swimmers so Misquamicut probably isn’t the best idea.
Anyone have any ideas? I know many people go to Cape May or Wildwood NJ but again, not sure about the little kids and the ocean yet.

 

[momincolorado]

Does anyone have experience staying at any of the Hilton Grand Vacation properties in Orlando. We checked into the Parc Soleil last night..haven’t seen the grounds in daylight but the 2 br is beautiful nicer than the Marriott and DVC rooms we have stayed in....wondering how the other properties are, we used our Chase UR points to book the room

We stay at HGVC Seaworld from time to time. We love the grounds and spacious units there plus it’s walking distance to Seaworld. How are the Parc Soleil grounds and amenities?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

We stay at HGVC Seaworld from time to time. We love the grounds and spacious units there plus it’s walking distance to Seaworld. How are the Parc Soleil grounds and amenities?

Thanks...my son lives here and has annual passes to sea world so that would be nice.
The grounds are beautiful...haven’t been to the pool, restaurants or marketplace yet. If Disney had fireworks we’d have a perfect view from our villa on the 10th floor since we can see all the parks from here

 

[ep1229]

1) that's up to you and your risk aversion/tolerance level

2) Delta One for 210K RT is a STEAL and I would book now, ask questions later (often Delta One, one way, runs up to 360K skymiles) if you're feeling confident about travel this fall.

3) I've only stayed at a Westin in Rome-it was nice but I'm sure others will have suggestions for Hilton/Hyatt.

Thanks, @tink1970. I did it!! I got the Delta One ticket!! There were two seats left. I booked hotel through UR portal using my CSR points. I feel like I got a good redemption. OMG!! I hope this trip happens!

 

[hsmamato2]

We live in CT(southern CT, along Long Island Sound)
I have a week off and July and would like to do something for a few days that is within a 3ish hour drive.
Might do a day trip to Legoland NY if it ever opens or Lake Compounce but looking for something a bit more relaxing. My 4 year old and 6 year old aren’t the best swimmers so Misquamicut probably isn’t the best idea.
Anyone have any ideas? I know many people go to Cape May or Wildwood NJ but again, not sure about the little kids and the ocean yet.

since you live along the sound I assume you're quite familiar with Hammonassett, and the beaches down along Milford way? How about Harkness Memorial? Misquamicut can be lots of fun for kids that age,but you really have to watch them...Have you been to Compounce? it's a one day park at best.... my Dsis has young kids and is going to New Hampshire in June, Storyland,etc are big hits with little kids I think.... There's also the Roger Williams zoo area in RI which could be a nice day or 3..... also the Bronx zoo is a ton of fun.... Clarks Trading Post is also in NH and lots of fun in that area if you like the outdoors.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Who here has a Peloton? If we use their Financing, will it count towards 5/24? We have the cash, but if it's 0% interest why not? unless it counts as a credit card.

I got my Peleton bike+ on March 21st and I love it! I paid in full to cover the MSR on my gold (pink) AmEx as I don't like to finance anything, so I can't comment on the 0%. I can tell you that your entire family will enjoy it. You have to do the core workouts (Emma Lovewell is the best!) -- they are killer. I have 3 favorite spin (Christine, Jenn and Cody) instructors and Adrian Williams has amazing strength classes. I can't say enough good things about Peleton. I regret not getting one a long time ago.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Thanks, @tink1970. I did it!! I got the Delta One ticket!! There were two seats left. I booked hotel through UR portal using my CSR points. I feel like I got a good redemption. OMG!! I hope this trip happens!

If you go to Rome, you must try Pizzarium! Best pizza ever. It's a small take-out counter but I still think about that pizza!

 

[IFlossU]

If you go to Rome, you must try Pizzarium! Best pizza ever. It's a small take-out counter but I still think about that pizza!

Great advice. So yummy! And not to turn this into the best pizza in Rome thread, but Roscioli pizza is also a MUST!

 

[lsutigers03]

I have looked at the Biz cards and would love to do that at some point. Maybe need to hold a slot open for that. I have a side hustle in the beginning stages but not up and running yet.

Thank you!!

The good thing about Chase business cards is they don't take up a 5/24 slot. Although you do have to be under to get approved.

 

[sinnika]

Sorry for the long delay in replying. I am finally going back to work today after some scary lung complications from outpatient surgery. I’m feeling so much better. I reduced my CL on all of my Chase cards and closed my SWbiz card which had a $15,000 CL. I did get my anniversary points credited. I even reduced my CL from myCapitolOne biz from $20,000 to $5,000 last Friday. All statement balances are paid in full before due date but when I applied for the CIC I did have current balances. I called the renumeration line yesterday to discuss and tell them that I reduced all of my CL on Chase cards but they still denied. Letter states I have too many active accounts or too much available credit, and I had a new Chase biz card recently opened. I opened a CIP on Jan 16, 2021. I may go to our Chase bank which handles our biz account to discuss in person. We have so any other banking options nearby so I may explore other options for our business.

So I went to our local chase bank where we do all of our business to discuss my denied CIC application. I explained that I had reduced all of my Chase credit limits as well as my Cap One biz and closed my SWA biz card. They were unable to help since I applied on line. They recommended I apply in person since they could move credit for me. I asked about applying for the United Quest but they did not have access to that card in the bank. They recommended I wait 3 months but the June 2nd date for the 100,000 points is coming up for that United card. I applied for the CIC on April 24. My last approved card was Jan 16, 2021 for a CIP. Oct 2019 for a CF and July 2019 for a CSP. I did a PC to a CSR in March 21. I also got a Cap One biz card Jan 2020. I’m going to try for the United Card after May 24. Just frustrated about the CIC denial. And it looks like my credit score dropped to 790 from the 800’s. 5 hard pulls in 24 months.

 

[tink1970]

Thanks, @tink1970. I did it!! I got the Delta One ticket!! There were two seats left. I booked hotel through UR portal using my CSR points. I feel like I got a good redemption. OMG!! I hope this trip happens!

Congrats-I'm super excited for you and fingers crossed the trip happens!!!