I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 (see first page for add'l details)

[jujubiee4]

It's weird. He's telling me how Manuel Antonio has the same wildlife as Arenal area (which is his area ) and we don't need to go that far. I'm like too late to cancel now, he says I didn't say you should cancel. All this because he said we should leave Andaz at 7 am and I asked if we could make it 7:30 so we could get some breakfast. He seems enthusiastic about the tours (tubing & zip-lining etc) so hopefully it will be ok.

Please report back how this goes and the whole trip. I was planning a tentative trip and my husband
can't go so it will just be me and my daughters. I'm hoping to be in an area where they can do
things like tubing ziplining....although I read somewhere the volcano is not near that area? I don't
think they can take long drives. (prob will stay at Hyatt or Marriott)
Thanks.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

So it looks like my taxes credited back to my IHG card for my Aer Lingus taxes. Can I have Chase apply the credit to a different card? Also I had $250 returned to an Amex card, can I have that sent to a different balance too? In the end I only lost like $1 on the car rental (I'm sure in exchanging back and forth) and $13 for the wifi hot spot "shipping". And I think we'll all be in a much better place next year. It stinks her 18th was uneventful. That said she went from 1 tattoo (a shamrock she got on her "golden" birthday) to the #18 (her soccer number and her brother's hockey number, LOL) on her bday, a heart harry style designed and my dad's handwriting saying "I love you now and forever" this weekend. UGH! At least they can all be covered and except for the Harry heart, all have meaning, LOL. I swear this child!

Does anyone know, can I use my BFs Marriott FNC if he's not there? He's thinking of letting me use them to take the kids to Mexico. But w/ his job we'll never know if he will have those days off. I guess worse case, we can book and cancel if needed. Otherwise I was going to book using Hyatt (URs) to take the kids to Mexico in April/May. Spring Break is next week, but my daughter will still be in her program, and I want her to be in a good place. Also I don't think I can use the FNC (prices too high) until May.

I've been in such a whirlwind, I missed the close of the 90k. UGH! I was going to do the CIU but I was dragging my feet. When I went to do it last night I saw it's back to 75k. So I went to do the Wyndham Biz card. I got that I'm under review. I was denied the JB biz saying I had the card before. When I called they were like, oh no...you haven't and approved me. So we'll see. While I'm waiting on Barclay, can I apply to another card? Next on my list (since Inks are just "back to normal") is the AA citi biz, to get free baggage and more AA miles. Last time it took Barclay a few weeks to get my denial to me. I just don't want to get the AA card and then have Barclay deny me in 2 weeks because I got the citi card. It sucks not having a MSR right now. I just dropped $1k for the BF to get new satellite sides for his LoveSac. And then all the money I'm spending on my daughter's treatment.


So no Ireland for you either? Maybe this isn't the year to go, LOL. Even though it's the "it place" to travel this year.



I travel w/ my colleague often. We normally keep our expenses separate. But she knows I play the game. So she has me do any "shared" expenses, like a rental car, or uber, etc. We both buy our own meals though. We obviously text each other normally, so it's no different for travel. We invite each other to meals or other random things we're doing. Sometimes we meet up, sometimes we don't.

I called Ashford Castle this morning and they said their cancellation period is 14 days prior to stay and they have no issue cancelling and refunding my URs. I need dd to let me know that she for sure wants to cancel, then I'll have a pile of URs heading back to me. Hope the process is as easy for the last night I booked through the travel portal on one of my Cdn cards.

I believe I heard that the 90k UR offer is available 'in branch' (I did an 'in branch' app for a CIU in the fall without stepping foot in the branch). With this in mind I SM'd to close one of my CIUs yesterday, got a call to read me the t&cs, then CSR confirmed it was cancelled. Need to SM to cancel another today, so I'll be clear to apply for a new CIU next week.

 

[nlenguyen]

Update, my (p2) Cap One $300 credit showed up this morning, for the room I booked for DD last week.

I just looked at my account and it shows that it applied the $300. Super excited

 

[eticketplease]

Question for VentureX people.

Card opened on 6/1/22
Use the portal to book plane/hotel/car for the next year ie 7/4/23

Will you still receive the $300 credit from 6/1/22 - 5/31/23 or will they not give the credit and instead give it to you during the actual travel time of 6/1/23 - 5/31/23?

Thanks

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I have used dh's Marriott FNC every year, but YMMV as it's dependent on the hotel. What I do is book the night from his account (make sure that you have at least 2 people in the room), then call the hotel and ask them to add your name to the reservation; once this has been done I tell them that dh will be arriving after I will (he's never joining me) and to note the reservation that I'll be the person checking in. I've never had an issue. Just know that this is against Marriott (ridiculous) t&cs.

I called Ashford Castle this morning and they said their cancellation period is 14 days prior to stay and they have no issue cancelling and refunding my URs. I need dd to let me know that she for sure wants to cancel, then I'll have a pile of URs heading back to me. Hope the process is as easy for the last night I booked through the travel portal on one of my Cdn cards.

I believe I heard that the 90k UR offer is available 'in branch' (I did an 'in branch' app for a CIU in the fall without stepping foot in the branch). With this in mind I SM'd to close one of my CIUs yesterday, got a call to read me the t&cs, then CSR confirmed it was cancelled. Need to SM to cancel another today, so I'll be clear to apply for a new CIU next week.

Good to know about the FNC. I guess we can try that. I can use the excuse he's a pilot and will be joining later, LOL. It's an AI so I don't think they'll care if another adult isn't there, LOL. Sorry you have to cancel Ireland too. I wanted to cancel a few weeks ago, with my daughter struggling and my mom was holding out.

Interesting you can apply in branch. I don't want to cancel my CIU as it's my only one. But I guess I could PC my CIP to the CIU. Do you know how often you can PC? I changed from the CIC to a CIP back in August. So I'd want to go from the CIP to a CIU if I can't land a new one, LOL.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Good to know about the FNC. I guess we can try that. I can use the excuse he's a pilot and will be joining later, LOL. It's an AI so I don't think they'll care if another adult isn't there, LOL. Sorry you have to cancel Ireland too. I wanted to cancel a few weeks ago, with my daughter struggling and my mom was holding out.

Interesting you can apply in branch. I don't want to cancel my CIU as it's my only one. But I guess I could PC my CIP to the CIU. Do you know how often you can PC? I changed from the CIC to a CIP back in August. So I'd want to go from the CIP to a CIU if I can't land a new one, LOL.

You can apply for a CIU every 90 days, but you can space closer together, although not recommended to do so too frequently.

I had a feeling that dd would rather spend time with her bf than me -- she's going to be 21 on Star Wars Day, so it's not surprising. Hope that you are able to travel next year with your dm and dd, maybe with a few extra days...

Dd told me that she wants to get a tatoo, which I am fine with; dh, OTOH is not!

 

[DogCat]

I believe I heard that the 90k UR offer is available 'in branch' (I did an 'in branch' app for a CIU in the fall without stepping foot in the branch). With this in mind I SM'd to close one of my CIUs yesterday, got a call to read me the t&cs, then CSR confirmed it was cancelled. Need to SM to cancel another today, so I'll be clear to apply for a new CIU next week.

I have been away for a couple of weeks and haven't caught up yet. Did something change with regard to how many CIU/CIC you can have at one time?

 

[becauseimnew]

We got tickets for TS in Arlington, TX. Now I need to find a hotel. Any suggestions?
The Hyatt Place near by isn’t available.
We have Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt points.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Our Chase savings money for that bonus will be available to withdraw mid-April

Chase savings 90 day timing
Speaking of the Chase savings, I am planning to do that same sort of piggy back you are planning with WF P1 and P2, but with the Chase offer.

Timing:
1/25: P1 coupon enrollement/acct opening
4/25: Savings terms: 90 day marker "maintain a $15,000 balance for 90 days from coupon enrollment"

4/19: Open new acct deadline for P2
Rinse and repeat from above with same money, moving out and then moving back in.

My question is, since the terms for the savings are "maintain a $15,000 balance for 90 days from coupon enrollment" but most people didn't get their deposits in the same day, did most people put in extra to make sure the 90 day balance stayed above $15k? I did and just want to be sure I leave the money in from just coupon enrollment, not the day I deposited the money, though I could do that to be safe.

 

[DogCat]

Chase savings 90 day timing
Speaking of the Chase savings, I am planning to do that same sort of piggy back you are planning with WF P1 and P2, but with the Chase offer.

Timing:
1/25: P1 coupon enrollement/acct opening
4/25: Savings terms: 90 day marker "maintain a $15,000 balance for 90 days from coupon enrollment"

4/19: Open new acct deadline for P2
Rinse and repeat from above with same money, moving out and then moving back in.

My question is, since the terms for the savings are "maintain a $15,000 balance for 90 days from coupon enrollment" but most people didn't get their deposits in the same day, did most people put in extra to make sure the 90 day balance stayed above $15k? I did and just want to be sure I leave the money in from just coupon enrollment, not the day I deposited the money, though I could do that to be safe.

Oh no. I didn't put in any extra. I only put in the 15K. I also was planning to open another account for P2

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Ok, Newbie question here, I admit it...

I was looking at Amex just now, since y'all were mentioning it... the link I saw listed plat annual fee as $695 and green annual fee as $250...

Since I don't have an Amex, just how good are these deals y'all are talking about if it is worth those annual fees? (Or did you get them waived somehow or....? )

I am researching a Euro/mediterranean cruise for our family of four sometime in summer 2025, so I'd love to know more about this...

First, a good SUB will always outweigh the first year AF. If you got the 150k SUB for the biz plat, that's worth to me at least $2250 (my value of an MR), which outweighs the $695 annual fee. But I also put in a decent amount of effort to recoup any Annual Fee I pay, so I can keep that whole $2250.

Here's a list of the benefits people tend to recoup, pulled from a TPG article, so forgive the links.

• Annual Uber Cash of up to $200 (for U.S. services).*
• Annual airline fee statement credit of up to $200.*
• Up to $200 back in statement credits each calendar year on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (the latter of which requires a minimum two-night stay) with American Express Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum.*
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100) every 4 to 4.5 years.
• Up to $189 back per calendar year on your Clear membership (expedited security).*
• Up to $155 annually in statement credits toward monthly Walmart+ membership fees. Plus Ups are excluded.
• Up to $100 annually at Saks Fifth Avenue: $50 credit January to June; $50 credit July to December.*
• Digital entertainment credit: Up to $20 in statement credits each month ($240 per calendar year) when you pay for eligible purchases with your card at one or more of the following providers: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM and The New York Times.*
• Airport lounge access, including Centurion Lounges and Studio locations worldwide.*

Uber can be used at Uber Eats and people maximize it using pick-up. There's hacks to use the airline incidentals credit for actual airfare credits. So I personally recoup about $892 a year in the $695 annual fee. But that does take effort. In addition to that, Amex puts out 100+ coupon offers each month ranging from online products to dollars off travel spending at particular brands. So that's another way to recoup that hefty outlay of cash.

I don't know a ton about cruising, but Amex MR are really great for transferring to airline partners, and I've gotten lie-flat seasons OW to Europe for under 60k MR pp + taxes/fees (that takes some know how, admittedly).

In year two you have the option of canceling, or what a lot of us do is request a retention offer, where they'll give you typically a points bonus if you spend x amount, to keep the card open.

If you don't already have a P2 who has an Amex card support link, consider using a support link from over at https://www.reddit.com/r/DISchurners/. You can message the mods over there with your DISBOARDS username, and they'll get you joined to the group.

 

[Haley R]

We’re thinking about trying to visit Seattle this fall for the first time. Dh and I have never been to any part of the northwest. We’re looking at maybe some time in September. We would be flying out of Orlando and dh mentioned flying Alaska using URs. Does anyone have any experience with this? Or is there a better way to get there from Orlando?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Well, I’m certainly no expert, but we haven’t seen any wildlife in the Arenal area except for a couple of distant sloths. No monkeys hanging around that’s for sure.

It will be a long day in the car for you guys, but I don’t think it’s fair for him to say Arenal is like MA. I’m guessing he’s assuming you don’t realize how far the drive is, and doesn’t want you to be disappointed. Kind of like “are you sure you really want to drive that far?” I guess you could reassure him you are well aware, and want to stick to your plan.

I wanted to say I have to drive 5 hours to the middle of Wisconsin for a soccer tournament which is way less picturesque than CR. Lol. I told him we've been to MA as well as Arenal and Tortuguero and driven between them so we're good.

Please report back how this goes and the whole trip. I was planning a tentative trip and my husband
can't go so it will just be me and my daughters. I'm hoping to be in an area where they can do
things like tubing ziplining....although I read somewhere the volcano is not near that area? I don't
think they can take long drives. (prob will stay at Hyatt or Marriott)
Thanks.

Arenal and the other volcanoes I know of are kind of middle of the country. Many of the bigger resorts are on the coasts (mostly west.) Most of the resorts offer trips for tubing, ziplining, etc (though they are not cheap) or you can find local tours but if you are on the coast it may be a 2-3 hour drive depending on where the tour will be. Maybe check out resorts you're interested in and look at at few tours on Trip Advisor and then map them to see the distances.

 

[EACarlson]

I wanted to say I have to drive 5 hours to the middle of Wisconsin for a soccer tournament which is way less picturesque than CR.

Hey now, parts of Wisconsin are damn picturesque. Coming to the Dells for a tourney?

 

[disneedee]

I have been away for a couple of weeks and haven't caught up yet. Did something change with regard to how many CIU/CIC you can have at one time?

No.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Argh. The CIU I applied for on Friday, 3/17/2023 is STILL pending review.

I just called the BIZ Recon # 1-800-453-9719 and the rep was no help except to give me the application ref # and to state that I will get an answer in 1-2 weeks. I tried to get her to transfer me to the dept that can review my application right away and she said that since my application is under "systematic review" that there is no one she can transfer me to that can help and that I just needed to wait.

Is this a case of HUCA?

 

[disneedee]

We’re thinking about trying to visit Seattle this fall for the first time. Dh and I have never been to any part of the northwest. We’re looking at maybe some time in September. We would be flying out of Orlando and dh mentioned flying Alaska using URs. Does anyone have any experience with this? Or is there a better way to get there from Orlando?

alaska works. but they can make changes to your flights like other airlines and working thru a 3rd party (chase travel) is not always the easiest to fix things at the last minute. if you have a alaska cc you get free bags and they also offer the $99 + taxes ticket, alaska companion fare.

seattle in the fall (late september on) is wet and cold. probably summer is a better time to visit. no humidity. rarely over 90 degrees. i'm in portland, or so similar weather. it is a large city and has the traffic, people, and trash to go with that. probably not as much trash as portland. lots of mountains. trees, ferries, indian casinos outside of city.

 

[Haley R]

alaska works. but they can make changes to your flights like other airlines and working thru a 3rd party (chase travel) is not always the easiest to fix things at the last minute. if you have a alaska cc you get free bags and they also offer the $99 + taxes ticket, alaska companion fare.

seattle in the fall (late september on) is wet and cold. probably summer is a better time to visit. no humidity. rarely over 90 degrees. i'm in portland, or so similar weather. it is a large city and has the traffic, people, and trash to go with that. probably not as much trash as portland. lots of mountains. trees, ferries, indian casinos outside of city.

Oh okay. I looked up the best time to go to Seattle and it said September-October because it’s mild temps and little rain lol. It said to avoid summer because it’s busy and more expensive. We’re looking at maybe beginning of September

 

[disneedee]

Oh okay. I looked up the best time to go to Seattle and it said September-October because it’s mild temps and little rain lol. It said to avoid summer because it’s busy and more expensive. We’re looking at maybe beginning of September

beginning of sept should be good.

 

[afan]

seattle in the fall (late september on) is wet and cold. probably summer is a better time to visit. no humidity. rarely over 90 degrees. i'm in portland, or so similar weather. it is a large city and has the traffic, people, and trash to go with that. probably not as much trash as portland. lots of mountains. trees, ferries, indian casinos outside of city.

Not accurate. Sept can be rainy but less likely than Nov. Sept can be 50s or 80s. And it can also get humid but not Florida humid. Wildfire smoke can still be an issue.

Doubt there's any less trash or homeless encampments than pdx. Casinos aren't that exciting and no better than I'm sure can be found on the reservations in FL.

@Haley R it really depends on what you want to do on what time of year makes sense. Also, we can't predict the weather for next month let alone this summer or Sept. Entirely possible we don't have a summer or we have another crazy heatwave.

There are parts of downtown that I'd avoid but even doing that doesn't mean you wouldn't encounter the bad.

Some schools go back before labor day but a lot don't go until after but I think that's more likely to affect parks vs tourist stuff like museums. Do go to the museum of flight, it's got space and planes.