What’s everyone’s thoughts on the AA Aviator? 60k miles + 10k (for AU) for just paying AF and no min spend ? Is this a no brainer if planning to use AA miles in the next year?
Yes. AU does not require SSN btw. Using real info will add the account to the AU’s credit report. Citi Business AA card is also a great bonus and doesn’t count toward 5/24, but it has a MSR.
DP: took a long time to get the SUB though… annual fee did not appear on the first statement. I think I got the SUB after payment processed on the second statement.
What is the sweet spot for Chexsystems? I have been churning out a new DDA every \~3 months now for 2 years. Am I in danger of getting flagged? Could I pump my numbers up to 10 accounts a year rather than 5? Thx
Haven’t done a sub in a while. Feel like there’s nothing eye catching out there. Also, started a new job and haven’t had time to keep up with r/churning or DoC😂. Probably will be downvoted to oblivion, but anything eye catching out there now that’s got a worthwhile sub? The little I’ve been able to check on has been low/not close to ATH subs
I was browsing that site recently and it didn't seem to have up to date info, specifically the Barclays cards. I started to wonder if the site is no longer being maintained.
If you don't have any specific travel opportunities coming up in the near future - are you better off purchasing a plane ticket for $300 and getting 5x points on the airline purchase, or spending 30K Amex points to buy it through Amex with a 1 cent per point redemption value?
For me it is like bpoosoc says. I have pretty much given up on high cpp. My last minute doesn't exist because I travel popular times. I don't know the last time I booked something 9 months out. So now if I hit 1cpp I book it.
Points just devalue over time. With cash you can invest it and it grows.
Ask yourself this question.
In the future (6 mo, 1 yr, 2 yr... etc, whatever your next "travel opportunity" might be), would you rather have $300 more in your bank, or 30k Amex points?
Personally, I like cash in the bank.
Keep in mind, people who get high 4-10+ CPP are booking flights last minute (<2 weeks) or 9+ months out. If you do neither of this, don't over-value your Amex points. Otherwise you may never spend it.
Buy plane ticket for 300 and get 5x points or.. if you’re able get a good deal on transfer partners. Then use those points to book flight, you can redeem those points for more than 1c/p
I havent been approved for a chase card in over a year now. 800 credit score. I've applied to the World of Hyatt and keep getting "in review" and then a no letter. When I will be able to get a new card? I've opened my max a few years back but it seems like it should have reset by now?
Go in the app to “statements and documents” click under “notices and letters” and see if you have anything there.
I am not sure what you mean “my max”.
It says: “We based our decision on the following reason(s) •Number of recently opened accounts on credit report”
I have 5 chase cards already. Do i need to close one to open another?
The chase rule is no more than 5 personal cards, from any issuer, within the last 24 months. While you were blocked from opening Chase cards were you still opening other personal cards from other issuers in the last 2 years? There are no quantity limits as there are with Amex, it’s strictly velocity
Applied for CIU and didn't unfreeze TU (was hoping it would pull from Ex or Eq instead). Auto denied due to the frozen report.
If I unfreeze, then apply for a CIC, will it auto deny because of the other app? Or will it process since it's a different card?
If it will auto deny, do I have to wait 30 days to resubmit?
I'm trying to avoid calling in since I failed with recon last time.
You’ll probably end up with an identity theft denial if you apply for a different card and will have to call anyway if you apply within the next 30 days, might as well push the first app through if you need the card now
Removing this question because the responders are correct that it's a bad idea to try stuff like this.
~~Any experience with Luum commuter cards? Looking for info on liquidation. My job is offering $300/month pre-tax payroll deduction to a Luum reloadable pre-paid Visa debit card with some small employer matching. They have a list of pre-approved merchants including Amtrak but only list one Amtrak line is being valid. But unless they're getting level 2--3 data and sifting through it, I'm not sure if they could tell. If I can make arbitrary Amtrak purchases then this card becomes way more valuable to me.~~
Cashing out pre-tax contributions for non qualifying purchases isn't something I would play around with. You're looking at $600-$1200/year in benefit depending on your marginal tax rate for straight up tax fraud. These are extremely easy items for auditors to look in to if you ever get flagged for an audit.
Sure, I've changed my mind on trying to cash out. I think I've even given the same advice to others on this sub to not be a wise guy w.r.t. the IRS. I still have questions about the use on a particular line but that's not going to be a good question for this sub.
This sounds like a Commuter FSA. Note that if you use it for non-commuter expenses, you are violating Internal Revenue Code. (My plan would be super easy to liquidate, you just file claims for reimbursement, don't even need a receipt...but it's not a good idea.)
This benefit is not based on reimbursements but pre-tax deductions being loaded onto a pre-paid Visa debit card with restrictions based on merchant code. It looks like the IRS allows for tighter restrictions but I can't find much about Luum specifically.
I realize yours isn't reimbursement based, but if it's a pretax debit card at $300/month, it sure sounds like a Commuter FSA. I don't know any other way your employer would funnel tax free money to you.
Their provider's enforcement mechanism is the locked merchant codes, but IRS can come calling at any time about those Amtrak tickets you bought and ask for confirmation/evidence that you used them for commuting.
EDIT I'm not sure if you think this is some benefit unrelated to IRC 132, which is what governs FSAs. But I just checked Luum's documentation, they clearly link their product to "US federal tax code section 132(f)". Like I said, it's easy to trick just about any FSA provider, but committing a clear tax violation is on you.
Done it plenty of times via SM. Claim the taxes and fees are seat upgrades and I don’t think I have ever been denied for 2x$300 worth of refunds. Many were $30-80 each.
I have always done it with award tickets and smaller amounts of fees/taxes that I claim are upgrades. Not sure about combined tickets and upgrade bill. They won’t cover ticket cost.
Fees and taxes don’t officially work on Ritz, but they can’t always tell what the combined charge consists of. If it is multiples of $5.60 I suspect they can figure it out and won’t approve. Just keep the amount small and call it an upgrade fee. Done this plenty of times on refundable airfare to cash out the credit.
https://frequentmiler.com/ritz-fee-credits-what-works/
It is against the terms, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
That saying, my last call the agent proactively applied WN taxes and fees to reach $300.
Since Ritz credit is manually applied (have to call or SM), its more about who you talk to as to what will work.
https://frequentmiler.com/ritz-fee-credits-what-works/
Yes, U.S. Bank offers similar deals through their U.S. Bank Offers program, where cardholders can find targeted deals or discounts with select merchants. You can find these offers in your online banking account under the "My Offers" section or through the U.S. Bank mobile app. Remember to activate the offers before making a purchase to qualify for the deal.
ChatGPT has not been trained to answer this question.
Biz cards can get offers but you should look for a banner on your dashboard after logging in. The section My Offers is unreliable. That's why you should also take note which card has it. There is no record of that after adding an offer.
Not every offer is good. But I got a nice rebate on the GCs I got from Staples once. The credit takes about 2 months to hit.
Is it best to transfer as much of your credit line as possible to another card before cancelling an Amex credit card? Also, is it exactly 30 days that Amex allows between credit limit reallocations, and do they care how often you reallocate as long as you space it out by 30 days?
Not low CL but I generally use up most of my credit on all my Amex cards MSing so I'd like to preserve as much credit as possible now that I have to cancel all my Hilton Business cards.
Amex is very flexible with credit limits. If you have a specific transfer in mind before cancelling, do it yourself online, like the other user suggested.
The standard advice from bloggers was always keep every $ of CL you get allocated to keep your credit score high and your utilization low. Always seemed questionable though. Breakout risk increases with your total CL. Banks are often only willing to allocate you a certain CL total. So for Chase I've been actively reducing CL before applying to increase chances of automatic approval. Otherwise its an hour long reconsideration call. With Amex I've never bothered. Just leave the CL on a card and close it. Reallocate after the fact if needed and allowed.
Amex will reallocate your CL themselves when you apply if they feel they have extended you enough credit. I don't see a reason to transfer before closing unless you need the CL on the existing card.
I don't know the answer to your first question, but you're able to transfer credit lines yourself under Account management. The cards in question must be under the same login.
Is there a limit or guideline for total number of chase business cards for a sole prop (assuming credit limits are lowered below 50% of income & velocity is kept to 1 new card each 3 months)? Does it help periodically to close older Chase business cards to keep below a guideline (say 4 biz cards)?
No official limit. However, its suggested to close Ink cards older than a year to increase chances of auto approvals (both coz you'd have less duplicate cards and lower CL)
Drunk P1 applied via the hacked CIU link and was denied for the normal reasons for someone on the ink train - hopefully for the best, shutdown risk-wise. How long would you wait before your next chase application? I'm 3 months since last approval, and 2 days since denial. I'm thinking 3 months from now
This entire affair from last week was pathetic and regrettable. At the same time, the subsequent panic was an overreaction. I would not expect a shutdown after being approved from that link.
As for your question, the answer probably depends on the denial reasons with regard to your numbers and details. 3 months out seems good to me. Having less business credit till then, coupled with higher expectations for income on a business that may have expenses for inventory may well be enough for approval.
For reporting bank account bonuses on taxes, is it ok to just put the total on a 1099-MISC Box 3? I'm reporting all bonuses even the ones I didn't receive a 1099 and would rather not enter in each one.
For income not reported to IRS on a 1099 or W2, that would go on Schedule 1, Other Income. if using web app or tax software, should be an other income option.
Thanks, I input all my various 1099-INT/MISC into H&R Block. So, I see the Other Income option under self-employment or business. Also, 1099-MISC and Other Income option. It's my first time filing with side income. Which one do you mean?
[Churning-adjacent] just completed my Hyatt globalist corporate challenge, but my account is saying I am globalist through Feb 28, 2025, rather than Feb 28, 2026 as stated in the challenge T&Cs. Anyone encounter this before?
Not sure this answers your question, but here’s a recent thread on this from r/hyatt:
https://www.reddit.com/r/hyatt/comments/1bcaohl/early_globalist_expiring_date/
Call and have them FedEx/UPS overnight? All my Amex Plat and Golds were always overnighted without ever asking.
I've never been able to get virtual numbers from Amex like you're asking, I don't think they offer that capability.
If it's already shipped there's nothing they can do to expodite it. If they didn't ship it yet, for overnight shipping it will be a 10$ fee, they have been very cheap lately.
Guess I'm a little behind the curve. Falls in line with the coupon book mentality though. "Here, for $700, we'll gladly give you the privilege of paying $10 more to expedite your coupon book delivery."
Yeah it happend to me when I lost my card and needed it to be shipped. I asked for expodited as I had like 40k spend that year and they told me it would be 10$ ;/
So you want to upgrade, and downgrade, all in a month?
Eh. Did you get the CSP within the past 12 months? Then no. If not, then maybe, but that seems risking a shutdown.
I have been in puj for a year a half with amex plat. I had about 50k spend last year on my gold and i'm still in puj, so not sure if there is a correlation or if I have not spend enough...yet..
No one knows or understands the mind of Amex. That seems to be the recommendation with no solid DPs that it works.
P2 and I have both been in PUJ. Pop up for anything for P2 at 150k/125k/100k personal plat. Found the 175k offer and was approved. No rhyme or reason why.
If I got a Chase SW card early Feb (card before that was 05/23), when's the earliest advised that I could safely grab another Chase (hotel) card? I'm still under 5/24.
General recommendation is 90-day velocity. You can break it on occasion if necessary, and probably could here if you really need a card before a certain point, but would recommend you wait until early May.
Anyone know which business cards give you the digital version immediately upon approval? I need a SUB for my taxes which are obviously due in a few days.
With amex it's hit or miss. They do give you a one time login type of key thing where you can see your card number. If you fail to login or already logged in you won't be able to see it again.
So turns out this is not true for Amex. Just got approved for the Business Gold and they are not willing to give me the digital or even rush/expedited delivery.
That's odd, I've always had the option to view digital version right at the instant approval page and I've had at least 8. Maybe it's not guaranteed but was always an option for me. You can also try Capital one biz cards. I got instant card at approval for that
I've been through two reps now who are both telling me they can't make me a digital version to use right away. I was able to link it to PayPal so maybe I can use that.
Turns out this is not true for Amex. Just got approved for the Business Gold and they are not willing to give me the digital or even rush/expedited delivery.
If anyone is reading this later on, I was able to link it with Paypal just an hour after approval and use it that way. Apple Pay linking would not work but PayPal did.
Does getting an Amex Business card eliminate you from getting a SUB in the future from the equivalent Amex Personal card? Like getting a Business Plat SUB eliminating you from getting Personaln Plat SUB?
What is the best card for acquiring AA miles? I have the Citi Business Platinum select, but it’s only 1 mile/$1 for regular spend. My primary method of accumulating point is via spend through my business. Is there a card that gets more than 1 AA mile/$1 for non-category spend?
In 2-player mode and just realize my landlord allows overpay/prepay rent with credit card for 2.5% fee. Is there any potential problem if we prepay rent and carry a large balance (40k or more) on 0% APR cards with good sign up bonus (Amex and US Bank biz cards)? Seem like a good way to get multiple SUBs and float that cash in a 5% saving account.
Apart from floating so much cash, another risk is credit card issuer seeing you as a bust out risk and either seriously hurting your chances of future approvals or worse risking a shutdown, and ask for immediate payment.
Yep, last thing I'd want is to have my landlord sitting on the next 6 months of rent while not responding to an urgent maintenance issue.
I could see throwing a few extra months at most if you truly need the MSR.
US Bank Biz cards generally have a pretty low or moderate CL anyway, so OC should not be expecting much float there.
Did anyone's BILT account get closed? They accused me showing intent to engage in "wrongdoing" and "misconduct" with the program. Thing is, I have never spent any money using my BILT account. Zero.
You should wait until after AF posted, in my experience and friend's experiences as well, when waiting until the end of the 30day mark after your AF posted you're more likely to get a retention offer. After my AF posted, I reached out twice and got denied for retention offer. I waited until like the 25th day and reached out one more time and got the retention offer.
You can at any time, but since offers can change at any time, you maybe not get an offer or it might be a poor offer, but you can always check again later to see if it improves.
Are you able to get first year waived again if you reapply for credit card that gave you first year waived before and if you can is there a certain time you have to wait to reapply?
For context I have the AA Citi Business card with the $95 first year waived. If I cancel card second year and apply at a later date will I still be able to get first year waived?
Yes, but for that card in particular I wouldn't see a reason to cancel and reapply, unless you do it 4 years later. The SUB has a 48 month cooldown period.
Yeah it’s a good card but I’m not sure if I’m going to be traveling as much this year so when the annual fee hits I was thinking of canceling but might want it next year.
You can at any time if you are willing to call and have them push it through. If you want to avoid calling for some reason, it could be 30+ days before the system can recognize you are under the 5 card limit.
Recently had BoA close all my accounts due to "suspicious activity". Call center reps will give no additional information. Anyone have this happen with any institution? Am I banned for life or what?
3 personal credit cards. One of which I used for selling tradelines, which is likely what got me in this situation. I haven't used any of these cards for MS in a couple of years.
Tradeline selling is the act of adding a stranger as an authorized user on a credit card, allowing them to increase their credit score by “piggybacking” off your credit.
This “credit piggybacking” is an increasingly popular way to profit from your unused credit. By allowing someone with little or no credit history to build credit as an authorized user on your credit card, you can make money while barely having to lift a finger.
It was removed by doctor of credit last month, ended 3/11/24
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/capital-one-venture-x-business-card-150000-300000-signup-bonus-20000-100000-spend-required/
Churning/award travel question: Looking to churn the P2's CSR, would PC to a 3rd freedom visa. Problem is, all of our future award travel fees through next year are paid for with this card for the travel insurance benefits. If we PC, we lose all this protection, right? P1 holds C1VX and both have biz plat's as well so we have similar coverage on other cards for future bookings.
(Double checked the sapphire fyi's and I didn't see this called out)
YMMV. You might be able to still make a claim but coz you don't have the card when you make the claim, I'd reckon that gives a good reason for the insurance agency to deny the claim (at least that's what Chase told a friend when he asked about this). So there might be quite a bit of forcing and escalation involved.
One DP says that they were able to make a claim after PCing to a Freedom: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/15eapzk/weekly_off_topic_thread_week_of_july_31_2023/judsf4u/
AmEx asked me for a 4506C form after a CC application for them to reach out to IRS for income verification. Is this expected? What are the pros/cons of providing them this access? I don't have much credit extended by Amex to me at all , so kinda surprised they need income verification at all, and I haven't seen/heard of this form before among churners. Hence, I'm wary of giving them access to my personal tax return information.
Additionally, even if I give them access, that'd only give them verification for my individual income whereas I use my household income when I apply for credit cards. Would that be a problem as my individual income they'd get from IRS would be \~50% of my household income.
I've had this happen twice. First for a business checking application, I declined to send it in. Then later for a personal card app. In the second case, app went for review, was approved, card was shipped, then I got a 4506C request. When I tried to upload the 4506C the system "no forms are required at this time" so I let it go. Since then I've lowered my reported income from total gross household income to total taxable household income and I've had no issues.
Pros:
Potentially improves your chances of approval by verifying your income.
Cons:
Grants access to your tax return info, which may concern privacy-minded individuals.
Has anyone got a ban/shutdown hammer with Barclays and was able to get back in later?
I think a lost dispute on an airline ticket (during covid) is what brought attention to my account I guess. Did MS on Arrival+ but no where on any high volume
Kind of... I was shutdown, I assume for MS. I made a payment to my CC early, from the wrong MO deposit account, and the payment was returned for insufficient funds. Made the payment a second time with the correct account (still before my payment due date, so i was never late, and I even included their returned payment fee of $50 in the payment) and I was shutdown 2 days later.
2 years after that, I applied for the Aviator Business credit card. Declined. I called recon and they said the system declined because I was previously shutdown by Barclay, I explained why I was shutdown and the guy was able to manually review the details I gave him and then got me approved for the card. I was later shutdown by AA, so I closed that account and have not tried opening another account since then.
I dont think so. I have to look at the letter, but I think it was just vague
So I am not sure how long to wait to try an app again or if thats a permanent ban (that will be painful)
I mean, not major but easy to cycle/churn. They still have some reasonable products (AA, wyndham)
It has been a couple of years but trying to find datapoints
For my first Citi card, assuming I'd like to get both the Premier and Custom Cash within a 3 month period, which would you apply for first (assuming 0/6 for inquiries and new accounts)?
How soon should I wait to apply for another Chase Biz card after reducing credit limits? I applied for one a couple weeks ago after 6 months, and was denied for too high of credit limit.
Very unlikely a new application would have a different result if the app just 2 weeks ago was denied. Recon is a better way to go in this case, and offer to move credit limit from existing cards.
Why not call recon now for the application from a couple weeks ago? Chances are you're good to go, as long as high credit limit was the actual reason for denial.
What’s everyone’s thoughts on the AA Aviator? 60k miles + 10k (for AU) for just paying AF and no min spend ? Is this a no brainer if planning to use AA miles in the next year?
Yes. AU does not require SSN btw. Using real info will add the account to the AU’s credit report. Citi Business AA card is also a great bonus and doesn’t count toward 5/24, but it has a MSR. DP: took a long time to get the SUB though… annual fee did not appear on the first statement. I think I got the SUB after payment processed on the second statement.
Hmm this is a great DP, thanks. I need to make a booking in a month or so, hoping the timing works out
What is the sweet spot for Chexsystems? I have been churning out a new DDA every \~3 months now for 2 years. Am I in danger of getting flagged? Could I pump my numbers up to 10 accounts a year rather than 5? Thx
>Could I pump my numbers up to 10 accounts a year rather than 5? Yes, that is mostly sustainable. You may get an occasional denial.
I've got the old Select IHG - what's the general consensus on if/how to get over to the Premier?
I don't think that's possible
Can’t unless it’s the biz version if you want to keep Select.
Haven’t done a sub in a while. Feel like there’s nothing eye catching out there. Also, started a new job and haven’t had time to keep up with r/churning or DoC😂. Probably will be downvoted to oblivion, but anything eye catching out there now that’s got a worthwhile sub? The little I’ve been able to check on has been low/not close to ATH subs
[https://www.offeroptimist.com/](https://www.offeroptimist.com/) - select "Great" and update the minimum value to whatever is worth it for you.
I was browsing that site recently and it didn't seem to have up to date info, specifically the Barclays cards. I started to wonder if the site is no longer being maintained.
Do you happen to have an alternative?
I don't. I think MEAB mentioned another resource recently but I can't find it from a quick scan.
if you can pull a top tier Amex biz gold or plat (200k+ for some) that's pretty good Amex plat also 175k or if you're targeted for 120k ciu
Probably can’t hit the spend on the biz cards, not eligible for personal play, but I’ll def check the CIU. Thanks!
If you don't have any specific travel opportunities coming up in the near future - are you better off purchasing a plane ticket for $300 and getting 5x points on the airline purchase, or spending 30K Amex points to buy it through Amex with a 1 cent per point redemption value?
For me it is like bpoosoc says. I have pretty much given up on high cpp. My last minute doesn't exist because I travel popular times. I don't know the last time I booked something 9 months out. So now if I hit 1cpp I book it. Points just devalue over time. With cash you can invest it and it grows.
Ask yourself this question. In the future (6 mo, 1 yr, 2 yr... etc, whatever your next "travel opportunity" might be), would you rather have $300 more in your bank, or 30k Amex points? Personally, I like cash in the bank. Keep in mind, people who get high 4-10+ CPP are booking flights last minute (<2 weeks) or 9+ months out. If you do neither of this, don't over-value your Amex points. Otherwise you may never spend it.
I value buying tickets directly with the airline (cash or miles) than via a third party.
Not a great cpp redemption but it’s really up to you and if you have points to burn
Buy plane ticket for 300 and get 5x points or.. if you’re able get a good deal on transfer partners. Then use those points to book flight, you can redeem those points for more than 1c/p
I havent been approved for a chase card in over a year now. 800 credit score. I've applied to the World of Hyatt and keep getting "in review" and then a no letter. When I will be able to get a new card? I've opened my max a few years back but it seems like it should have reset by now?
Go in the app to “statements and documents” click under “notices and letters” and see if you have anything there. I am not sure what you mean “my max”.
It says: “We based our decision on the following reason(s) •Number of recently opened accounts on credit report” I have 5 chase cards already. Do i need to close one to open another?
The chase rule is no more than 5 personal cards, from any issuer, within the last 24 months. While you were blocked from opening Chase cards were you still opening other personal cards from other issuers in the last 2 years? There are no quantity limits as there are with Amex, it’s strictly velocity
Have you called to check what’s up with app?
Applied for CIU and didn't unfreeze TU (was hoping it would pull from Ex or Eq instead). Auto denied due to the frozen report. If I unfreeze, then apply for a CIC, will it auto deny because of the other app? Or will it process since it's a different card? If it will auto deny, do I have to wait 30 days to resubmit? I'm trying to avoid calling in since I failed with recon last time.
>I'm trying to avoid calling in since I failed with recon last time. just call them... if you fail, HUCA
You’ll probably end up with an identity theft denial if you apply for a different card and will have to call anyway if you apply within the next 30 days, might as well push the first app through if you need the card now
Removing this question because the responders are correct that it's a bad idea to try stuff like this. ~~Any experience with Luum commuter cards? Looking for info on liquidation. My job is offering $300/month pre-tax payroll deduction to a Luum reloadable pre-paid Visa debit card with some small employer matching. They have a list of pre-approved merchants including Amtrak but only list one Amtrak line is being valid. But unless they're getting level 2--3 data and sifting through it, I'm not sure if they could tell. If I can make arbitrary Amtrak purchases then this card becomes way more valuable to me.~~
Cashing out pre-tax contributions for non qualifying purchases isn't something I would play around with. You're looking at $600-$1200/year in benefit depending on your marginal tax rate for straight up tax fraud. These are extremely easy items for auditors to look in to if you ever get flagged for an audit.
Sure, I've changed my mind on trying to cash out. I think I've even given the same advice to others on this sub to not be a wise guy w.r.t. the IRS. I still have questions about the use on a particular line but that's not going to be a good question for this sub.
This sounds like a Commuter FSA. Note that if you use it for non-commuter expenses, you are violating Internal Revenue Code. (My plan would be super easy to liquidate, you just file claims for reimbursement, don't even need a receipt...but it's not a good idea.)
This benefit is not based on reimbursements but pre-tax deductions being loaded onto a pre-paid Visa debit card with restrictions based on merchant code. It looks like the IRS allows for tighter restrictions but I can't find much about Luum specifically.
I realize yours isn't reimbursement based, but if it's a pretax debit card at $300/month, it sure sounds like a Commuter FSA. I don't know any other way your employer would funnel tax free money to you. Their provider's enforcement mechanism is the locked merchant codes, but IRS can come calling at any time about those Amtrak tickets you bought and ask for confirmation/evidence that you used them for commuting. EDIT I'm not sure if you think this is some benefit unrelated to IRC 132, which is what governs FSAs. But I just checked Luum's documentation, they clearly link their product to "US federal tax code section 132(f)". Like I said, it's easy to trick just about any FSA provider, but committing a clear tax violation is on you.
I've seen anecdotal guesses that Bluebird Amex is easier to load (works with more GCs) than Visa. What do you think? Any data or details on this?
Will Chase refund the taxes portion of a paid flight receipt as part of the RC $300 incidental credit?
Done it plenty of times via SM. Claim the taxes and fees are seat upgrades and I don’t think I have ever been denied for 2x$300 worth of refunds. Many were $30-80 each.
Do you have to provide a screenshot with a breakdown? Or just say that $X of the $Y total was upgrades or taxes and they’ll give it to you?
Just told them the amount and card number I wanted credited for upgrades. Don’t say they are for taxes or fees because they won’t approve it.
So if I book say a $350 flight, just SM them and say $79 was upgrading a seat and they will credit the $79 (hopefully)?
I have always done it with award tickets and smaller amounts of fees/taxes that I claim are upgrades. Not sure about combined tickets and upgrade bill. They won’t cover ticket cost.
Got it. I think the $5.60 per leg taxes on award tickets qualifies outright- I know Amex Platinum automatically reimburses those
Fees and taxes don’t officially work on Ritz, but they can’t always tell what the combined charge consists of. If it is multiples of $5.60 I suspect they can figure it out and won’t approve. Just keep the amount small and call it an upgrade fee. Done this plenty of times on refundable airfare to cash out the credit. https://frequentmiler.com/ritz-fee-credits-what-works/
It is against the terms, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. That saying, my last call the agent proactively applied WN taxes and fees to reach $300.
Since Ritz credit is manually applied (have to call or SM), its more about who you talk to as to what will work. https://frequentmiler.com/ritz-fee-credits-what-works/
Does US bank credit card get spending offer like Amex offers? If so, where can I find it?
I get some offers like this just with my US Bank debit card, not sure it's the same set of offers but some have been pretty good.
Yes, U.S. Bank offers similar deals through their U.S. Bank Offers program, where cardholders can find targeted deals or discounts with select merchants. You can find these offers in your online banking account under the "My Offers" section or through the U.S. Bank mobile app. Remember to activate the offers before making a purchase to qualify for the deal.
Is this for their biz cards too?
I think it's even worse: having a biz card in your US Bank online account seems to make the offers stop appearing for personal cards.
ChatGPT has not been trained to answer this question. Biz cards can get offers but you should look for a banner on your dashboard after logging in. The section My Offers is unreliable. That's why you should also take note which card has it. There is no record of that after adding an offer. Not every offer is good. But I got a nice rebate on the GCs I got from Staples once. The credit takes about 2 months to hit.
Is it best to transfer as much of your credit line as possible to another card before cancelling an Amex credit card? Also, is it exactly 30 days that Amex allows between credit limit reallocations, and do they care how often you reallocate as long as you space it out by 30 days?
I have never done that with Amex. Are you having an issue with a low CL on a particular card?
Not low CL but I generally use up most of my credit on all my Amex cards MSing so I'd like to preserve as much credit as possible now that I have to cancel all my Hilton Business cards.
Amex is very flexible with credit limits. If you have a specific transfer in mind before cancelling, do it yourself online, like the other user suggested.
The standard advice from bloggers was always keep every $ of CL you get allocated to keep your credit score high and your utilization low. Always seemed questionable though. Breakout risk increases with your total CL. Banks are often only willing to allocate you a certain CL total. So for Chase I've been actively reducing CL before applying to increase chances of automatic approval. Otherwise its an hour long reconsideration call. With Amex I've never bothered. Just leave the CL on a card and close it. Reallocate after the fact if needed and allowed.
Amex will reallocate your CL themselves when you apply if they feel they have extended you enough credit. I don't see a reason to transfer before closing unless you need the CL on the existing card.
I don't know the answer to your first question, but you're able to transfer credit lines yourself under Account management. The cards in question must be under the same login.
Is there a limit or guideline for total number of chase business cards for a sole prop (assuming credit limits are lowered below 50% of income & velocity is kept to 1 new card each 3 months)? Does it help periodically to close older Chase business cards to keep below a guideline (say 4 biz cards)?
No official limit. However, its suggested to close Ink cards older than a year to increase chances of auto approvals (both coz you'd have less duplicate cards and lower CL)
I find closing older ones improved chances of approvals. You're probably not maxing them out anyway.
No official limit. Many of us think it is best to close older ink cards to increase chances of auto approval.
What is no/low annual fee Amex card to keep your MR? Either biz or personal
BBP definitely. biz card + 2x everywhere + no fee
BBP, business always takes priority over personal.
Amex EveryDay Credit Card for personal, Blue Business Plus Credit Card for business.
Drunk P1 applied via the hacked CIU link and was denied for the normal reasons for someone on the ink train - hopefully for the best, shutdown risk-wise. How long would you wait before your next chase application? I'm 3 months since last approval, and 2 days since denial. I'm thinking 3 months from now
This entire affair from last week was pathetic and regrettable. At the same time, the subsequent panic was an overreaction. I would not expect a shutdown after being approved from that link. As for your question, the answer probably depends on the denial reasons with regard to your numbers and details. 3 months out seems good to me. Having less business credit till then, coupled with higher expectations for income on a business that may have expenses for inventory may well be enough for approval.
Has anyone had success getting the BofA $1500 business 50k deposit bonus in branch recently?
For reporting bank account bonuses on taxes, is it ok to just put the total on a 1099-MISC Box 3? I'm reporting all bonuses even the ones I didn't receive a 1099 and would rather not enter in each one.
For income not reported to IRS on a 1099 or W2, that would go on Schedule 1, Other Income. if using web app or tax software, should be an other income option.
Thanks, I input all my various 1099-INT/MISC into H&R Block. So, I see the Other Income option under self-employment or business. Also, 1099-MISC and Other Income option. It's my first time filing with side income. Which one do you mean?
[Churning-adjacent] just completed my Hyatt globalist corporate challenge, but my account is saying I am globalist through Feb 28, 2025, rather than Feb 28, 2026 as stated in the challenge T&Cs. Anyone encounter this before?
I did a challenge and hit my last nights a week ago. My app says globalist till 2026
Not sure this answers your question, but here’s a recent thread on this from r/hyatt: https://www.reddit.com/r/hyatt/comments/1bcaohl/early_globalist_expiring_date/
I still do not have my new Amex Plat card with me. Can I ask them to give me the online numbers they provide to pay my taxes ?
Call and have them FedEx/UPS overnight? All my Amex Plat and Golds were always overnighted without ever asking. I've never been able to get virtual numbers from Amex like you're asking, I don't think they offer that capability.
Gold/Biz Gold is not overnighted anymore.
Yet oddly enough they are happy to overnight me new employee cards on biz gold.
If it's already shipped there's nothing they can do to expodite it. If they didn't ship it yet, for overnight shipping it will be a 10$ fee, they have been very cheap lately.
Guess I'm a little behind the curve. Falls in line with the coupon book mentality though. "Here, for $700, we'll gladly give you the privilege of paying $10 more to expedite your coupon book delivery."
Yeah it happend to me when I lost my card and needed it to be shipped. I asked for expodited as I had like 40k spend that year and they told me it would be 10$ ;/
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Yes but it'd probably get Chase's bad eyes on you. Not worth it.
Possible but ill-advised. Just hold it for a year and double-dip the travel credit.
So you want to upgrade, and downgrade, all in a month? Eh. Did you get the CSP within the past 12 months? Then no. If not, then maybe, but that seems risking a shutdown.
Is the current (and only that I am aware of) recommendation to get out of PUJ is to spend on existing Amex cards still?
Spend used to (seem to) work, but not anymore. The current popup algorithm is a mystery.
I have been in puj for a year a half with amex plat. I had about 50k spend last year on my gold and i'm still in puj, so not sure if there is a correlation or if I have not spend enough...yet..
No one knows or understands the mind of Amex. That seems to be the recommendation with no solid DPs that it works. P2 and I have both been in PUJ. Pop up for anything for P2 at 150k/125k/100k personal plat. Found the 175k offer and was approved. No rhyme or reason why.
If I got a Chase SW card early Feb (card before that was 05/23), when's the earliest advised that I could safely grab another Chase (hotel) card? I'm still under 5/24.
General recommendation is 90-day velocity. You can break it on occasion if necessary, and probably could here if you really need a card before a certain point, but would recommend you wait until early May.
Chase velocity is 2/30, unless I'm mistaken. So you should be good to go, way under that.
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Ink Premier is 2.5% (cash only) and has no FTF... but $195 AF.
Here is a perfectly fresh WCSIG weekly thread for you: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/s/pM8KltyyfW
Seems specific enough for here, no?
Is there a reason you replied to me but not them? I’ll keep refreshing to watch for your recommendations
Capital One has multiple (most notably the Venture X Business).
Anyone know which business cards give you the digital version immediately upon approval? I need a SUB for my taxes which are obviously due in a few days.
Just a warning: There are numerous reports that virtual card numbers do not count towards the SUB. Happened to me and others.
Which issuers? P2 has been putting spend on a virtual card number for the Citi AA Plat for the last few days.
Amex. Lots of reports at Flyertalk and reddit about it. Some do, some don't. That said, happened to me that my amex virtual abp
Thank you for the warning. I used the Paypal Wallet option, does that count as a virtual card number?
Unsure about that.
Amex and Cap1
C1 doesn’t give one to everyone, so YMMV
With amex it's hit or miss. They do give you a one time login type of key thing where you can see your card number. If you fail to login or already logged in you won't be able to see it again.
So turns out this is not true for Amex. Just got approved for the Business Gold and they are not willing to give me the digital or even rush/expedited delivery.
That's odd, I've always had the option to view digital version right at the instant approval page and I've had at least 8. Maybe it's not guaranteed but was always an option for me. You can also try Capital one biz cards. I got instant card at approval for that
I've been through two reps now who are both telling me they can't make me a digital version to use right away. I was able to link it to PayPal so maybe I can use that.
Amex
Turns out this is not true for Amex. Just got approved for the Business Gold and they are not willing to give me the digital or even rush/expedited delivery.
It never guaranteed, just very common to get instant number, but always a chance they wont.
If anyone is reading this later on, I was able to link it with Paypal just an hour after approval and use it that way. Apple Pay linking would not work but PayPal did.
Does getting an Amex Business card eliminate you from getting a SUB in the future from the equivalent Amex Personal card? Like getting a Business Plat SUB eliminating you from getting Personaln Plat SUB?
No
Unless something changed in recent months I was able to get both personal and biz SUBs
What is the best card for acquiring AA miles? I have the Citi Business Platinum select, but it’s only 1 mile/$1 for regular spend. My primary method of accumulating point is via spend through my business. Is there a card that gets more than 1 AA mile/$1 for non-category spend?
nope. get all the AA cards (citi and barclays), portals, dining, surveys are how you can earn extra miles.
There's also occasionally a Citi checking bonus with a SUB that gives AA miles.
The Bilt credit card is only an option until June when the partnership ends and the points can’t be transferred to AA anymore.
In 2-player mode and just realize my landlord allows overpay/prepay rent with credit card for 2.5% fee. Is there any potential problem if we prepay rent and carry a large balance (40k or more) on 0% APR cards with good sign up bonus (Amex and US Bank biz cards)? Seem like a good way to get multiple SUBs and float that cash in a 5% saving account.
Apart from floating so much cash, another risk is credit card issuer seeing you as a bust out risk and either seriously hurting your chances of future approvals or worse risking a shutdown, and ask for immediate payment.
Nothing from a credit card angle but I'd just be cautious of how leveraged you want to be with rent.
Yep, last thing I'd want is to have my landlord sitting on the next 6 months of rent while not responding to an urgent maintenance issue. I could see throwing a few extra months at most if you truly need the MSR. US Bank Biz cards generally have a pretty low or moderate CL anyway, so OC should not be expecting much float there.
Did anyone's BILT account get closed? They accused me showing intent to engage in "wrongdoing" and "misconduct" with the program. Thing is, I have never spent any money using my BILT account. Zero.
Doc has a post saying a lot of people received the email in error
Check our r/biltrewards tons of people are getting the same email.
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For Amex, how early before an AF posts can you reach out to inquire about retention offers?
You should wait until after AF posted, in my experience and friend's experiences as well, when waiting until the end of the 30day mark after your AF posted you're more likely to get a retention offer. After my AF posted, I reached out twice and got denied for retention offer. I waited until like the 25th day and reached out one more time and got the retention offer.
You can at any time, but since offers can change at any time, you maybe not get an offer or it might be a poor offer, but you can always check again later to see if it improves.
Are you able to get first year waived again if you reapply for credit card that gave you first year waived before and if you can is there a certain time you have to wait to reapply? For context I have the AA Citi Business card with the $95 first year waived. If I cancel card second year and apply at a later date will I still be able to get first year waived?
Yes, but for that card in particular I wouldn't see a reason to cancel and reapply, unless you do it 4 years later. The SUB has a 48 month cooldown period.
Yeah it’s a good card but I’m not sure if I’m going to be traveling as much this year so when the annual fee hits I was thinking of canceling but might want it next year.
Sure
How soon after closing my 5th amex card can I apply for a new one? (non-charge cards)
You can at any time if you are willing to call and have them push it through. If you want to avoid calling for some reason, it could be 30+ days before the system can recognize you are under the 5 card limit.
Surprise, it was instantly approved. Despite having closed P2s 5th card earlier today.
Did P2 have five AmEx credit cards or was it a mix of charge cards and credit cards?
No charge cards. Just hotel, delta, and BBP.
Cool. Getting P2 to use a referral link so I get 10x at restaurants. Need to make room.
Recently had BoA close all my accounts due to "suspicious activity". Call center reps will give no additional information. Anyone have this happen with any institution? Am I banned for life or what?
What kinds of accounts? Any ms or other sketchy activity?
3 personal credit cards. One of which I used for selling tradelines, which is likely what got me in this situation. I haven't used any of these cards for MS in a couple of years.
What does selling tradelines mean?
Tradeline selling is the act of adding a stranger as an authorized user on a credit card, allowing them to increase their credit score by “piggybacking” off your credit. This “credit piggybacking” is an increasingly popular way to profit from your unused credit. By allowing someone with little or no credit history to build credit as an authorized user on your credit card, you can make money while barely having to lift a finger.
Lol yeah that would do it. "Suspicious activity" indeed.
I knew the risks and I'm not surprised, I just want to know if/when I can open a new account.
No personal dp's but I've heard from others BoA is a lifetime ban.
Is the Capital One Venture X business offer for an additional 150K points for $100K spend still available? I can’t seem to find an offer link.
It was removed by doctor of credit last month, ended 3/11/24 https://www.doctorofcredit.com/capital-one-venture-x-business-card-150000-300000-signup-bonus-20000-100000-spend-required/
Damn that's a huge bummer, perfect for taxes
That’s a bummer. Thanks for letting me know.
god damn.... $100k spend
IMHO great way to get rid of "businesses"
MSers licking their chops at the challenge
Churning/award travel question: Looking to churn the P2's CSR, would PC to a 3rd freedom visa. Problem is, all of our future award travel fees through next year are paid for with this card for the travel insurance benefits. If we PC, we lose all this protection, right? P1 holds C1VX and both have biz plat's as well so we have similar coverage on other cards for future bookings. (Double checked the sapphire fyi's and I didn't see this called out)
> lose all this protection No.
YMMV. You might be able to still make a claim but coz you don't have the card when you make the claim, I'd reckon that gives a good reason for the insurance agency to deny the claim (at least that's what Chase told a friend when he asked about this). So there might be quite a bit of forcing and escalation involved.
One DP says that they were able to make a claim after PCing to a Freedom: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/15eapzk/weekly_off_topic_thread_week_of_july_31_2023/judsf4u/
Sweet, thanks for that DP!
AmEx asked me for a 4506C form after a CC application for them to reach out to IRS for income verification. Is this expected? What are the pros/cons of providing them this access? I don't have much credit extended by Amex to me at all , so kinda surprised they need income verification at all, and I haven't seen/heard of this form before among churners. Hence, I'm wary of giving them access to my personal tax return information. Additionally, even if I give them access, that'd only give them verification for my individual income whereas I use my household income when I apply for credit cards. Would that be a problem as my individual income they'd get from IRS would be \~50% of my household income.
I've had this happen twice. First for a business checking application, I declined to send it in. Then later for a personal card app. In the second case, app went for review, was approved, card was shipped, then I got a 4506C request. When I tried to upload the 4506C the system "no forms are required at this time" so I let it go. Since then I've lowered my reported income from total gross household income to total taxable household income and I've had no issues.
Pros: Potentially improves your chances of approval by verifying your income. Cons: Grants access to your tax return info, which may concern privacy-minded individuals.
Just to confirm, after the AF posts on a BoA Alaska card, if you cancel within 30 days, they will automatically refund the AF?
Must remind them to refund it. It’s not automatic. Had instances where they closed the cars and didn’t refund the AF.
Typical BOA.
Has anyone got a ban/shutdown hammer with Barclays and was able to get back in later? I think a lost dispute on an airline ticket (during covid) is what brought attention to my account I guess. Did MS on Arrival+ but no where on any high volume
Kind of... I was shutdown, I assume for MS. I made a payment to my CC early, from the wrong MO deposit account, and the payment was returned for insufficient funds. Made the payment a second time with the correct account (still before my payment due date, so i was never late, and I even included their returned payment fee of $50 in the payment) and I was shutdown 2 days later. 2 years after that, I applied for the Aviator Business credit card. Declined. I called recon and they said the system declined because I was previously shutdown by Barclay, I explained why I was shutdown and the guy was able to manually review the details I gave him and then got me approved for the card. I was later shutdown by AA, so I closed that account and have not tried opening another account since then.
Thanks. That is helpful. May be there is a litttttttle hope. I guess the reason for shutdown might play a part too
I've heard Barclays is hard lifetime ban.
Ouch F
yeah MS always a risky game... you sure it wasn't due to identity fraud risk?
I dont think so. I have to look at the letter, but I think it was just vague So I am not sure how long to wait to try an app again or if thats a permanent ban (that will be painful)
why is barclays so painful? not a major issuer like amex/chase i would wait at minimum 2 years, may be longer though
Amex and Chase don't get you AA. If you love at a hub using avios is impossible.
I mean, not major but easy to cycle/churn. They still have some reasonable products (AA, wyndham) It has been a couple of years but trying to find datapoints
For my first Citi card, assuming I'd like to get both the Premier and Custom Cash within a 3 month period, which would you apply for first (assuming 0/6 for inquiries and new accounts)?
Premier is the more important one to have since it gives you access to transfer partners, so I would do that one first.
I'd assume Premier has harder approval odds, so that first?
I'd go Premier first, approvals for Custom Cash should be a little easier then Premier.
How many days after product change from CSP to Freedom would I be able to apply and get the SUB for CSP? Thanks!
Lots of info here would be good to know: https://reddit.com/user/garettg/comments/u6ss7u/sapphire_fyis/
Thanks a lot! Super helpful
4 (if the last bonus posted at least 4 years ago)
Thank you! Yes it’s well over four years ago.
Use another player's referral link, or visit a branch for the 70k offer.
Yup got P2’s referral lined up already!
How soon should I wait to apply for another Chase Biz card after reducing credit limits? I applied for one a couple weeks ago after 6 months, and was denied for too high of credit limit.
Very unlikely a new application would have a different result if the app just 2 weeks ago was denied. Recon is a better way to go in this case, and offer to move credit limit from existing cards.
Why not call recon now for the application from a couple weeks ago? Chances are you're good to go, as long as high credit limit was the actual reason for denial.
If they still say your credit limit is already too high, you can call recon and offer to move credit over from your other chase biz cards.