I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[phawk1423]

Hi, I am new here and looking for thoughts on what credit card I should apply for. Interested in cards with good MSR right now. I am in a position to pay off two auto loans, each for 6k within the next few weeks but would like to use this opportunity to hit MSR, earn points, travel rewards, etc. This is all new to me and I am learning every day. Should I open a Plastiq account to hit MSR's? Which credit offers should I be trying for?

Currently, I have the following cards:
Ultamate Reward Card/Ulta Comenity Bank 10/17
Chase Disney Premier 01/17
Capital One Platinum 07/15

We do all our spending on the Chase Disney today and pay it off monthy. We have travel planned around Easter and have not purcahsed flights, booked hotels, etc. My DD's both play club level sports so traveling, lodging and dining out become a way of life for us on the weekends. We are also looking to be in the Orlando area end of June. Lastly, we just finished our third Disney Cruise with plans for our 4th in 2021.

 

[WVMomof3]

Now I really wish we had gotten exit row seats. They closed TPA and we are stuck on the plane at the gate (well they are letting people off which isn’t a great sign). And ds is not happy.

Just missed you both ways in Tampa. Glad we left early. Our flight took off about 8 am. I was worried about that line of thunderstorms coming. Instead we flew through it and got lots of turbulence. I am way behind, so hopefully you got home by now.

 

[amalone1013]

P2 and I both did the WF checking offer and had no problems. In both cases we met the requirements with real DD (P2's is easy to change online) but we've successfully used pushes from Barclays and our credit union to avoid monthly fees, so I suspect they'd have worked for the bonus, too.

We're due to close Chase for both of us, and I have in my notes that you can empty the account and SM them. I haven't done it yet, but I assume I made that note based on a comment here or at DoC.

I've got my eye on the Citi $500 one. Thinking of doing it in combo with the $1000 WF biz offer. I looks like I could deposit into WF, then pull it out and do the Citi offer. Once that posts, put the money back in WF and keep it there until it posts, since they don't require the new money to stay.

Should have added my DD is super easy to change and split however I want so I've just sent mine for both me and DH for bank bonuses.

I need to close DHs Chase, I'm torn on mine as I opened it/did the bonus in 2017 but at the time the main move was really to make them my main bank because I needed a new one that was actually in my state.

I will have to look up the WF biz one, I hadn't seen that.

BoA, pull the money out and then call

Chase, pull the money out and then SM. Unless it’s biz then I think you have to call.

WF- I wish I lived in one of those states! WF is wonderfully churnable every year so get on it

Citi- if you don’t have the patience to deal with the IT crap of ****i Bank pass. I did it fine. Got my bonus at the end of the time they had to post it. Some people have to CFPB for it. My parents had trouble as they closed the Savings account but interest posted a couple days later whichtriggered the account to stay open and then got overdrawn letters in the mail because the monthly fees were being charged on the account they thought they closed. A chat with Citi fixed it and refunded all fees.

ETA: DIS sensors don’t care for my favorite Citi nickname

BoA is also churnable, right? I've been slacking on closing those. I had the best intentions to do multiple bonuses last year and then... didn't. Mainly because DHs job got all crazy and all I saw was more BB money disappearing to taxes This year shouldn't have that problem.

I might give Citi a shot as I've got the cash currently to do the $15k one for DH and I...

 

[amalone1013]

Hi, I am new here and looking for thoughts on what credit card I should apply for. Interested in cards with good MSR right now. I am in a position to pay off two auto loans, each for 6k within the next few weeks but would like to use this opportunity to hit MSR, earn points, travel rewards, etc. This is all new to me and I am learning every day. Should I open a Plastiq account to hit MSR's? Which credit offers should I be trying for?

Currently, I have the following cards:
Ultamate Reward Card/Ulta Comenity Bank 10/17
Chase Disney Premier 01/17
Capital One Platinum 07/15

We do all our spending on the Chase Disney today and pay it off monthy. We have travel planned around Easter and have not purcahsed flights, booked hotels, etc. My DD's both play club level sports so traveling, lodging and dining out become a way of life for us on the weekends. We are also looking to be in the Orlando area end of June. Lastly, we just finished our third Disney Cruise with plans for our 4th in 2021.

Who are your auto loans with? I've used Plastiq to pay Ford, Toyota, and a credit union auto loan.

 

[phawk1423]

Who are your auto loans with? I've used Plastiq to pay Ford, Toyota, and a credit union auto loan.

One is with Wells Fargo and one is with a local Credit Union

 

[gottalovepluto]

Mommy Points family vacay ended up in a police station... link

This is a blogger I have zero respect for but there's always a what not to do aspect. She could have killed her entire family if she hadn't hesitated on this beauty of an idea and decided to call the police first "While trying to figure out our next move while sitting in a stalled car on the side of an icy road, several very large vehicles lost control near us and started sliding. Thankfully, they didn’t hit us, but I quickly decided we had to leave the car. The problem was we couldn’t see anywhere to go, the temperatures had plummeted to single digits and it was still snowing. " (they broke down and were pulled into a big rig chaining area). You do not leave the car in those situations!! If you're gonna get hit by a truck best to be in your car when it happens!! And I am not even taking into account the effect those sorts of extreme elements can have on a person or child! Thank God she called the police before they left the vehicle who had them stay put until they could rescue them.

Stuff goes wrong when you travel. Sometimes horribly wrong, 5 days for an another flight is crazy- but so is trying to thread a snowstorm during peak holiday traffic and drive from Aspen to Denver. Safety > money and points always. (I like to think she just had no idea how unsafe that drive was going to be.)

Since I feel I can't 100% bash the story her lesson on pushing back to get what you want from the airlines is good. She should have done that back in Aspen though instead of through her tears* in Vail.

*not an exaggeration

 

[IFlossU]

BoA, pull the money out and then call

Chase, pull the money out and then SM. Unless it’s biz then I think you have to call.

WF- I wish I lived in one of those states! WF is wonderfully churnable every year so get on it

Citi- if you don’t have the patience to deal with the IT crap of ****i Bank pass. I did it fine. Got my bonus at the end of the time they had to post it. Some people have to CFPB for it. My parents had trouble as they closed the Savings account but interest posted a couple days later whichtriggered the account to stay open and then got overdrawn letters in the mail because the monthly fees were being charged on the account they thought they closed. A chat with Citi fixed it and refunded all fees.

ETA: DIS sensors don’t care for my favorite Citi nickname

This may be impossible to answer, but do you (or anyone) know if a transfer from B of A would count as direct deposit? I looked on DOC and couldn’t find an answer. I would take advantage of this offer if it’s as simple as moving money from my B of A account to Wells Fargo.
ETA: This is regarding the Wells Fargo $400 bonus

 

[AmyAnne]

Mommy Points family vacay ended up in a police station... link

This is a blogger I have zero respect for but there's always a what not to do aspect. She could have killed her entire family if she hadn't hesitated on this beauty of an idea and decided to call the police first "While trying to figure out our next move while sitting in a stalled car on the side of an icy road, several very large vehicles lost control near us and started sliding. Thankfully, they didn’t hit us, but I quickly decided we had to leave the car. The problem was we couldn’t see anywhere to go, the temperatures had plummeted to single digits and it was still snowing. " (they broke down and were pulled into a big rig chaining area). You do not leave the car in those situations!! If you're gonna get hit by a truck best to be in your car when it happens!! And I am not even taking into account the effect those sorts of extreme elements can have on a person or child! Thank God she called the police before they left the vehicle who had them stay put until they could rescue them.

Stuff goes wrong when you travel. Sometimes horribly wrong, 5 days for an another flight is crazy- but so is trying to thread a snowstorm during peak holiday traffic and drive from Aspen to Denver. Safety > money and points always. (I like to think she just had no idea how unsafe that drive was going to be.)

Since I feel I can't 100% bash the story her lesson on pushing back to get what you want from the airlines is good. She should have done that back in Aspen though instead of through her tears* in Vail.

*not an exaggeration

Whoa. DH talks about stuff like this when he argues against winter vacation spots that involve the possibility of snow. I did manage to get him to agree to Hamilton in Chicago two years ago but we were prepared to be stuck if that's what happened.

ETA: stuck at the airport or in Chicago generally, not driving in a snowstorm.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We spent time in Clearwater Beach today and I can honestly say that you could not pay me to stay anywhere on the strip. Not for me at all, kids didn't like it either. Sand Key is fine, Clearwater hard nope for me.

I'm glad you posted that b/c we were considering Easter there.

 

[amalone1013]

Mommy Points family vacay ended up in a police station... link

This is a blogger I have zero respect for but there's always a what not to do aspect. She could have killed her entire family if she hadn't hesitated on this beauty of an idea and decided to call the police first "While trying to figure out our next move while sitting in a stalled car on the side of an icy road, several very large vehicles lost control near us and started sliding. Thankfully, they didn’t hit us, but I quickly decided we had to leave the car. The problem was we couldn’t see anywhere to go, the temperatures had plummeted to single digits and it was still snowing. " (they broke down and were pulled into a big rig chaining area). You do not leave the car in those situations!! If you're gonna get hit by a truck best to be in your car when it happens!! And I am not even taking into account the effect those sorts of extreme elements can have on a person or child! Thank God she called the police before they left the vehicle who had them stay put until they could rescue them.

Stuff goes wrong when you travel. Sometimes horribly wrong, 5 days for an another flight is crazy- but so is trying to thread a snowstorm during peak holiday traffic and drive from Aspen to Denver. Safety > money and points always. (I like to think she just had no idea how unsafe that drive was going to be.)

Since I feel I can't 100% bash the story her lesson on pushing back to get what you want from the airlines is good. She should have done that back in Aspen though instead of through her tears* in Vail.

*not an exaggeration

I read this earlier and thought, They're going to try and drive???? What??? And then THEY THINK THEY'RE GOING TO GET OUT AND HIKE SOMEWHERE??????????????

 

[WVMomof3]

Hi, I am new here and looking for thoughts on what credit card I should apply for. Interested in cards with good MSR right now. I am in a position to pay off two auto loans, each for 6k within the next few weeks but would like to use this opportunity to hit MSR, earn points, travel rewards, etc. This is all new to me and I am learning every day. Should I open a Plastiq account to hit MSR's? Which credit offers should I be trying for?

Currently, I have the following cards:
Ultamate Reward Card/Ulta Comenity Bank 10/17
Chase Disney Premier 01/17
Capital One Platinum 07/15

We do all our spending on the Chase Disney today and pay it off monthy. We have travel planned around Easter and have not purcahsed flights, booked hotels, etc. My DD's both play club level sports so traveling, lodging and dining out become a way of life for us on the weekends. We are also looking to be in the Orlando area end of June. Lastly, we just finished our third Disney Cruise with plans for our 4th in 2021.

Welcome! Do you have a player 2 that will also be applying? Do you have a business that can help you get a business card? Ebay/facebook selling, tutoring, dog sitting etc. Most of us recommend to start with Chase Ultimate Reward cards because they are so flexible and there are many cards with Sign Up bonuses that can add up fast. But it may depend on what airline you like to fly or specific hotels you like to stay at. Unfortunately, the Chase URs are no longer good for directly booking Disney hotels, but can be cashed out to cover the cost. Depending on the cards you get you can buy Disney Giftcards for 5 pts/dollar which can add up also.

 

[Judique]

I'm glad you posted that b/c we were considering Easter there.

The reviews on the Sheraton Sand Key are really bad lately as well. Not sure if it's really not clean or if people equate 'not new' with not clean. Anyway, I didn't book as I was just looking today.

I've never liked the other area for much the same reason as @WVMomof3 - too congested and crowded.

I may have to try the Marriott across the street from Sand Key....50k grrr....

 

[WVMomof3]

I'm glad you posted that b/c we were considering Easter there.

You may like it. We just don't enjoy crowded places like that. The Sand Key area which is just over the bridge was great for us. I know @Alexle2007 thought the Sand Key area was more boring and I think they preferred the bustle of the Clearwater area, different strokes for different folks. I would absolutely have a panic attack if I had to sit on the Clearwater beach. lol Even this weekend, when I thought it was way too cold for the water, it was crowded.

 

[phawk1423]

Welcome! Do you have a player 2 that will also be applying? Do you have a business that can help you get a business card? Ebay/facebook selling, tutoring, dog sitting etc. Most of us recommend to start with Chase Ultimate Reward cards because they are so flexible and there are many cards with Sign Up bonuses that can add up fast. But it may depend on what airline you like to fly or specific hotels you like to stay at. Unfortunately, the Chase URs are no longer good for directly booking Disney hotels, but can be cashed out to cover the cost. Depending on the cards you get you can buy Disney Giftcards for 5 pts/dollar which can add up also.

It is likely my DH with be P2. I don't have a business at this time, something I that I need consider based off what I am seeing here. We generally travel any airline we can as there are a total of 6 of us. SW does not operate out of our local airport in Sioux Falls so we need to either fly out of Minnespolis or Omaha, NE. For Hotels, I have the points at Hiltons, some Marriott and some Hyatt. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it!

 

[Psychodisney]

Yes, leaving MDW on SW, arriving ORD on AA. Econ Parking at MDW would be $135. Uber/Lyft is $30 to 40 each way. Car Service is similar. So Lyft would actually be cheaper than parking. Car Service is an option because I hate relying on Uber/Lyft early am, like 6 am. It stresses me to think they might be late/no show.
We’re actually 10 miles from ORD and 20ish from MDW.

I’d definitely do the nonstops to the two airports. I’m jealous of how close you are to both airports! We’re 45 min to ORD and double that to MDW!
We’ve been buying Groupons for the new Park n Fly at MDW. Service has been great...so much better than waiting for those economy parking buses!

 

[GZanta77]

I am pretty sure I had this targeted mailer last year. When you go to apply look to see if there is a button for business cards (something like looking for a business card?). I used the mailer code but was able to get a Delta Gold Biz for the same points. That way it didn't take up a */24 spot.

Delta Gold Biz referrals are 70,000 miles plus $50 statement credit with Delta purchase and 6 months 0% (if that matters).

 

[alryan]

Hi, I am new here and looking for thoughts on what credit card I should apply for. Interested in cards with good MSR right now. I am in a position to pay off two auto loans, each for 6k within the next few weeks but would like to use this opportunity to hit MSR, earn points, travel rewards, etc. This is all new to me and I am learning every day. Should I open a Plastiq account to hit MSR's? Which credit offers should I be trying for?

Currently, I have the following cards:
Ultamate Reward Card/Ulta Comenity Bank 10/17
Chase Disney Premier 01/17
Capital One Platinum 07/15

We do all our spending on the Chase Disney today and pay it off monthy. We have travel planned around Easter and have not purcahsed flights, booked hotels, etc. My DD's both play club level sports so traveling, lodging and dining out become a way of life for us on the weekends. We are also looking to be in the Orlando area end of June. Lastly, we just finished our third Disney Cruise with plans for our 4th in 2021.

I think unless you have a specific redemption in mind Chase UR cards are a great place to start. They could be used at a variety of hotels for your travel sports. They really are the most versatile points out there. I think someone mentioned that you can not book Disney, but anything else is on the portal. It is basically the same as Expedia, so hotels, flights, car rental, and activities. If you don't have a business or "business" your best bet is probably the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve. The Preferred has a 1.25 multiplier when you redeem, the Reserve a 1.5. You also earn 2x points on travel purchases on the Preferred and 3x on the Reserve. Annual Fee on the Preferred is $95, $450 on the Reserve, but does come with $300 travel credit per card member year. Keep in mind you can only get one or the other of these every four years. The Preferred does have to ability to refer people, which you could do for your P2 in the future. But if you have a good deal of spend on dining and traveling I think that the Reserve (CSR) would probably be a better choice for you, but you would have to run some numbers.

Lots of us are also fans of Doctor of Credit. Here is a link of current best sign up offers. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/best-current-credit-card-sign-bonuses/

It's hard sometimes to make that first recommendation to someone, keep asking questions and we'll try and answer.

 

[gottalovepluto]

This may be impossible to answer, but do you (or anyone) know if a transfer from B of A would count as direct deposit? I looked on DOC and couldn’t find an answer. I would take advantage of this offer if it’s as simple as moving money from my B of A account to Wells Fargo.
ETA: This is regarding the Wells Fargo $400 bonus

Idk. I did Ally.

 

[phawk1423]

I think unless you have a specific redemption in mind Chase UR cards are a great place to start. They could be used at a variety of hotels for your travel sports. They really are the most versatile points out there. I think someone mentioned that you can not book Disney, but anything else is on the portal. It is basically the same as Expedia, so hotels, flights, car rental, and activities. If you don't have a business or "business" your best bet is probably the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve. The Preferred has a 1.25 multiplier when you redeem, the Reserve a 1.5. You also earn 2x points on travel purchases on the Preferred and 3x on the Reserve. Annual Fee on the Preferred is $95, $450 on the Reserve, but does come with $300 travel credit per card member year. Keep in mind you can only get one or the other of these every four years. The Preferred does have to ability to refer people, which you could do for your P2 in the future. But if you have a good deal of spend on dining and traveling I think that the Reserve (CSR) would probably be a better choice for you, but you would have to run some numbers.

Lots of us are also fans of Doctor of Credit. Here is a link of current best sign up offers. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/best-current-credit-card-sign-bonuses/

It's hard sometimes to make that first recommendation to someone, keep asking questions and we'll try and answer.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! I have been looking at the Chase offers-mostly the Chase Sapphire Preferred. I will look athe the CSR. For paying off my auto loans, can I load funds in a Plastiq account to help hit my MSR?

 

[afan]

Plastiq nerfing MC GC has messed up my ability to easily make large spends. I don't have things I can prepay and don't want to buy up gc to sit on so I'm looking for ideas. Now I only need to make up $1250 after fees since I was only paying 3 mos of it and my mortgage is only $400.

I've gotten a serve card but I have a huge aversion to walmart (I haven't set foot in one since 2011) and it's my only option for loading serve, assuming the ones around me are friendly to it. The other obstacle is that none of them are really near anything I go to and so are out of the way and would require special trips. And none are conducive for after work trips due to traffic so it would all need to be done on a Saturday and probably just that day. With the smaller amount I think it'd be do able since I could theoretically do two swipes at once, though I'd be more comfortable with one at least to start.

I've also read a little bit about Melio and wondered if anyone knows anything about it. It seems to be like plastiq but for businesses. My mortgage is for my rental so I figure it would work but I don't know if I can use MC GC and the small bit I've done hasn't had any info on it.

I don't want to do MO because at this point I don't want to open a 2nd bank account and I'm pretty sure that it would just put me back at Walmart anyway. I also don't want to bank fund because I don't have the money to pay the card while the other money sits in the bank for however long it needs to for the bonus.

The cards I'm looking at going forward to put towards Asia are in the $4-5k min spend so I need to figure something out.

Are there any ways that I've missed aside from getting over my issues with walmart?