What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

[DrGrnTum]

Yeah, but I've been doing credit card offers for 15 years and I am only aware of that perk being offered that way over one period of time.

The link I posted describes the optimal way to apply for the SouthWest companion pass.
The link explains signing up for two Chase SW credit cards and timing your applications so that the companion pass is good for two years.
Here is another link that explains getting the pass with one card.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-so ... h-2-28-25/

To really get the most out of  these offerings, you could play the game in 2 player mode. 
Have your wife apply for the SW CC when the offer comes around again.
Keep the card for one year, use the companion pass then cancel it when the annual fee is due.
Then when Chase offers the companion pass CC again, you apply for the card.
After one year you cancel  the card.
Now, after two years your wife is now eligible to apply for the card again.
Rinse and repeat if Chase continues the one card companion pass promotion.

Last year, they just gave it away without jumping through those extra hoops. It was the only year they did that, that I can remember. That was my point.

The question is if it will be an annual thing.

And the answer is absolutely not.

"And Only the Shadow knows". (Chase)

[Wannaretireearly]

How can I chatGPT the last 10 pages or so to extract/ask questions on this goldmine thread?

I’m frustrated the CC companies keep rejecting me. I’m actually taking it personally now

[JBTX]

[Merged into the ongoing discussion - moderator oldcomputerguy]


Hello, just checking if anyone else has a better mousetrap.....

I currently use the AMEX Blue Cash Preferred for groceries (6% cash back) and gas (3% cash back). I also use the Chase Sapphire Preferred for restaurants and travel (I know, points, not cash back), but it seems to give me the best bang for my buck. I know they're both $95/yr annual fees, but after a year, I still saved a few hundred $s. Also, the sign up bonus pays for the first few years...

Anyone else has better cash back / points experience? Mainly looking for everyday purchases like groceries and gas...

The absolute most lucrative card on everyday things like this is the Citi-sears shop your way card. They offer promotions, seemingly randomly, that can go from 3 months to a year. There is a promotion for 2024 that gives you 10% cash back on groceries restaurants or gas, if you spend $1000 in a month or $2000. In addition to the promotion you get the regular points which is like 5pts per dollar on gas and smaller numbers on other categories. I’ll probably net somewhere between $3000-$4000 in rewards on about $30,000 of spend this year.

[bongo]

Another promo they have is a Southwest biz card with 120k bonus on 15k spend - that gets you almost 2 years of the pass with one card if you time it right (going on right now)

[Count of Notre Dame]

I open a new CC every 3 months depending on sign up bonuses. It actually increased my credit score and my travel costs have been significantly reduced as I use points for most airline travel.

[BashDash]

Hi! I’m confused on the new door dash chase reserve credit. It states two separate 10 dollar credits per month but when I go to make a purchase it says 15$ off?

[stilllurking]

Hi! I’m confused on the new door dash chase reserve credit. It states two separate 10 dollar credits per month but when I go to make a purchase it says 15$ off?

There is a section to apply a code. Click that and see if you are able to see a different offer for the Chase benefit.

I've been unsuccessful in using the benefit all last month. I chatted with them and after a couple of transfers and disconnects, they have me a $10 credit to my DD account. I almost cancelled my CSP but then realized I need it for partner transfers of UR points.

[tj]

I open a new CC every 3 months depending on sign up bonuses. It actually increased my credit score and my travel costs have been significantly reduced as I use points for most airline travel.

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

[Startled Cat]

I open a new CC every 3 months depending on sign up bonuses. It actually increased my credit score and my travel costs have been significantly reduced as I use points for most airline travel.

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

[tj]

I open a new CC every 3 months depending on sign up bonuses. It actually increased my credit score and my travel costs have been significantly reduced as I use points for most airline travel.

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

[Ron Ronnerson]

I open a new CC every 3 months depending on sign up bonuses. It actually increased my credit score and my travel costs have been significantly reduced as I use points for most airline travel.

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

While I’m not the one you addressed the question to, I have been keeping close track of our new credit card accounts in recent years. My wife and I opened 35 accounts between mid-2018 to mid-2024. We plan to open a new one soon for which my wife is pre-approved so let’s round it up to 36 new accounts. That’s 6 per year between 2 people for an average of a new account every 2 months in our household.

The most recent account was opened yesterday: a Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 120k points for spending $8k within 3 months. I value that at $1700. We just recently finished earning the previous bonus, which was 85k points on a Chase Southwest Plus credit card for spending $3k in 3 months. I value the points at $1200.

We often close the accounts after a year or two and churn again, having earned multiple bonuses on Chase for their Sapphire and Ink cards as well as hundreds of thousands of miles on United and Southwest. For example, I opened a Chase United credit card in 2016, 2019, and 2023 and a Chase Southwest credit card in 2017, 2020, and 2024. My wife did something similar but staggered by a year or so. We have (very) occasionally gotten denied but one way to deal with that is to apply for pre-approved offers.

On a side note, we've opened 20 new bank accounts this year for bonuses, having earned a bit over $7k (taxable in our brackets of 12% federal and 4% state). All those accounts are currently open but likely none will be by this time next year.

[Startled Cat]

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

Yes, not strictly on that schedule but that's more or less my cadence. I've opened 6 so far this year. I generally close cards when the annual fee comes due. When you get rejections, do you call the reconsideration line?

[JBTX]

I open a new CC every 3 months depending on sign up bonuses. It actually increased my credit score and my travel costs have been significantly reduced as I use points for most airline travel.

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

While I’m not the one you addressed the question to, I have been keeping close track of our new credit card accounts in recent years. My wife and I opened 35 accounts between mid-2018 to mid-2024. We plan to open a new one soon for which my wife is pre-approved so let’s round it up to 36 new accounts. That’s 6 per year between 2 people for an average of a new account every 2 months in our household.

The most recent account was opened yesterday: a Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 120k points for spending $8k within 3 months. I value that at $1700. We just recently finished earning the previous bonus, which was 85k points on a Chase Southwest Plus credit card for spending $3k in 3 months. I value the points at $1200.

We often close the accounts after a year or two and churn again, having earned multiple bonuses on Chase for their Sapphire and Ink cards as well as hundreds of thousands of miles on United and Southwest. For example, I opened a Chase United credit card in 2016, 2019, and 2023 and a Chase Southwest credit card in 2017, 2020, and 2024. My wife did something similar but staggered by a year or so. We have (very) occasionally gotten denied but one way to deal with that is to apply for pre-approved offers.

On a side note, we've opened 20 new bank accounts this year for bonuses, having earned a bit over $7k (taxable in our brackets of 12% federal and 4% state). All those accounts are currently open but likely none will be by this time next year.

I’m not sure why but I tend to find the bank accounts a bit more work and more annoying, plus they are taxable, and aren’t as comparatively attractive when interest rates are higher, and you are tying up some liquidity. I haven’t done any in a little while, other than the standard chase one about a year ago.

[Ron Ronnerson]

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

While I’m not the one you addressed the question to, I have been keeping close track of our new credit card accounts in recent years. My wife and I opened 35 accounts between mid-2018 to mid-2024. We plan to open a new one soon for which my wife is pre-approved so let’s round it up to 36 new accounts. That’s 6 per year between 2 people for an average of a new account every 2 months in our household.

The most recent account was opened yesterday: a Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 120k points for spending $8k within 3 months. I value that at $1700. We just recently finished earning the previous bonus, which was 85k points on a Chase Southwest Plus credit card for spending $3k in 3 months. I value the points at $1200.

We often close the accounts after a year or two and churn again, having earned multiple bonuses on Chase for their Sapphire and Ink cards as well as hundreds of thousands of miles on United and Southwest. For example, I opened a Chase United credit card in 2016, 2019, and 2023 and a Chase Southwest credit card in 2017, 2020, and 2024. My wife did something similar but staggered by a year or so. We have (very) occasionally gotten denied but one way to deal with that is to apply for pre-approved offers.

On a side note, we've opened 20 new bank accounts this year for bonuses, having earned a bit over $7k (taxable in our brackets of 12% federal and 4% state). All those accounts are currently open but likely none will be by this time next year.

I’m not sure why but I tend to find the bank accounts a bit more work and more annoying, plus they are taxable, and aren’t as comparatively attractive when interest rates are higher, and you are tying up some liquidity. I haven’t done any in a little while, other than the standard chase one about a year ago.

I totally agree for all the reasons you stated. Getting a bunch of 1099s is definitely annoying and sometimes the banks don't send them so you have to keep track of things yourself. However, money is money and, if invested, will hopefully compound nicely over time too. Luckily, it's not an either/or between credit card and bank bonuses so I do both. I had given up on bank bonuses for a bit but I actually sort of missed the sport of it.

[JBTX]

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

While I’m not the one you addressed the question to, I have been keeping close track of our new credit card accounts in recent years. My wife and I opened 35 accounts between mid-2018 to mid-2024. We plan to open a new one soon for which my wife is pre-approved so let’s round it up to 36 new accounts. That’s 6 per year between 2 people for an average of a new account every 2 months in our household.

The most recent account was opened yesterday: a Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 120k points for spending $8k within 3 months. I value that at $1700. We just recently finished earning the previous bonus, which was 85k points on a Chase Southwest Plus credit card for spending $3k in 3 months. I value the points at $1200.

We often close the accounts after a year or two and churn again, having earned multiple bonuses on Chase for their Sapphire and Ink cards as well as hundreds of thousands of miles on United and Southwest. For example, I opened a Chase United credit card in 2016, 2019, and 2023 and a Chase Southwest credit card in 2017, 2020, and 2024. My wife did something similar but staggered by a year or so. We have (very) occasionally gotten denied but one way to deal with that is to apply for pre-approved offers.

On a side note, we've opened 20 new bank accounts this year for bonuses, having earned a bit over $7k (taxable in our brackets of 12% federal and 4% state). All those accounts are currently open but likely none will be by this time next year.

I’m not sure why but I tend to find the bank accounts a bit more work and more annoying, plus they are taxable, and aren’t as comparatively attractive when interest rates are higher, and you are tying up some liquidity. I haven’t done any in a little while, other than the standard chase one about a year ago.

I totally agree for all the reasons you stated. Getting a bunch of 1099s is definitely annoying and sometimes the banks don't send them so you have to keep track of things yourself. However, money is money and, if invested, will hopefully compound nicely over time too. Luckily, it's not an either/or between credit card and bank bonuses so I do both. I had given up on bank bonuses for a bit but I actually sort of missed the sport of it.

I just checked and the chase (bank) one is at $900. That’s too high to pass up. May have to hit that one again, wife first, me second. I may still be in 2 year window.

[tj]

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

While I’m not the one you addressed the question to, I have been keeping close track of our new credit card accounts in recent years. My wife and I opened 35 accounts between mid-2018 to mid-2024. We plan to open a new one soon for which my wife is pre-approved so let’s round it up to 36 new accounts. That’s 6 per year between 2 people for an average of a new account every 2 months in our household.

The most recent account was opened yesterday: a Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 120k points for spending $8k within 3 months. I value that at $1700. We just recently finished earning the previous bonus, which was 85k points on a Chase Southwest Plus credit card for spending $3k in 3 months. I value the points at $1200.

We often close the accounts after a year or two and churn again, having earned multiple bonuses on Chase for their Sapphire and Ink cards as well as hundreds of thousands of miles on United and Southwest. For example, I opened a Chase United credit card in 2016, 2019, and 2023 and a Chase Southwest credit card in 2017, 2020, and 2024. My wife did something similar but staggered by a year or so. We have (very) occasionally gotten denied but one way to deal with that is to apply for pre-approved offers.

On a side note, we've opened 20 new bank accounts this year for bonuses, having earned a bit over $7k (taxable in our brackets of 12% federal and 4% state). All those accounts are currently open but likely none will be by this time next year.

I’m not sure why but I tend to find the bank accounts a bit more work and more annoying, plus they are taxable, and aren’t as comparatively attractive when interest rates are higher, and you are tying up some liquidity. I haven’t done any in a little while, other than the standard chase one about a year ago.

I totally agree for all the reasons you stated. Getting a bunch of 1099s is definitely annoying and sometimes the banks don't send them so you have to keep track of things yourself. However, money is money and, if invested, will hopefully compound nicely over time too. Luckily, it's not an either/or between credit card and bank bonuses so I do both. I had given up on bank bonuses for a bit but I actually sort of missed the sport of it.

I think I actually did more bank bonuses than ever this year, but not the ones that require significant capital tie up, more the ones that required direct deposit. I'll be eligible to do a the Chase $900 one yet again next month, if it's still around. That one does require $15k to be deposited but its fairly short term, and I have a CD of necessary size maturing in October too, so it works out.

[tj]

I open a new CC every 3 months depending on sign up bonuses. It actually increased my credit score and my travel costs have been significantly reduced as I use points for most airline travel.

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

While I’m not the one you addressed the question to, I have been keeping close track of our new credit card accounts in recent years. My wife and I opened 35 accounts between mid-2018 to mid-2024. We plan to open a new one soon for which my wife is pre-approved so let’s round it up to 36 new accounts. That’s 6 per year between 2 people for an average of a new account every 2 months in our household.

The most recent account was opened yesterday: a Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 120k points for spending $8k within 3 months. I value that at $1700. We just recently finished earning the previous bonus, which was 85k points on a Chase Southwest Plus credit card for spending $3k in 3 months. I value the points at $1200.

We often close the accounts after a year or two and churn again, having earned multiple bonuses on Chase for their Sapphire and Ink cards as well as hundreds of thousands of miles on United and Southwest. For example, I opened a Chase United credit card in 2016, 2019, and 2023 and a Chase Southwest credit card in 2017, 2020, and 2024. My wife did something similar but staggered by a year or so. We have (very) occasionally gotten denied but one way to deal with that is to apply for pre-approved offers.

On a side note, we've opened 20 new bank accounts this year for bonuses, having earned a bit over $7k (taxable in our brackets of 12% federal and 4% state). All those accounts are currently open but likely none will be by this time next year.

Having a spouse definitely opens up more opportunities and options. My credit game is solo.

I haven't been rejected by Chase yet thankfully.

it says I'm "already approved" for the Ink Business Preferred, but since I'm over 5/24, I don't think they will actually approve me after pulling my credit.

I did a Chase Ink card in January but I don't know how aggressive I can be with biz cards when I don't have an actual biz.

I did CapitalOne for the first time this year with the Venture and Venture X card 3 months apart, but I've hit a wall with Bank of America and Citi though.

I was able to upgrade my US Bank Altitude Connect to an Altitude Reserve and apparently US Bank gives you SUBs on product changes (or what they call "account upgrades"), so I've been working on that which has been nice since it didn't require a credit inquiry or new account.

Within the past 2 years, I have opened: Barclays American Airlines December 2022, Chase Sapphire Preferred Spring 2023, US Bank Altitude Connect August 2023, Chase Ink Jan 2024, Capital One Venture April 2024, Capital One Venture X July 2024. I wasn't planning to apply for anything else until January when the Barclays card falls off.

[tj]

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

Yes, not strictly on that schedule but that's more or less my cadence. I've opened 6 so far this year. I generally close cards when the annual fee comes due. When you get rejections, do you call the reconsideration line?

Yes, I have called recon, but I've never had success calling recon, so I just get over it and move on with my life.

[rich126]

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

Yes, not strictly on that schedule but that's more or less my cadence. I've opened 6 so far this year. I generally close cards when the annual fee comes due. When you get rejections, do you call the reconsideration line?

Yes, I have called recon, but I've never had success calling recon, so I just get over it and move on with my life.

I think it is ok at times to close cards when the AF comes around but if you do it frequently I'd expect that to be held against you, as it should be. Sometimes you can call and they will offer a bonus to keep the card open.

[Ron Ronnerson]

How many years have you been able to do this for? You don't ever hit a wall at some point?

I've been doing more or less this for about 18 years now.

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

While I’m not the one you addressed the question to, I have been keeping close track of our new credit card accounts in recent years. My wife and I opened 35 accounts between mid-2018 to mid-2024. We plan to open a new one soon for which my wife is pre-approved so let’s round it up to 36 new accounts. That’s 6 per year between 2 people for an average of a new account every 2 months in our household.

The most recent account was opened yesterday: a Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 120k points for spending $8k within 3 months. I value that at $1700. We just recently finished earning the previous bonus, which was 85k points on a Chase Southwest Plus credit card for spending $3k in 3 months. I value the points at $1200.

We often close the accounts after a year or two and churn again, having earned multiple bonuses on Chase for their Sapphire and Ink cards as well as hundreds of thousands of miles on United and Southwest. For example, I opened a Chase United credit card in 2016, 2019, and 2023 and a Chase Southwest credit card in 2017, 2020, and 2024. My wife did something similar but staggered by a year or so. We have (very) occasionally gotten denied but one way to deal with that is to apply for pre-approved offers.

On a side note, we've opened 20 new bank accounts this year for bonuses, having earned a bit over $7k (taxable in our brackets of 12% federal and 4% state). All those accounts are currently open but likely none will be by this time next year.

Having a spouse definitely opens up more opportunities and options. My credit game is solo.

I haven't been rejected by Chase yet thankfully.

it says I'm "already approved" for the Ink Business Preferred, but since I'm over 5/24, I don't think they will actually approve me after pulling my credit.

I did a Chase Ink card in January but I don't know how aggressive I can be with biz cards when I don't have an actual biz.

I did CapitalOne for the first time this year with the Venture and Venture X card 3 months apart, but I've hit a wall with Bank of America and Citi though.

I was able to upgrade my US Bank Altitude Connect to an Altitude Reserve and apparently US Bank gives you SUBs on product changes (or what they call "account upgrades"), so I've been working on that which has been nice since it didn't require a credit inquiry or new account.

Within the past 2 years, I have opened: Barclays American Airlines December 2022, Chase Sapphire Preferred Spring 2023, US Bank Altitude Connect August 2023, Chase Ink Jan 2024, Capital One Venture April 2024, Capital One Venture X July 2024. I wasn't planning to apply for anything else until January when the Barclays card falls off.

Ah, I didn't realize that Chase didn't automatically approve if the "already approved" showed up on their website or app. I also didn't realize that you could get a sign up bonus on product changes through U.S. Bank so that's good to learn as well. This is a useful thread.

In addition to the various cards we've opened for bonuses, I'm finding the Discover It cash back card to come in handy as well. I opened the card in 2022 and got 5% on rotating categories, which was doubled for the first year (so effectively 10% back in certain categories). They also offered 18 months of no interest during a time of relatively high inflation so I just made the minimum payment until the promo ended. Then, earlier this year, I called Discover and asked for 0% interest once again and they added it for another year so I'm back to making just minimum payments and carrying a balance. They're offering 5% back at grocery stores and Walmart on up to $1500 in spending this quarter for the rotating categories but I also got an email from them where I was able to add a promo offer of earning an extra 6% back at restaurants for up to $1000 in spending. No interest is being charged right now so the money that would normally be used to pay off the balance in full is instead earning money.

[Ron Ronnerson]

You've successfully been able to open a new card every 3 months for the past 18 years? Are you also closing some of these cards? I've had banks tell me that I have too much credit, also there are the silly rules like Chase's 5/24 which make frequent card opening harder than it was, say 15 years ago....

Yes, not strictly on that schedule but that's more or less my cadence. I've opened 6 so far this year. I generally close cards when the annual fee comes due. When you get rejections, do you call the reconsideration line?

Yes, I have called recon, but I've never had success calling recon, so I just get over it and move on with my life.

Calling the recon line can be worth it. It's a mixed bag but I've had some luck, especially with Chase. One time it was an issue of having too much credit with them already so they moved it around from another account. Another time, I was not quite at 5/24 due to being an authorized user on an account my wife had opened. I had myself removed from my wife's account and then called them for reconsideration and was approved.

[tj]

In regards to US Bank, it is 3 months from your anniversary date.

So, I opened my US Bank card in July 2023, I upgraded it August 2024. But the tracker for my $4.5k spend says its needs to be done by a date in October.

I have no idea what they actually enforce, but that is what the tracker says.

[tj]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

[ResearchMed]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Interesting:

4% back... if one has a U.S.Bank savings account with at least $100,000.
3% if $50k-$99.999.

For now, we'll stick with the awards/points for travel.
(If we stop traveling, and we do seem to be slowing down, then we may change strategies.)

RM

[tj]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Interesting:

4% back... if one has a U.S.Bank savings account with at least $100,000.
3% if $50k-$99.999.

For now, we'll stick with the awards/points for travel.
(If we stop traveling, and we do seem to be slowing down, then we may change strategies.)

RM

Have or open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account with a minimum opening deposit of $25; and

Have "Combined Balances" with U.S. Bank in open consumer checking account(s), money market savings account(s), savings account(s), CDs and/or IRAs, U.S. Bancorp Investments and personal trust account(s) (business accounts, commercial accounts, and the Trustee only (IFI) client relationship do not qualify):

Between $5,000 - $49,999.99, to earn a total of 2.5 Points per $1 (a base of 2 Points plus the Smartly Earning Bonus of 0.5 Points),

Between $50,000 - $99,999.99, to earn a total of 3 Points per $1 (a base of 2 Points plus the Smartly Earning Bonus of 1 Point), or

$100,000 or more to earn a total of 4 Points per $1 (a base of 2 Points plus the Smartly Earning Bonus of 2 Points).

Combined Balances are based on the average daily balance of the previous 3 months (calculated monthly) (or, for account(s) open less than 3 months, the average daily balance of the applicable time frame)

[Doom&Gloom]

I'm yawning so far.

[tj]

I'm yawning so far.

4% cash back on everything would blow the Bank Of America 2.625% card out of the water. I don't see how US Bank would make money off that.

[Doom&Gloom]

I'm yawning so far.

4% cash back on everything would blow the Bank Of America 2.625% card out of the water. I don't see how US Bank would make money off that.

I'm not worried about how USB makes money. I'm concerned with what is in it for me. That would be only 2% more than I receive on my purchases now that I don't already receive 4-5% on. And it would require that I tie up $100k with USB. Perhaps if I had much more spend than I do now, but still yawning.

[Pu239]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Per fine print, rewards will be applied monthly as a statement credit...booooo.

[Pu239]

Also, can US Bancorp Investments include self-directed IRAs? I always assumed it was an AUM shop.

[the_wiki]

Also, can US Bancorp Investments include self-directed IRAs? I always assumed it was an AUM shop.

I just looked at it. They have self directed or robo advisor for only 0.20%. They have free mutual fund trades, but I can’t find a list of funds. $5 ETF and stock trades unless you also have checking account. $50 annual account fee. Regular brokerage acct or IRA.

[the_wiki]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Per fine print, rewards will be applied monthly as a statement credit...booooo.

Why boo? That’s the same as cash because now your bill is smaller so more cash stays in your checking.

[Pu239]

Why boo? That’s the same as cash because now your bill is smaller so more cash stays in your checking.

Thanks for providing details about US Bank investments.

Boo because I prefer to accumulate cc cash back and other rewards for specific purchases. I never liked the AODCU and PCMCU cards for this same reason despite offering higher cash back for non-category spending. It's a bucket thing.

[FrugalProfessor]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Interesting:

4% back... if one has a U.S.Bank savings account with at least $100,000.
3% if $50k-$99.999.

For now, we'll stick with the awards/points for travel.
(If we stop traveling, and we do seem to be slowing down, then we may change strategies.)

RM

Have or open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account with a minimum opening deposit of $25; and

Have "Combined Balances" with U.S. Bank in open consumer checking account(s), money market savings account(s), savings account(s), CDs and/or IRAs, U.S. Bancorp Investments and personal trust account(s) (business accounts, commercial accounts, and the Trustee only (IFI) client relationship do not qualify):

Between $5,000 - $49,999.99, to earn a total of 2.5 Points per $1 (a base of 2 Points plus the Smartly Earning Bonus of 0.5 Points),

Between $50,000 - $99,999.99, to earn a total of 3 Points per $1 (a base of 2 Points plus the Smartly Earning Bonus of 1 Point), or

$100,000 or more to earn a total of 4 Points per $1 (a base of 2 Points plus the Smartly Earning Bonus of 2 Points).

Combined Balances are based on the average daily balance of the previous 3 months (calculated monthly) (or, for account(s) open less than 3 months, the average daily balance of the applicable time frame)

Game changer indeed!

So basically it's the same gimmick as BoA/Merrill? Transfer $100k of VTI (or whatever your investment of choice is) to a self-directed US Bank Brokerage account and hop on board the 4% gravy train? Sign me up!

As an aside, I'm about a month into my first US Bank credit card (altitude reserve) and only have positive things to say about the company. Such a breath of fresh air compared to BoA. Like, great customer service on the phone. Super easy to set up autopay (a hilariously difficult task to set up with BoA...what a joke!). Etc. Just head and shoulders above BoA in every aspect (with the obvious exception of failing to match BoA's 5.25% cash back).

[VanityPlate]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Glad to see a new competitor in the “catch all” unlimited cash back category but this just seems too gimmicky go for me. Have to jump through a lot of hoops to get a setup that is marginally better than Fido’s SPAXX + 2% card, when taking into account all fees and the headache of additional accounts with a new provider.

[Mudpuppy]

So basically it's the same gimmick as BoA/Merrill? Transfer $100k of VTI (or whatever your investment of choice is) to a self-directed US Bank Brokerage account and hop on board the 4% gravy train? Sign me up!

Not quite. To get the bonus 2%, you first need to open a US Bank Smartly Savings account with a minimum opening balance of $25. That account costs $5/month unless you also open a US Bank Smartly checking account or Safe Debit account. The US Bank Smartly Savings account has a semi-competitive rate (currently 4.10%) when you have a balance of $25k or more in the savings account and a combined personal balance of $25k or more.

The US Bank Smartly checking account costs $6.95 a month, but that is waived with a US Bank consumer credit card or if you have a combined personal balance of $20k or more (or some other conditions, but these are the easiest ones to meet in this scenario). The US Bank Safe Debit account has a $4.95 monthly fee, and doesn't appear to have fee waiver conditions available to everyone, so it's probably not a good way to avoid the savings account fee.

So, you'll need to open at least three accounts (US Bank Smartly savings, checking, and credit card), or four accounts if you opt for the US Bancorp Investment account. Then you'll need to decide if you want to park $25k in the savings account for that semi-competitive high yield savings account rate, or direct most of the money into the investment account.

Per fine print, rewards will be applied monthly as a statement credit...booooo.

FYI, I think you read the footnote incorrectly. It says the full bonus rate is for deposits into a US Bank account, while statement credits may not get the full redemption amount. Refer to footnote 2 on the linked page:

2. This card earns cash back rewards in the form of Points. To redeem as Cash Back in the values noted in this advertisement, rewards Points can be redeemed as a deposit into an eligible U.S. Bank deposit account. Other redemptions, such as statement credits and gift cards, may be at a reduced redemption rate.

[3000]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Per fine print, rewards will be applied monthly as a statement credit...booooo.

It says you can deposit rewards into a deposit account. Have the rewards put in a checking account and either pull the money out or Zelle it to where you bank.

This card earns cash back rewards in the form of Points. To redeem as Cash Back in the values noted in this advertisement, rewards Points can be redeemed as a deposit into an eligible U.S. Bank deposit account. Other redemptions, such as statement credits and gift cards, may be at a reduced redemption rate.

[3000]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Thank you for this. Looks interesting.

[the_wiki]

So basically it's the same gimmick as BoA/Merrill? Transfer $100k of VTI (or whatever your investment of choice is) to a self-directed US Bank Brokerage account and hop on board the 4% gravy train? Sign me up!

Not quite. To get the bonus 2%, you first need to open a US Bank Smartly Savings account with a minimum opening balance of $25. That account costs $5/month unless you also open a US Bank Smartly checking account or Safe Debit account. The US Bank Smartly Savings account has a semi-competitive rate (currently 4.10%) when you have a balance of $25k or more in the savings account and a combined personal balance of $25k or more.

The US Bank Smartly checking account costs $6.95 a month, but that is waived with a US Bank consumer credit card or if you have a combined personal balance of $20k or more (or some other conditions, but these are the easiest ones to meet in this scenario). The US Bank Safe Debit account has a $4.95 monthly fee, and doesn't appear to have fee waiver conditions available to everyone, so it's probably not a good way to avoid the savings account fee.

So, you'll need to open at least three accounts (US Bank Smartly savings, checking, and credit card), or four accounts if you opt for the US Bancorp Investment account. Then you'll need to decide if you want to park $25k in the savings account for that semi-competitive high yield savings account rate, or direct most of the money into the investment account.

I don’t need that much red tape in my life.

Edit: Looks like it's really only for those that want to make US Bank their primary bank.

[Pu239]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Per fine print, rewards will be applied monthly as a statement credit...booooo.

It says you can deposit rewards into a deposit account. Have the rewards put in a checking account and either pull the money out or Zelle it to where you bank.

This card earns cash back rewards in the form of Points. To redeem as Cash Back in the values noted in this advertisement, rewards Points can be redeemed as a deposit into an eligible U.S. Bank deposit account. Other redemptions, such as statement credits and gift cards, may be at a reduced redemption rate.

Hmmm...you and Mudpuppy might be right. I'm planning to watch as details unfold. Already have a USB checking account and consumer cc but don't think my checking account is "Smartly". This new card offers a $137.50 per $10,000 spend advantage over the BoA Preferred Rewards card so, for me, it could result in an annual $400+ improvement in cash rewards. Question is: after accounting for fees, how bad will the hassle factor be over BoA? The competition is definitely welcome.

[Lastrun]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Couple of other issues:

Brokerage has a $50 annual fee apparently if under $250K, so that will need to be factored in.

100 free trades then $4.95 a trade after that, probably not an issue for most.

Is there a FTF on this card? Can’t tell. That would be a killer for me.

Domestic ATM reimbursement? Not a big deal, but…..

Interested though.

[the_wiki]

Well this would be a gamechanger:

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/ban ... OTHI_72833

Couple of other issues:

Brokerage has a $50 annual fee apparently if under $250K, so that will need to be factored in.

100 free trades then $4.95 a trade after that, probably not an issue for most.

Is there a FTF on this card? Can’t tell. That would be a killer for me.

Domestic ATM reimbursement? Not a big deal, but…..

Interested though.

Also it looked like they had a selection of free to trade mutual funds, but not sure which fund companies.

If a 4% card had a $50 annual fee, I'd pay it, so broker account fee not really an obstacle. However, there is no clear statement that the Visa card will not also have an annual fee.

Both of their other cashback cards have 3% FTF.

No ATM reimbursement, but US Bank has ATMs at every 7-11.

[dachshunddad]

So basically it's the same gimmick as BoA/Merrill? Transfer $100k of VTI (or whatever your investment of choice is) to a self-directed US Bank Brokerage account and hop on board the 4% gravy train? Sign me up!

Not quite. To get the bonus 2%, you first need to open a US Bank Smartly Savings account with a minimum opening balance of $25. That account costs $5/month unless you also open a US Bank Smartly checking account or Safe Debit account. The US Bank Smartly Savings account has a semi-competitive rate (currently 4.10%) when you have a balance of $25k or more in the savings account and a combined personal balance of $25k or more.

The US Bank Smartly checking account costs $6.95 a month, but that is waived with a US Bank consumer credit card or if you have a combined personal balance of $20k or more (or some other conditions, but these are the easiest ones to meet in this scenario). The US Bank Safe Debit account has a $4.95 monthly fee, and doesn't appear to have fee waiver conditions available to everyone, so it's probably not a good way to avoid the savings account fee.

So, you'll need to open at least three accounts (US Bank Smartly savings, checking, and credit card), or four accounts if you opt for the US Bancorp Investment account. Then you'll need to decide if you want to park $25k in the savings account for that semi-competitive high yield savings account rate, or direct most of the money into the investment account.

Per fine print, rewards will be applied monthly as a statement credit...booooo.

FYI, I think you read the footnote incorrectly. It says the full bonus rate is for deposits into a US Bank account, while statement credits may not get the full redemption amount. Refer to footnote 2 on the linked page:

2. This card earns cash back rewards in the form of Points. To redeem as Cash Back in the values noted in this advertisement, rewards Points can be redeemed as a deposit into an eligible U.S. Bank deposit account. Other redemptions, such as statement credits and gift cards, may be at a reduced redemption rate.

That’s a lot of hoops. Having to keep track of all that doesn’t sound worth it. But interested to see what others think.

[BashDash]

Thank you for all the help with my unique questions in the past! Also, thank you for helping me discover the Shop Your Way Mastercard! I have a points related question that someone may have knowledge on. Not really a credit card question but still I know this is a knowledgeable crowd!

Looking to book a Hyatt property ( Chatwol Lodge in upstate NY) and it seems impossible to book literally any time. The points calendar shows the poinst amount etc but I've tried dozens of dates just a one night stay and nothing works. I know it is a small unique hotel with very few rooms but still I thought there might be a chance.....Not sure if anyone has experienced this before even if it was at a different hotel.

Thanks for any insight!

[bogles the mind]

Has anyone successfully stacked Shop Your Way promotions. I currently am signed up for the 10% off $1000 spent per month (groceries, gas, restaurants) for one year. All different types of additional offers arrive in my inbox. I have read some people stacked these offers but I am afraid to try since I don't want to lose the one I'm using. Customer service is a waste of time.

[THY4373]

Looking to book a Hyatt property ( Chatwol Lodge in upstate NY) and it seems impossible to book literally any time. The points calendar shows the poinst amount etc but I've tried dozens of dates just a one night stay and nothing works. I know it is a small unique hotel with very few rooms but still I thought there might be a chance.....Not sure if anyone has experienced this before even if it was at a different hotel.

From reading on Flyertalk it looks like this property plays a lot of games with points bookings. It looks like the calendar is unreliable for finding rooms you can actually book with points. A few folks seem to have had success on points but often in the depths of winter. Basically if you want to use Hyatt points there you have your work cut out for you.

Also not sure if it applies to this hotel but some hotels have minimum stays either all the time or a certain dates so sometimes it is just not possible to book one night. This is rare but I have run into it at some hotels, particularly during peak times.

[BashDash]

THY4373 Thanks for the reply! I am a little upset though that you are not giving me some fancy work around that I didn't know existed .

[Fennec]

I was able to upgrade my US Bank Altitude Connect to an Altitude Reserve and apparently US Bank gives you SUBs on product changes (or what they call "account upgrades"), so I've been working on that which has been nice since it didn't require a credit inquiry or new account.

They gave you a SUB for a PC? The last time I inquired with USB about this I was told "No," but I have the Altitude Go (a forced PC from the old Club Carlson card) and not the Connect. Can you share the SUB and spending requirement? There is an up to $450 bank bonus (requires 2 direct deposits) for the Bank Smartly checking account going on, using promo code 2024JULY, so I'm thinking now would be a good time to get set up for this new USB Visa card. I joined the waitlist so I can find out what the details are when it goes live.

[Fennec]

Looking to book a Hyatt property ( Chatwol Lodge in upstate NY) and it seems impossible to book literally any time. The points calendar shows the poinst amount etc but I've tried dozens of dates just a one night stay and nothing works. I know it is a small unique hotel with very few rooms but still I thought there might be a chance.....Not sure if anyone has experienced this before even if it was at a different hotel.

Thanks for any insight!

Try checking the maxmypoint.com website. Type in the name of your desired property and a calendar should pop up with award availability. I think it scrapes data points periodically, so it's possible that it is phantom availability but it gives you a starting point. I'm seeing dates this month for 90k/nt. It's hard to find that information from Hyatt's own website.

[tj]

I was able to upgrade my US Bank Altitude Connect to an Altitude Reserve and apparently US Bank gives you SUBs on product changes (or what they call "account upgrades"), so I've been working on that which has been nice since it didn't require a credit inquiry or new account.

They gave you a SUB for a PC? The last time I inquired with USB about this I was told "No," but I have the Altitude Go (a forced PC from the old Club Carlson card) and not the Connect. Can you share the SUB and spending requirement? There is an up to $450 bank bonus (requires 2 direct deposits) for the Bank Smartly checking account going on, using promo code 2024JULY, so I'm thinking now would be a good time to get set up for this new USB Visa card. I joined the waitlist so I can find out what the details are when it goes live.

Don't inquire, just do. Phone reps arent informed., First rep I called said it was not possible to PC and i had to apply ofr the card. Hung up, called again and PC was processed.

Don't draw extra attention to what you do. For whatever reason the computers give people SUBs for the product changes.
It's not clear why, but there are multiple people on Reddit who have accomplished this even without the bonus tracker showing up. The catch is if hte tracker does show up, it shows that you have until 90 dyas after your anniversary, again, nobody knows why. i also don't know if the computers are programmed to force that or not. I plan to complete the spend within the timeframe of what it shows it must be done why.

It's the same SUB that one would get when they just apply for the card.