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. Where Eagles Dare

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

    What do you mean it shouldn't matter? The flight was 660, I had one 200 GC and bought a 250 one (that I couldn't use).

    I think Delta Amex is 3x. It was a minor ticket so I had to book directly vs through amextavel
     
  2. C A N E

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

    So, this is under my wife’s name. Game plan now is to wait until January of 24 and do it under my name. Go business card first.

    Still got 75k southwest points as a bonus for her personal card. She can book a flight for me with my RR# attached in the booking using points. Then I can login to my account and book a ticket for her as my companion.
     
    bigjrock likes this.
  3. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    Haven't seen it, but have one more 150k pt referral this year if you need it
     
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  4. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    Thanks. I’m currently hitting the spend on yet another Chase Business card. Im going to assess my next move once that is done.
     
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  5. bRamonceTaylor

    bRamonceTaylor Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you were trying to accomplish, but I think it was to use the Amex Platinum (not Delta Amex Platinum) $200 airline credit toward the purchase of a flight.

    The way the loophole has worked for me, is that you knock the cost of the ticket that you're actually paying for down with gift cards, vouchers, flight credits, etc. so that it's under $250 (I usually do $225 to be safe). So then, if you buy the ticket with your Amex Platinum paying for the sub $250 cash amount, it will trigger a charge that looks like an incidental cost to Amex (which is what the airline credit is technically for) and you will get the $200 credited back to you. Note that you have to designate Delta as your airline of choice to get the credit.

    In your $660 ticket purchase, you probably aren't going to get the credit back because the "cash" price was $440 and not under $250. The reason I said it shouldn't matter is because I assumed you had already burned your $200 credit, so you wouldn't have gotten those taxes and fees for the award ticket credited back - but it seems like you might have if you would have paid with an Amex Platinum. The travel credit doesn't have to be used all at once.

    If you research, I'm sure you can find a way to take advantage of the airline credit if you don't see an opportunity to use it coming up. I've never done it, but I've heard people will buy a flight following the above procedure and then cancel it but for flight credit and not a refund. So if you found a ~$450 flight, used your $250 GC and then paid the rest with you Amex Platinum, that might work to get the credit and then you would have $650 in flight credit to use down the road.

    When paying for flights (or really almost anything, I think) directly through an airline (not just amextravel), an Amex Platinum is 5x. It's the only card I'd suggest you use when buying flights with an airline (and not Priceline, Orbitz, etc.).
     
  6. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Yes. I need to buy 3 tickets. 2 were reward tickets. 1 was a ticket for a minor that I had to add to a reward reservation through their customer service b/c you can't buy a stand along minor ticket.

    I needed the last 660 ticket. I had a $200 GC. I then bought a 250 GC to get under the 250 threshold. When I tied to use said gift card I was told I needed to wait 3 days after buying before it is valid. There was only "1 seat remaining at this price", so I didn't want to wait 3 days and just paid the 460 knowing I wouldn't get any credit back
     
  7. C A N E

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

    Anyone going for the new SW card offer? Companion pass through 2/28/24.

    sympathy link

    Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/2024 plus 30,000 points with any Southwest Rapid Rewards personal Credit Card. You must apply by 3/19/2023. Business owners can earn up to 80,000 bonus points with Southwest Rapid Rewards business Credit Cards.
    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226f/YW1BTM0C6C
     
  8. JacobPalmer

    Donor
    Nebraska CornhuskersGreen Bay PackersPoker

    What are your guys' experiences with the Cap One Venture like? I see they're currently offering 75k miles with a $4k spend in the first 3 months and that's appealing.

    I'm currently using my Sapphire Preferred as my main card, CapOne Savor for food, Chase-United card for any United flights to take advantage of the free checked bags, Target Redcard (which just got upgraded) for Target stuff, and for some reason I'm still carrying my CapOne Quicksilver from 5 years ago (my first card). Now that I'm typing this out I'm realizing there's no reason for me to be carrying that.

    Is there anyway I could change the Quicksilver to the Venture and still get the offer for the points? What's my move here
     
  9. C Yank

    C Yank #WalkOnCoach
    Donor
    Oregon DucksSeattle MarinersSeattle SeahawksSeattle Supersonics

    I'm in the market for a new card, here's the low down of what I got and need some advice.

    -I have had the Chase Freedom (My oldest credit card) and a Chase Sapphire Preferred since probably 2016 ($95 Reup hits every August). I feel like I should be downgrading this one and going to the sapphire reserve?

    -I have the Venture X, just reupped last week. I'll probably keep this one just because the $300 travel credit and 10K annual anniversary miles makes it at worse a small win for me.

    -I have Alaska Airlines card for the companion fare (a few years now), so I'll keep that since it's probably at worse a wash.

    Question: If I downgrade the CSP, how long do I have to wait to apply for the CSR? I read that as long as I haven't got a bonus in the last 48 months, I should be eligible. is this true and if so what's the best course of action? Alternatively, should I just downgrade CSP and go AMEX Plat instead?
     
  10. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    I vote for you downgrading the CSP and getting another CSP or the CSR. You can wait a week a week between downgrading and applying if you want to be cautious.
     
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  11. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    If you get predictable use out of the companion fare keep the card IMO. Its AF is increasing to $95 but the existing cardholders *do not* have to put a minimum 6K on the card to get the companion fare, and new accounts going forward do (which is garbage because the card is lousy from an everyday spend perspective.)
     
  12. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    You would not be eligible for the 75,000 sign up bonus with the Venture X if you upgraded. There are some upgrade offers out there, but nothing for 75,000. You'll have to apply for a new account to receive the 75,000.

    You mention there's no reason for you to be carrying the Quicksilver. However, it appears it's your first card and length of credit history is a factor in determining your credit score. I think it has a $0 annual fee, so it wouldn't hurt for you to keep it open and leave in your sock drawer.

    I've had the Venture X for nearly a year and it's now my primary card. It's an absolute no brainer. $300 travel credit, 10k anniversary point bonus, lounge access, and travel portal spend multiplier. I have a referral code here if you're interested: https://capital.one/3PIjebP I also have the CSP and Freedom, Hyatt for hotels, and United Explorer among a few other cards.
     
    JacobPalmer likes this.
  13. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I carry the CSP and Freedom. The ability to rack up in the rotating 5% categories with the Freedom and transfer the points with the CSP is pretty valuable IMO. I keep the Venture X as well.

    Not sure if I'd recommend getting the CSR if you already have the Venture X. There's a lot of crossover and the Venture X is a better bang for your buck IMO ($395 vs $550 annual fee). Also, the CSR sign up bonus is currently at 60k. That's not a good sign up bonus for $550. If you're simply looking to get more points, the 90k Amex Gold and 150k Amex Platinum referrals people have in this thread are just about the best ever offered.

    It appears you don't have a hotel card, so maybe that's an option? The IHG Premier card just came out with their highest ever offer at 175k. I've done some research on the card and I think I would get it if I wasn't currently stuck with the Chase 5/24 rule. IHG doesn't have the sexiest hotel lineup, but the details of the offer are pretty great.
     
    C Yank likes this.
  14. JacobPalmer

    Donor
    Nebraska CornhuskersGreen Bay PackersPoker

    Embarrassingly enough, I was using the Quicksilver One with the $39 annual fee. I came into this thread about 5 years ago with 0 credit history and that was the only card I could get. I called yesterday prior to you replying and asked about the signup bonus and they told me I'd have to apply for a new card, just as you said. While on the phone I did just change to the regular quicksilver with no annual fee. I don't believe that change will affect anything regarding my length of time with the card.

    You may have convinced me to go with the Venture X instead of the regular Venture though.
     
  15. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Good move on downgrading to the no AF and keeping it open. That’ll help with your credit score. If you travel once a year then the Venture X makes sense IMO.

    And sorry I misread your initial post as Venture and not Venture X. Im not too familiar with the regular Venture.
     
    #15015 DuffandMuff, Feb 12, 2023
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2023
  16. C A N E

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

    I just applied for this and was surprisingly approved. I've had it in the past but DPs seem to point that I will still get the bonus.

    There are links on Avelo's website for the same offer plus $200 avelo credit if they operate near you.
     
  17. C Yank

    C Yank #WalkOnCoach
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    Oregon DucksSeattle MarinersSeattle SeahawksSeattle Supersonics

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  18. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    Oh man! The gift that keeps on giving, thank you sir

    Edit: I just went back and edited my original post to remove the referral link....the maximum points I can earn through referrals on one card in a given year is 100,000 points and C Yank just got me to 90,000 so if anyone else wants to share their personal plat referral link please go ahead and do so
     
    #15018 Whammy, Feb 12, 2023
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2023
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  19. NoNatty

    NoNatty Keyboard Cowboy
    Donor
    Oregon DucksPortland Trail BlazersSan Francisco 49'ersManchester UnitedPortland Timbers

    I have a bunch of old chase business cards (over 2 years) that I applied to as a sole proprietor that are now sock drawered. Any downside to closing them out? I have a real business now and am hoping to churn business cards through that.
     
  20. kentucky_dawg

    kentucky_dawg Fan of: Georgia
    Donor
    Georgia Bulldogs

    Just did the exact same thing today. Closed out the sole proprietor ink once my 900 bonus for my legit business kicked in this week. My assumption is it might impact it a bit initially but assuming your credit is ok and you have other cards, shouldn't impact it too much in the long run. Would also hold off if you're planning to buy a house or something anytime soon.
     
    NoNatty likes this.
  21. Uncle Tupelo

    Uncle Tupelo Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCleveland Browns

    Chase business cards don't impact your personal credit so you should be all good there. I might be wary about opening and closing a bunch of cards with the same issuer at the same time though. It might draw some attention to your account.
     
    NoNatty likes this.
  22. NoNatty

    NoNatty Keyboard Cowboy
    Donor
    Oregon DucksPortland Trail BlazersSan Francisco 49'ersManchester UnitedPortland Timbers

    ok cool. These are all a couple years old and downgraded after the first year. I’m just sick of seeing them on my chase screen.

    I’m not worried about score, more worried about chase not approving more business cards after closing four accounts. No house buying soon.
     
    kentucky_dawg likes this.
  23. NoNatty

    NoNatty Keyboard Cowboy
    Donor
    Oregon DucksPortland Trail BlazersSan Francisco 49'ersManchester UnitedPortland Timbers

    Anyone have a good Amex platinum offer?
     
  24. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    I have the 150k point offer but can only get another 10,000 referral points this calendar year so if anyone else wants to jump on it please go ahead.

    EDIT: use EagleDuck's below
     
    #15024 Whammy, Feb 13, 2023
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2023
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  25. EagleDuck

    EagleDuck Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    Oregon DucksSeattle MarinersPortland Trail BlazersSeattle Seahawks

    i am a bammer likes this.
  26. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Whenever I try to generate a referral offer the amount of MRs for the SUB are paltry. :feelsbadman: Is there a strategy for trying to generate the higher value offers?
     
  27. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Not sure. My gf who just used a 150k referral to get an Amex plat now has a measly 80k referral for hers.
     
    BellottiBold likes this.
  28. comrade static

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

    I’m in the exact same situation. Only 80k for me too. Weird.
     
  29. NoNatty

    NoNatty Keyboard Cowboy
    Donor
    Oregon DucksPortland Trail BlazersSan Francisco 49'ersManchester UnitedPortland Timbers

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  30. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    Do you spend a lot on your Amex? I use my Gold a ton for restaurants and groceries, I assume that is why I have the elevated offer for that one.
     
  31. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    Does Amex Plat Saks credit still work on store gift cards (physical) in 22/23?
     
  32. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    I admit I haven't used it yet this year but why would it not?
     
  33. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    because they close these loopholes.

    and Nvm to my original question... minimum physical GC option is $150, at least as listed on their site.

    eGCs route through another provider/network, so I will skip unless someone has a recent dp on eGCs getting credited.
     
  34. pratyk

    pratyk Arsenal FC, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
    Rutgers Scarlet KnightsArsenal

    It did until first half of 2022 - I bought a 50$ GC at a Saks when I was passing by.
     
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  35. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    I mean I did it in DEC no prob

    Oh you mean buying the physical card online? I just grab them from the store in person so I guess that's different. (They have no way of knowing it's a GC vs actual merch at that point.)
     
    Det. Frank Bullitt likes this.
  36. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    You have to buy them in person at the store but yes.
     
  37. BayouMafia

    BayouMafia Thought Leader in Posting
    Staff Donor
    LSU TigersTexas RangersNew Orleans SaintsFulhamDulwich Hamlet

    Not shown: 500 people looking for a place to sit

     
  38. C Yank

    C Yank #WalkOnCoach
    Donor
    Oregon DucksSeattle MarinersSeattle SeahawksSeattle Supersonics

    Trying it out on Sunday. Not a big lounge guy, but excited to see it
     
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  39. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    I'm giving it a go a week from Tues.
     
  40. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    I'm going to let my AMEX Plat go this year and I'm a little sad about it. It's essentially just become a coupon book for me. I have no real use for it and I've never found a use a MR points despite people telling me they're great.
     
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  41. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Do you have any interest in booking an international business class ticket? That’s the best value IMO.
     
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  42. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Yes but I have 114k points and I can't find any value.
     
  43. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I think the best way to go about it is decide a few regions you want to travel. Then identify what airlines travel there and start exploring award fares.

    I do agree with you though that it’s not always in someone’s best interest to maintain the Platinum after they receive the sign up bonus.

    Please make sure to open up a card like the Amex Everyday so you can at least maintain your MRs with no annual fee.
     
  44. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Would you like to transfer them to my sky miles account??
     
  45. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    transfer to virgin atlantic for business class award ticket is the best value
     
  46. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Funny you say this as I just saw New York to Cape Town one way with a layover in London for 105,000 and $600 in biz class one way. The onboard bar and meeting place looked decent along with the booze and food tastings. Seats didn’t look all that great though.
     
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  47. Menelaus

    Menelaus The Red-Haired King
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideReal Madrid

    Just booked a quick anniversary trip to Four Seasons in New Orleans.

    First time booking Amex Fine Hotel + Resorts. Used some points + the $200 credit and got a free upgrade, $100 resort credit and free breakfast. Nice value on Skymiles that weekend. Flights from ATL, 2 nights at Four Season and I’m only out ~$700. Very very excited.
     
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  48. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    I thought the $200 could only be used on cash bookings? Or did you split into multiple bookings?
     
  49. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    That LHR tax, woof.
     
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  50. Menelaus

    Menelaus The Red-Haired King
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideReal Madrid

    I had a cash component (the $700 is net of $900 out of pocket) given I didnt have enough points for the whole hotel stay.