I decided to apply for the old IHG card before it went away. The point level for the free night is fine with me as I wanted to use it to supplement hotels on drives to Disney (19 hours so we spend one night in the middle of nowhere). After staying at a sketchy Quality Inn in Georgia last Friday, I told my husband I want Marriott or Holiday Inns, so this works. I also wanted a card to add an authorized user to with a bonus because I need to give a card to my mom for when she has expenses with my kids. Because her credit stinks, I wanted something I can watch.
Anyway...I can confirm it is not considered in 5/24 for applying. I am over that at this point and, while got the 30 day notice online, the card is showing in my portal.
Car rental - I used Costco the last few times and have been matched with Avis and Alamo. Both great rates and cheaper than I have ever gotten.
DH plans to start doing his part of this at the end of the year to get the companion pass again (I earned it early in 17, so have it all year). I am keeping on him because he also got an AA card for the bonus so we can fly to Europe in 19. I don't want him to apply willy nilly. I need to pull his credit report to see the exact number he is at. I think he is at 2/24.
Now I need to look forward. Between business expenses and personal stuff, I can easily meet the minimum spends (I have over $5000 in business expenses in the next 3 months). I will also need to pay about $3000 in June for an ortho visit. I hate to not get rewards for that. Suggestions? I am above 5/24 so chase is out. I have CSR, SW, Disney, Costco, Citi AA,
Amazon, IHG, ULTA (they sucked me in with 20% off). I'm not opposed to business cards (had the SW business but have cancelled it.) I am also sick of paying for groceries and getting 1%, so advice there would be good.
Ultimate goal is free to low cost travel. I have 2 kids, so we fly Southwest when possible (cheaper), but I live near both OHare and Midway. We do Disney (alot - DVC and annual passes). We are also doing a cruise this year (ok, 2). We also love just small weekends away and I would love to expose the kids to more places. I would also take GOOD cash back since it will go into an account for travel, which I am planning to set up.
Also, primer on Plastiq? I realize I am paying mortgage, association dues, etc straight from my bank account. It's time to step up my game.
Thanks everyone. This thread is an obsession and my husband just rolls his eyes at me. You guys are so smart.