Credit Card Thread - Now with a Beginner's Guide to free travel/FAQ

this would be the optimal time to try and book using hotel points, could get better bang for your buck

 

1. It's a good plan (increasing your available credit lowers your credit utilization ratio, assuming spending remains constant). You might eventually hit the max amount of credit they will give you and you'll have to shuffle around the credit lines to open a new card, but it's not a big deal.

2. You can request an increase here https://www.chase.com/credit-cards/rtbl/credit-line-increase-rtbl

 

I've never done an all inclusive but judging by a few posts just on this page alone all inclusive resorts aren't that great.

I too will be in LA with the gf celebrating St Patty's day. Why is St. Patty's day a big deal down there?

 

It's a big deal in a shit load of cities across the country, people like to party

 

Anyone know where I can find a st Patrick's day party in Seoul?

 

St Pattys is big in Baton Rouge as well. Big in Savannah. Big in Jackson. Just a few off the top of my head.

 

That's where I'll be.

 

What's the best option for accruing Hilton points? I know this has probably been discussed. Just need a one word answer. Thanks.

 

There are 4 options

http://hiltonhonors3.hilton.com/en/earn-use-points/credit-cards/index.html

and a one word answer won't apply to each individual's situation. You have to determine...

1. Are you ok with paying an annual fee for a higher signup bonus?
2. Are you ok with paying an annual fee to keep the card open (and build your credit)?
3. How much will you spend annually at Hilton hotels?
4. How much will you spend annually on other bonus categories (different for each card) and do you already have another card that would be better for spending on those categories?
5. Do you need a card with no foreign transaction fees?
6. Is AMEX ok?

Figuring those out will help you determine which option is best.

 

Stay at hiltons- use the app to book via your Hilton honors login

Make sure you update your setting on their website to max points not food perks

Read their emails and sign up for 2x or 3x points when they offer them

 

when buying a new car, what are the TMB thoughts on putting the taxes on an interest free credit card?

 

If it's a new car, does the manufacturer offer 0%?

If not, of course.

 

no, no 0% on this one. It's only $3500..so I think I'm going to do it.

 

how long does it take for CSR to apply the $300 annual travel credit to travel charges? does it wipe it apply it within 24/48 hrs, 30 days etc?

 

also i think it says it takes like 60 days for the $750 for 4k to hit your account-how long did it take for anyone that ever got it?

 

Its like a day

You don't get 750 bucks. You get 50k points. It's shortly after you hit the spend

 

The $300 credit is within a couple of days. The bonus hits at your first statement after reaching it.

 

My travel credit always posts as soon as the transaction it relates to has posted.

 

Do you have to total it up yourself, or is there a credit balance shown somewhere?

 

There's a balance wheel shown

 

The csr priority pass perk is legit. Went to ewr, Hong Kong, and Seoul. The benefit of comfortable seating, real food, and drink was all clutch on 30+ hour days of travel.

 

Questions to those that have used the priority pass. Im traveling to Greece later this year and have long layovers at LAX and Schiphol in Amsterdam. What "dress code applicable" mean? Is there like a business casual dress code?
The website says international only or non Schengen only, Im still good as long as either my arriving or departing flight is international right?

 

The Hong Kong lounges said smart business dress on the website, but I don't think they care. I didn't see them turn anyone away.

 

They don't care, but you'd probably get kicked out for gang colors or a bathing suit or something

 

So if 7k points are worth roughly $100 in travel benefits then 54k points should be worth $800 but I'm an idiot and generally have no idea what I'm doing.

 

You right

 

I've been rejected at getting into PP lounges more often than not the last year or so due to overcrowding. I generally expect to not get into them now because so many people have the perk through CSR.

 

Yeah a lot of the bloggers have started talking about it. It will probably get worse with the changes to Amex Platinum and those cardholders now getting 2 people in free.

 

Isn't that better? Two is at least a hard limit

 

They upped it to get there, couldn't bring free guests before.

 

Got it. I've seen groups go in

 

No, Amex platinum didn't allow any guests into PP lounges until the recent change... now they are allowing 2

 

Yeah, some perks like CSR don't have guest limits. The Amex before you had to pay for guests

 

I had one lounge tell me there was a limit on guests. I told them my membership didn't have a limit and she just said ok and let my group of 6 in. This lounge was also packed so I was actually surprised they let us all in.

 

is the price per drink in the lounges any better than outside bars?

 

Yeah I'd say significantly better

 

Same price as hotel loyalty program registration

 

Bring cash for tipping the bartenders though. I forgot last time. Felt bad :/

 

I signed up for shop runner today and got free two day shipping on some shit from under armour. I don't know how often I'll use it but a membership is free with American Express cards.

 

Buy through chase portal too

 

All but one of the lounges I went to had free alcohol and beer. Hong Kong Plaza Premium east hall only had free canned beer. Unfortunately there were so many people in the lounge opening the coolers that all the drinks were warm. Wine, liquor, and tap beer wasn't free so I didn't ask about price.

 

Got caught off guard by this today in Newark. All of the other lounges I have been to (about 5) allowed you to pour liquor drinks yourself. This lounge had a bartender serving them, so I stuck to the beer fridge.

 

Chase Freedom 5% category for 2Q is Grocery Stores and Drug Stores

 

Feels only credit card nerds understand: I almost missed the last flight out of Vegas due to delay and I'm mad I made it

 

I had the 7am flight out on Sunday. It was fucking brutal and I still wish I missed it.

 

"Oh no I have to spend the night in Vegas with my hotel and food comped by Chase, whatever will I do"

 

Merrill+ 50,000 is back, probably dying very soon

https://applyonlinenow.com/USCCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=BAABZY#b

 

Chase Marriott offering 100k sign up bonus (plus 7500 for authorized user) for through beginning of May

 

:( I'll never get another chase card and this one makes me sad