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. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Occasionally you luck out and stumble on a weird flight like that that's used for repositioning for long haul.
     
  2. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    I posted in detail my honeymoon usage last year, but I'm excited to be assisting my brother now as he plans his own. I think he is also looking at ~5 nights in the paradise of his choosing (location TBD) because he is using Amex Plat > transfer + some Hilton points for possibly a $0 out of pocket situation.
     
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  3. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    My uncle asked about my seat/flight and I said the same thing. I believe AA has/had lie flats on a NYC>MIA regularly as a market share thing, which is wild, but again w/e. I'm happy.
     
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  4. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I was on an Orlando > Dulles flight with lie down seats in March. No difference to me as I was tossed in the back with my fellow serfs.
     
  5. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    That site is geared towards helping people better understand how to maximize points. They had an eBook but now it’s a course you can take for free. They come out with articles on how to get to certain destinations, etc.

    They explain the travel partners for all of the different kinds of points - especially URs.
     
  6. colonel_forbin

    colonel_forbin Well-Known Member
    Donor

    It depends on when you're going to realize that better value. If you're going to book travel today and want to save the cash, then by all means use your points. But if you're going to sit on those points for some future unplanned trip, you might get more value by paying yourself back now, having that cash in your pocket, and then pay cash for the future travel and earn more points while you do it. Also, there's no guarantee that your UR points will be worth what they are today when transferred to a travel partner in the future. Basically, a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow.
     
  7. tjosu

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

    I had a solid Hilton plan put together for our honeymoon last fall before we postponed that would’ve used points for 4 nights, 5th night free, then my weekend night reward at Grand Wailea in Maui. Was even more excited for this year since I got another weekend night award but I checked the points stays recently and now a single night is 360k when that was going to be my total for the 4 nights. Thanks Hilton
     
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  8. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    That sucks. I recall seeing your postponement in here.

    Were you hit by peak pricing, or something else?

    I almost hesitated to tell my brother the rate (80K HH/night) I got at the Conrad Bora Bora b/c I think it's no longer possible to get that rate anymore. Full disclosure, I did pay 409K HH out of pocket for a King Pool Overwater Villa for our 6th/final night, though.
     
  9. i am a bammer

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

    I've also noticed Hilton points getting devalued. Sucks because I have 600k to spend and I'd like to use them with the aspire that I've had for too long.
     
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  10. tjosu

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

    Basically starting in July through the end of the year they only show award space for premium rooms. I just found the week before Thanksgiving could be an option as it shows standard 95k/night redemption
     
  11. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    When I was booking my itinerary, I couldn't find 5 x 80k point (base room) nights consecutively across my dates on my first try, because they didn't have the inventory.

    So I had to make individual reservations of 1 night each, basically getting a room night when it was available. I looked and refreshed regularly over the course of nearly a month and eventually got 5 nights in a row, to where their agents could make a single booking of 5 nights to trigger "stay 4 and get the 5th night free".

    The reason why I share this is that Hilton had a little tool on their website, essentially a date widget which showed each day and whether or not the room type (the 80k base room) was available. That might be helpful for you, if their website still had that feature. You can always call, too. I found their agents at the "Diamond Desk" very helpful. User Marcus might have more info, but I don't see his UN anymore.
     
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  12. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Just hit on the 100k Amex offer :O
     
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  13. colonel_forbin

    colonel_forbin Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I have a CSR, and received my bonus in 2016. The CSP currently has an 80k sign-up bonus. Can my wife sign up for the CSP and receive the 80k bonus if I have a CSR?
     
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  14. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    Yes
     
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  15. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Got it in the mail recently. I'm not sure I want a $550 card. Travel options seem shitty for me right now b/c I just had a kid. I guess I stock points
     
  16. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
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    Michigan WolverinesChicago CubsDetroit Red Wings

    It's very easy to get well more than the $550 out of that card.
     
  17. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    I had kinda been hoping to find it in the mailbox at some point but I got it on a random check of the amex site while intending just to look up some details.
    Thing arrived today.
    I'm not terribly convinced that the benefits make sense for me...
    lounge stuff - cool, but don't really imagine taking much advantage of it unless I'm going international at which point I imagine my fare class & airline would probably have that covered
    I'm already bonvoy gold elite
    uber - maybe I'll do eats occasionally just to use the credit, I suppose the rides may be helpful once in a while when in another city.
    the air incidentals credit thing I'll have to find a way to use while not flying my main airline (AS)
    I wish the saks thing worked with sakssoff5th tbh lol
    I barely shop in grocery stores at this point (lots of farmers market stuff and dining out)
    etc etc
    ... but the damn (miles) I couldn't pass up.

    We'll see how I'm feeling after paying the AF the second time probably.
     
    #13367 BellottiBold, May 21, 2021
    Last edited: May 21, 2021
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  18. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Seems like Uber, haven't taken one in 15 months, and a Saks credit are the two biggest things outside points.

    The 10x at grocery is pretty nice
     
  19. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I’m back to using uber for rides, so use the credit that way. However, in the middle of covid I was using it to pick up Uber eats at my local sandwich and taco spots.

    Can’t say I would use Saks if I didn’t have the credit, but have gotten stuff that I readily use: skin care, French press, cologne, wine glasses.
     
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  20. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Does Uber eats count?
     
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  21. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Looks like I got my chase card Jan of 2017.so I should be 4 years out from the bonus.

    So I have to downgrade my CSP before I apply? I Def need to pay myself first so I can get 1.5c.

    I think I have about 200k pts
     
  22. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    yes
     
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  23. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    amex plat has had killer offers throughout covid, spend $50 get back $50 at home depot x 2, similar best buy offer, etc.
     
  24. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    Yes that the huge benefit of that deal
     
  25. Tommy Jefferson

    Tommy Jefferson Well-Known Member
    Nebraska CornhuskersKansas JayhawksKansas City RoyalsKansas City Chiefs

    I’m ready to join you nerds. I read the OP and last several pages. Can someone explain why the OP says once you get to 5/24 you will never get back under that number?

    I’m 0/24 now, what is stopping me from applying for 5 cards today to get as many benefits as soon as possible?
     
  26. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    You could apply for five today, but I would think that many of the benefits you get from those cards would overlap and you’d receive diminishing returns.

    Also, nearly all cards have a minimum spend you have to reach to receive the sign up bonus. If you’re willing/able/need to spend $15K on credit cards in three months, then have at it.
     
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  27. Tommy Jefferson

    Tommy Jefferson Well-Known Member
    Nebraska CornhuskersKansas JayhawksKansas City RoyalsKansas City Chiefs


    Good advice and obviously a dumb strategy in hindsight. Do you ( or anyone else ) have a sapphire referral link to share?
     
  28. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
    Donor TMB OG
    Michigan WolverinesChicago CubsDetroit Red Wings

    Here's mine
    Earn 80,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred. Plus, earn $50 statement credit towards grocery store purchases. I can be rewarded, learn more.
    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/6a/Q5TLN2N293
     
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  29. Tommy Callahan

    Tommy Callahan Well-Known Member
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    Alabama Crimson TideAtlanta Braves

    I bought something on Off fifth and got the credit. Not sure if it happens every time but it worked. You should have offers for both Home Depot and Best Buy right now. 2 separate purchases at each location get 50 dollars back. Has to be online though
     
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  30. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I think you needed to have the card prior to the new year to get the BB and HD credits. You can’t get those and the 10x gas/grocery bonus.

    Same goes for the $30 monthly PayPal credit.
     
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  31. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Hell yea thx pal
     
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  32. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
    Donor TMB OG
    Michigan WolverinesChicago CubsDetroit Red Wings

  33. CF3234

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

    correct me if I'm wrong here, but two years is the time frame where you can cancel a CSR and immediately open a new one to get the signup offer? Buying a new TV and we want to use that as an opportunity to pick up another signup bonus. I guess the other option would be to use the chase ink preferred signup option.
     
  34. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    4 years after you receive the SUB
     
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  35. CF3234

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

    then thoughts on doing the Amex? Got a 100k signup bonus mailer here that I can use. but not sure I want to be having points in two different companies. Would rather keep it all in one spot. But then again, access to the Centurion Lounge...
     
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  36. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    100K is a huge SUB for the Plat. I would take that. Does it also include the 10x on groceries and gas? It's been a while since I've had a Sapphire, so I forget what airline and hotel partners they have. I assume there's some crossover with the Plat's partners.

    There can be an argument made that the Plat isn't worth it after the first year due to how strict they are with the travel credit. However, the value from the first year is a no brainer. If you fly enough, you can more than make up any value at the Centurion Lounges if you choose to keep the card beyond the first year. Best lounges in the US IMO. Also, if you apply now you can use the Saks Fifth $50 credit before 7/1, essentially triple dipping ($150 total credit) in only your first year.
     
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  37. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    It's interesting thinking about the head-to-head competition going on here and then realizing that both Chase and Amex customers likely end up with access to this one (Amex via PP)
     
  38. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I highly doubt Chase is going to let all Priority Pass customers in a Sapphire branded lounge. That'd be like PP customers getting into Centurion lounges.
     
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  39. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    I know this doesn't apply to many folks (I'm undecided as to whether or not I'd do it also) but one option for the amex travel credit is paid airline lounges that fall outside of what you've already got via Amex and PP apparently.
    Just as an example, you can't actually use Alaska lounges without an Alaska *lounge* membership or flying AS paid F. (They've also stopped accepting PP customers in more than one of their locations.)
     
  40. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    well yea, it's never all innit heh
    :dubioustrump:
     
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  41. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Goddamnit. The one time I actually do read the article and I still miss something.
     
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  42. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I still had credit left on my Plat at the end of 2019 and used it on a day pass to the United lounge in LAX. Biggest lounge I've ever been in. Also had an outdoor deck. Food was good for United standards, but very limited free booze options.
     
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  43. colonel_forbin

    colonel_forbin Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I got the Platinum on March 3 of this year. With the SUB and other perks, it's been worth $1,520 in points and cash back so far before the $550 fee. Still have another $276 in Paypal, Delta incidentals, Saks, and Uber Eats credits available too, not to mention points on regular spend. The first year's value is second to none.
     
  44. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    How do I go about landing a 100k offer?

    I'm tempted to grab an Amex Plat just for the airport lounge access. I have no access right now and I'm flying once or twice a week at this point.
     
  45. colonel_forbin

    colonel_forbin Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I'd try cardmatch.com or just go to the website and see what it says on there.
     
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  46. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Website is offering 75k. I'll try card match
     
  47. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    If you aren't in a rush, I'd try hitting the site (private browser/incognito every time) periodically. I got mine with a random visit.
     
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  48. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    CSP bonus just hit 100k. Unreal.
     
  49. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    Wowzers. That is big time.
     
  50. Zebbie

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

    Anyone know if you can use a mailer for the CIP that’s not addressed to you? I got one in the mail addressed to somebody that used to live in the house I’m renting.