topic Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying? in Credit Cards

Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

icyhot — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:07:02 GMT

Or any card that has "rotating" categories and not a set category with a set reward? I guess 5% is worth the additional attention but I don't think I could keep up. I just keep seeing everyone giving it rave reviews but that would give me a headache

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Luscher — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:07:59 GMT

Its a great card.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:09:18 GMT

@icyhot wrote:
Or any card that has "rotating" categories and not a set category with a set reward? I guess 5% is worth the additional attention but I don't think I could keep up. I just keep seeing everyone giving it rave reviews but that would give me a headache

"Rotating Categories" gives me a headache as well. There are some cool ways to use the card with the CSP but I'm just not into it.

I never use the damn thing either although everybody loves it.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

kdm31091 — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:10:41 GMT

@icyhot wrote:
Or any card that has "rotating" categories and not a set category with a set reward? I guess 5% is worth the additional attention but I don't think I could keep up. I just keep seeing everyone giving it rave reviews but that would give me a headache

I prefer Discover to Freedom only because Discover's categories are usually more broad -- home improvement vs just Lowe's or online shopping vs just Amazon. I always cite these examples haha.

It's not really a headache. It's not (IMO) a card you use as an "everyday spend" card. Simply use it when the categories fit your needs, and maybe you don't get much use out of it certain quarters. I don't find it a headache because most of the categories during the year are pretty broadly appealing. It's not like they do super niche categories generally. Who doesn't at some point benefit from gas, dining, movies, online shopping, etc? They're pretty decent categories.

So I like Discover's version of the concept better, but even the Freedom, no, it doesn't get annoying. You just have to appreciate it for what it is and what it isn't.

Having said that...if you don't want it, don't apply for it. Again, just because it's popular doesn't mean it will work for you. If you aren't sold, that's fine too. It's okay to have a differing perspective.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:11:18 GMT

Are you trying to set a record for number of threads started? Maybe list all of your thoughts in one thread. :-)

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

sunkissed — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:12:29 GMT

No, it’s not annoying to me. I also juggle lots of cards, which is also not annoying to me. I find it very rewarding and worth the extra few seconds of thought used per purchase.

However, it’s not for everyone. To each his own. Do what works for you

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

icyhot — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:14:11 GMT

I just like hearing people's opinions. This forum is my getaway from Twitter, where everyone I know shuns credit cards with brute force. I had nobody else to have these convos with until now :-/

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

icyhot — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:16:44 GMT

Plus I've been in and out of airports all day. Totally forgot I booked first class and didn't have to pay for a checked bag. My V1 needs rest

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

CreditJim — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:22:51 GMT

@icyhot wrote:
Plus I've been in and out of airports all day. Totally forgot I booked first class and didn't have to pay for a checked bag. My V1 needs rest

#humblebrag

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

NRB525 — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:45:29 GMT

@CreditJim wrote:
@icyhot wrote:
Plus I've been in and out of airports all day. Totally forgot I booked first class and didn't have to pay for a checked bag. My V1 needs rest
#humblebrag

lol

If you had a Delta AMEX, you wouldn't have to pay first class to not have to pay for a checked bag. Just a thought

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

thelethargicage — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:52:22 GMT

Yes, rotating categories are annoying, and overall Chase's cards are overrated, IMO.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

kdm31091 — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:54:20 GMT

@thelethargicage wrote:
Yes, rotating categories are annoying, and overall Chase's cards are overrated, IMO.

I do find the Freedom overrated as a standalone card - I know a lot of people love it moreso because they transfer the points to CSP and all that. But on its own? IMO, Discover pretty easily trumps it. But this will depend on the individual.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

icyhot — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 01:01:49 GMT

I do have the Delta Amex, just not the Gold. And I'm not flying Delta this time lol

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

CreditJim — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 01:02:49 GMT

Discover and Freedom have the same category this quarter. All of my dining so far has been going on my Discover. I have started using the categories lately when I remember to, but really the only reason I have the Freedom is to 'store' my CL with no AF so I can move it over to other potential Chase card in the future.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 01:16:43 GMT

I like my Freedom just fine.

Beats the following...

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 01:26:44 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Are you trying to set a record for number of threads started? Maybe list all of your thoughts in one thread. :-)

I just died. I would love to read the OP's diary.

In all seriousness, I actually love my Freedom. It's got a great limit and it's a Siggie. But from an objective standpoint, I also like it because the rotating categories really line up with my spending well. I've already used more than 1/2 of the card's $1500 category spending limit for this quarter since I eat at restaurants a lot. My Discover It is also getting some exercise, but not as much because some of the local restaurants don't accept Discover.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Noctilum — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 01:39:36 GMT

It's not annoying... just useless most of the time. I only benefit from the 5% gas as other cards give me more for other purchases. Well, I guess my CL is good at least.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 01:42:37 GMT

OP, I'm sure Irish was jesting. Make all the threads you want, we'll answer them all!

I mostly agree with kdm. I vastly prefer Discover IT for the quarters, since Freedom decided to match its up with Discover and Discover's are broader. However, there are still places that don't take Discover, as I discovered today when I paid for dinner. If I hadn't had my Freedom, I would have had to drop down to a 3% card, rather than getting 5%

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Imperfectfuture — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 01:49:37 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Are you trying to set a record for number of threads started? Maybe list all of your thoughts in one thread. :-)
I just died. I would love to read the OP's diary.

In all seriousness, I actually love my Freedom. It's got a great limit and it's a Siggie. But from an objective standpoint, I also like it because the rotating categories really line up with my spending well. I've already used more than 1/2 of the card's $1500 category spending limit for this quarter since I eat at restaurants a lot. My Discover It is also getting some exercise, but not as much because some of the local restaurants don't accept Discover.

Probably will stick with Freedom for this reason. Many locals only accept visa/mc/cash. I don't have a problem with Chase accruals. If need to move for planned ink app in 2016, then will open discover.

Re: Doesn't the Freedom get annoying?

Callandra — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 02:05:58 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
@thelethargicage wrote:
Yes, rotating categories are annoying, and overall Chase's cards are overrated, IMO.
I do find the Freedom overrated as a standalone card - I know a lot of people love it moreso because they transfer the points to CSP and all that. But on its own? IMO, Discover pretty easily trumps it. But this will depend on the individual.

Agreed -- if you have the CSP and use it for UR points, Freedom is pretty great because you transfer the points. Or if you find the 5% categories work for you. The only one I like is restaurants (right now); I have Sallie Mae for Amazon all year round, Sallie Mae for gas (I only fill up once a month at $25 so gas isn't a big deal for me anyway), and the rest of the categories are pretty useless to me (haven't been to the movies in years, hate Starbucks, rarely shop at department stores, etc.). Makes me wish I had Chase AARP for the year round 3% dining or a general spend card instead.