topic Re: Please Help? in Credit Cards

Chase rules + general questions

Random_idiot — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 17:17:02 GMT

Ok, so as you all can see from my sig, I have a CSP, and CFU.

I am planning a trip to Bora Bora, and I want to stay at the IHG Overwater bungalows.

I read that the IHG Mastercard gives a free night stay every year, which is amazing for only a 50 annual fee..

So I have 2 questions:

1. Since I have the CSP, can I mix points to and from each other (IHG)?

and 2. I am applying for the Freedom regular in 2 months, that will put me at 5/24, does that matter with the IHG, as it is a Chase Hotel card?

Thanks in advance for the replies!!

Re: Please Help?

UncleB — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 12:25:42 GMT

@Random_idiot wrote:
Ok, so as you all can see from my sig, I have a CSP, and CFU.

I am planning a trip to Bora Bora, and I want to stay at the IHG Overwater bungalows.

I read that the IHG Mastercard gives a free night stay every year, which is amazing for only a 50 annual fee..

So I have 2 questions:

1. Since I have the CSP, can I mix points to and from each other (IHG)?

and 2. I am applying for the Freedom regular in 2 months, that will put me at 5/24, does that matter with the IHG, as it is a Chase Hotel card?

Thanks in advance for the replies!!

I'm sorry I can't help, but I'm curious to hear the other forum member's answers as well so I'm bumping your thread.

(If you'll be a bit more specific in your title you'll likely get more (and better) replies... you can edit the title in your first post if you want and it will update the forum listing.)

Re: Please Help?

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 14:36:35 GMT

@Random_idiot wrote:
Ok, so as you all can see from my sig, I have a CSP, and CFU.

I am planning a trip to Bora Bora, and I want to stay at the IHG Overwater bungalows.

I read that the IHG Mastercard gives a free night stay every year, which is amazing for only a 50 annual fee..

So I have 2 questions:

1. Since I have the CSP, can I mix points to and from each other (IHG)?

and 2. I am applying for the Freedom regular in 2 months, that will put me at 5/24, does that matter with the IHG, as it is a Chase Hotel card?

Thanks in advance for the replies!!

YOU HAVE THE BEST PAIR - SAPPHIRE PREFERRED AND FREEDOM UNLIMITED

DONT NEED THE REGULAR FREEDOM.

SAVE YOUR 5/24 LIMIT - LIE LOW, WORK ON UTI AND BADDIES

NO TO IHG. RITZ-CARLTON, MARRIOTT AND SPG JUST BECAME VERY VALUABLE. CHECK THEM OUT.

AIM FOR SAPPHIRE RESERVE

1. YES. IHG points can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards. IHG has excellent value points (2x) using at gas stations, restaurants, groceries. CSP earns 2x wtih travel and dining, 1x eveything else. If you get the IHG, its good for everyday spending then transfer the points to UR to combine with CSP points and have wider flexibility in using those points.

2. NO. As of recent reports, IHG, with British Airways, Fairmont, Disney, Ritz-Carlton, and Hyatt, is still excuded from the 5/24 rule.

Addendum:

1. Why get the Freedom if you already have the Freedom Unlimited.

a) Freedom - earms 5% on CATEGORIES every quarter (gas staton, groceries, restaurants, and shopping) up to $1500 spend per quarter. 1% on other purchases.

- you need to keep track what category that's active for 5% reward, and need to ACTIVATE it every quarter.

b) Freedom Unlimited - 1.5% rewards on ALL purchases with no limits. NO ACTIVATION, NO CATEGORIES to remember.

* if it was me, I will prefer to have the Unlimited than the regular Freedom.

2. I wouldn't get the Freedom and max out your 5/24. That's 2 YEARS. You might find other Chase products down the road that will benefit you more instead.

3. Once your scores go up after you take care of the 3 baddies and cut UTI to <10%, you will have better choices out there to choose from.

4. If it was ME again, I would lie low and let what I have grow and AIM for the CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE. That's 3x rewards points on every spend, 100K UR points (if it last longer), is AMAZING. That would pay and even double the ONE NIGHT A YEAR IHG can offer. Plus, Priority Pass Select, Global Entry reimbursement, $300 travel credit EVERY year. if you travel a lot, AF for the Reserve is only $150 per year, $0 if you don't have Global Entry yet.

5. IHG is limited to fewer properties for rewards available. I would get either Ritz-Carlton Rewards, Marriott Rewards, or SPG Starwood Preferred Guest. They just merged - GOLD elite statuses on each of them.

a) Ritz-Carlton Rewards - 3 night free on Tier 1-4 hotels sign up, Priority Pass Select lounge access, club level upgrades every year

b) SPG Starwood - 25K sign up - very valuable and can be transferred

c) Marriott - 80K sign up, 5x points on Marriott and SPG hotels, Free night on Category 1-5 worldwide on your anniversary.

Well, good luck. Just putting in my 2 cents. I wish I have the SAPPHIRE RESERVE. That's all I'm missing with what I got.

Re: Please Help?

driftless — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 14:51:20 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Random_idiot wrote:
Ok, so as you all can see from my sig, I have a CSP, and CFU.

I am planning a trip to Bora Bora, and I want to stay at the IHG Overwater bungalows.

I read that the IHG Mastercard gives a free night stay every year, which is amazing for only a 50 annual fee..

So I have 2 questions:

1. Since I have the CSP, can I mix points to and from each other (IHG)?

and 2. I am applying for the Freedom regular in 2 months, that will put me at 5/24, does that matter with the IHG, as it is a Chase Hotel card?

Thanks in advance for the replies!!

YOU HAVE THE BEST PAIR - SAPPHIRE PREFERRED AND FREEDOM UNLIMITED
DONT NEED THE REGULAR FREEDOM.
SAVE YOUR 5/24 LIMIT - LIE LOW, WORK ON UTI AND BADDIES
NO TO IHG. RITZ-CARLTON, MARRIOTT AND SPG JUST BECAME VERY VALUABLE. CHECK THEM OUT.
AIM FOR SAPPHIRE RESERVE

1. YES. IHG points can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards. IHG has excellent value points (2x) using at gas stations, restaurants, groceries. CSP earns 2x wtih travel and dining, 1x eveything else. If you get the IHG, its good for everyday spending then transfer the points to UR to combine with CSP points and have wider flexibility in using those points.

2. NO. As of recent reports, IHG, with British Airways, Fairmont, Disney, Ritz-Carlton, and Hyatt, is still excuded from the 5/24 rule.

Addendum:
1. Why get the Freedom if you already have the Freedom Unlimited.
     a) Freedom - earms 5% on CATEGORIES every quarter (gas staton, groceries, restaurants, and shopping) up to $1500 spend per quarter. 1% on other purchases.
                         - you need to keep track what category that's active for 5% reward, and need to ACTIVATE it every quarter.
     b) Freedom Unlimited - 1.5% rewards on ALL purchases with no limits. NO ACTIVATION, NO CATEGORIES to remember.
      * if it was me, I will prefer to have the Unlimited than the regular Freedom.

2. I wouldn't get the Freedom and max out your 5/24. That's 2 YEARS. You might find other Chase products down the road that will benefit you more instead.

3. Once your scores go up after you take care of the 3 baddies and cut UTI to <10%, you will have better choices out there to choose from.

4. If it was ME again, I would lie low and let what I have grow and AIM for the CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE. That's 3x rewards points on every spend, 100K UR points (if it last longer), is AMAZING. That would pay and even double the ONE NIGHT A YEAR IHG can offer. Plus, Priority Pass Select, Global Entry reimbursement, $300 travel credit EVERY year. if you travel a lot, AF for the Reserve is only $150 per year, $0 if you don't have Global Entry yet.

5. IHG is limited to fewer properties for rewards available. I would get either Ritz-Carlton Rewards, Marriott Rewards, or SPG Starwood Preferred Guest. They just merged - GOLD elite statuses on each of them.
     a) Ritz-Carlton Rewards - 3 night free on Tier 1-4 hotels sign up, Priority Pass Select lounge access, club level upgrades every year
     b) SPG Starwood - 25K sign up - very valuable and can be transferred
     c) Marriott - 80K sign up, 5x points on Marriott and SPG hotels, Free night on Category 1-5 worldwide on your anniversary.

Well, good luck. Just putting in my 2 cents. I wish I have the SAPPHIRE RESERVE. That's all I'm missing with what I got.

+1 generally unless you think that you will really use Freedom's quarterly categories. I will be curious to see if it is still offered in a couple of months.

Re: Please Help?

Random_idiot — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 22:29:47 GMT

Thanks all for the replies.

A few things:

1. CSR- unfortunately, my spending habits don't justify me having the card. But you can bet your bottom dollar, once my habits meet it, I will def get it!

2. since 2 of my cards from the so called 5/24, were applied about 6 months ago.. that basically means I won't be able to apply for any Chase cards for 1 and 1/2 years, unless I apply for more non Chase cards. That would be a problem, had I not gotten the CSP and FU. However, I should be fine.

3. CSP and FU are def a phenomenal pairing, but with the Freedom, that means for 3 months in a year, instead of getting 1.5x on gas, I will get 5x on gas, which equates to about ~900 points with the FU compared to ~3000 with the Freedom. an additional 2100, which equates to an exursion at Bora Bora! lol (this is just the gas I'm thinking of, not thinking about the other quarterly rewards) and i don't mind activating the rewards prior to the quarterly months.

I do appreciate the feedback though, really helps me get a grib and to reevaluate my plan.

Re: Please Help?

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 23:08:17 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
1. YES. IHG points can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards. IHG has excellent value points (2x) using at gas stations, restaurants, groceries. CSP earns 2x wtih travel and dining, 1x eveything else. If you get the IHG, its good for everyday spending then transfer the points to UR to combine with CSP points and have wider flexibility in using those points.

Is this new? I wasn't aware that anything could be transferred TO UR (obviously you can transfer the other way)

Re: Please Help?

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 23:45:51 GMT

Just fyi, it is very difficult to find available bookable nights for free specifically via IHG free nights program at those Tahiti properties. Good luck.

Re: Please Help?

driftless — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 00:10:51 GMT

@Random_idiot wrote:
Thanks all for the replies.

A few things:

1. CSR- unfortunately, my spending habits don't justify me having the card. But you can bet your bottom dollar, once my habits meet it, I will def get it!

2. since 2 of my cards from the so called 5/24, were applied about 6 months ago.. that basically means I won't be able to apply for any Chase cards for 1 and 1/2 years, unless I apply for more non Chase cards. That would be a problem, had I not gotten the CSP and FU. However, I should be fine.

3. CSP and FU are def a phenomenal pairing, but with the Freedom, that means for 3 months in a year, instead of getting 1.5x on gas, I will get 5x on gas, which equates to about ~900 points with the FU compared to ~3000 with the Freedom. an additional 2100, which equates to an exursion at Bora Bora! lol (this is just the gas I'm thinking of, not thinking about the other quarterly rewards) and i don't mind activating the rewards prior to the quarterly months.

I do appreciate the feedback though, really helps me get a grib and to reevaluate my plan.

OP - Freedom's 5% categories are generally limited to $1,500.00 of combined purchases for the quarter. You can reach you max pretty quickly with categories that you shop at frequently like grocery stores, gas, restaurants, etc

Re: Please Help?

Random_idiot — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 01:12:06 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Just fyi, it is very difficult to find available bookable nights for free specifically via IHG free nights program at those Tahiti properties. Good luck.

hmm, I'm pretty flexible with dates, so I should be fine. Although I do know that december time is a no go, monsoon season

Re: Please Help?

Random_idiot — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 01:17:31 GMT

@driftless wrote:
@Random_idiot wrote:
Thanks all for the replies.

A few things:

1. CSR- unfortunately, my spending habits don't justify me having the card. But you can bet your bottom dollar, once my habits meet it, I will def get it!

2. since 2 of my cards from the so called 5/24, were applied about 6 months ago.. that basically means I won't be able to apply for any Chase cards for 1 and 1/2 years, unless I apply for more non Chase cards. That would be a problem, had I not gotten the CSP and FU. However, I should be fine.

3. CSP and FU are def a phenomenal pairing, but with the Freedom, that means for 3 months in a year, instead of getting 1.5x on gas, I will get 5x on gas, which equates to about ~900 points with the FU compared to ~3000 with the Freedom. an additional 2100, which equates to an exursion at Bora Bora! lol (this is just the gas I'm thinking of, not thinking about the other quarterly rewards) and i don't mind activating the rewards prior to the quarterly months.

I do appreciate the feedback though, really helps me get a grib and to reevaluate my plan.
OP - Freedom's 5% categories are generally limited to $1,500.00 of combined purchases for the quarter. You can reach you max pretty quickly with categories that you shop at frequently like grocery stores, gas, restaurants, etc

Idk, maybe I'm being too greedy with the points, but 1500 is still a lot. Say I would otherwise swipe 1500 on the FU, thats a total of 2250 points. Now with the Freedom, it's 7500 points max per Q. That's 5k+ more.. that's still a lot!

@Anonymous obviously, once I go above the 1500, its 1x per, so I will just utilize the FU then.. Every little thing helps.. because exursions @ bora bora usually go for ~5kish, not including the luxury ones.. and I'd rather save what I can.. I have no interest in any other card which is why it makes sense to me.. IDK..

Unless the 1500 applies to the max amount of points I can get per quarter?

Re: Please Help?

Random_idiot — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 01:20:50 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
1. YES. IHG points can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards. IHG has excellent value points (2x) using at gas stations, restaurants, groceries. CSP earns 2x wtih travel and dining, 1x eveything else. If you get the IHG, its good for everyday spending then transfer the points to UR to combine with CSP points and have wider flexibility in using those points.

Is this new? I wasn't aware that anything could be transferred TO UR (obviously you can transfer the other way)

I read somewhere, you can transfer IHG for Miles.. not sure about UR, but the ration is very bad.. i believe 10:1 or something like that.

EDIT: 'However, now through October 10, 2016, you’ll get a 50% bonus when converting IHG points to United miles. This means you’ll end up with 3,000 United miles for 10,000 IHG points.

Read more: http://thepointsguy.com/2016/09/transfer-ihg-points-to-united-bonus/#ixzz4U5jI37VX'

look at this BS lol 50% bonus and its 10:3. lmao

Re: Please Help?

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 04:32:00 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
1. YES. IHG points can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards. IHG has excellent value points (2x) using at gas stations, restaurants, groceries. CSP earns 2x wtih travel and dining, 1x eveything else. If you get the IHG, its good for everyday spending then transfer the points to UR to combine with CSP points and have wider flexibility in using those points.

Is this new? I wasn't aware that anything could be transferred TO UR (obviously you can transfer the other way)

Yes, BUT, it can be only be done if you have another Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards. Basically, you have to have any one of these, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, Ink Business Plus (now discontinued), or Business Preferred.

Re: Please Help?

wasCB14 — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:51:15 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
1. YES. IHG points can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards. IHG has excellent value points (2x) using at gas stations, restaurants, groceries. CSP earns 2x wtih travel and dining, 1x eveything else. If you get the IHG, its good for everyday spending then transfer the points to UR to combine with CSP points and have wider flexibility in using those points.

Is this new? I wasn't aware that anything could be transferred TO UR (obviously you can transfer the other way)
Yes, BUT, it can be only be done if you have another Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards. Basically, you have to have any one of these, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, Ink Business Plus (now discontinued), or Business Preferred.

A source for this claim? Or instructions on how to do it?

I think you're mistaken, but I would love to be wrong.

Re: Please Help?

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 11:11:52 GMT

@wasCB14 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
1. YES. IHG points can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards. IHG has excellent value points (2x) using at gas stations, restaurants, groceries. CSP earns 2x wtih travel and dining, 1x eveything else. If you get the IHG, its good for everyday spending then transfer the points to UR to combine with CSP points and have wider flexibility in using those points.

Is this new? I wasn't aware that anything could be transferred TO UR (obviously you can transfer the other way)
Yes, BUT, it can be only be done if you have another Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards. Basically, you have to have any one of these, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, Ink Business Plus (now discontinued), or Business Preferred.
A source for this claim? Or instructions on how to do it?

I think you're mistaken, but I would love to be wrong.

You're absolutely correct. I apologize for the misinformaton. It's the other way around. You can transfer and redeem Ultimate Rewards to partners like airlines and hotels. Sorry for the wrong info and confusion I may have instilled to everyone.

Re: Please Help?

driftless — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 14:42:09 GMT

@Random_idiot wrote:
@driftless wrote:
@Random_idiot wrote:
Thanks all for the replies.

A few things:

1. CSR- unfortunately, my spending habits don't justify me having the card. But you can bet your bottom dollar, once my habits meet it, I will def get it!

2. since 2 of my cards from the so called 5/24, were applied about 6 months ago.. that basically means I won't be able to apply for any Chase cards for 1 and 1/2 years, unless I apply for more non Chase cards. That would be a problem, had I not gotten the CSP and FU. However, I should be fine.

3. CSP and FU are def a phenomenal pairing, but with the Freedom, that means for 3 months in a year, instead of getting 1.5x on gas, I will get 5x on gas, which equates to about ~900 points with the FU compared to ~3000 with the Freedom. an additional 2100, which equates to an exursion at Bora Bora! lol (this is just the gas I'm thinking of, not thinking about the other quarterly rewards) and i don't mind activating the rewards prior to the quarterly months.

I do appreciate the feedback though, really helps me get a grib and to reevaluate my plan.
OP - Freedom's 5% categories are generally limited to $1,500.00 of combined purchases for the quarter. You can reach you max pretty quickly with categories that you shop at frequently like grocery stores, gas, restaurants, etc
Idk, maybe I'm being too greedy with the points, but 1500 is still a lot. Say I would otherwise swipe 1500 on the FU, thats a total of 2250 points. Now with the Freedom, it's 7500 points max per Q. That's 5k+ more.. that's still a lot!

@Anonymous obviously, once I go above the 1500, its 1x per, so I will just utilize the FU then.. Every little thing helps.. because exursions @ bora bora usually go for ~5kish, not including the luxury ones.. and I'd rather save what I can.. I have no interest in any other card which is why it makes sense to me.. IDK..

Unless the 1500 applies to the max amount of points I can get per quarter?

Dollars spent, not points.

Re: Please Help?

Random_idiot — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 15:51:03 GMT

@driftless wrote:
@Random_idiot wrote:
@driftless wrote:
@Random_idiot wrote:
Thanks all for the replies.

A few things:

1. CSR- unfortunately, my spending habits don't justify me having the card. But you can bet your bottom dollar, once my habits meet it, I will def get it!

2. since 2 of my cards from the so called 5/24, were applied about 6 months ago.. that basically means I won't be able to apply for any Chase cards for 1 and 1/2 years, unless I apply for more non Chase cards. That would be a problem, had I not gotten the CSP and FU. However, I should be fine.

3. CSP and FU are def a phenomenal pairing, but with the Freedom, that means for 3 months in a year, instead of getting 1.5x on gas, I will get 5x on gas, which equates to about ~900 points with the FU compared to ~3000 with the Freedom. an additional 2100, which equates to an exursion at Bora Bora! lol (this is just the gas I'm thinking of, not thinking about the other quarterly rewards) and i don't mind activating the rewards prior to the quarterly months.

I do appreciate the feedback though, really helps me get a grib and to reevaluate my plan.
OP - Freedom's 5% categories are generally limited to $1,500.00 of combined purchases for the quarter. You can reach you max pretty quickly with categories that you shop at frequently like grocery stores, gas, restaurants, etc
Idk, maybe I'm being too greedy with the points, but 1500 is still a lot. Say I would otherwise swipe 1500 on the FU, thats a total of 2250 points. Now with the Freedom, it's 7500 points max per Q. That's 5k+ more.. that's still a lot!

@Anonymous obviously, once I go above the 1500, its 1x per, so I will just utilize the FU then.. Every little thing helps.. because exursions @ bora bora usually go for ~5kish, not including the luxury ones.. and I'd rather save what I can.. I have no interest in any other card which is why it makes sense to me.. IDK..

Unless the 1500 applies to the max amount of points I can get per quarter?
Dollars spent, not points.

So that makes perfect sense for me.. Unless of course I want another Chase card afterwards then I'm screwed haha

IDK, let me sit down and crunch the #s, and see if it makes sense. Thanks for all the advice btw, I appreciate it and it helps the board too.

Re: Please Help?

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 16:26:51 GMT

Have fun in Bora Bora.

Stay 1 night in four seasons Bora Bora. You won't regard it.

Re: Please Help?

Random_idiot — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 16:51:52 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Have fun in Bora Bora.

Stay 1 night in four seasons Bora Bora. You won't regard it.

Well, I'm not sure about switching to diff hotels there because I heard the ferrys cost a **bleep**load. I was going to get a hotel card, IHG in particular, as one of the nights there is something like 900+ a night, being free with the card, so that would justify me having that card for about... 20 years lol Not including free nights for 60k/night.

Im trying to lessen as much as I can with points, and the rest I don't mind forking out.

If that makes sense..

Re: Please Help?

wasCB14 — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 18:26:30 GMT

How much flexibility do you have as far as your travel dates? Bora Bora is popular and IHG does limit award availability.

Re: Please Help?

Random_idiot — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 19:02:39 GMT

@wasCB14 wrote:
How much flexibility do you have as far as your travel dates? Bora Bora is popular and IHG does limit award availability.

Very good flexibility. I love my job!

Im the manager at a diagnostic center, and I can take off whenever I feel, as long as its not in Dec, as it is, thats monsoon season in bora bora, so not interested either.

As for the wife, she will have her own business, and will be free as well.