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. BrickTamland

    BrickTamland You're not Ron...
    Donor
    Florida State Seminoles

    Hi yes I’m at the Atlanta United game thanks for the mockery I’ll look into the card later, Christ.
     
  2. BrickTamland

    BrickTamland You're not Ron...
    Donor
    Florida State Seminoles

    Groceries and utilities (internet water electric). I have real estate expenses associated with my investment properties I could look at as potential rewards-generating charges.

    Otherwise I’m considering a card I can open and add my fiancée to and get travel-related rewards, especially since we’re headed for TSA precheck approval. My current rewards card is citi double cash card.

    I didn’t know about global entry until today, so I don’t completely understand the difference. Could be worth looking into though becuase we’ll be traveling international next year for our honwymoon.
     
  3. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    global entry is basically pre check + international expedited entry/immigration afaik

    short version, CSR gets you the best $ per point gained. looking at points as just x per $ spent doesn't tell the whole story since the variability in what you can get for your points impacts it. CSR is the peak general expense card, gives best return on travel and restaurants at 3pts per. 1pt everything else.
     
    BrickTamland likes this.
  4. ButchCassidy

    ButchCassidy Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Ohio State BuckeyesColumbus CrewUnited States Men's National Soccer TeamSneakers

    I’m more than likely going to get a TSA precheck appointment soon. As a CSP holder, should I just get the global entry thing?
     
  5. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    global entry is better than precheck, yes
     
    ButchCassidy likes this.
  6. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    based on where you live getting an appointment can be a pain in the ass

    portland was booking into August when i tried to set it up in january, so got one in seattle when i know i'll be up there
     
  7. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    you can just make an appointment for whenever and then check the site periodically and shit will pop up sooner
     
    Lyrtch likes this.
  8. tjosu

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

    I believe the global entry/precheck credit is only a CSR thing
     
  9. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    It is, but if you're gonna do precheck it's worth spending the extra 15 for global anyways
     
  10. tjosu

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

    Sure, but his post sounded like he was thinking of getting global because it's covered
     
  11. Tommy Callahan

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

    I had a major major facepalm moment when I set my appointment for an incorrect time when I was going to Philly one time. Showed up anyway after doing all the paperwork and did standby. Got in after waiting probably 40 minutes. Worth it
     
    pratyk likes this.
  12. pratyk

    pratyk Arsenal FC, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
    Rutgers Scarlet KnightsArsenal

    Boston was a pain to schedule. I missed the initial appointment due to a work emergency and by the time I could reschedule it, they closed the 2nd location for 6 months. Walk-ins at the airport were insane so I just waited 4 months to go in again
     
  13. rezy

    rezy Member
    Donor
    Florida State SeminolesNew York YankeesLos Angeles ClippersNew York GiantsManchester United

    important note about GE compared to precheck is that if you have anything on your criminal record like a dwi you wont be approved for it. Precheck you can get no problem
     
  14. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    You can appeal something minor and get it approved

    I had to, worked fine
     
  15. Joe Louis

    Joe Louis no thank you turkish, i'm sweet enough
    Donor TMB OG
    Michigan WolverinesDetroit Tigers

    My CSR just arrived ... two questions how do i work this with car rentals and airbnb? I actually haven't flown a lot for travel recently ...
     
  16. tjosu

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

    Just pay for your rental or house on the card and you're covered plus get the 3x
     
    Joe Louis likes this.
  17. gordon bombay

    gordon bombay magician's alliance enthusiast
    Donor
    Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsAtlanta BravesAtlanta HawksAtlanta Falcons

    spg biz 35k signup bonus is the all time high, good til 3/28
     
  18. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

  19. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    How can you devalue what has no value iyo
     
  20. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    :hurfdurf:
     
  21. Leeroy Jenkins!

    Leeroy Jenkins! Radicalized
    Donor

    So I currently live in Miami but am moving to Austin in a couple of months. Miami is a American Airlines hub and Austin is kind of a little bit of everything. I currently have Amex Platinum which gets me into the amex lounge here in miami and has priority pass. In Austin there is a United and an AA lounge. I hate/am terrified of flying (yes I know its safe and I need to be a big boy) so I prefer going and getting a little buzz prior to my flight so I really am big on the lounge access. I got the United Lounge Card by Chase free for the first year (and will probably close it within a year) and am debating on the AA Executive card that comes with lounge access and 50k miles after I spend 5k the first 3 months which to me about evens out the cost of the card. I was going to try out both lounges and see which one I prefer. AA has more flights out of Austin but I'll be going back to Georgia a lot so I'm also wondering if it would make sense to get the Skymiles Reserve (not for the lounge access but to build status on Delta).

    Anyone have any better ideas or know of better promos right now

    Sorry for the Rambling Post.
     
  22. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    cant answer the lounge questions

    but based on my research and opinion working exhaustively towards status on an airline is less beneficial than just maximizing points, especially at an airport that isn't going to exclusively have you flying one airline and a lot.

    outside of alaskan airlines status seems to get you very little and require huge effort + likely be traveling a shit ton.
     
    WillieHuff likes this.
  23. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    for context i'll be living at a delta hub basically starting next year and be traveling an above average amount and I'm still pretty convinced doing the Delta Reserve card to work towards status won't help me as much as using Amex Plat 5x on airfare or Chase Reserve
     
    Tommy Callahan likes this.
  24. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    Status is a rip and unless you're flying Delta weekly you won't get shit for it
     
  25. NoNatty

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

    I’ve shared some of this in here before, but looking for advice.

    Wife and I got into some cc debt due to several issues. All of those are solved now. We’ve paid off 8k already, have another 10k to go. That 10k should be paid off by her final check of the school year on June 30th.

    We just filed our taxes and owe around 2k (or one month of CC payoff budget). Due to life circumstances, we’re trying to buy a house ASAP. What’s the best move here, should I file a 120 waiver with the IRS or go installment plan with them? I’m concerned about an installment plan being on our credit reports and have read different things, but also concerned at the 120 day period will end in a dead spot in her salary.
     
  26. C A N E

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

    I’m assuming convictions only right?

    Asking for a friend
     
  27. C A N E

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

    From what I’ve read/heard, lenders hate anything outstanding with the IRS.
     
    NoNatty likes this.
  28. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    You'd think so but I had to write a letter of appeal for a ticket that was dismissed by the judge in court. I don't know if that was a paperwork error or what, but the first time i ever heard of it being on my record was like 7 years later in my global entry interview meeting.
     
  29. C A N E

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

    Had a reckless driving at 17 (doing a burnout in a parking lot was reckless I guess) but it was technically criminal
     
  30. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    i can't remember if there was a time period on stuff that mattered like 7 or 10 years or whatever. You'll just have to write a letter and appeal if so
     
  31. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    We ran into an IRS issue prior to closing and the lender put everything on hold until we got it cleared up. Maybe if you have a formal agreement with the IRS, the lender will be able to work around it.
     
    NoNatty likes this.
  32. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    I'd recommend trying to establish some communication with the lender you intend to use and find out from them directly the best way to handle it.
     
    Lipp and NoNatty like this.
  33. pratyk

    pratyk Arsenal FC, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
    Rutgers Scarlet KnightsArsenal

    Whos the lender - big bank or credit union?
     
  34. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    Whoever you want to work with. In my limited experience, the big banks suck and you're better off finding a mortgage broker that will shop around for the best deals.

    Edit: shit thought this was a follow up question
     
    #4485 TAS, Mar 19, 2018
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2018
  35. NoNatty

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

    problem is, we’ve been waiting to pay off all of our CC debt before going and getting preapproved.
     
  36. rezy

    rezy Member
    Donor
    Florida State SeminolesNew York YankeesLos Angeles ClippersNew York GiantsManchester United

    I think so, not totally sure how far back they’ll pull it from though
     
  37. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    You don't have to get pre-approved to talk to them. You can get pre-qualified, if you're looking for less formality. Or you don't have to do anything and just ask them what they recommend. If they act weird because they know too much, then go to one of the million other lenders. But I think they would be honest and help you out.
     
    NoNatty likes this.
  38. texasraider

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

    Just pay your taxes. It’ll cost you more money in the long run but it’ll be much easier than having to explain why you went on a payment plan for $2k when you’re trying to get someone to loan you $200k
     
  39. Joe Withabee

    Joe Withabee PS I have sifulus
    Donor
    Texas RangersDallas MavericksDallas CowboysChelseaTiger WoodsBarAndGrillFormula 1

    Call me crazy, but I so led recommend not getting into a hurry on buying a house, and to handle your debt instead.
     
    Woodrow, NoNatty and TAS like this.
  40. TAS

    TAS 20_ _ TMB Poster of the Year
    Donor

    agree with both of these thoughts. buying a house is a bitch and things will almost assuredly pop up that complicate it even more. don't take on more than you can handle and risk putting yourself in a bad spot again.
     
    Lipp, Woodrow, NoNatty and 2 others like this.
  41. NoNatty

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

    I’m just gonna pay it, I appreciate the advice.
     
    Louis Holth, TAS and texasraider like this.
  42. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    Just got my sixth American Airlines card :badger:
     
  43. ButchCassidy

    ButchCassidy Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Ohio State BuckeyesColumbus CrewUnited States Men's National Soccer TeamSneakers

    People here good with the flight market? I see the internet says 54 days before is the best time to book. Trying to use points to fly in June from CMH to SEA. Tickets going for $290/piece/one way right now.

    Planning on flying into SEA June 7, going on a cruise, flying from SEA to SFO on June 15 to spend a couple days with a friend, then SFO to CMH on June 17 to come home.
     
  44. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
    Donor

    what kind of points? if it's airline points that 54 day thing is complete bullshit.

    either way, you're not going to do much better than that
     
  45. sally2dicks

    sally2dicks Well-Known Member
    Colorado BuffaloesCalgary Flames

    If I had the CSP last year I think sometime over summer and closed it this January, how long do I have to wait until I'm eligible for the bonus on CSR as I want to get this card next and asap?

    Unrelated question for Freedom bonus category: Can I buy gas station gift cards (are these even a thing?) to get to bonus limit since I forgot about the card this quarter and am way behind?

    Thanks.
     
  46. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    Yes you can buy gift cards. Some gas stations have Amazon gift cards, grocery store gift cards, etc
     
    sally2dicks likes this.
  47. sally2dicks

    sally2dicks Well-Known Member
    Colorado BuffaloesCalgary Flames

    Now whattabout my other question?
     
  48. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    I believe you're out of luck until January 2020
     
  49. sally2dicks

    sally2dicks Well-Known Member
    Colorado BuffaloesCalgary Flames

    Damn. Thanks for the replies and I went searching too while waiting. Based on this language of receiving the bonus within 24 months, I'm hoping that means I can be eligible for the bonus in fall of 2019. I'll call the service line to confirm.

    Offer Details
    Scroll down to see all offer details

    50,000 Bonus Points
    The product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of any Sapphire credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of any Sapphire credit card who received a new cardmember bonus within the last 24 months.