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. beist

    beist Hyperbolist
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  2. tjsblue

    tjsblue I was right at the time
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  3. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    Final damage done with Hilton Aspire Amex for marquee part of our honeymoon. Tweaked the numbers to reflect actuals. Far exceeded my expectations (included making my wife understand the CC grind a bit more). I will post a few pics in the travel thread

    Base Room - we preferred these to OW Villas, due to seclusion and view. Nights 1-5
    zzzzzzDSC00490.jpg


    OW Villa w/ Dip Pool - Night 6
    DSC00633.JPG




    Also BamaNug - photos taken with my new Sony A6400. I love the versatility of this camera (and moreso, the lens I went with...the 18-135
     
    #10403 Det. Frank Bullitt, May 15, 2019
    Last edited: May 15, 2019
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  4. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    Imagine what you'd get if Hilton points had value
     
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  5. Baseballman86

    Baseballman86 Well-Known Member
    Alabama Crimson TideAtlanta BravesAtlanta Falcons

    You may have already covered this, but are you saying your airfare to Bora Bora was covered by $500 in gift cards?
     
  6. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
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    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    Just the hilton Amex
     
  7. 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

    Unless I’m mistaken, I’m not sure there is a free weekend cert offered in that package.
     
  8. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    No, but I did get $500 in AA gift cards.

    I paid 98K United miles + $4XX for 2 seats in Econ Plus on the United Dreamliner that runs SFO - PPT (aka Tahiti). We were sitting close enough to the (sizable) business cabin that we received champagne. A very minor, but nice touch for two honeymooners.

    As a heads up, Bora Bora is only accessible via air on flights operated by Air Tahiti (different than Air Tahiti Nui) and RT flights to Bora Bora are pretty close to ~$450/pp year round. Air Tahiti is not part of an alliance, and doesn't have miles or FF program.

    Comprehensive podcast about getting to French Polynesia, her islands, and hotels/airlines present.
    https://thepointsguy.com/news/miles-away-podcast/

    The St Regis and Conrad Bora Bora Nui are widely considered to the most desirable.
     
    #10408 Det. Frank Bullitt, May 15, 2019
    Last edited: May 15, 2019
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  9. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    My points outlay was about 729k. Accounting for the upgrades and free nights, the cost should have been about 2.1m hh points.
     
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  10. Lip

    Lip Well-Known Member
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    Michigan State SpartansDetroit LionsGeorge Washington Colonials

    Disregarding how much it would have cost otherwise, did you think it was worth the $11,000 in points you spent?
     
    #10410 Lip, May 15, 2019
    Last edited: May 15, 2019
  11. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Preface: I have no idea what I'm talking about.

    Aren't Hilton points a lot easier to build? Just reading through the information, it seems like you could build a solid bank of points easier than Hyatt.
     
  12. pratyk

    pratyk Arsenal FC, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
    Rutgers Scarlet KnightsArsenal

    Compared to other programs, yes.
     
  13. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    It's a joke. Others itt shit on Hilton
     
  14. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    Yes worth spending all my points, but I'm fiscally prudent so I was never going here on a cash stay.

    Add in a huge wedding and the timing was so right.
     
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  15. 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

    Which hotel, Conrad?

    Did you stay in Moorea too?
     
  16. 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

    Yeah, I’m gonna lose it if I don’t get a full trip review soon. I NEED THIS.
     
  17. 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

    Me too!
     
  18. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    Yes, 2 nights at Hilton Moorea Lagoon and 6 at Conrad Bora Bora. We're back home but quite busy (haven't opened our wedding gifts yet), BUT I will make sure I don't do that until I've done an important thorough online posting for my internet friends.:ohgosh:
     
  19. Todd Bonzales

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

    Needs:

    1. Multiple pictures
    2. Restaurant choices and reviews
    3. Excision reviews
    4. Required picture at Bloody Mary’s

    Thanks,

    For your cooperation
     
  20. g8r

    g8r Well-Known Member
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    Florida GatorsBoston Red Sox

    Need my next card. In 2016 did the csp,csr,Hyatt,barclay. Last year did the cip and southwest double dip.

    What card should I get now. I would prefer not to go cip2 right now.
     
  21. Uncle Tupelo

    Uncle Tupelo Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCleveland Browns

    Trying to stay away from Chase? Maybe Citi AA business, or Hilton Business?
     
  22. g8r

    g8r Well-Known Member
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    Florida GatorsBoston Red Sox

    Chase is fine just not cip.
     
  23. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    United have any value to you?
     
  24. $P1

    $P1 Ball State #1
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Michigan WolverinesChicago CubsLos Angeles LakersChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksWest Ham UnitedBall State Cardinals

    One of the Amex Deltas? Have a Delta Rserve and a Amex delta business platinum if you need a referral code.
     
  25. $P1

    $P1 Ball State #1
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Michigan WolverinesChicago CubsLos Angeles LakersChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksWest Ham UnitedBall State Cardinals

    Yeah Citi AA is a good option as well
     
  26. g8r

    g8r Well-Known Member
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    Florida GatorsBoston Red Sox

    Hate to go there right now. Got too many southwest miles to burn.
     
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  27. g8r

    g8r Well-Known Member
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    Florida GatorsBoston Red Sox

    Possibly. Same issue as the delta though, I have a bunch of southwest miles to burn. Would that be better than a new Hyatt? I cancelled my old one a year ago.
     
  28. $P1

    $P1 Ball State #1
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Michigan WolverinesChicago CubsLos Angeles LakersChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksWest Ham UnitedBall State Cardinals

    Haven't looked too much into it, but if you want a daily card with a low spend threshold, the Citi Rewards + rounds up to 10 points on every purchase...so like, a $1.50 pop/soda/coke gets you 10 points, for example.

    https://thepointsguy.com/guide/citi-rewards-plus-credit-card-review/

    Might not be enough of a bonus to take up one of your slots, though
     
  29. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    The Hyatt is a great choice. Would be nice to pair with your UR. Didn't realize you had that many SW points that air travel wasn't that important to you

    If you don't have a referral: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/m/205/6L5/FVXR/1543766811

    Just close the box if a popup comes up
     
  30. g8r

    g8r Well-Known Member
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    Florida GatorsBoston Red Sox

    Not that it isn’t as important I just wanted to stay in the chase sphere and not use up a 5/24 for airline points at this time.
     
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  31. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    Definitely smart for your situation.

    I love my Hyatt points. Just stayed at the Hyatt Centric in Waikiki and they give you an emotional support fish to take care of so you have company in your room. His name was Bruce. 15,000 points/night was a great value too
     
  32. g8r

    g8r Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsBoston Red Sox

    Approved. Thank you. Planning a Hawaii trip for the family next year. Will be looking for referrals for other cards soon. Have about 10k in expenses that are chargeable over the next five-six months.

    Damn they won’t expedite shipping. Got a 2,400 purchase I want to make soon.
     
    #10432 g8r, May 17, 2019
    Last edited: May 17, 2019
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  33. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    Cool, thanks and congrats. I got you on Hawaii recs too when you need it, we did a lot in Maui

    For the board: Definitely team Maui. Waikiki barely even feels like Hawaii
     
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  34. 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

    Maui’s the only island I’ve been to but it was great
     
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  35. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    spent > 3k on my delta amex plat but they have me at 1k spend so having to dispute it

    this is horseshit amex, do better
     
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  36. Jimmy the Saint

    Jimmy the Saint The future is a benevolent black hole
    Donor
    Penn State Nittany LionsGreen Bay PackersChelseaHartford WhalersPhoenix Rising

    I’m currently in a dispute with them because they claim my Hilton bonus offer was $3k/150k instead of $2k/125k. 6-8 weeks to straighten it out. :blowup:
     
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  37. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    yeah i'm out of the country and my 3 week window ends before i get home, not traveling with that card so can't add spend either, so got the same 6-8wk boiler plate
     
  38. g8r

    g8r Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsBoston Red Sox

    General chase customer service last night: “no sir we can’t expedited your new Hyatt card.” Chase sapphire customer service today: “yes sir we can expedite the card, you will have it in one or two business days.”

    The better customer service may be worth having a sapphire on its own.
     
    #10438 g8r, May 18, 2019
    Last edited: May 18, 2019
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  39. texasraider

    texasraider thanks
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    Texas RangersKansas City ChiefsDallas Mavericks altTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    Second day in Munich. This is my spirit city
     
  40. Jimmy the Saint

    Jimmy the Saint The future is a benevolent black hole
    Donor
    Penn State Nittany LionsGreen Bay PackersChelseaHartford WhalersPhoenix Rising

    It isn’t a Chase product so they don’t have control over it. I tried the same thing.
     
  41. Spontaneous Cumbustion

    Spontaneous Cumbustion Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCincinnati BengalsXavier MusketeersFC CincinnatiTottenham HotspurUnited States Men's National Soccer Team

    So I got the dreaded provide proof of business address for my second cip. Am I screwed?
     
  42. Uncle Tupelo

    Uncle Tupelo Well-Known Member
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCleveland Browns

    Nope, if you just used first name last name as your business as a sole prop, they just want address verification. It's when they start wanting legal proof proof of business names and income when you are SOL.
     
  43. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    Just booked Sofitel in Moorea for 5 nights. Had to actually pay for it like a normal person without points. Felt kinda bad.
     
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  44. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
    Donor TMB OG

    Should I get an amex on top of the CSR I already have and use one for certain purchases and the other for other purchases? I've been using the CSR a ton and getting awesome benefits from it. But I wonder if I can press my advantage even more.
     
  45. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    Unless you're spending six figures a year, the signup bonus from a new card will outweigh any category advantage you find
     
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  46. $P1

    $P1 Ball State #1
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Michigan WolverinesChicago CubsLos Angeles LakersChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksWest Ham UnitedBall State Cardinals

    At which point you probably don't really need points bonuses anyways, lol.
     
  47. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    After reading some data I am no longer suggesting requests for match on Citi cards :(
     
  48. Smuggy

    Smuggy Well-Known Member
    Alabama Crimson Tide

    Moorea is so incredible. Hands down my favorite place I've ever been to.
     
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  49. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    Miami HurricanesMiami MarlinsMiami DolphinsFlorida PanthersTiger WoodsInter Miami CFGame of ThronesMiami Heat

    so I've already blown way past the CSR sign up bonus number. so you are saying I should sign up for another card now? Which one would you recommend next?
     
  50. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    Any interest in the Chase Ink Preferred? It’s a “business” card but the bonus is 80k points that can be combined with your CSR points.