I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[cdurham1]

I have had a Hilton AMEX for 15 years. I think it is my oldest cc. I opened a Platinum AMEX a couple of months ago, and it just occurred to me today that my Hilton Surpass card doesn't make much sense any longer. I don't need it for the Hilton Gold status (Platinum takes care of that). And I don't need it for the Priority Pass (Platinum also, actually better version).

So, I am thinking about either upgrading to the Aspire or downgrading to whatever no fee card is available. I will use the Aspire credits and make it worth the AF.

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with -

If I ask to upgrade to Aspire, will I be eligible for a sign up bonus? The same as the public offer? I think it is 150k points, which is about as good as it usually gets, right? Will this upgrade count against my 5/24 number? Is it considered getting a new card? I am at 4/24 right now.

Same question about a downgrade. I assume that wouldn't count against me. I am pretty sure any downgrade is not eligible for any bonuses, right?

Anyone have anything I should consider before upgrading?

I have a business card pending and I have to calculate my spend so I don't stretch my spending thin. So, I am not in a rush to do this upgrade right now if there is a big MSR requirement.

 

[becauseimnew]

Does anyone have recent Citi Premier DPs? From what I'm reading on Churning it says that 0/6 for inquires. No way that's going to happen, if that's true I need go focus on earning MRs.

 

[GZanta77]

If I ask to upgrade to Aspire, will I be eligible for a sign up bonus? The same as the public offer? I think it is 150k points, which is about as good as it usually gets, right? Will this upgrade count against my 5/24 number? Is it considered getting a new card? I am at 4/24 right now.

Same question about a downgrade. I assume that wouldn't count against me. I am pretty sure any downgrade is not eligible for any bonuses, right?

An upgrade is not eligible for a sign-up bonus UNLESS there is an upgrade offer available for your card. An upgrade should not count against your 5/24, but it will potentially block you from receiving a sign-up bonus for the Aspire in the future. You can always call Amex to ask if there is an upgrade offer available. (DP: I tried last month for P2 and got nowhere)

As for the downgrade to the free Hilton Amex - also shouldn't impact 5/24 and don't think Amex would hold it against you after 15 years.

Anyone have anything I should consider before upgrading?

You could ask Amex if there are any retention offers available to help offset the annual fee - that way you could keep the Surpass and maybe wait for an upgrade offer to come in the future.

 

[afan]

We were in planning stages for a China trip when DS graduates 8th grade, he's in 7th now. I've given up on it because I'm not sure how much will change in the next 18 months. Jealous of your 18 days. I really want to stay 3-4 weeks but my job limits me to 2 weeks. Another reason for a new job.

I have labor day and 2 weekends in there that helps, plus I leave there sunday night and get back sunday afternoon. But work also lets us bank vacation, and I get 2 weeks. I didn't use any last year and have only used 7 days this year and won't use any more of it. I'll need 11 for the trip so I'll have more than enough. Only other time I'll probably take next year is 2-3 days to go to AZ for spring training, if there's baseball.

I normally wouldn't take this much time off and when I started planning 2 years ago it was only going to require 9 days, but that's ok. My boss is excited for me to go. He wants us using our time.

 

[cdurham1]

An upgrade is not eligible for a sign-up bonus UNLESS there is an upgrade offer available for your card. An upgrade should not count against your 5/24, but it will potentially block you from receiving a sign-up bonus for the Aspire in the future. You can always call Amex to ask if there is an upgrade offer available. (DP: I tried last month for P2 and got nowhere)

As for the downgrade to the free Hilton Amex - also shouldn't impact 5/24 and don't think Amex would hold it against you after 15 years.



You could ask Amex if there are any retention offers available to help offset the annual fee - that way you could keep the Surpass and maybe wait for an upgrade offer to come in the future.

Do you think it is possible for me to downgrade and then later just do a full application for the Aspire and get the bonus that way?

 

[amylovesdamon]

I finally decided to take the leap and apply for the CIC. When I hit submit a screen pops up very fast, and goes away. Then it returns to the application screen. I hit submit twice now and this has happened. Any ideas? I was going off a DIS link......

This happened to me a month or so too. The pop up was gone so fast and the SUBMIT button stayed blue and the page kept alerting me it was going to time out. I waited it out for about 2 weeks and then tried again As far as I can tell, the first time it just glitched and nothing was actually submitted.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Hi there! I'm a newbie to this thread (long time reader/lurker, first time poster). Looking for some advice from you seasoned veterans as I begin my quest for credit cards. A bit of info about me based on the info listed on the first page of this thread:

I have two credit cards currently. The last one I opened was a couple of years ago:
08/2019 - Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Card
My second CC is just one I got through my local credit union I opened 06/2016 (rarely use it).

• I spend about $1,000 a month on: groceries, gas, insurance, internet, cell phone, streaming services, various amazon purchases, and a storage unit I'm currently renting. I'm sure I'm missing something...
• I pay my credit card off each month in full. (I'm pretty debt averse. The only debt I currently have is a small-ish car loan. I could pay it off today but my interest rate is low in comparison to my rate of return on my investments. I may still pay it off soon... but currently saving for a house once the market cools down.)
• I'm fortunate to live in the piedmont triad of NC so fly out of GSO, CLT, and RDU.
• No preference to frequent flyer programs. Southwest is my favorite airline however, we've been flying mostly Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant as they are the cheapest and we typically pack light.
• Southwest does service RDU and CLT.
• No preference to hotel rewards programs.
• I have some miles with Delta/American Airlines but very few.
• What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? Hawaiian trip is my first goal. I hope to make it there sometime next year to celebrate my parents 30th anniversary, my mom's 50th birthday and my 30th birthday. 2022 will be a big year for celebrations! I'm always looking for a reason to go to Disney, as often as I can. We like to cruise too however, we are normally last minute travelers (in comparison to many others) and like to book when we find a good deal on something.
• When do you plan to take these trips? We're planning to go to Hawaii sometime June 2022-August 2022. My dads a teacher so it limits the times of year we're able to travel. If Hawaii doesn't pan out, an Alaskan cruise is Plan B or potentially and European cruise as Plan C depending on costs... Nothing is set in stone yet. I am planning a trip to Disney 2022 for my 30th birthday, so that's in the works too. We're pretty all over the place with travel ideas right now. Due to COVID and having to care for a few elderly relatives with various health issues in 2020/2021 we have a lot of pent-up energy to travel. Anywhere. Anytime. We just want to go... lol
• My travel party normally consists of myself, parents, and brother. I'm single and have no kids, so pretty small group of us.
• Also if it is helpful - my credit score is right around 785-ish.

I started researching credit cards a few months back but there is so much information available its starting to make my head spin. If you were just getting started out - which card(s) would you recommend? Is there any anything you wish you would have done differently?

I've got my eye on the Chase Sapphire or maybe a Delta Amex card. But really open to advice from someone with more experience.

Welcome! Sounds like you got a CSP- which is great! If your kitchen remodel is a big spend and you have a player 2 (P2), you could consider them getting the CSP now as well using one of the 100k links. You can later combine points if you share a household.

As far as being debt adverse- that car loan looks good on your credit, so might be wise to leave it alone, especially if you don’t have any other debt.

As you consider Hawaii next year, Awardhacker is a good site which helps figure out routes, # of points and transfer partners.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I'm seeing good prices on Qatar Airways QSuites from Chicago to Male (Maldives) for around $2300 round trip. If you used your CSR to book this deal, it's 158k UR (inclusive of taxes), which is an amazing deal round-trip. Looks like there is a fee to select seats.

Looks like Meridien Maldives has wide availability for 30-40k per night.

 

[wanderlust7]

I got an offer in my email to change my Amex Blue Cash Everyday card to a Cash Magnet card with a $150 statement credit for $1000 spend in first 3 months. They say the CC# and account # would remain the same. This is basically a sock drawer card for me, so it seems like it could be an easy way to get an extra $150! I wouldn't want to burn a 5/24 slot on this, though (I'm currently at 3/24). Anyone know if this would look like a new card to Chase?

I have had a Hilton AMEX for 15 years. I think it is my oldest cc. I opened a Platinum AMEX a couple of months ago, and it just occurred to me today that my Hilton Surpass card doesn't make much sense any longer. I don't need it for the Hilton Gold status (Platinum takes care of that). And I don't need it for the Priority Pass (Platinum also, actually better version).

So, I am thinking about either upgrading to the Aspire or downgrading to whatever no fee card is available. I will use the Aspire credits and make it worth the AF.

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with -

If I ask to upgrade to Aspire, will I be eligible for a sign up bonus? The same as the public offer? I think it is 150k points, which is about as good as it usually gets, right? Will this upgrade count against my 5/24 number? Is it considered getting a new card? I am at 4/24 right now.

Same question about a downgrade. I assume that wouldn't count against me. I am pretty sure any downgrade is not eligible for any bonuses, right?

Anyone have anything I should consider before upgrading?

I have a business card pending and I have to calculate my spend so I don't stretch my spending thin. So, I am not in a rush to do this upgrade right now if there is a big MSR requirement.

The Amex criteria for getting the bonus is that you've never had the card before. By downgrading or upgrading to a card you've never had before, you lock yourself out of the SUB. So before you do it, ask yourself if you're okay with that.

The Cash Magnet bonus is usually not that high, so I might be okay with that one. The Hilton cards, I wouldn't be okay with it. The no fee Hilton is at 130k (maybe even 150k), valued at 0.4 cent per point is a $520 SUB.

 

[havaneselover]

I'm asking dd's dad if he has Delta points to buy her a one way ticket on Delta. If he won't, I'll use URs. I don't want to take a chance on her not getting back to school Tuesday and I'd rather not drive to ATL!

 

[hsmamato2]

Yes, you can cancel as long as it says it's cancelable. I've cancelled and rebooked our flights to London for next spring break probably 5-6 times. No issues and miles were back in my account in minutes.

any time before flight? or a certain time window to cancel? this is crazy town this week...

 

[havaneselover]

DD is rebooked on Delta. And when I went to cancel the SW reservation I realized the flight time had changed from 1 PM to 5 PM. So I'm really glad we didn't take our chances (and her dad wouldn't want her arriving that late).

 

[happ]

We were trying to do our MSR organically. However, we may go ahead and sign up one of my parents for the CSP sooner rather than later while my referral link is still working for them at the 100K SUB and that would add another $4K of MSR within almost the same time period.

While I was discussing this (SUB and MSR) with Mom (P3), she wondered if we could use the CSP to purchase GCs (she thought of this all on her own and not by reading it on any internet forums/groups - lol) because she could use them as all her Christmas gifts to hand out as well as to tip her building condo staff.

Since there may be a shortage in Christmas gift inventory and delays in delivery, GCs for our nieces & nephews this year may be the way to go too.

Is there a primer somewhere about how to purchase these MCGC or VGS? What denominations they come in, etc?

When we have done GCs as gifts in the past, they were usually e-cards (Cheesecake Factory, Amazon, etc). What would be the safest way to send MCGCs and/or VGCs through the mail as gifts?

Thanks for any help in learning about all this.

The GCs are available in multiple denominations. The Staples fee-free deals are usually on the $200 cards. The OD deals are usually a set discount off a minimum purchase. Since each card has an activation fee people generally get fewer cards with larger denominations. Sometimes grocery stores have deals on $50 and $100 cards. Many stores ramp up promos on GCs near the holidays. I've never had issues sending cards in the mail. I usually add extra postage. To avoid potential fraud, be sure to check the packaging on GCs for tampering before purchasing.
Edit: If you haven't already, you can follow the GC thread for deals. https://www.disboards.com/threads/updated-disney-gift-card-deals-and-more.3784942/

Does anyone have recent Citi Premier DPs? From what I'm reading on Churning it says that 0/6 for inquires. No way that's going to happen, if that's true I need go focus on earning MRs.

I got the Premier last month. I was 1/6 for inquiries.

 

[Terp03]

Now that Chase PYB is dead for supermarkets what’s the best way to redeem Disney gift cards with credit card points these days? This is solely for park tickets.

 

[becauseimnew]

Now that Chase PYB is dead for supermarkets what’s the best way to redeem Disney gift cards with credit card points these days? This is solely for park tickets.

We have started paying for all our restaurant charges with our CSR, I will be cashing out all those transactions. We only spend about $300 a month on eating out, it isn't much but it helps.

 

[GZanta77]

Do you think it is possible for me to downgrade and then later just do a full application for the Aspire and get the bonus that way?

It should be possible, but of course not guaranteed - I believe you can hold more than one Hilton Amex card if the Amex algorithms deem you worthy.

Still, might be worth asking for a retention offer on your current surpass first. Just be aware that if you accept a retention offer - you shouldn't then downgrade or close the account for at least 12 months.

 

[Arcades]

Do you think it is possible for me to downgrade and then later just do a full application for the Aspire and get the bonus that way?

Having one version of a co-branded Amex card does not preclude you from getting the others that you have not had before (as distinguished from certain Chase card groups). But, given the 4-5 card limit at any one time, unless you need the no AF Hilton card to keep your points/account active, I would just cancel it. From an age of account standpoint, it will still age and factor into your credit history for the next 10 years (and age of account really isn't all that vital).

 

[Happy_2_B]

I have had a Hilton AMEX for 15 years. I think it is my oldest cc. I opened a Platinum AMEX a couple of months ago, and it just occurred to me today that my Hilton Surpass card doesn't make much sense any longer. I don't need it for the Hilton Gold status (Platinum takes care of that). And I don't need it for the Priority Pass (Platinum also, actually better version).

So, I am thinking about either upgrading to the Aspire or downgrading to whatever no fee card is available. I will use the Aspire credits and make it worth the AF.

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with -

If I ask to upgrade to Aspire, will I be eligible for a sign up bonus? The same as the public offer? I think it is 150k points, which is about as good as it usually gets, right? Will this upgrade count against my 5/24 number? Is it considered getting a new card? I am at 4/24 right now.

Same question about a downgrade. I assume that wouldn't count against me. I am pretty sure any downgrade is not eligible for any bonuses, right?

Anyone have anything I should consider before upgrading?

I have a business card pending and I have to calculate my spend so I don't stretch my spending thin. So, I am not in a rush to do this upgrade right now if there is a big MSR requirement.

Posted a bunch on the version 1 thread years ago- saw this post on a quick visit and thought I would chime in. Think this through before you do anything with Hilton- if you have maxed out the excellent MR and UR cards it might be worth considering- if not then use your extra slots for those cards. I had the Aspire from the time it came out until earlier this year, and with the devaluations over and over again it didn't make sense to keep it. Moving along...

Upgrade offers are almost never as good as new sign up bonuses. Ask for a retention offer first- if it is decent consider it. Doesn't hurt to ask about an upgrade offer- but if it isn't reasonable then downgrading (or keeping what you have) makes more sense unless you are opening a lot of cards and have the Chase and AmEx rules to deal with (which it looks like you are). With Hilton- if you are determined this is the right card for your portfolio- I would consider an offer of maybe 1/2 or better of the sign up bonus since Hilton points have been devalued so much that there isn't a big difference between 150k and 75k- a couple of nights. Diamond status is nice, but Gold is the sweet spot with Hilton (even though I have been Diamond for over a decade- Gold gets all the perks that matter except lounge access). Reasoning for this advice. Your card has been established for 15 years. A downgrade, depending on how it is reported, may not affect your credit score a whole lot- if at all. If you flat out cancel it- your score is going to drop a ton short term because your credit report is impacted significantly by length of time you have had the credit line open. Make sure they transfer as much of the credit line as possible to the new card, as credit line also significantly imparts your credit score, too. I would personally go for a retention offer- the Aspire is nice but if you are already Gold you are in the sweet spot. There are some nice lounges internationally- but in the US they are just OK. Way back when I was Gold I used to ask for lounge access on check in- and they gave it to me maybe 1/2 the time. Not sure how they handle it these days. Bottom line is there are way better cards to get before a new Hilton card- unless you are super loyal to them. I didn't get the Aspire until I went through all the AmEx Platinum's (which you can't do anymore) and all the Chase UR cards- most of this was pre 5/24 (I have been at this a very long time)- so you have to really weigh what you value the most these days since churning is mostly a thing of the past.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Now that Chase PYB is dead for supermarkets what’s the best way to redeem Disney gift cards with credit card points these days? This is solely for park tickets.

You can still get cash back on your UR cards if you use them for Disney gift cards…..just not at the increased PYB value on the CSR or CSP

 

[Terp03]

You can still get cash back on your UR cards if you use them for Disney gift cards…..just not at the increased PYB value on the CSR or CSP

Right. I rather transfer to Hyatt or Southwest in that case since 1:1 is a bad valuation.