I always wanted to ask since flyertalk and churning are so hostile, do you only use Simon Mall Gift cards for minimum spending? Or do you use it regularly to rack up points?
I only ask because there's only 2-4 cards I can think of that would make it worth it to buy craploads of SMGC regularly for points since it doesn't get any bonus spending on any credit cards
Rarely for churning. I haven't developed reliable exits for large amounts. Don't want to be sitting on $5000 in cards racking up interest. Also no Big points except the 2% Citi card. The arbitrage is too low to make it worth it for me. Some people will hustle really fucking hard though.
I use it to get cash, and min spend, and cycle balances.
Do you have to ask for credit increase or is it auto?
Im at 5k on csp
My discover is only $9,500
Not that a high credit limit does me any good, I don't like having debt
Bank of America gave me an auto bump, but Discover made me ask for a bump (I just had to log in and press a button). If it's been 6 months since you signed up I'd go for it
Yeah i use Staples $300 gift cards with my inks, but I don't do any serious volume, only 1-3K per month
I only asked because 2% on those $500 gift cards have slim margins, and I personally wouldn't find it worth it for the Citi DC, Arrival+, or Venture, which are the only cards that would make a profit on them
I know people also use those gift cards for SPG points, but I don't think I could make that profitable with the redemptions I do and with the SPG program soon to be going extinct
Every month, when you pay your bill just call and ask. If they require a credit check say no. and ask for a reduced apr.
Particularly if you get a card with a higher limit. They'll know.
Yeah my company doesn't have a score good enough for ink just yet.
it auto'ed me a couple of times. i asked once and got a bump on another card (chase freedom)
Most fraud isn't committed using your existing credit card, it's done by using your personal information to open up lines of credit in your name without you noticing. Obviously your existing card is still at risk but this is much easier to fix than someone opening up lines of credit in your name.
If one credit card gets stolen you don't have a problem. Banks will refund you whatever money you lost and you can go on your way. If someone decides to take your credit for a ride so to speak though, you are fucking fucked and there's really not much you can do to prevent it. All someone needs is some key personal information and they can bullshit their way into free money.
To be completely honest with you family the number one way to prevent fraud is by having shitty credit.
You people talking about churning $500 gift cards: what gift cards are you buying, where are you redeeming them, and are you actually making money or just miles?