Credit Card Thread - Now with a Beginner's Guide to free travel/FAQ

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by blind dog, Apr 10, 2015.

  1. Struggler

    Struggler Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCincinnati Bengals

    Sweeeeet. I’ve paid $36 in interest over ten years and I’ll be $50 up on Amex for the year just in gift cards.
     
    marcus likes this.
  2. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    Under 5/24 people rejoice

     
  3. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
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    Yes, if you got the previous SW sign up bonus more than 24 months ago. If so,

    1. Close existing SW personal card
    2. Sign up for SW business card (Business card won't count towards 5/24 tally)
    3. Then sign up for SW personal card (That's your last 5/24)

    Youll get 60k for the business card and 40k for the personal. Figure out the last 3-4k pts after you hit minimum spend on both cards and you got your CP
     
    ohhaithur and Struggler like this.
  4. Nelson

    Nelson Can somebody please get Ja Rhule on the phone
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    Nebraska CornhuskersDenver NuggetsDenver BroncosColorado AvalanceBorussia DortmundManchester UnitedColorado State Rams

    What airlines can I fly that aren’t United but I still get the full benefits of that card
     
  5. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Er... I mean if you booked via united you could use the miles on star alliance?
     
  6. tjosu

    tjosu This is kind of like the breakfast club, huh?
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    Oklahoma State CowboysHouston AstrosHouston TexansTiger Woods

    Use the miles to book partner awards, Star Alliance has some great ones
     
  7. Zebbie

    Zebbie Hey Mike, guess what I have in my underwear?
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    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersChicago CubsDallas StarsTexas Tech Red Raiders alt


    Hmmm, should I go for this or CIP #2 for my next card?

    Decisions, decisions...
     
    Uncle Tupelo likes this.
  8. Uncle Tupelo

    Uncle Tupelo Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCleveland Browns

    I'd still go with CIP #2. 100k UR points > 75k United miles. Plus you never know when chase might close that loophole.
     
    Nelson, ohhaithur and The_Baumer like this.
  9. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
    Donor TMB OG
    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    Still calendar year. your renewal/turnover date is posted on the app/website under befefits. There is a bar similar to the travel credit bar in CSR telling you how much credit you still have.

    I carry the AMEX Plat ($550 AF) and AMEX Hilton Aspire ($450 AF) - just the Airline fee benefit using GC double dip has given me $900 in AA giftcards in year 1 of card membership.

    YMMV but buying 1x$200 or 1x$250 seems to work for AA on the two Hilton Cards above. I will go to FlyerTalk to read recent data points before I buy, just to be sure.
     
    marcus likes this.
  10. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    With that said, We all know Amex is aware of the loophole. Not only through merchant processing, and transaction data but through hundred+ page threads on FlyerTalk and blog posts on ThePointsGuy etc with hundreds of thousands of page views that talk about this loophole.

    Other carriers are no longer 'compatible' with this benefit, but I'm not sure how much longer AA, Delta, and SW will last. I'm sure the carriers are happy to have these perks, but I would expect Amex to close it sometime in the near future. /2cents.
     
  11. Uncle Tupelo

    Uncle Tupelo Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCleveland Browns

    Anyone have an idea when Southwest is going to start flying to Hawaii? I have a coworker who is planning on taking an anniversary trip out there this year in September, So that companion pass offer would be perfect for him.
     
  12. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    Didn’t post to my account yet, but under “My Benefits” the airline credit updated to:

    “You have used all of your credit. Your credit will be renewed and of January 2020” something like that.

    It’s all good babeh, BAYBE.
     
  13. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    congrats. There are some nuances to the processing/handling cycles used by AMEX, and FlyerTalk seems to have some of them figured out. It's kinda funny to see guys get all forensic over it.
     
    marcus likes this.
  14. Struggler

    Struggler Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCincinnati Bengals

    Anyone using AwardWallet?
     
  15. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
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    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    I got mine within 2 days max each time. The Reserve came within 24 hours. That was right when it came out though.

    My new Amex took almost a week to get to me.
     
  16. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

  17. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
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    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

     
    #9267 HuskerInMiami, Jan 11, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2020
    LeVar Burton likes this.
  18. LeVar Burton

    LeVar Burton Knee deep in a dynasty, ROLL TIDE!
    Kansas JayhawksAlabama Crimson Tide

    That's good to know! Got my email from AMEX today "Your American Express Car Rental Loss And Damage Insurance Claim" and asking for the paper work of everything I provided to them over the phone.
     
  19. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    It was supposed to be Q1. September poetical would be pretty close to the launch in my estimate though
     
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  20. Rusty Shackleford

    Rusty Shackleford Dale 1 - Rats 0
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    Auburn TigersSan Antonio Spurs

    Here is where I am at... I am 2/24 with the CSP/CSR double dip about 5 months ago. I am legitimately opening a small business and need a business card. Plan right now is to go with Ink Business Preferred to keep racking up the UR points. At the moment I prefer the flexibility of the UR points and don't want to get tied to a single carrier/hotel chain.

    1. Is there a better angle I am not seeing.
    2. Give me them referrals.
     
    BrickTamland, ohhaithur and marcus like this.
  21. comrade static

    comrade static i love french fries
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    Oklahoma City ThunderPhiladelphia EaglesOklahoma SoonersBarAndGrillBig 8 Conference

    Personally, I think you are on the right path with wanting CIP next. Even easier/better since you are opening an actual business. Here is my referral link:

    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/m/21/6L5/FTWS/1554143350 Earn 80,000 bonus points with Chase Ink Business Preferred. I can be rewarded, learn more.
     
    Rusty Shackleford and The_Baumer like this.
  22. Zebbie

    Zebbie Hey Mike, guess what I have in my underwear?
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    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersChicago CubsDallas StarsTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    Nope, you’re taking the correct path, IMO
     
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  23. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    You good
     
    Rusty Shackleford likes this.
  24. i am a bammer

    i am a bammer Ben Eblen>Jamychal Green
    Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideSan Diego Padres

    Fuck it, I'm getting round 2 then. Will update with results.
     
  25. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsUSA RugbyTiger WoodsOhio BobcatsCleveland CavaliersCleveland IndiansOlympics

    I’m guessing you should be fine
     
  26. Zebbie

    Zebbie Hey Mike, guess what I have in my underwear?
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersChicago CubsDallas StarsTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    Which card is this on, your Aspire?
     
  27. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsUSA RugbyTiger WoodsOhio BobcatsCleveland CavaliersCleveland IndiansOlympics

    Yes, sorry.
     
  28. Zebbie

    Zebbie Hey Mike, guess what I have in my underwear?
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersChicago CubsDallas StarsTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    10-4, I figured but didn’t know if you were taking about the Platinum - it’ll be a while before I make it down my list to those but I was just curious
     
  29. LeVar Burton

    LeVar Burton Knee deep in a dynasty, ROLL TIDE!
    Kansas JayhawksAlabama Crimson Tide

  30. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
    Donor TMB OG
    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    maybe I missed your question or am misunderstanding, but technically both Amex Plat and Amex Hilton Aspire have this benefit as do other cards from Amex (e.g. the outgoing Amex Plat - Mercedes Benz)
     
  31. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsUSA RugbyTiger WoodsOhio BobcatsCleveland CavaliersCleveland IndiansOlympics

    Officially showed up as a credit. :chatzy:
     
  32. Zebbie

    Zebbie Hey Mike, guess what I have in my underwear?
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersChicago CubsDallas StarsTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    Good to know, thanks!
     
  33. LeVar Burton

    LeVar Burton Knee deep in a dynasty, ROLL TIDE!
    Kansas JayhawksAlabama Crimson Tide

    Wait don’t tell me I should have bought a $200 SW gift card in 2018 and then bought another in 2019 for the renewal of the $200 travel credit.
     
    marcus likes this.
  34. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    Welp
     
    PAHokie likes this.
  35. Uncle Tupelo

    Uncle Tupelo Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCleveland Browns

    "Excuse me Amex, 200 dollars was also stolen out of my car. Pls add to claim"
     
  36. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    Probably better to post this here. .


    Chase UR points on rental cars. Any reason not to? They cover to the same 1.5 cent.
     
  37. Struggler

    Struggler Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCincinnati Bengals

    *$250
     
    marcus likes this.
  38. LeVar Burton

    LeVar Burton Knee deep in a dynasty, ROLL TIDE!
    Kansas JayhawksAlabama Crimson Tide

    Is it $200 or $250?

    How did you buy your airline gift cards? I’m going to do this today. Called rewards and they said the $200 credit can’t be reinstated from 2018.

    I knew I got two with the sapphire reserve but then they cut that off fairly quickly and I just assumed AMEX wouldn’t make the same “mistake” chase did. Oh well.
     
  39. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsUSA RugbyTiger WoodsOhio BobcatsCleveland CavaliersCleveland IndiansOlympics

    Off the website. I thought about buying at a grocery store to get the gas points, too, but I wasn’t sure if it would trigger the credit. Buying $250 directly from SW’s site went through. You should be good to go.
     
    i am a bammer likes this.
  40. LeVar Burton

    LeVar Burton Knee deep in a dynasty, ROLL TIDE!
    Kansas JayhawksAlabama Crimson Tide

    So is it $250 or $200 credit?
     
  41. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
    Donor
    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsUSA RugbyTiger WoodsOhio BobcatsCleveland CavaliersCleveland IndiansOlympics

    Aspire is a $250 credit, as long as you’ve used it for nothing incidental in these first couple of weeks(drinks/baggage).
     
    LeVar Burton likes this.
  42. LeVar Burton

    LeVar Burton Knee deep in a dynasty, ROLL TIDE!
    Kansas JayhawksAlabama Crimson Tide

    Ahh I’ve got the Amex platinum so it’s $200 for me

    Alright, just bought 11,000 miles for $211. Come on $200 in flight credit!

    FYI, SW is offering “Save 30% when you buy 5,000+ miles” thru Jan 22.
     
    #9292 LeVar Burton, Jan 12, 2019
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2019
    marcus likes this.
  43. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
    Donor TMB OG
    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    I don't know if buying miles actually works. Obviously I want you to get your credit man. wish I was here to point you to the flyertalk thread with explicit instructions to make sure it goes through properly
     
    Lipp likes this.
  44. Louis Holth

    Louis Holth but we also just might be those motherfuckers
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    South Carolina GamecocksAtlanta BravesCarolina PanthersTottenham Hotspur

    I’m waiting for my credit from AA. Charge finally showed up on the app. Fingers crossed it credits back tomorrow.
     
  45. i am a bammer

    i am a bammer Ben Eblen>Jamychal Green
    Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideSan Diego Padres

    Got my 2019 Amex reimbursement for a $250 e-gift card from southwest. Bought on the 11th and credited the 13th.
     
  46. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    What's the proper protocol for canceling a SW card to avoid the fee but still getting the annual bonus points?

    Annual fee has already posted but my bill isn't due yet and the points should post later this week. Should I cancel as soon as the points post or go ahead and pay the annual fee and ask to be reimbursed at cancellation?
     
  47. gordon bombay

    gordon bombay magician's alliance enthusiast
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    Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsAtlanta BravesAtlanta HawksAtlanta Falcons

    When the points post, cancel the card. Do not pay the AF
     
    TAS likes this.
  48. Rusty Shackleford

    Rusty Shackleford Dale 1 - Rats 0
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    Auburn TigersSan Antonio Spurs

    I called the recon line. I have been approved.
     
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  49. Uncle Tupelo

    Uncle Tupelo Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCleveland Browns

    After the anniversery points post, call in and and ask for a retention offer. often times it will cover the fee. If it doesn't, cancel.
     
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  50. Louis Holth

    Louis Holth but we also just might be those motherfuckers
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    South Carolina GamecocksAtlanta BravesCarolina PanthersTottenham Hotspur

    Got it
     
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