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

[orangecuse]

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone would like give their opinion on Amex platinum travel credit? Last year i bought a flight for jetblue with credit that takes place later this month. Im not going to take the flight. I normally would cancel and take travel bank credit. Just got email saying flight change entitles me to refund to amex. Is it too risky to take it? I rather have the refund than travel bank than credit. But not sure how amex handles it. Thank you.

You risk they will claw it back, but they don't always do that. Its a gamble.

 

[orangecuse]

I feel like I see a lot of posts about passport processing time.

Mailed renewal (paid for expedited) 3.5 weeks ago and received my new passport today.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I sent a SM to Chase yesterday since I got the CIU in July, woke up to 15K extra points in my account!

Add me to the positive bonus points. TBF I've mostly just been skimming this week and didn't notice what the new offer actually is. I saw everyone saying Chase was matching the new offer so I SMd them. My CIU is fairly new and met spend a day after closing so my points are still pending but the 15k points went straight to my account.

 

[IFlossU]

Instant approval for Venture X 90k/$4k offer. Just checked DOC saw the offer and went for it. I know I’m late to the Venture X game, but was denied when it first launched so I’ve been a bit gun shy about trying again. Totally an impulsive application, especially since I was just approved for another Biz Gold yesterday sometimes I like to live dangerously

 

[CyndiLouWho]

So I know Amex is a stickler about keeping cards open at least 12 months. Does Chase care? I accidentally closed a CIC I opened in January. I SM'd to close and picked the wrong card.

 

[mmmears]

Instant approval for Venture X 90k/$4k offer. Just checked DOC saw the offer and went for it. I know I’m late to the Venture X game, but was denied when it first launched so I’ve been a bit gun shy about trying again. Totally an impulsive application, especially since I was just approved for another Biz Gold yesterday sometimes I like to live dangerously

DH checked and is only pre-approved for their non-Venture cards. He doesn't want to apply for it and get denied again, so I don't think we will ever get one at this rate. Congrats for getting it!

 

[Haley R]

Instant approval for Venture X 90k/$4k offer. Just checked DOC saw the offer and went for it. I know I’m late to the Venture X game, but was denied when it first launched so I’ve been a bit gun shy about trying again. Totally an impulsive application, especially since I was just approved for another Biz Gold yesterday sometimes I like to live dangerously

Dh was also just approved for the Venture X. We were both denied by chase so he went for that one instead. His offer was only for 75k though.

 

[disneylover81]

We plan to go to Aulani sometime next September and need help on figuring out where and when to start looking for flights. It’ll be myself and DH. My 25 year old son that will pay for himself, his g/f and their 4 year old. And probably my 18 year old daughter with possibly her b/f and their 1 year old, which will pay for themselves also. Must be budget friendly for my kids as they will be paying OOP. We always fly strictly SWA, but I’m thinking that won’t be very comfortable for the duration of the flight. We want to fly as much nonstop as we can. So far I have gathered that we will need to fly and position somewhere on the west coast. Is that accurate? Where would be the best airport to fly to from MEM? When I earned CP this year, I received a 30% off promo code for SWA that we could at least use for the positioning flight. What would be the best airline that’s cost friendly, but with comfortable seats from the west coast to HNL?

 

[IFlossU]

DH checked and is only pre-approved for their non-Venture cards. He doesn't want to apply for it and get denied again, so I don't think we will ever get one at this rate. Congrats for getting it!

I used this link to see if I was pre-approved 1st. I also unfroze all 3 bureaus before doing the pre-approval, because I know historically they do a soft pull for pre-approvals. Once it said I was pre-approved I applied through the 90k link on DOC. And crossed my fingers.

https://www.capitalone.com/credit-
cards/preapprove/venture-x/

ETA: 90k link from DOC
https://applynow.capitalone.com/?productId=24504

We were both denied by chase

Wait what?

 

[IFlossU]

We plan to go to Aulani sometime next September and need help on figuring out where and when to start looking for flights. It’ll be myself and DH. My 25 year old son that will pay for himself, his g/f and their 4 year old. And probably my 18 year old daughter with possibly her b/f and their 1 year old, which will pay for themselves also. Must be budget friendly for my kids as they will be paying OOP. We always fly strictly SWA, but I’m thinking that won’t be very comfortable for the duration of the flight. We want to fly as much nonstop as we can. So far I have gathered that we will need to fly and position somewhere on the west coast. Is that accurate? Where would be the best airport to fly to from MEM? When I earned CP this year, I received a 30% off promo code for SWA that we could at least use for the positioning flight. What would be the best airline that’s cost friendly, but with comfortable seats from the west coast to HNL?

IME the cheapest option from the west coast is American out of LAX. Obviously if you look diligently you may find better deals, but LAX consistently has pretty decent cash and points fares on AA. SW is a decent option. I’ve flown SW 2x west coast to/from Maui. Not my preferred airline for that long of a flight but it works. Hawaiian is another option, but I struggle to find good cash/points flights. Requires being super flexible.

ETA: Using Avios to book AA flights from California is only 13k Avios one way. A great redemption and not too hard to find if your dates are flexible.

 

[djmeredith]

I feel like I see a lot of posts about passport processing time.

Mailed renewal (paid for expedited) 3.5 weeks ago and received my new passport today.

Thanks for posting this because it reminded me I need to renew mine in the near future.

So I know Amex is a stickler about keeping cards open at least 12 months. Does Chase care? I accidentally closed a CIC I opened in January. I SM'd to close and picked the wrong card.

If you just closed it in the last few days, you might see if they can correct your mistake. I remember being told when closing a card that I could "reactivate" it within 30 days if I changed your mind. I think that was Chase (and this was separate from the Southwest 30 day rule).

We plan to go to Aulani sometime next September and need help on figuring out where and when to start looking for flights. It’ll be myself and DH. My 25 year old son that will pay for himself, his g/f and their 4 year old. And probably my 18 year old daughter with possibly her b/f and their 1 year old, which will pay for themselves also. Must be budget friendly for my kids as they will be paying OOP. We always fly strictly SWA, but I’m thinking that won’t be very comfortable for the duration of the flight. We want to fly as much nonstop as we can. So far I have gathered that we will need to fly and position somewhere on the west coast. Is that accurate? Where would be the best airport to fly to from MEM? When I earned CP this year, I received a 30% off promo code for SWA that we could at least use for the positioning flight. What would be the best airline that’s cost friendly, but with comfortable seats from the west coast to HNL?

I am a loyal Southwest customer as well, and I just flew cross country RT this week on SWA. I wouldn't hesitate to take them to Hawaii. I think you'd be surprised how generous their seat size/legroom/entertainment/luggage policy is compared to basic economy on other airlines. My longest leg this time was 3 hrs and 40 mins and it was very comfortable. I checked my suitcase and put my backpack in the overhead so that I would lots of leg room. I would have been fine for another couple of hours.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

If you just closed it in the last few days, you might see if they can correct your mistake. I remember being told when closing a card that I could "reactivate" it within 30 days if I changed your mind. I think that was Chase (and this was separate from the Southwest 30 day rule).

But will it be a big deal for Chase?

 

[Haley R]

I used this link to see if I was pre-approved 1st. I also unfroze all 3 bureaus before doing the pre-approval, because I know historically they do a soft pull for pre-approvals. Once it said I was pre-approved I applied through the 90k link on DOC. And crossed my fingers.

https://www.capitalone.com/credit-
cards/preapprove/venture-x/

ETA: 90k link from DOC
https://applynow.capitalone.com/?productId=24504

Wait what?

We both applied for chase cards first and were denied so dh applied for the Venture X instead

 

[afan]

But will it be a big deal for Chase?

This would be the time I would call and explain you closed the wrong card. As to reopen the correct one and close the correct one.

More an issue if you do it a lot. It's an honest mistake so I would fix it rather than leave it.

 

[IFlossU]

We both applied for chase cards first and were denied so dh applied for the Venture X instead

I’m just surprised you guys were both denied glad it worked out with the Venture card.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I am currently waiting to change rooms. My room was gloriously cool last night, but today the temp has steadily climbed and it’s back at 73 degrees, despite maintenance being here 3 times. I hate changing rooms, but I need my sleep, so feel that I have no choice.

Wanted to comment on my experience thus far with carry-on only. I feel that I have been overpacking for years. Since most of my days are spent on my deck, on the beach or in my pool, the 2 bikini bottoms and 2 tops make for a good number of suits. I brought 1 pair of gym shorts, 1 sports bra and 2 tops; don’t fret, I wash the clothes as soon as I get back to my villa and they dry in a few hours (I hang on the drying rack by my outdoor shower). Evening clothes (1 pair of nice pants, 1 pencil skirt and 2 nice tops and 2 scarves is more than enough). Casual clothes (2 pairs of shorts — 1 denim, 1 linen) are sufficient. Do I wish that I had long and flowing sundresses? Of course. Do I feel that I am fine without them? Absolutely. We will see how I make out in Scandinavia, though I am confident that I have enough clothes (1 pair of jeans, 2 pairs of hiking pants, 2 Patagonia s/s and 2 l/s capilene t-shirts, 2 merino wool l/s and my Arcteryx goretex jacket. For shoes, 1 pair of running shoes, my hiking shoes, casual Tory Burch flats and a pair of flat strappy sandals that I got in Milano yrs ago. All this fit in my carry-on with ease.

I don’t want to sound cheap, but this is the budget board, so I admit that I packed 5 cups of noodles for lunches in my room. After paying around $45 / lunch last year for tiny portions, I decided I would prefer having an enjoyable lunch in my room. I also packed snacks, as well as snacks that Emirates provided at my seat for my 2 flights with them (all yummy!). Speaking of snacks, last year the mini bar here was free and replenished daily. This year I noticed in small print on my arrival form that the first refill is complimentary, then charged by consumption after that. Interesting. Other changes I noticed: no water offered on the boat from the Maldives, no welcome drink after getting off the boat and a few more that I can’t recall atm.

I’ve been using my new wide angle lens (getting ready for fjord pics), thought I’d share a few from my mirrorless camera.

The boat in the bottom pic is not the boat I arrived here in. It is their yacht and it costs a pretty penny, unless they send it over by surprise and you are lucky. I was on the “speedboat”, which is okay, but not luxurious by any stretch of the imagination.

Also the only pool at the RC is out of service for the entire week that I am here (apparently an issue with a buried pipe). Instead they opened up the pool at the RC Estate, which is the same 3 bedroom villa where they hosted the Marriott elite reception last year. It’s nice, but not nearly as nice as the main pool. Such a shame.

Today there was a free ghost net bracelet making session. The resort is using a drone on a 3km radius around the island to get these nets out of the water since turtles get stuck in them. Since January they have saved 3 sea turtles, with hopes of saving many more. They are building a holding tank here that can hold them until TWA picks them up, takes them to Male, then to an atoll where they are rehabilitated. Loved this — made a gorgeous bracelet and the kind staff gave me a few they had been making as extras.

 

[Haley R]

I’m just surprised you guys were both denied glad it worked out with the Venture card.

We got quite a few cards for the Germany trip and chase didn’t like that.

 

[hsmamato2]

OK..... I'm now in a position to possibly go on an international trip next summer with friends.... Still debating on the location - I have CSP...one of my freedoms used to be a CSR (I' can't remember which) can I upgrade my CSP to CSR? I just paid the AF a couple of months ago- if I upgrade in October, will it lt immediately become CSR? And the TC will be available right away?
So when would the AF hit for that?
I assume it would be the full AF, not the CSR AF minus the CSP AF? And then I would have another TC to use by next October,correct? Anything else I need to know for this?
Also.....CSP vs CSR trip insurance.... do I need an extra insurance just in case on top of that? (I'm thinking yes, but not sure)
Thanks y'all I appreciate all the knowledge here

 

[hsmamato2]

Well FOMO got me... Was planning on laying low on Chase for a bit but then I see the new 90,000 SUB. So, I applied an was approved for another INK Card ( Referring from DH for 40,000 UR's). SM'd chase and they will give me the extra 15,000 UR's after I meet spend.

So, my plan was to open a US Bank Biz Checking Account, which you can fund with a CC up to $3,000. Well - I already got this account last year, so am not eligible. So, I added DH as a AU on the Ink Card then opened up a US Bank Account in his name and used the AU Card to fund for $3000. Now waiting to see if this all goes through.... Fingers crossed!

wait..... you can refer now? I'm seriously mad at myself right now! Maybe I can get DS to app for one with my refer

 

[hsmamato2]

Well FOMO got me... Was planning on laying low on Chase for a bit but then I see the new 90,000 SUB. So, I applied an was approved for another INK Card ( Referring from DH for 40,000 UR's). SM'd chase and they will give me the extra 15,000 UR's after I meet spend.

So, my plan was to open a US Bank Biz Checking Account, which you can fund with a CC up to $3,000. Well - I already got this account last year, so am not eligible. So, I added DH as a AU on the Ink Card then opened up a US Bank Account in his name and used the AU Card to fund for $3000. Now waiting to see if this all goes through.... Fingers crossed!

Well FOMO got me... Was planning on laying low on Chase for a bit but then I see the new 90,000 SUB. So, I applied an was approved for another INK Card ( Referring from DH for 40,000 UR's). SM'd chase and they will give me the extra 15,000 UR's after I meet spend.

So, my plan was to open a US Bank Biz Checking Account, which you can fund with a CC up to $3,000. Well - I already got this account last year, so am not eligible. So, I added DH as a AU on the Ink Card then opened up a US Bank Account in his name and used the AU Card to fund for $3000. Now waiting to see if this all goes through.... Fingers crossed!

the link on DoC says only up to $200? what am I missing