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. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Gonna pull the trigger on CSP today. I can't pass up 100,000 URs for $95. Currently sitting on 80,000 Hyatt points, so maybe I can combine them for a nice trip.

    Edit: Took me three clicks from my pre approved CSP email to get the card. They make it way too easy. For every person in this thread that makes money off credit card companies, there's gotta be 50 that absolutely crippled by them.
     
    #13501 DuffandMuff, Jun 22, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2021
  2. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    Do you or have you ever had the CSR? I was under the impression I would never be eligible for CSP welcome offer since I have a CSR - but so many people have been plugging the CSP, I wonder if I'm missing something.
     
  3. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    They spell it out pretty clearly
     
    Det. Frank Bullitt likes this.
  4. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I got the CSR towards the end of 2016 and received the bonus in January 2017 (48 months has passed). I downgraded it to a CFU a few years ago.
     
    laxjoe likes this.
  5. Super Vegeta

    Super Vegeta I'm starting to feel like I'm entering my slut era
    Donor
    South Carolina GamecocksCarolina Panthers

    Is there a consensus on what the best card out there for earning miles right now? I haven't changed credit cards ever. Credit score is 780-790.
     
  6. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    All miles are not created equal and it's useful to know whose miles you most desire and for what sort of redemptions
     
  7. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    Just get the CSP and transfer points to a travel partner or use them in the Chase portal.
     
  8. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    Following up on my previous post from a few days ago. Today they changed the CSP referral links to reflect the 100k offer so if you or anyone else hasn't pulled the trigger yet...

    Enjoy Our Best Offer Ever! Earn 100,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred. I can rewarded, learn more.
    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/6b/BIN5U3ZASG
     
    BellottiBold likes this.
  9. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    For those that go this route

     
    pratyk likes this.
  10. pratyk

    pratyk Arsenal FC, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
    Rutgers Scarlet KnightsArsenal

    Thankfully, I already cashed out most of my Amex points to my schwab account for those sweet OTC trades.
     
  11. soulfly

    soulfly Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Seattle MarinersSeattle SeahawksBarcelonaSeattle SupersonicsSeattle SoundersSeattle Kraken

    Slightly off topic, but hoping someone can provide an opinion regarding whether or not to close one of my two bank accounts, which I’ll spoiler to save space.

    I have two bank accounts after taking up Chase on an intro offer a year back or so. I kept my BOA account because it has my two oldest credit cards, so I’ve simply been maintaining minimums in checking and savings to avoid any fees. However, I’ve wanted to close my BOA account for a while (and set up a meeting to do so next week).

    I’m closing on a condo on Monday, so I’m not entirely too concerned about what my credit looks like for a little while. Just want to know if it’s a bad idea to close.

    BOA cards are 15 and 10 years old. Next oldest card is 6 years and then I have a Chase card that’s only 2 years old. My 10 year old BOA card has by far my highest line of credit.

    Have a meeting with Chase to wire money on Monday. Wondering if I should also ask for a credit line increase to match what I have with BOA and explain that I am in the process of closing my account with them.

    Or should I just keep the two accounts?
     
  12. Lip

    Lip Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Michigan State SpartansDetroit LionsGeorge Washington Colonials

    Why not just close the bank account but keep the credit cards?
     
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  13. Jimmy the Saint

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

    Why do you need the bank accounts open because of the credit cards? One of my oldest CC's is a BOA card and I've never had a bank account with them. Assuming they're no fee just keep them open. I'd perhaps try reducing the credit limit on those once you have more established elsewhere but I definitely wouldn't close them.

    My oldest CC is from a credit union in NY I opened after I graduated HS. I throw a charge on it once a year, oldest line of credit maintained.
     
    PAHokie, Lip and soulfly like this.
  14. soulfly

    soulfly Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Seattle MarinersSeattle SeahawksBarcelonaSeattle SupersonicsSeattle SoundersSeattle Kraken

    Wasn’t even aware that could be an option :facepalm:

    Suppose I should’ve been, because I started at Chase with a credit card :facepalm: :facepalm:
     
  15. Jimmy the Saint

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

    Underrated thing about Chase is that they will exchange your rolled coins even without an account for free.
     
  16. soulfly

    soulfly Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Seattle MarinersSeattle SeahawksBarcelonaSeattle SupersonicsSeattle SoundersSeattle Kraken

    Boy I feel like a horse’s patoot, but glad I asked because I’ve been overthinking this for a while.

    Still going to ask for a limit raise while there for the wiring :shrug:
     
    laxjoe and Jimmy the Saint like this.
  17. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    Think I am going to hold off on player 2 AMEX platinum till I hit the 1 year on mine (Unless I get targetted for a 125k offer). Just seems I can spread the benefits out. In the meantime doesn't really seem like there are many great signup offers right now outside of the CSP which I got in May. Wife 48 months will be done August 1st so plan to downgrade her CSR and apply for CSP 100k. Does anyone know when you are allowed to upgrade a CSP to a CSR for redemption benefits?

    Going to go with CIC cash in the meantime for 75k at 7.5k spend. Any special things you have to do on application or just apply as normal?
     
  18. tjosu

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

    Did you ever figure out what this issue was? I just did the same transfer and they showed up at Hyatt instantly. Wondering if it has to do with having the WoH card
     
  19. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Took 3 or 4 days and then they showed up. Glad I didn't wind up needing them instantly like I was originally planning.
     
  20. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    I think they recommend 12 months before upgrading from the CSP to CSR (or really any product change), but it doesn't hurt to call and ask whenever you need to

    Nothing special on the CIC app if you're familiar with biz card apps
     
  21. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    Sounds good thanks. Do I need to cancel/downgrade my current CIC before getting another? I have a few recurring bills tied to it that I would rather not go throguh the trouble of changing if I dont have to.
     
  22. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    The chase ink cards do not have the same verbiage that all the other cards offered by chase have, which essentially says you don't get the bonus if you already have the card or have recently received a similar signup bonus.

    So I'd say no, don't worry about canceling your previous card. I'd be careful to read whatever signup offer you use to confirm that's the case but I haven't seen anything.

    here's my referral btw :eatit:

    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21/I9CU79HYDU
     
  23. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    Appreciate it. If I didn't already have open CIC's I would use the referral. Another time sir.
     
    TAS likes this.
  24. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    Wanted to post my experience for anyone getting back into the Chase Ink Biz game. I was not auto-approved for the CIC so I called. Instead of going through there fully automated system that told me the status of my application like in previous years, I ended up having to speak with a specialist that seemed to personally review my application. No questions specifically about the application or nature of my "business" were asked other than verifying my information but I wonder if this is so that they at least have human eyes on the application now. Anyone else experience this?
     
    TAS likes this.
  25. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    Between about 18 months since my last biz app. Expect my next in December.
     
  26. C A N E

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

    New Amex Platinum benefits are HOT garbage. A raised $695 annual fee does not make up for it at all.
     
  27. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    Already?

    I clicked in to say that RIP our pandemic benefits. It had been a good run for small ($20-$50) offers that were easy to claim. Even the Best Buy 2X$50 was easy to claim in a single transaction.
     
  28. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Yeah not worth a $150 increase. It’s too bad the $200 hotel credit only applies to FHR and Hotel Collection. Won’t use Equinox.

    The four streaming options are a joke.
     
    #13528 DuffandMuff, Jul 1, 2021
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2021
    BayouMafia likes this.
  29. C A N E

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

    I saw the rumors and thought it was going to be the streaming credit like last year. But Peacock?
     
  30. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Streaming credit was awesome. I would use the NYT one, but I don’t see it as value because I wasn’t actively seeking it.

    Apparently you can’t bring any guests into the centurion lounge anymore. I travel a lot by myself, so that’s not a big issue. However, the gf won’t be happy about that. Really sucks for spouses.

    The SUB for the Schwab card is huge. However I just read that it may only be available if you haven’t received a SUB for any other Plat. Booooooo.

    Edit: maybe the no guess access doesn’t hit til 2023. Lot of rumors and incorrect assumptions still flying around.
     
    #13530 DuffandMuff, Jul 1, 2021
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2021
  31. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Hmmm
    For now, glad my af hit already.
    Need to do some research on the hotel credit.
    F equinox. Clear might be useful as I don't have that benefit already.
     
  32. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    Yeah it is real bad. O well. I had already gotten in on it but P2 had not so will just file that away for a later date when hopefully they come back down to earth and make some changes in a year or two.
     
  33. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Make the airline credit available for any fee for any airline: $200
    Make the hotel credit available for any hotel: $200
    Uber: $200

    That would be a true $600 value to me and I’d have no issue with the $695 fee even before the other benefits.
     
  34. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

    I think they'd create a (new?) card closer to CSR before they rework the plat again.
     
    #13534 Det. Frank Bullitt, Jul 1, 2021
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2021
  35. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    $550 was already hard enough to swallow. $695 might just be impractical for me.

    We'll see how addicted to the lounges I get though.
     
  36. comrade static

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

    Csr raising up to $550 annual fee according to the letter I got in the mail today. Not sure I can justify that. I don’t have Lyft where I live so that leaves a $250 gap after the $300 travel credit. Thoughts?
     
  37. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Any of you amex'ers used the IAP?
    I didn't even realize that was a thing but the idea of spending combo points/cash (on a discounted fare mind you) and still managing to bank miles with a program while doing it makes for a pretty sweet feature...
     
  38. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    also reading up on things more, I imagine I'll be able to take advantage of the hotel credit. Some of the hotels in that network can be booked with 3rd/4th night free rates and some also have their own on prem vouchers which is potentially awesome.
     
    Nelson likes this.
  39. dukebuckeye

    dukebuckeye I’m OK with your low opinion of me.
    Donor TMB OG
    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsColumbus Blue JacketsCleveland CavaliersCleveland Indians

    Wife and I are finally considering getting credit cards. Which ones would you guys recommend and why?
     
  40. Tommy Jefferson

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

    This is a no brainer right now. 100k points is the highest offer the card has offered, equates to ~$1,400. Add in grocery, Peloton, Door Dash, etc.

    Enjoy Our Best Offer Ever! Earn 100,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred. I can be rewarded, learn more.
    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/m/6b/6L5/GJZB/1575919731
     
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  41. C A N E

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

    Just checked in to the Hyatt Zilara in the DR.

    insane.
     
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  42. Det. Frank Bullitt

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

  43. laxjoe

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

    Don’t know if I’m going to keep when the next AF hits, but just signed up for the new benefits. Clear and the streaming credit (covers nyt and audible). Real downgrade from before, but figured I might as well use them while I have the card
     
  44. John McGuirk

    John McGuirk member of the blue tiger club
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesDallas CowboysDallas StarsDallas Mavericks alt

    Damn, signup bonus not eligible for current Sapphire members.


    Might still be worth it if you eat out at a lot of restaurants and get door dash a decent amount. We got a $60 credit on door dash this year so it’s more like $190. Effectively getting an unlimited 4.5% on restaurants when most other cards get 2-2.5%
     
    comrade static likes this.
  45. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
    San Antonio SpursHouston TexansNew Mexico State AggiesTexas AandM Aggies

    Edit: my dumbass should have researched the sapphire credit is every four years.

    Anyone come up for their 5 year anniversary on TSA precheck having used the $85 sapphire credit last time? I kinda assume if I renew even a day early I won’t get the $85 this go around but that seems like there must be a workaround, no?
     
    PAHokie likes this.
  46. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    Why you doing precheck instead of global entry (which comes with precheck)?
     
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  47. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
    San Antonio SpursHouston TexansNew Mexico State AggiesTexas AandM Aggies

    good call, thanks
     
    TAS likes this.
  48. Zabka

    Zabka Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Precheck and Global Entry last for five years but CSR offers the $100 credit every four years. By the time you’re ready to renew you will be eligible for another credit.
     
    tjsblue and PAHokie like this.
  49. IV

    IV Freedom is the right of all sentient beings
    Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideUAB BlazersDemocratAvengersBirmingham LegionUnited States Men's National Soccer Team

    Afternoon guys I’m about to have to start booking my own flights and hotels for work, need to get a card

    My credit score is in the mid-high 600’s

    any advice where to go here?
     
  50. phunkybuck

    phunkybuck Your pennies have been in my ass
    Donor TMB OG
    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsColumbus Blue JacketsCleveland CavaliersCleveland IndiansGrateful Dead

    Chase Sapphire Preferred is generally accepted as the best sign up offer right now - 100k Ultimate Reward points.

    Enjoy Our Best Offer Ever! Earn 100,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred. I can rewarded, learn more.
    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/6b/QHVA6BQG9F
     
    Tommy Jefferson and IV like this.