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

[Thumper99]

You were definitely told wrong - it’s anniversary year according to the terms on the Chase website. Some other helpful info in here:
Southwest® EarlyBird Check-In®: Each anniversary year you will be reimbursed for the purchase of up to 2 EarlyBird Check-In services made with your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card. Each EarlyBird Check-In service means a purchase made for EarlyBird Check-In one-way, per Passenger. Anniversary year means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account open date anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year. If you switch to this product from another Chase credit card, your account open date is the date the switch to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is completed. EarlyBird Check-In provides automatic check-in before the traditional 24-hour check-in and can be purchased as part of the original flight purchase or added to a flight after purchase. Price of EarlyBird Check-In may vary. Statement credit(s) will post to your account the same day your purchase posts to your account and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Account must be open and not in default at the time the statement credit is posted to your account. Statement credits will be issued for the anniversary year in which the transaction posts to your account. For example, if you purchase EarlyBird Check-In and Southwest does not post the transaction until after your current anniversary year ends, the cost of the EarlyBird Check-In services will be allocated towards the following year’s maximum of 2 services. More information can be found at Southwest.com/early-birdOpens Overlay.

Thank you. I looked to try and find terms and couldn’t find them. So much for customer service from southwest agent Gabriel. Now how do I find my anniversary date. I just bought the EBCI based on this guys Info. Now I’m probably screwed for next year. Ugh.

 

[miztressuz]

My Disney+ subscription renewal is due on Nov 1. I have it set to pay with PayPal, but last time it renewed it came out of my bank account (linked to PayPal) rather than my credit card that is linked. I have my CF selected as "preferred payment," but the wording under "more about payment preferences" is:
We’ll use it when you:

• Shop online
• Send money to pay for goods and services

We won’t use it when you:

• Shop in stores
• Send money to friends and family
• Make a preapproved payment, including subscriptions

It also has this same wording under my linked bank account.
So...
Is there a way I can pay for my Disney+ subscription through PayPal using my Freedom card?

Look in your PayPal settings for Automatic Payments. That should be where subscriptions are managed. Look for Disney+ and should be able to change the payment method.

 

[cush1]

Thank you @FreeDiningFanatic

Welcome. Here is how I would go about spending, but everyone has their own preferences.

DH and I both participate in cc churning. You have a very healthy spend, so If your spouse is willing, get them involved. Don’t add the P2 as an authorized user, as this will limit how many cards they can get in the future.

I tend to only work towards MSRs. So, we get a new card, and use it almost exclusively for everything until we’ve met the MSR. Both P1 and P2 can add cards to your digital wallet and share the cc info so any spending gets put on that card. Once we’ve met an MSR, we are on to a new card.

So for your upcoming Disney trip, I would charge everything to your new Boundless card.

This game only works if you pay everything off in full each month and never accrue any interest. It’s recommended to start keeping a spreadsheet of your churning, including cards, application dates, annual fees, MSR and SUBs, etc.

Remember P1 and P2 can refer each other for cards. So for example, you can send a support link to P2 for her own Boundless (if that’s the right card for P2) and you’ll receive points for the referral.

Others will chime in on their recommended strategies.

 

[cush1]

Thanks @Arcades.

Business cards are something I am interested in.

I am a sole proprietor and keep records on income/expenses if they ask. Thanks for the advice on what to put on the application.

Once I reach the minimum spend on this Bonvoy, I can apply. What business cards should I apply for?
Thanks!

The big question is whether you want to explore business credit cards or just personal credit cards. If you're willing to engage the former, here's some advice I posted previously for a user interested in business credit cards:

Business credit cards are offered to businesses. The application will have a section for the business applying and the underlying officer or owner that looks very similar to a personal credit card application. Individuals, even those without real businesses, can apply for business credit cards using their SSN as the Tax ID number and applying as a sole proprietorship (your title would be "Owner"). If you were ever asked what your business is, you could say you sell things on Amazon. Personally, I say my business is "[my real job] consultant". For business income, list at least $1,000 (I use 10% of my actual income). For time in business list 1 year -- this way you can say it is a new business and your business income is your anticipated income (e.g. no business tax returns filed). I have never been asked any of these questions by Amex or Chase -- and only once was I asked to confirm my business mailing address (same as my home address).

5/24 refers to Chase's credit card restriction that you can only be approved for 5 personal credit cards (across all credit card issuers) in a 24 month time period. If you reach 5/24, then Chase will automatically deny you for new credit cards (business or personal). Amex business cards do not report to your personal credit, so Chase doesn't count them towards the 5 card limit (Chase also does not count their own business credit cards -- which is why you see members here applying for their business Ink products regularly to get more cards).

It may seem intimidating at first, but business cards are the real secret to maximizing credit card rewards because you double or triple the number of sign up bonuses you can get over time (particularly with Amex's 1 bonus per card per lifetime rule and Chase's 5/24 rule). Most issuers have business credit cards and most don't count towards 5/24 (Capital One being the exception amongst major companies).

Adding an authorized user to a personal credit card will count against 5/24 in Chase's initial consideration of an application, but you can ask the reconsideration agent to ignore it. The point being, you should probably cease adding your wife as an AU to any more cards if you're going to want to do this in two player mode. If both of you targeted Southwest Companion Passes through points, you could each add a child and fly for half price to anywhere Southwest goes.

Card specific advice will really depend on your willingness to do business cards or not.

 

[cush1]

Thanks so much, @calypso!

it's a fun hobby and we have a great group of peeps here! I see that @FreeDiningFanatic gave you some excellent advice.

I generally will also put all spending on a new MSR. My exception to that is if I have a particularly large upcoming non bonus category spend that I know will complete the MSR For example, I just picked up the new Hyatt business card and need to spend $7500 in 3 months. My roof is in the process of getting replaced and that will more than cover that MSR. Therefore, I am still focused on category bonus spending and not that MSR. Right now, I have 2 Freedom cards that will earn 5x each up to $1500 in spend this quarter on PayPal. So all of my PayPal transactions are going to the Freedom cards. My goal is to try and get as close to 5x on all of my spending as possible. Of course, when I have an MSR to meet that goal may get put to the back burner depending on the current circumstances.

A few weeks ago, I received a retention offer on the Bonvoy Brilliant for spending $1500 in 3 months. So, I brought that card instead of the slew of Disney GCs I have over the WDW 50th anniversary trip with me. Knocked out the spend and it's back in the sock drawer until next month for the dining credit.

 

[ctinct]

Heads up to those in the Northeast. I have an offer on one of my Chase cards (sadly, just one out of six) for 10% back up to $7.50 at Stop and Shop. It’s very short dated. I pretty much check my offers daily. Saw it this morning, and it’s only good for five more days.

 

[AndreaDM]

Anyone have tips on how to churn the RC world cruise? Of course, I’d need to get those 274 vacation days approved first!

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/ulti...id=REEDEM+FCC&ect=TAC&ecv=PR 0-365 Responders

 

[GZanta77]

Heads up to those in the Northeast. I have an offer on one of my Chase cards (sadly, just one out of six) for 10% back up to $7.50 at Stop and Shop. It’s very short dated. I pretty much check my offers daily. Saw it this morning, and it’s only good for five more days.

0/9 for me. Didn't get the $10 off $50 Amazon Amex Offer that DoC posted about this morning either.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Michigan weather decided to FINALLY turn today as I get ready to escape to NOLA tomorrow, LOL. The fact it was 70's the last 2 days and I was out on my deck in a bikini after school made not spending the weekend in the sun at the beach easier.

Any last minute suggestions? We land soooo early, 9:30am. I contacted the hotel, Kimpton, and asked if there is an early check-in and/or upgrade, and mentioned it was my Bday weekend (plus that I'm platinum). They moved us to a 1 bedroom suite and said if they can, they will check us in early. I think we'll be dropping our bags and then maybe grabbing a brunch. The architecture/engineering teacher in me wants to do the streetcars and see the cemeteries. I have thought about downloading a walking tour to my phone as well. My BF isn't huge into those things, so I think I'm better off trying to do one ourselves than force him onto a 2 hour one, LOL. All in all, I hope we have fun!

I just found out he DIDN'T get my mid-winter break off! I'm crushed! They have to bid vacation a YEAR in advance. I asked him to try for that (in Feb). He doesn't have a ton of seniority as a Captain. So now I have to hope that maybe he can work his schedule when he bids in Jan to have it off. So that means, no planning a Feb trip until mid-late Jan. UGH! I tell you, this pilot life isn't as glamorous as most might think, LOL. I'm hoping we get on the flight tomorrow. I mean he will...will I?

And to all those planning crazy trips, I'm jealous!!! I REALLY need to start planning Ireland! I still am not sure how I get the time off from school. UGH. But I promised my 16yo this when she was 5....so barring any huge world event, the plan is to celebrate her 18th bday (which is St. Patrick's Day) in Ireland!

I call and ask each year on every card I have that has an AF. I figure it doesn't hurt to ask and I don't want to leave money on the table.

Yeah, I figured it doesn't hurt to ask. I guess I need to get on that, LOL.

 

[Arcades]

Thanks @Arcades.

Business cards are something I am interested in.

I am a sole proprietor and keep records on income/expenses if they ask. Thanks for the advice on what to put on the application.

Once I reach the minimum spend on this Bonvoy, I can apply. What business cards should I apply for?
Thanks!

American Express is more lenient with their business cards, but I would start with Chase. For your first Chase business card, you may be asked to verify your address or some other information, but I have never been questioned about my business. Based on your prior post of having about $6,000 in spend per month, you could shoot for the highest tier (Chase Ink Preferred -- 100,000 UR for $15,000 in spend). If you don't have a card for non-bonus category every day purchases, the Chase Ink Unlimited (1.5x UR on all purchases with a sign up bonus of 75,000 UR for $7,500 spend) is a great choice, too.

You can apply for 1 Chase business card every 30 days, but the general rule of thumb is wait 2-3 months between new cards with Chase. If you go for the CIU and meet the spend before the 2-3 months is up, take a look at one of the American Express business cards, including the Platinum or Gold business charge card. With your level of spending, pretty much every MSR is open to you. Down the road, when Chase stops giving you new business cards (they cut me off at 5 during my first yearly cycle) and you have reached your 5 card limit with Amex (note: charge cards don't count towards the 5, so you could have 5 business cards and 2 business charge cards), then you can look into other issuers like Barclays, Citibank or US Bank -- none of those report to personal credit.

Assuming your wife is credit-worthy to apply for her own cards, I would start removing her AU status (or just don't add her to any additional personal cards) and also keep her on a 2-3 month cycle of new cards with Chase if you can spread your spend between the two of you.

 

[kmhowell]

When you find out how to churn it, please let me know. I've told my parents on several occasions that when they get old, I'm sticking them on 6 month cruises (its cheaper than most homes) then they can split the other half of the year between me and my brothers houses. So this would be good information to have. LOL

Anyone have tips on how to churn the RC world cruise? Of course, I’d need to get those 274 vacation days approved first!

 

[KPK02090]

Looking for SW CP advice. My last card was a CIC in September. I’m currently 3/24 with one dropping in March 2022. We are a family of 5 so in addition to the CP I’d like to get as many points as possible. I want to get a personal with the 100,000 offer and one of the Biz cards.
I feel like I should wait until December to apply (since I got the CIC in September) so I’d have to go for the personal first since it ends 12/7. Then how long do I have to wait to go for a Biz?
Or should I go for a Biz now? And then the personal in early December? Is that pushing Chase too much?
Any advice on timing is appreciated.

 

[platamama]

Thank you. I looked to try and find terms and couldn’t find them. So much for customer service from southwest agent Gabriel. Now how do I find my anniversary date. I just bought the EBCI based on this guys Info. Now I’m probably screwed for next year. Ugh.

I wouldn't expect a SW agent to know anything about how Chase bank operates its credit cards. It's tough enough to get a Chase agent who knows all the ins and outs. lol

To find your anniversary date, log into your Chase account and view the very first statement ever on your SW card. The opening date will show up there.

 

[Arcades]

Looking for SW CP advice. My last card was a CIC in September. I’m currently 3/24 with one dropping in March 2022. We are a family of 5 so in addition to the CP I’d like to get as many points as possible. I want to get a personal with the 100,000 offer and one of the Biz cards.
I feel like I should wait until December to apply (since I got the CIC in September) so I’d have to go for the personal first since it ends 12/7. Then how long do I have to wait to go for a Biz?
Or should I go for a Biz now? And then the personal in early December? Is that pushing Chase too much?
Any advice on timing is appreciated.

Regardless of which card you elect to go with first, I would wait until November or December to get it, so that you can time your purchases to meet the spend in January 2022. When you get another card (either a 2nd Biz or the 100k personal card) in 2022 and earn all of your CP points that year, then it extends your pass through 2023. This is less a velocity matter for you as it is a timing matter (unless you need the CP early in 2022).

 

[platamama]

I’m looking forward to starting this journey of earning tons of points. I am a nerd with an earned doctorate, so I am eager to learn and know I can do it with your help.

I recently was approved for the
10/21 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
(** I need to spend $5k in 3 months to get the bonus. I know I should have asked here before applying, but did it late at night. I haven’t gotten it in the mail yet.)


I have the
Chase Disney Visa (this is my only experience with CC rewards, owned for 8 years)
Chase Freedom Ultimate Rewards (owned for 16 years)

Bank of America just changed my Accelerated Rewards American Express® Card to a Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Visa Signature. I just activated it today. (Owned for 14 years)

Right now, I believe my wife is an authorized user on all cards.

GOALS:
I‘d like to earn travel rewards and cash toward a car down payment.

ABOUT ME:
There are four in our traveling party, two adults, two kids.

Our budget is about $6,000 a month, but would need coaching on how to use CC for my bills that current are automated.

I’m heading to WDW in 7 days and would like advice about which card to use. I usually charge everything to one card. (We also have over $400 in Disney Rewards and some gift cards for this trip.)

Oh, we do have a Target Redcard and have bought a few gift cards from there in the past.

We are DVC members, so won’t be paying for our room. Currently our monthly dues come out of our checking account.

Immediate questions:
1. Tips on reaching the minimum spend On the Bonvoy.
2. I know next to nothing about Plastiq. I don’t have an account.
3. How should I pay for food, gas, and stuff for my upcoming trip (Gift cards from Target? The new Bonvoy?) I have cash in vacation savings acct to pay it off.


Thanks for your help.

Welcome to the thread! It's a rewarding hobby, and if you can keep all the moving pieces straight, it's fun!

Don't worry about your DW being an AU on your older (>24 mo) cards, they won't count in her 5/24 status with Chase. Going forward, you can add her as an employee on business cards, but don't add her to personal cards. That way it won't impact her 5/24 status and she can join in as Player2.

Regarding your immediate questions:
1. Use your new Bonvoy on every purchase.
2. Plastiq is a service that accepts credit and debit cards and will send checks to vendors who don't accept credit cards directly. There is a 2.85% fee (1% for debit) to do so. There are also intricacies about what types of payments you can make with MC/VI/AX/Discover. Check this chart. 360018872334-Learn-About-Supported-Payment-Types-by-Card-Brand-on-Plastiq
3. Use your Bonvoy on every purchase.

You are a DVC owner - other DVC owners on this thread use Disney gift cards to pay for their maintenance dues. By using cc to buy the gift cards, they get rewards for just paying those dues vs. a checking account that doesn't earn you anything extra. I'm not a DVC owner so I can't explain how it's done, but maybe one of the others will chime in.

I prefer BoA's Customized Cash Rewards card (over what you just got PC'd to) that gives you options of a 3% category. You might check that one out to see if it's a more helpful card for you. If so, I'd call BoA and see if they can PC it again. (PCing it won't impact your 5/24 but may prevent a future SUB - but it being BoA, probably not.) BoA has their Preferred Rewards system that boosts your cash back for parking some of your assets with them -- at the topmost tier that 3% becomes 5.25% cash back. There is a business version of that card too, and the last bonus I saw on that was $750/$5K MSR. It's best if there's a BoA branch locally so that you can go in-person if you ever need assistance; I've had to do that a couple of times.

If you haven't yet, consider joining DISchurners which is our private reddit group where members can help each other and go into more specifics that we don't want to share on this public board, as well as share support links to products that may lead to better cc offers.

There's a wealth of knowledge here, and many helpful people, so ask any questions that come up.

 

[becauseimnew]

Anyone have tips on how to churn the RC world cruise? Of course, I’d need to get those 274 vacation days approved first!

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/ulti...id=REEDEM+FCC&ect=TAC&ecv=PR 0-365 Responders

The RTW cruise is on my bucket list after retirement, i've read a couple of blogs and I loved it. Seems like the perfect way to make new friends after retirement.

 

[MinnieMay]

Regarding the Chase Freedom Flex "Top Category" bonus, how do you know you are getting it? I have not received an email from Chase, nor can I find any mention of it on my App.

 

[KPK02090]

Regardless of which card you elect to go with first, I would wait until November or December to get it, so that you can time your purchases to meet the spend in January 2022. When you get another card (either a 2nd Biz or the 100k personal card) in 2022 and earn all of your CP points that year, then it extends your pass through 2023. This is less a velocity matter for you as it is a timing matter (unless you need the CP early in 2022).

I would like to get the CP as early in 2022 as possible. If I get a card now, the three months to meet the spend brings it to mid January, so I would (very carefully) time it so that the bonus posts in 2022. I don't want to miss the 100,000 offer, but I also don't want to push my luck with Chase and business cards. So I'd like to leave as much space between the apps as possible and still get the CP in early 2022.

My CIC was 9/1/21 - is waiting 2 months (to Nov 1) enough time in between to apply for the personal SW card? Then 30 days later apply for a SW biz card?

I was one of the lucky ones with my last CP that had it extended for 3 years because of Covid. I got it in early 2019 and it's ending this December. Now I can't imagine not having one LOL.

 

[Arcades]

I would like to get the CP as early in 2022 as possible. If I get a card now, the three months to meet the spend brings it to mid January, so I would (very carefully) time it so that the bonus posts in 2022. I don't want to miss the 100,000 offer, but I also don't want to push my luck with Chase and business cards. So I'd like to leave as much space between the apps as possible and still get the CP in early 2022.

My CIC was 9/1/21 - is waiting 2 months (to Nov 1) enough time in between to apply for the personal SW card? Then 30 days later apply for a SW biz card?

I was one of the lucky ones with my last CP that had it extended for 3 years because of Covid. I got it in early 2019 and it's ending this December. Now I can't imagine not having one LOL.

2 months should be enough time. Depending on how many other Chase cards you have, you might consider preemptively reducing the credit limit on cards you use less; both to improve automatic approval chances and to lower your total credit line, which should correspondingly reduce the risk to Chase (which is why there are velocity recommendations in the first place).

 

[LynnTH]

Does anyone know if you can use Venmo on US Bank Biz Cards trying to meet MSR? I know I can do it with Chase. I have an offer that expires tomorrow for $750 for $7500 in 120 days.