CSP AU 5,000 Pts...no hope :(

[FinStar]

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@09Lexie wrote:
I am assuming you are all kidding ; correct?

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Correct - I was Lexie...   just baffles me what some folks would go through just for points (or whatever) though.

[CreditScholar]

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@FinStar wrote:

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@09Lexie wrote:
I am assuming you are all kidding ; correct?

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Correct - I was Lexie...   just baffles me what some folks would go through just for points (or whatever) though.

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Like churn cards?

[enharu]

Churning cards might not be as bad since you can just sit at home and do it within a minute or two. Then again, it depends on how good / bad the rewards are as well, I suppose.

Manufactured spending on the other hand is too troublesome, at least for me. Just too much running around, waiting in line, and then having to run to a bank again, etc.... I would rather just dedicate a few more hours to work and I get better returns for the same amount of time invested. Not saying MS is a complete waste of time or anything. To some it can be worthwhile.

[Kenny]

Does every AU get you 5k points for CSP? My agreement didn't say anything like that.. is this account specific? Sad for OP.. wondering what this is about though.

[enharu]

The AU promo is only for accounts opened recently. You can only get the 5k bonus once.

[Kenny]

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@enharu wrote:
The AU promo is only for accounts opened recently. You can only get the 5k bonus once.

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thanks enharu! Secure messaged Chase regarding my account hoping that I can get this added to my account.. easy points since I already have an AU added who hasn't used the card yet.

[CreditScholar]

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@enharu wrote:
Churning cards might not be as bad since you can just sit at home and do it within a minute or two. Then again, it depends on how good / bad the rewards are as well, I suppose.

Manufactured spending on the other hand is too troublesome, at least for me. Just too much running around, waiting in line, and then having to run to a bank again, etc.... I would rather just dedicate a few more hours to work and I get better returns for the same amount of time invested. Not saying MS is a complete waste of time or anything. To some it can be worthwhile.

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I personally find both distasteful, although I completely understand why some people do it. Like you I'd rather spend a few extra hours at work for the same result, but not everyone has that option.

I think my threshold is a bit lower than yours though, as I don't even like swapping cards in and out from churning. I'd rather find a handful of cards that are keepers, and then hold on to them until something better comes along. At that point, I'll replace one for another.

[enharu]

To be honest I do like your approach better; everything just seems a lot neater and easier to manage, and the wallet is also not filled with unnecessary cards.

I debated about whether I should close out some of my accounts, such as Wells Fargo and Barclays, since I practically don't use them at all. The only cards in my wallet are Amex Plat, cash+, CSP and a citi TYP. I rarely bring the other cards along, unless I have to present the card in person, such as upon checking in, and so I just use them mostly for online purchases / reservations.

There are some cards I do regret getting as well. It seemed interesting, but the interests died out pretty shortly after.

[CreditScholar]

Which cards do you regret getting, and are you planning to cull these anytime soon?

Also how do you find the Amex Plat vs. Ritz?

[enharu]

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@CreditScholar wrote:
Which cards do you regret getting, and are you planning to cull these anytime soon?

Also how do you find the Amex Plat vs. Ritz?

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The Citi Prestige is probably my biggest regret. Even though they waived the AF, I probably should have gotten something else from Citi instead or not even bother with anything. Everything just seems pretty medicore. Maybe I'll eventually find more use for it. I just bought some air tickets using this card so I'll see if I do get the bonus flight-miles for travel that isn't done by me. I don't plan to renew the card and will either try to consolidate my CL or change it into something else if possible. Otherwise I'll just close it.

The other 2 cards are the Barclay Arrival and Merrill+. The Merrill+ isn't a bad card, but I just don't have much use for it right now, and I don't want to dilute my spending across different rewards program as well. The Barclay card has a nice sign-up bonus, and they pull TU, which was why I went for it. But until now I have yet to redeem any of those miles since I just end up using my other cards for travel purchases. I'll probably use up the rewards during a weekend trip to vegas or something and then close the account. I also haven't used my Bloomingdale's card since Feb'13. They close accounts after a year of inactivity, so I'll just let them close the account on its own. There was a use for the card when Bloomingdale's required purchases to be made on their card in order to get any sales discount, but they have loosened up on their policies now.

I think the Ritz and Amex cards are both nice to have and they can complement each other. If I can only choose 1 out of the 2, I probably will go with the Ritz though, since the other Amex benefits, minus lounge access, are also available on other Amex cards.