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. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    If she is currently under 5/24, the Southwest cards will not prevent her from getting the Sapphire cards.

    There is also a "2 personal cards in 30 days" rule as well. Not sure when she got the SW cards and if it overlaps with any other personal CC applications, but it's something to check on as well.
     
    comrade static likes this.
  2. comrade static

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

    The 30 days is good to know. She got the personal sw card a little over a month ago, I will need to check the dates to be sure. Thanks.

    anyone have a referral link?
     
  3. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    Earn 60,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred. I can be rewarded, learn more.
    www.referyourchasecard.com/6/WSEX4NJ7TQ

    :heythere:
     
    comrade static likes this.
  4. C A N E

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

    Not sure if anyone is going to hop on the Venture X with the lowered minimum spend… but…

    Here’s my Venture X referral link: https://capital.one/36oDs7R
     
  5. DriveByBBQ

    DriveByBBQ Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideTiger WoodsBirmingham LegionPGAGrateful DeadUnited States Men's National Soccer Team

    6% cash back on groceries, and streaming subscriptions. 3% on gas, 1% cash back on everything else. Amex blue cash preferred. $300 spending bonus, no annual fee in year one and $95 moving forward.
     
    #13905 DriveByBBQ, Mar 15, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2022
  6. Tommy Callahan

    Tommy Callahan Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideAtlanta Braves

    6% on gas is strong. Wish gold card would bring back gas as a bonus point
     
    DriveByBBQ likes this.
  7. racer

    racer Yuma, where I work in software.
    Donor
    Iowa HawkeyesKansas City ChiefsLas Vegas Golden KnightsWatfordOlympicsFormula 1

    Upgraded my Southwest Chase to the priority - the extra travel credit alone covers the annual fee difference, plus I think it gets 4 A boardings and more annual points.
     
    EagleDuck and TAS like this.
  8. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    Yeah I'd like that card better if it's the only SW card you have. In the future, if you can, you should just open a new card. The best benefit by far for any card will be the signup bonus
     
  9. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    Looks like 3% on gas on the Amex website?
     
    DriveByBBQ likes this.
  10. racer

    racer Yuma, where I work in software.
    Donor
    Iowa HawkeyesKansas City ChiefsLas Vegas Golden KnightsWatfordOlympicsFormula 1

    I got an upgraded referral offer for Amex Gold - 75k after 4000/6mo (which is the standard promo offer on their site) if anyone is thinking about that specific card lmk.
     
  11. DriveByBBQ

    DriveByBBQ Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideTiger WoodsBirmingham LegionPGAGrateful DeadUnited States Men's National Soccer Team

    Damn, you right.

    Too strong. I was incorrect on the 6% but 3% is still solid.
     
    bigjrock likes this.
  12. bRamonceTaylor

    bRamonceTaylor Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Finally 4 years out from my CSR/CSP double dip. Anybody have any recent data points on the modified double dip and whether or not it’s still working?
     
  13. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    Rookie question - What is this double dip you speak of...?
     
  14. Uncle Tupelo

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

    According to r/churning, it seems to still be working.
     
    bRamonceTaylor likes this.
  15. Uncle Tupelo

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

    Allows you to get the signup bonus for both the sapphire preferred and reserve by signing up on the same day. Usually, you are limited to one Sapphire product
     
  16. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    Interesting. Do you have to be at 3/5 or below? Or could you be at 4/5 and still get both?
     
  17. bRamonceTaylor

    bRamonceTaylor Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Just realized it's 48 months from receiving the bonus, not from getting the cards, so I think I'll wait a bit before pulling the trigger since I have no idea when in 2018 I actually got the bonus. Does anybody have a link to the double dip for those that already have Sapphire products? I remember reading that you should downgrade your current Sapphire product and reduce the credit limit, then apply on a Mon-Thurs for a CSR and then the following morning for a CSP. TIA.
     
  18. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    I don't have a link, but only note I would add (assuming this all is still possible) is to apply for whichever card you want the most first. That way, of you get rejected on the 2nd app, you aren't stuck with a card you don't prefer
     
    EMAW FC, bRamonceTaylor and pratyk like this.
  19. WC

    WC Bad Company, ‘til the day I die.
    Donor TMB OG
    North Carolina State WolfpackAtlanta BravesCarolina PanthersCarolina HurricanesUnited States Men's National Soccer Team


    Here’s a CSP referral whenever you get around to making the move


    Now you can earn 75,000 bonus points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card. If you apply and get approved, we can both earn rewards:
    https://www.referyourchasecard.com/6d/T7248EUBNR
     
  20. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Anyone have the Amex platinum? Vs CSR?

    I'm 4+ years out from getting the CSR and feel like I've been slacking. Got a 125k offer from Amex today. Last time I tried to apply for an amex card I got the pop up. But that was 2 years ago and I started putting money on my Delta Amex recently.

    Thinking of downgrading my CSR, getting a CSP for 60k (referred from wife) then Amex for 125k. Seems like the benefits for the Amex are better than Chase now.
     
    PAHokie likes this.
  21. laxjoe

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

    I have both and both have their pluses and minuses. Amex plat is great, if you can use all the benefits. I haven’t had much luck with the hotel credit (we’re generally paying with points and/or staying at hotels we have loyalty programs). I’ve been able to take advantage of the other credits and the centurion lounge access has come in handy on a couple of trips we’ve taken recently.
    If you can get 125k welcome bonus, the I’d say it’s definitely worth it for a year

    edit: my welcome bonus link (no idea if you’ll get the same welcome offer)
    Apply for an American Express Card with this link. We can both get rewarded if you're approved!
    http://refer.amex.us/JOSEPQWSpR?XL=MIMCP
     
    Where Eagles Dare likes this.
  22. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    gotta make a concerted effort to get your money's worth but the amex plat is substantially better than CSR now imo
     
    PAHokie, BayouMafia and laxjoe like this.
  23. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    That $695 is coming at me fast but I do like it :ohdear:
     
    Where Eagles Dare and laxjoe like this.
  24. Where Eagles Dare

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

    Before it seemed like it was just the Saks benefit.

    200 ubereats
    179 clear
    200 hotel credit for a random stay

    And I'm pretty much there. I don't I'd use the Walmart credit or the digital stuff.

    200 airlines would only really be worth it if buying gift cards worked.
     
  25. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    using this shit is such a mental burden for me I don't want it
     
  26. Where Eagles Dare

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

    I gotta be honest I forget about shit at times and an AF lapses.

    But I did travel for about 5-7 years for nearly free, but it's gotten much harder now
     
  27. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    This doesn't happen to me which might be worse. Nobody gets me gift cards anymore either because they know it fucks with me mentally. I just have to cross things off my to-do list or I think about it
     
    Lip and Where Eagles Dare like this.
  28. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Saks is easy enough and a decent value
    I use the airline credit for chipping away at the AS lounge membership
    The hotel credit is good for a premium type 2 night stay which works for me because I have a habit of doing quick weekends in SF and NYC.
    Uber(eats) I just use enough that the credit evaporates without my paying much attn

    I have to say what has made it less questionable for me has been the number of times that random hotel shit has popped up in offers. I've made use out of a few of those in just the past 9 months or so.
     
    laxjoe likes this.
  29. pianoman

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

    For the airline credit there's a way to buy delta tickets with it. I've been buying refundable Delta tickets for three years now with that and the Aspire airline credit and cancelling them that I now have credits for over $700 for both the wife and I.
     
    #13929 pianoman, Mar 24, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2022
  30. pianoman

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

    It should be noted that the Centurion lounge benefit is about to become pretty devalued if you travel with anyone else as it will only get yourself in starting some time in 2023.
     
  31. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    airline credit is super easy, adds like 5 minutes to purchasing a ticket at least on delta
     
  32. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    wife loves the saks credit. the centurion devaluation sucks but we'll have an amex plat and a delta amex reserve between us that will mitigate the impact.

    have 2 amex plats atm which i'll shed one after my nola trip. took forever to get my wife a 100k+ offer to swap.
     
  33. Where Eagles Dare

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

    So is the hotel credit only on premium hotels? Saw it was some classifier...you can't use it on a Courtyard?
     
  34. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    only on their two hotel collections

    going to end up staying two nights at the ritz in nola for less than the hotel i normally stay at, plus all the beverage credits, etc will be useful
     
    PAHokie and BellottiBold like this.
  35. Tommy Callahan

    Tommy Callahan Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideAtlanta Braves

    Do you stick to one airline or switch around all the time?
     
  36. Where Eagles Dare

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

    I only fly delta if I can
     
  37. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    I live at a delta hub so 90% of my flying is with them

    About to book on air Canada to go to Montreal though
     
  38. Tommy Callahan

    Tommy Callahan Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideAtlanta Braves

    Then Amex>CSR
     
  39. LSU90

    LSU90 Well-Known Member

    I applied and was approved for the platinum today. I found a 150k referral link so may want to search for that.

    On a different note, my wifes 1 year is coming up on her amex platinum. Whats the strategy for downgrading/cancelling? Can I downgrade to a no annual fee card? What do I do with my points since I cant transfer them?
     
    PAHokie and Where Eagles Dare like this.
  40. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    I was flying a shit ton with Delta last year so the lounge access was clutch. Now I'm off of Delta so I'm going to use a LARGE chunk of value from my plat. I want to re-up it but there isn't much of a point

    Also, I need to find a way to use my MR points. They seem fairly useless to me.
     
  41. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    MR points are great, can transfer to almost all the good redemption areas

    think i used a bunch to get business class tickets to amsterdam through virgin, then booked ANA first class to tokyo
     
    BellottiBold likes this.
  42. C A N E

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

    I for one like my Amex platinum’s luxury benefits like Walmart+
     
    Where Eagles Dare likes this.
  43. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Airlines points do me no good which leaves me with Choice Hotels, Hilton, and Marriott. I just haven't found any value there so I use my Hyatt points via CSP.
     
  44. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    yeah if you don't fly (or whatever) you shouldn't have an amex plat if you're paying for it yourself
     
    BellottiBold likes this.
  45. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Oh, I fly a ridiculous amount. I just don't pay for it.
     
  46. Lip

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

    yeah - I only fly private too.
     
  47. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Duh. Airlines are for poor people

    No, I work for the airlines so I fly for free. And I can fly on other airlines for a small fee. It's a damn good life and I'm spoiled.
     
  48. tjosu

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

    I have a free night from Hyatt that I may not be able to use before it expires. Anyone have any past luck getting these extended? I also wondered if I book a room and then cancel, can that be a workaround for the expiration date?
     
  49. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I think you’d be better off asking or looking at the World of Hyatt forum on FlyerTalk
     
    BellottiBold and tjosu like this.
  50. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Sister is a flight attendant and I’m on her pass, so I typically shied away from airline points.

    Finally jumped in the game and was able to fly first class to Dubai on Emirates A380 last week. Will probably be the best flying experience I’ll ever have. Was lucky enough to be on one of the last A380s ever made. There’s something to be said for being able to shower, blow dry your balls, then hit up the bar at 40,000 feet.