I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

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Needing some tips for an upcoming WDW Delta package......after speaking to a Delta CSR supervisor, I have been told that if I cancel my package, the tix included WILL be cancelled. There is no way to "pop them out". The rub here, is that I DID pay insurance on the trip, BUT....I KNOW I did NOT pay insurance on the park ticket portion of the trip. The original CSR told me that the insurance could NOT be applied to the tickets, only the hotel and airfare. So, if I DID cancel, I fear that the voucher would only be for the flights/hotel and the outlay for the tickets would be lost. Which would NOT be cool since the tickets were the biggest chunk of the package to begin with!

After reading several data points here, it seems that the best course of action is to just throw away the flight (cheap) and two nights at hotel. (My original goal was to get a voucher for the hotel and flights, and KEEP the tickets for use at a later TBD date.) Since that no longer seems possible, does anyone know if I need to check in online for the "flight" (that I will be "flying" on) or the hotel stay (that I will be "staying" in)? If I DO check in for the hotel, it won't trigger the park tickets, correct?

Yikes this is bad news. Looks like Delta has gotten stricter about canceling the package and keeping the tickets. I do think someone here "missed" his flight a few days ago so hopefully he will update us to let us know what happened to the rest of the package after that. Did you ask the CSR whether the voucher would include the cost of the tickets?
 
Did anybody here see this one on r/churning today?
Hey guys, I'm doing a "training" for a job interview in a few days. My topic originally was how to get cheaper flights, but instead, I've changed it to using credit card points to travel for cheaper. I've already started working on the presentation, and the maximum time limit is 15 minutes. Obviously, I don't want to overload with information, but I still want it to be informative and useful. Do you guys think I should just focus on one bank, like Chase? I figured that would be best because they have a lot of transfer partners that I could talk about. Thanks for all your help!
Edit: Sounds like everyone thinks it's a bad idea. Do you guys have any recommendations on easy topics to offer a training on?
Glad the guy came around to the feedback provided. In almost all instances I would say bringing up the topic of churning at any point in a job interview process would be a poor decision. There is nothing to gain and everything to lose at all times.
 
For those wondering if we're experiencing a slow-down in activity here on the thread... The r/churning daily discussion thread is discussing the same issue today.

Duff, A moderator over there shared this:
In the last year, we haven't had much positive news to comment on - no new earth-shattering card introductions, no major program mergers, stuff like that. What has been newsworthy is all negative - 1099s for referrals (which mostly only affects vets), Amex self-refer clawbacks, Serve shutdown, etc. Without new things to comment on, it's all just generally variations on the same questions like "If my P2 is an AU on my CSP can they get a CSP bonus for themselves?". Less novel content leads to fewer contents. And people are more likely to downvote because we have much better search tools now than we did a couple years ago - if you can't use the tools provided here, how good at this hobby are you going to be? And searching eliminates questions because people found their answer by searching.

Churning is definitely in a lull right now. We're in an era of simple strategies for those still playing the game. We are over 3 years removed from the introduction of the CSR and 2 1/2+ years since the 100k bonus went away. This was a major "needle mover" for churning. It attracted many new people to the game. I'd venture to guess that since that time we have seen more people fall away from this hobby than join it. Reasons for why I'd think that:
  • Concern over credit score and myths that churning hurts it: It was nice to earn a few bonuses but being a "real churner" is scary to many people
  • Fees and Interest: We all assume nobody is paying any fees or interest in the game but the truth of the matter is that some people are not paying their cards off in full every month. It's possible that there are even some among our group here that are incurring these "costs of the game" and just masking it to play along.
  • Lack of Organization: Churning typically requires a high degree of organization. You have to keep track of when you signed up for cards, the MSR, did the bonus post, multiple payment dates, etc. It would be interesting to know the average shelf life of a churner. They always say the average career of an NFL player is less than 3 years. I wonder if the same might be true of churners?
  • Scarcity of Opportunity: going along with my last bullet point, I also wonder if people hit 5/24, run into an Amex popup or 2 and just start to think this isn't worth the hassle anymore.
  • Perhaps one more reason is what Duff spoke to: a generally negative news cycle. Perhaps the plethora of bad news events has just resonated with people and they just don’t find churning to be worth it any more with so many rules and issues.
So a fun discussion topic for US here today: Do you think CC Churning is in a lull? Do you agree with my reasons? Do you have any other reasons? And why are YOU still here and any other thoughts?

EDIT: Should I take the lack of responses to this in the first 20 minutes as an indication that our thread is dying too? 🤣 🤣 🤣
EDIT2: I've been told my discussion topic is not "fun" so I will strike that word, LOL!
Hmmm I will bite. The first three bullet points (especially #3 ) don't really resonate with me. The last two are probably more accurate. Less cards with attractive bonuses and banks that are sensitive to shut-downs or reward abuse definitely play a role. I would have opened up a lot more Amex biz cards if I thought I could balance them all properly while keeping Amex happy. I eventually want a personal Gold with a bonus so I don't want to lose my shot. I just use my personal Plat for most things that don't have good categories on other cards I currently hold. Every time a loophole is closed or strategy disappears it is sad. I was originally scared of Barclays with the reports that people were getting approved and receiving cards they could not use without documentation. Fortunately I got past that with the JetBlue biz card and just have to navigate the silly website for payment 🤣
 
Ummm....that is not a fun topic...let’s talk favorite cocktails....I am currently enjoying a lovely Passionfruit Margarita at CF thanks to my Plat (which I am on the fence whether I am keeping or not.)
HAHAHA Right now I am enjoying a Coke Zero because I am work. HOWEVER, I wish I was sipping on a Lapu Lapu with some pulled pork nachos at the Poly :rotfl2:
 


So a fun discussion topic for US here today: Do you think CC Churning is in a lull? Do you agree with my reasons? Do you have any other reasons? And why are YOU still here and any other thoughts?

1) Yes
2) I agree with your reasons as well as @orangecuse - less bang for buck and people starting to guard v share loopholes (understandably).
3) no other reasons for the most part
4) Well, I'm a SAHM whose DD is 1500 miles away so other than walking dogs what else do I have to do, lol?
 
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Did anybody here see this one on r/churning today?
Hey guys, I'm doing a "training" for a job interview in a few days. My topic originally was how to get cheaper flights, but instead, I've changed it to using credit card points to travel for cheaper. I've already started working on the presentation, and the maximum time limit is 15 minutes. Obviously, I don't want to overload with information, but I still want it to be informative and useful. Do you guys think I should just focus on one bank, like Chase? I figured that would be best because they have a lot of transfer partners that I could talk about. Thanks for all your help!
Edit: Sounds like everyone thinks it's a bad idea. Do you guys have any recommendations on easy topics to offer a training on?
Glad the guy came around to the feedback provided. In almost all instances I would say bringing up the topic of churning at any point in a job interview process would be a poor decision. There is nothing to gain and everything to lose at all times.

Neither of those are training topics to me, just information. If he's supposed to train then he needs to actually teach them how to do something. Oiy. Churning and finding cheap flights aren't ever going to be one size fits all this is how you do it. Good luck to him but if he keeps a similar topic I can't see him.getting the job.

ETA after reading reddit and that a lady is doing how to carve a pumpkin it's clear he doesn't get it. His idea on how to travel effectively is informational not training. Clearlt has no clue and I'm too lazy to log in and tell him that 😁 plus I don't remember my login, it's saved at home.
 


For those wondering if we're experiencing a slow-down in activity here on the thread... The r/churning daily discussion thread is discussing the same issue today.

Duff, A moderator over there shared this:
In the last year, we haven't had much positive news to comment on - no new earth-shattering card introductions, no major program mergers, stuff like that. What has been newsworthy is all negative - 1099s for referrals (which mostly only affects vets), Amex self-refer clawbacks, Serve shutdown, etc. Without new things to comment on, it's all just generally variations on the same questions like "If my P2 is an AU on my CSP can they get a CSP bonus for themselves?". Less novel content leads to fewer contents. And people are more likely to downvote because we have much better search tools now than we did a couple years ago - if you can't use the tools provided here, how good at this hobby are you going to be? And searching eliminates questions because people found their answer by searching.

Churning is definitely in a lull right now. We're in an era of simple strategies for those still playing the game. We are over 3 years removed from the introduction of the CSR and 2 1/2+ years since the 100k bonus went away. This was a major "needle mover" for churning. It attracted many new people to the game. I'd venture to guess that since that time we have seen more people fall away from this hobby than join it. Reasons for why I'd think that:
  • Concern over credit score and myths that churning hurts it: It was nice to earn a few bonuses but being a "real churner" is scary to many people
  • Fees and Interest: We all assume nobody is paying any fees or interest in the game but the truth of the matter is that some people are not paying their cards off in full every month. It's possible that there are even some among our group here that are incurring these "costs of the game" and just masking it to play along.
  • Lack of Organization: Churning typically requires a high degree of organization. You have to keep track of when you signed up for cards, the MSR, did the bonus post, multiple payment dates, etc. It would be interesting to know the average shelf life of a churner. They always say the average career of an NFL player is less than 3 years. I wonder if the same might be true of churners?
  • Scarcity of Opportunity: going along with my last bullet point, I also wonder if people hit 5/24, run into an Amex popup or 2 and just start to think this isn't worth the hassle anymore.
  • Perhaps one more reason is what Duff spoke to: a generally negative news cycle. Perhaps the plethora of bad news events has just resonated with people and they just don’t find churning to be worth it any more with so many rules and issues.
So a fun discussion topic for US here today: Do you think CC Churning is in a lull? Do you agree with my reasons? Do you have any other reasons? And why are YOU still here and any other thoughts?

EDIT: Should I take the lack of responses to this in the first 20 minutes as an indication that our thread is dying too? 🤣 🤣 🤣
EDIT2: I've been told my discussion topic is not "fun" so I will strike that word, LOL!

My general motto in this game is, “No news is good news.” Like you mentioned, the most discussed topics in the last year or two have been bad news. The rules of this game are changing all the time, and most often they’re for the worse. So we take advantage of the loopholes where and for as long as we can, and it’s to everyone’s benefit that we don’t discuss these too openly (or at all).
 
Initial reports coming out of additional Amex Self-Support Clawbacks:
See Here!

Not that you can really do anything about it but check your accounts to see if you've been affected.

EDIT: I see I've been beaten to the punch on this one, lol!

REMINDER: You do NOT want to use a self-support link for any Amex cards. Cross-support between spouses is fine and there are NO known DPs of clawbacks as a result of this. Some people still mention "self-support" on DISchurners as a recommendation from previous comments made, do NOT follow this advice!
 
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For those wondering if we're experiencing a slow-down in activity here on the thread... The r/churning daily discussion thread is discussing the same issue today.

Duff, A moderator over there shared this:
In the last year, we haven't had much positive news to comment on - no new earth-shattering card introductions, no major program mergers, stuff like that. What has been newsworthy is all negative - 1099s for referrals (which mostly only affects vets), Amex self-refer clawbacks, Serve shutdown, etc. Without new things to comment on, it's all just generally variations on the same questions like "If my P2 is an AU on my CSP can they get a CSP bonus for themselves?". Less novel content leads to fewer contents. And people are more likely to downvote because we have much better search tools now than we did a couple years ago - if you can't use the tools provided here, how good at this hobby are you going to be? And searching eliminates questions because people found their answer by searching.

Churning is definitely in a lull right now. We're in an era of simple strategies for those still playing the game. We are over 3 years removed from the introduction of the CSR and 2 1/2+ years since the 100k bonus went away. This was a major "needle mover" for churning. It attracted many new people to the game. I'd venture to guess that since that time we have seen more people fall away from this hobby than join it. Reasons for why I'd think that:
  • Concern over credit score and myths that churning hurts it: It was nice to earn a few bonuses but being a "real churner" is scary to many people
  • Fees and Interest: We all assume nobody is paying any fees or interest in the game but the truth of the matter is that some people are not paying their cards off in full every month. It's possible that there are even some among our group here that are incurring these "costs of the game" and just masking it to play along.
  • Lack of Organization: Churning typically requires a high degree of organization. You have to keep track of when you signed up for cards, the MSR, did the bonus post, multiple payment dates, etc. It would be interesting to know the average shelf life of a churner. They always say the average career of an NFL player is less than 3 years. I wonder if the same might be true of churners?
  • Scarcity of Opportunity: going along with my last bullet point, I also wonder if people hit 5/24, run into an Amex popup or 2 and just start to think this isn't worth the hassle anymore.
  • Perhaps one more reason is what Duff spoke to: a generally negative news cycle. Perhaps the plethora of bad news events has just resonated with people and they just don’t find churning to be worth it any more with so many rules and issues.
So a fun discussion topic for US here today: Do you think CC Churning is in a lull? Do you agree with my reasons? Do you have any other reasons? And why are YOU still here and any other thoughts?

EDIT: Should I take the lack of responses to this in the first 20 minutes as an indication that our thread is dying too? 🤣 🤣 🤣
EDIT2: I've been told my discussion topic is not "fun" so I will strike that word, LOL!
I love this topic, SouthfayetteFan! I do feel as if it is in a lull, and I find myself skimming and checking in less frequently on this thread and other news sources.

I think the biggest reasons are those cited by Duff (negative news, nothing new) and your scarcity of opportunity. I think there is also less excitement as there aren't any fun "sweet spots," like the Starwood cards/points to transfer to Marriott for the old vacation packages. I was just bemoaning the "golden days" of the flight and hotel packages after using my last 7-night certificate a few weeks ago. Saved over $1100 AND had a ton of Alaska miles from that one package. I miss those days. I also think that its harder to get new cards with all the chase rules and Amex pop-ups, which makes it less fun to apply. I have to mentally prep myself to talk to recon for every card application. Two/three years ago, I don't remember feeling like that.

I still think it's extremely worth it, but I'm mostly working old tools like shopping portals, and having a wallet full of cards with points for categories than applying for new cards. We spend a lot, so we're able to accrue a lot of miles without applying for new cards. We just applied for [edited] CIPs and DH did the Schwab 100k, which was the first churning excitement we've had in a long time.
 
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...I think there is also less excitement as there aren't any fun "sweet spots," like the Starwood cards/points to transfer to Marriott for the old vacation packages. I was just bemoaning the "golden days" of the flight and hotel packages after using my last 7-night certificate a few weeks ago. Saved over $1100 AND had a ton of Alaska miles from that one package. I miss those days. I also think that its harder to get new cards with all the chase rules and Amex pop-ups, which makes it less fun to apply. I have to mentally prep myself to talk to recon for every card application. Two/three years ago, I don't remember feeling like that.

I still think it's extremely worth it...
This is a great point. I think for a lot of people the excitement is gone. And I’m not sure it’s because we’ve been doing it for so long but rather what you said about there being no “sweet spots” worth my excitement. Maybe something new and exciting will come along that will bring us out of our churning rut :D (we can all hope at least)
 
This is a great point. I think for a lot of people the excitement is gone. And I’m not sure it’s because we’ve been doing it for so long but rather what you said about there being no “sweet spots” worth my excitement. Maybe something new and exciting will come along that will bring us out of our churning rut :D (we can all hope at least)
I will hope along with you!
 
My general motto in this game is, “No news is good news.” Like you mentioned, the most discussed topics in the last year or two have been bad news. The rules of this game are changing all the time, and most often they’re for the worse. So we take advantage of the loopholes where and for as long as we can, and it’s to everyone’s benefit that we don’t discuss these too openly (or at all).
Thanks, @SouthFayetteFan. You wanted news? Told you it’s almost always bad news. :sad2:
I’m sorry Mr. @Lain LOL!!!! I didn’t want news - I just wanted to explain to others what the news cycle has been lately and why it may seem like people are falling away from the game.

I guess this one is my fault today guys 😔😢 hahaha! 🤣
 
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