I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 (see first page for add'l details)

[IFlossU]

This made me wonder regarding the Chase Offers. Quite a few hotels offers have come up, it would be nice to combine with the $50 credit. If you purchase through the Chase portal does it code as Chase or the hotel that you will be staying at?

It’s a good thought, but unfortunately those Chase offers have to be booked directly with the hotel.

 

[LynnTH]

Anyone know anything about these Priority Pass Lounges and if I would be able to get into them with Cap One Venture X PP Card. We have a few long layovers going to and from Europe in a few weeks.

MSP - Leaving from here. PGA Lounge - already informed I would be able to use them here.
ORD - Looks like there is a Swissport Lounge - from what I read, it is hit or miss if they let you in.
ATH - Know nothing about this one. Leaving to come home from here.
EWR - Layover here for almost 6 hours. Not really seeing anything here, but looks like they may have had lounges previously.

I do have the AMEX Plat Airline Credit - so could use for any lounges that may be worth it - especially for EWR, since we are there for a while.

Flying United Airlines. But cancelled all of our United Credit Cards. So, I don't have passes for those lounges anymore.

 

[LynnTH]

Kohls Credit Card - Have had this card for many many years. Now they are changing these to Capital One cards.

Will this affect my 5/24 status in anyway - I don't want this change to mess that up in anyway.

 

[calypso726]

I decided on Hyatt Regency MCO before our cruise for convenience. The price through Chase UR was $470 so 31k URs. I have never transferred points before but transfered 18k points to Hyatt instead and booked the room that way. Anyway, I still have a lot to learn about playing this game

I took a while too before I had my “Aha!” moment with Hyatt. For years I didn’t get what the fuss was all about. I went to book the Park Hyatt in Japan and it was about $1,000 per night, so 66,667 UR points per night with the CSR. I went and looked to see if there was award availability and Hyatt had the same room and dates for 30,000 points per night. Now I’m a Hyatt fan girl! Definitely a lot to learn in this hobby and playing this game. I am thrilled with the things we’ve been able to do thanks to this hobby but I am still always learning something new in the game all the time.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Kohls Credit Card - Have had this card for many many years. Now they are changing these to Capital One cards.

Will this affect my 5/24 status in anyway - I don't want this change to mess that up in anyway.

When my Gap card switched to Barclay it didn't.

 

[elgerber]

Anyone know anything about these Priority Pass Lounges and if I would be able to get into them with Cap One Venture X PP Card. We have a few long layovers going to and from Europe in a few weeks.

MSP - Leaving from here. PGA Lounge - already informed I would be able to use them here.
ORD - Looks like there is a Swissport Lounge - from what I read, it is hit or miss if they let you in.
ATH - Know nothing about this one. Leaving to come home from here.
EWR - Layover here for almost 6 hours. Not really seeing anything here, but looks like they may have had lounges previously.

I do have the AMEX Plat Airline Credit - so could use for any lounges that may be worth it - especially for EWR, since we are there for a while.

Flying United Airlines. But cancelled all of our United Credit Cards. So, I don't have passes for those lounges anymore.

You can use the PGA? I didn't think you could. Let me know if you do, and how it goes.

Kohls Credit Card - Have had this card for many many years. Now they are changing these to Capital One cards.

Will this affect my 5/24 status in anyway - I don't want this change to mess that up in anyway.

I had not heard this, I sure hope it doesnt.

 

[Minnie368]

Is TSA precheck and passport numbers linked? Like, if I need to renew my passport, and so then it'll have a different exp date... will that matter to TSA precheck? If so, then maybe I'll renew first, then renew precheck. If they don't link it or need the passport exp for anything then I guess it doesn't matter... if they only need it for the one time validation when you apply/renew.

They shouldn't be linked. DD's fiancé and DS's wife both have TSA precheck and neither had a passport until a year or so after getting precheck.

 

[iujen94]

Kohls Credit Card - Have had this card for many many years. Now they are changing these to Capital One cards.

Will this affect my 5/24 status in anyway - I don't want this change to mess that up in anyway.

I can’t speak to Kohls, but Barclays took over my Banana Republic card and my account date is still the original date on my credit report.

 

[LynnTH]

You can use the PGA? I didn't think you could. Let me know if you do, and how it goes.

I had not heard this, I sure hope it doesnt.

@Albort had posted a comment from somewhere that PP worked because it was not totally a restaurant and still considered a lounge. Will be trying it out in a few weeks - hopefully.

 

[LynnTH]

I can’t speak to Kohls, but Barclays took over my Banana Republic card and my account date is still the original date on my credit report.

Good. Seems the consensus is that it should not change the account date and count as a new card.

 

[sinnika]

Anyone know anything about these Priority Pass Lounges and if I would be able to get into them with Cap One Venture X PP Card. We have a few long layovers going to and from Europe in a few weeks.

MSP - Leaving from here. PGA Lounge - already informed I would be able to use them here.
ORD - Looks like there is a Swissport Lounge - from what I read, it is hit or miss if they let you in.
ATH - Know nothing about this one. Leaving to come home from here.
EWR - Layover here for almost 6 hours. Not really seeing anything here, but looks like they may have had lounges previously.

I do have the AMEX Plat Airline Credit - so could use for any lounges that may be worth it - especially for EWR, since we are there for a while.

Flying United Airlines. But cancelled all of our United Credit Cards. So, I don't have passes for those lounges anymore.

I’ve never flown from any of these locations but I did check my PP with my Venture x and it shows you can use the PGA lounge. I’ve attached what they cover. Athens has a total of 4 lounges- 2 in each of their “halls”. Guess that’s the same as terminal? EWR is only showing a BA lounge with limited hours so your Amex lounge may be a better option. I had 2 United cards and almost cancelled both, but I cancelled my biz cc and downgraded my Quest to a gateway. Holding a United CC gives you access to special pricing on points on some flights. Realized that when DD was looking to book United flights on points and she was seeing higher points on the same flights I was looking at. She does not have any United CC’s.

 

[LynnTH]

I’ve never flown from any of these locations but I did check my PP with my Venture x and it shows you can use the PGA lounge. I’ve attached what they cover. Athens has a total of 4 lounges- 2 in each of their “halls”. Guess that’s the same as terminal? EWR is only showing a BA lounge with limited hours so your Amex lounge may be a better option. I had 2 United cards and almost cancelled both, but I cancelled my biz cc and downgraded my Quest to a gateway. Holding a United CC gives you access to special pricing on points on some flights. Realized that when DD was looking to book United flights on points and she was seeing higher points on the same flights I was looking at. She does not have any United CC’s.

Thanks. I think for AMEX Lounge it is only good for me correct? There are 5 of us travelling together. I have the Cap One Venture X and put DD as an authorized user, so we both can have 2 guests. Plus, I have no idea what terminal I will be landing at. Hopefully, some of them work out!!

 

[sinnika]

Thanks. I think for AMEX Lounge it is only good for me correct? There are 5 of us travelling together. I have the Cap One Venture X and put DD as an authorized user, so we both can have 2 guests. Plus, I have no idea what terminal I will be landing at. Hopefully, some of them work out!!

I don’t have the platinum but I’m sure someone will respond to that.

 

[becauseimnew]

Thanks. I think for AMEX Lounge it is only good for me correct? There are 5 of us travelling together. I have the Cap One Venture X and put DD as an authorized user, so we both can have 2 guests. Plus, I have no idea what terminal I will be landing at. Hopefully, some of them work out!!

Amex Plat is only good for you, you could pay for guest, but not worth it.

 

[Zhoen]

This made me wonder regarding the Chase Offers. Quite a few hotels offers have come up, it would be nice to combine with the $50 credit. If you purchase through the Chase portal does it code as Chase or the hotel that you will be staying at?

I am still new at this, but I have been researching a trip west for the eclipse next year and the $50 credit is definitely on my mind. We have always been a 2.5-star Quality Inn kinda family, and maybe with time (and soon no-more-kids) that might change, but what I noticed was that my $75-through-chase hotel was $62 through travelocity... Using the 1.25 CSP points, it would work out the same, and be free... but depending on the deals, we are probably going to use that fat 90k SUB for plane tickets, then pay the $62 cash with $50 credit (bottom line $12 cash.) But that could change as I learn more...

Long-run, I am saving for a (non-disney) mediterranean cruise in Summer of 2025...

 

[mmmears]

I think you should call, too. There were no seat charges at the time of booking and you already selected seats, as I recall, and they changed aircraft. I feel they should reassign you to your preferred seats at no charge.

Remember if you call to push the option for flying blue, because otherwise the regular agents won't help you with an awards booking, even seat assignments. The number I have programmed in my phone is 1-800-375-8723 for Air France Flying Blue.

Alternatively, if you don't want the frustration, I'd be logged in right at checkin (I think that's 30 hours prior) to see if you can select your preferred seats.

Thanks. I appreciate your thoughts on this one. I'll take a look this weekend and think about whether or not to call them.

 

[Haley R]

Our Germany trip is coming together! We’ve got 6 nights planned in Munich, 4 nights near the Neuschwanstein castle, 3 nights in Nurnberg, and another 2 nights in Munich before heading back home. We have almost all of our places booked to stay. Two of them will be airbnbs and then we plan to do a Hilton in Munich. We booked the Hilton the day before we land in Munich so we have somewhere to go since we land in the morning. I’m getting excited to eat some pretzels

This is something we plan to do with ds and I’m super excited about it: https://www.kolbensattel.de/en/alpine-coaster

 

[Spivey378]

I’m new to this thread so I will share my info per the second post:


11/10 - AMEX Delta Platinum
03/19 - CHASE Sapphire Preferred

12/21 - CHASE Disney Visa
06/22 - AMEX Hilton Honors
03/23 - AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant
04/23 - CHASE Freedom Unlimited
04/23 - CITI Costco Anywhere


2) Secondly we'll want to know a little bit about you. Specifically - what you spend, and what you want to earn!

• What amount of spend would you put on a card monthly (i.e. groceries, gas, insurance, cable, cell phone, other expenses)? $6,000-$9,000
• Do you currently payoff your CCs in full every month or do you carry any balances/pay any interest? Yes, except for 0% Chase Ultimate Freedom used for new annual passes with 0%
• What airport(s) do you typically fly out of? Cincinnati, Fort Myers, Orlando, LaGuardia
• Do you have a preference of Frequent Flyer program? Delta
• Does SOUTHWEST Airline service your airport? Yes
• Do you have a Hotel Rewards program preference? Bonvoy, Hilton
• Do you currently have travel points or miles in any program? (if so, which programs and how much) 100k Delta, 27k Chase Freedom, 175k Chase Ultimate Rewards
• What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? (i.e. Disney World Trip, Cruise, European Trip, Cash Back to pay-off a mortgage or student loans, etc. - you can have multiple goals too!) - pay for any travel, maximize value of points/miles
• When do you plan to take these trips? (Keep in mind that it can be difficult to earn points/miles to cover imminent travel...it's best to plan far in advance, especially with regards to international travel) - whenever
• Who does your travel party consist of? (Spouse, Kids (& ages), other relatives/friends) wife and two teens

I use the Delta Platinum to get to at least Silver Medallion by spending 25k. I recently got the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant cart to get Platinum Elite status for breakfasts, upgrades, free night, restaurant credit, and late checkout.

I use the Citi Costco for 2% cash back at Costco and 4% for gas and charging.

My primary points earning and redemption mechanism is Chase Ultimate Rewards.

I recently got the Chase Freedom Unlimited card to pay for 4 Sorcerer passes with 0% interest for 15 months. I’m proud of myself for saving $760 for the passes with the $200 credit, 1.5c/dollar and 1% back by buying gift cards at Target. This is assuming I can get 2c/point in Ultimate Rewards.

Since I’m new to the game I recently learned that I can earn 1.5 points/dollar using the Ultimate Freedom card, and then transfer those points to my Sapphire Ultimate Rewards. So I plan to use the Ultimate Freedom card for the everyday spending category.

My biggest question is how to maximize my Ultimate Rewards points. TPG talks about finding random flights on airlines such as Virgin. I’ve searched for such flights and it seems like a lot of work/luck. I also read that transferring to Hyatt is a good way to get value. My goal is to get at least 2c/point. I don’t need the “best” deal but want to get good value without a ton of work. What do you do?

Thanks, and I am looking forward to reading this thread and joining the conversation!

 

[afan]

My biggest question is how to maximize my Ultimate Rewards points. TPG talks about finding random flights on airlines such as Virgin. I’ve searched for such flights and it seems like a lot of work/luck. I also read that transferring to Hyatt is a good way to get value. My goal is to get at least 2c/point. I don’t need the “best” deal but want to get good value without a ton of work. What do you do?

There are other/better sources for info than TPG. That site also has a tendency to inflate price per point. While it's great to aim for .02pp it's often not realistic.

Also a better idea to decide where you want to go and then figure out what points you need to do it. If you are always flying domestic and have dl status then virgin miles aren't going to be helpful.

You're 5/24 until Dec when that 1st card will drop. Business cards that aren't chase may be your best bet, but again it comes down to where you want to go. I think anyone starting churning, if that's your goal to help with travel, I don't think it's a good idea to not have an idea of what you are trying to accomplish or you'll just end up with points all over that you discover you can't use because they don't fly/don't have a hotel where you want to go.

Also helpful to know, are you looking to cover 4 people? Going off how many APs you bought.

Is there a P2 or more?

Both of those are also helpful, especially if you have a willing P2. Knowing what their card stats will help too.

 

[happ]

I am still new at this, but I have been researching a trip west for the eclipse next year and the $50 credit is definitely on my mind. We have always been a 2.5-star Quality Inn kinda family, and maybe with time (and soon no-more-kids) that might change, but what I noticed was that my $75-through-chase hotel was $62 through travelocity... Using the 1.25 CSP points, it would work out the same, and be free... but depending on the deals, we are probably going to use that fat 90k SUB for plane tickets, then pay the $62 cash with $50 credit (bottom line $12 cash.) But that could change as I learn more...

Long-run, I am saving for a (non-disney) mediterranean cruise in Summer of 2025...

I think I'm following what you're saying, but just want to make sure you know the CSP $50 hotel credit only works for bookings through Chase. I may be misunderstanding your last sentence.