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

[amalone1013]

You’ve got the right idea in principle. If your car loan payments through Plastiq is the “vehicle” for helping you meet MSR on the CIC, then it's better to use your CIC to buy MCGC* from office supply stores for 5x UR, then liquidate the MCGCs through Plastiq even with a 2.5% fee.

*I say MCGCs (Vanillas from drug stores, US Bank ones from office supply and grocery stores, fixed value, variable load) because I'm able to liquidate these through Plastiq. I have not had success using VGCs on Plastiq.

So, in your example:

• Make $300 payment on Plastiq towards car with CIC, 300 URs worth $4.50 in travel
  • Use FFDs = $300 towards car
  • Not using FFDs: $292.68 towards car
• Buy $300 MCGC with CIC at office supply store during no fee promo (Staples .com currently has $100 MCGCs with no fee, max 10) = 1,500 URs worth $22.50 in travel
  • Use FFDs = $300 towards car
    
  • Not using FFDs: $292.68 towards car
• Buy $300 MCGC with CIC at office supply store with fee (OD/OM regularly sells $200 MCGCs with a $6.95 fee and $100 MCGCs with a $5.95 fee, and often has a $10 or $15 off promo for $300 in MCGCs) = $312.90 x 5 UR = 1,565 URs worth $23.47 in travel
  • Use FFDs = $300 towards car
  • Not using FFDs: $292.68 towards car

I think you should jump on the current Staples .com no fee $100 MCGC offer and max that out, then apply these towards your car loan using Plastiq.

The third option I laid out does not assume any deal and does not try to optimize spend to avoid fees. For example, if you bought 1x $200 MCGC and 1x $100 MCGC, you'd be paying $12.90 in fees, which is 4.3% fees. If you bought 2x $200 MCGCs instead, you'd pay $13.90 in fees, which is 3.475% fees. With the CIC, you're earning 5x UR on the GC+fees, which you value at effectively 7.5% cash back towards travel, so you're still ahead 3.2-4% on this fee heavy transaction. If you don't use FFDs on Plastiq, the 2.5% fee is going to eat into your rewards even more. But arguably, it's still better than using the CIC to pay Plastiq directly to earn only 300 UR but pay $7.32 in fees on a $300 payment.

If you've still got some time on your CIC MSR, I'd wait for the next MCGC deal at Safeway or OD/OM/Staples, and hit that hard.

Your scenarios are laid out much nicer than mine

My CIC is only 20 days old so plenty of time. I've picked up 2 of the no fee MCGCs so far, may do a couple more. I forgot about the Visa/Plastiq issues. I now no longer have to sit out the office store deals, I'm so pumped for that.

Thanks for the help!

 

[DisneyMandC]

I don't know on one but the woman who got my checks last year and wrote over $4000 off my account was caught. I was very proactive about it and worked with local police departments (several involved) and they worked with Target & 7-eleven to get photos of the person passing my checks. She also had my drivers license. Anyway, she was involved in another terrible case (mugging an 80 year old at Kroger) that got a lot of news so they linked her to my crime. But had I not reported the bad checks to the local police departments she probably would not have been charged for using them.

OMG THAT LADY WAS YOUR DEFENDANT?!

 

[havaneselover]

OMG THAT LADY WAS YOUR DEFENDANT?!

Yes—she somehow got my wallet from the short pump target after I paid and used my credit cards, checks, and drivers license at about every target in the metro area!

And chesterfield pd (after I asked them if it could be the same person) posted the photo of the couple from Target on their Facebook page and that’s how they figured out it was the Kroger mugging couple. They even had on some of the same clothes.

 

[Lain]

Your scenarios are laid out much nicer than mine

My CIC is only 20 days old so plenty of time. I've picked up 2 of the no fee MCGCs so far, may do a couple more. I forgot about the Visa/Plastiq issues. I now no longer have to sit out the office store deals, I'm so pumped for that.

Thanks for the help!

Clarification about Safeway: The CIC doesn't earn 5x UR at grocery stores or supermarkets, so you'd earn only 1x UR. You're relying on the savings during one of Safeway's (increasingly) frequent promos on MCGCs, which usually go like this:

Save $10 on 2x $50 MCGC ($4.95 activation fee, $0.10 savings)
Save $15 on 2x $100 MCGC ($5.95 activation fee, $3.10 savings)

 

[elgerber]

Thank you all for the congrats! It is a big relief. I was actually getting really panicked this morning, even texted DH telling him I was starting to lose it, and then I got the offer about 20 minutes later. I was already working from home, and the thought of working outside the house again was part of the reason I was so upset about losing my job. I can't believe I was able to find another who will let me, that is HUGE! And the fact that they matched my previous pay, after talking to those other jobs with 35-40% paycuts is also huge. I am not sure if we will continue with the April trip or not. Not sure I should leave 2 months after starting. We will see, but that's certainly not the end of the world.

Back on topic, got my denial from Amex on the BBP, for the max cards reason. So, I want to cancel my SPG as soon as the AF hits, that should be soon, can I reapply right after that for the BBP?

And back to the way old instant CP on SW card topic...my son closed his current SW that same day, Jan 4th. He is now deciding between applying for the normal CP route with 2 cards, or that one card. Because that new offer expires on the 11th, do you think he would be ok to apply for the BIZ after only 2 weeks of closing (he thought he might just try the BIZ first, so if they say no, he could try that new personal offer before it's gone).

Thanks!!!

 

[DisneyMandC]

I got a job!!!!!!!!!!!! Still doing the same thing, nothing new and more likeable, but it's the exact same pay and I get to work from home still!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So happy for you!!! Congrats!!!

 

[Lain]

My first batch of MCGCs from Staples shipped. Just ordered a second round of $500 worth. Sweet sweet 5x UR.

 

[amalone1013]

Who has the SW Priority card??? Do you find the fee is worth it?

So far, it's a yes for us. Currently anniversary points are worth $105, plus $75 credit, gives more value than AF. If you have a CP, even better. And we've become spoiled now, free flights means we're more likely to upgrade to A boarding if the flight is full and it's a long one so we want to sit together (or DH is stressing for some reason or another... if we've only paid taxes on the flights it's easier to just spend the $80 to upgrade) so we will definitely make use of the 4 upgraded boardings. As long as we are alternating getting SW CP, I can see keeping this card for 3.5ish years, hopefully getting retention offer on 1st anniversary, maybe referring P2 when they go for CP, and then cancelling sometime after the 3rd anniversary before that person would be opening another SW card for CP. Or if you're really good, you use up as much of the credits as possible for the 3rd anniversary and refund in time to cancel your AF. We fly SW almost exclusively too, so paying a $149 AF for $180+ in SW flights is good with me, and the boarding upgrades are just gravy.

 

[Lain]

Back on topic, got my denial from Amex on the BBP, for the max cards reason. So, I want to cancel my SPG as soon as the AF hits, that should be soon, can I reapply right after that for the BBP?

If your AF is going to post soon, like within the next 30 days, I might consider just calling the Amex recon number to see if you can get approved for the BBP on the application you already submitted and see if they'll offer to close one of your cards for you. I'm a bit nervous about the pop up or bonus denial these days, so submitting another application would have me wondering if I'd get the pop up or not. Good luck!

 

[DisneyMandC]

Yes—she somehow got my wallet from the short pump target after I paid and used my credit cards, checks, and drivers license at about every target in the metro area!

And chesterfield pd (after I asked them if it could be the same person) posted the photo of the couple from Target on their Facebook page and that’s how they figured out it was the Kroger mugging couple. They even had on some of the same clothes.

Yeesh, that lady was... not a great person. I'm glad the detectives were able to put it together for you. I always tell people it's worth it to report that stuff. It might take it a while, but you wouldn't believe how often I read in one of our reports where one detective happens to stumble across a picture of a defendant while doing research for another case, and is able to link up several cases at once and solve them. Usually people that do in-store purchases like that don't just do it one time, so sooner or later they're going to show up on surveillance video.

 

[havaneselover]

Thank you all for the congrats! It is a big relief. I was actually getting really panicked this morning, even texted DH telling him I was starting to lose it, and then I got the offer about 20 minutes later. I was already working from home, and the thought of working outside the house again was part of the reason I was so upset about losing my job. I can't believe I was able to find another who will let me, that is HUGE! And the fact that they matched my previous pay, after talking to those other jobs with 35-40% paycuts is also huge. I am not sure if we will continue with the April trip or not. Not sure I should leave 2 months after starting. We will see, but that's certainly not the end of the world.

Back on topic, got my denial from Amex on the BBP, for the max cards reason. So, I want to cancel my SPG as soon as the AF hits, that should be soon, can I reapply right after that for the BBP?

And back to the way old instant CP on SW card topic...my son closed his current SW that same day, Jan 4th. He is now deciding between applying for the normal CP route with 2 cards, or that one card. Because that new offer expires on the 11th, do you think he would be ok to apply for the BIZ after only 2 weeks of closing (he thought he might just try the BIZ first, so if they say no, he could try that new personal offer before it's gone).

Thanks!!!

Wonderful news! Congratulations!!!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

That type of check fraud is the toughest to catch! You don’t realize it sometimes until weeks later!

Thankfully they look at their accounts daily and went to the bank immediately. Bank required them to file a police report and give the bank a copy...think it look a few weeks for the bank to give them the money

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I am afraid of this too, if we ever go somewhere. Between my motion sickness and vertigo, I think this would surely happen to me.

I got a job!!!!!!!!!!!! Still doing the same thing, nothing new and more likeable, but it's the exact same pay and I get to work from home still!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations...so happy for you.and working from home even better...

 

[DisneyMandC]

I don't believe you'd get hit with it right away but since it's not a discontinued card it'll be increased eventually. From the TPG post -
"The annual fee will increase to $125 from $95 starting on March 28. But if you apply for the card before the 28th, you’ll get the fee waived for the first year and then retain $95 for the second year. You finally shift to $125 starting in your third card member year if you get the card before March 28. "

So it sounds like a typical AmEx move where you keep your existing fee until a future renewal date. Right now I expect to pay the $95 this year as an existing card holder and then get hit with the $125 next year when it renews, in which case I'm pretty sure it's getting dropped like a hot potato.

I'm honestly thinking about keeping my Marriott biz when the AF hits later this month as a result of these changes. It seems like AF will not increase from that. I'll probably go ahead and hold onto my SPG Biz too since AF will not hit until August from that, and it looks like based on this that I won't get the increased AF until at least next August? Either way, I'll cancel when the $125 starts. I figure I can always use two free nights at Marriott regardless, so it won't be the end of the world to pay the AF.

 

[LynnTH]

Does anyone know if I book something like the HEA Dessert Party online. Will that code as travel thru Disney or not. Have about $250 left in rewards on Barclay Arrial + and am considering this to use up the funds, but thought I read that Disney online does not code as travel??

 

[Calfan]

I'm out of silence again to ask advice on another potential CC fail on my part.

I (P2) used the reddit personal credit card link at an airport because I couldn't get the normal "on air" offer to list. I figured, if pushed, I could point to our SW flight to prove we were/would have been eligible for the on flight offer on the day we applied.

A few days ago our statement closed. Our December statement had us at 1,200 spend. Our January statement closed with 1000 spend. Theoretically that meets the 2k/50 offer that I believe we got from the reddit offer. But... no bonus points listing.

Thoughts? Is this normal? I know there was hubub about points delayed - but I thought that was all points coming through. I'm clearly seeing out 'normal' statement points. But I'm not seeing our bonus points. Points points points. I feel like I said points a lot, wanted to try it some more.

Obviously I can't speak to your specific situation, but I wouldn't assume yet that you aren't getting the bonus points. We met the $2K MSR on the Priority for DH about 10 days ago. I've received the bill and paid it, but Chase hasn't processed the payment yet. The 2K SW points from that base spend have been in DH's SW account for a week or so now, but no 50K SUB (see how I used our new acronym ) points have hit his account. This is totally different than his Biz, where the base spend and 60K SUB points posted at the same time. I SM'd Chase because this seemed unusual. I got a return SM confirming that the MSR has been met and that the 50K points will hit his SW account with the next statement close in Feb. Still think that's strange, but not a big deal with our current travel plans. Plus, it might mean he will get bonus points from the SW promo. I am curious to see if the 50K will hit his account earlier, maybe when Chase processes the payment for the base spend....

We've stayed at the Grand Californian once through a private DVC rental found here on the rental board. The owner had a smallish number of points left so the per point cost he asked for was a little lower, but it was perfect for us since we only wanted a 2 weeknight stay. I looked up some unit numbers and he put in the request for us. We got the most perfect theme park view of Mickey's wheel.

Since then I've tried to rent again (both private and through an agency), but each time was way late to the game (under 6 months). Next time I gotta plan ahead - 10 months with a VGC owner, or try my luck at 7 months with any DVC owner.

Just a clarification to help with your next attempted rental: DVC owners can book at their home resorts 11 months prior to the arrival date, so you want to change your 10 to an 11 in your post above if you are planning to rent from a VGC owner, to give yourself the best chance of success.

 

[Calfan]

Does anyone know if I book something like the HEA Dessert Party online. Will that code as travel thru Disney or not. Have about $250 left in rewards on Barclay Arrial + and am considering this to use up the funds, but thought I read that Disney online does not code as travel??

Almost positive it will not code as travel.

 

[afan]

Finally caught up, you all have been busy with Marriott this morning. Had my yearly physical this morning and they had to do the blood draw from my hand, which is now a bit sore. Gotta love veins that hide and don't cooperate, though it's never been this bad before.

That is literally what I was thinking. Also on Wednesdays we wear pink!! Sweatpants are all that fits me right now!!

I think we should change it to on Wednesday's we wear Mickey to make it more topical, plus I've got him on today and no pink.

Does anyone know if I book something like the HEA Dessert Party online. Will that code as travel thru Disney or not. Have about $250 left in rewards on Barclay Arrial + and am considering this to use up the funds, but thought I read that Disney online does not code as travel??

I think it's through Disney Dining so it would code as dining. I've always used gc to pay for dessert parties so I can't go back and check, hopefully someone will know for sure.

 

[elgerber]

I think we should change it to on Wednesday's we wear Mickey to make it more topical, plus I've got him on today and no pink.

It's Wednesday, I am wearing Mickey, works for me!
Come to think of it, I don't think I own anything pink.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Almost positive it will not code as travel.

@Calfan when did you get your picture taken with @calypso726?