I love credit cards so much! v7.0 - 2025 (see first page for add'l details)

[elgerber]

I’d close what Chase cards you don’t need but give it a 30 day cooling off period after to make sure credit limits fully reset. How about an Amex biz card in the meantime?

I have been in pop up jail for years. Haven’t tried recently but the only biz cards I haven’t had have big fees and spends. Nothing I am comfortable managing. I have had delta gold and plat, biz gold, not sure what else I could get.

 

[elgerber]

I have been in pop up jail for years. Haven’t tried recently but the only biz cards I haven’t had have big fees and spends. Nothing I am comfortable managing. I have had delta gold and plat, biz gold, not sure what else I could get.

I could maybe do another US Bank biz. Who is our US Bank expert? I have a Leverage and a Triple Cash. The latter I got in the first portion of October. Thoughts on another one of those or suggestions on a different one?

 

[sky13]

Happy New Year everyone!

I have a few trips planned this year, but probably most excited about a couple of trips to Japan! I've been before but only to Tokyo many years ago, and have been wanting to go back to Japan for a few years now.

Things about the Japan trips that I'm really excited about
- I redeemed miles for few of my flights, including two flights for business class on the Singapore Airlines A380. The flights aren't that long (I live in Singapore so it's only a 6-7 hour flight to get to Japan) but should hopefully be really nice flights!
- We have a vacation package for Tokyo Disneyland, with unlimited Special Attraction Tickets (fastpass?) for a lot of the popular rides including Beauty and the Beast, Pooh, Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Soaring, one time tickets to a Rapunzel and Peter Pan in Fantasy Springs (sadly Frozen is closed when we are there), and unlimited churros and drinks!
- I've been learning Japanese - still at a beginner level though - but hoping that this will be at least a bit useful!

 

[sky13]

Also seems like quite a few people are coming to Singapore this year? Happy to answer any questions about Singapore!

We are considering the Zoo (but for the Night Safari) instead of daytime. Have you been to that? Curious on thoughts. We've been to many zoos, we've seen giant pandas twice in Atlanta, and from the list that I saw online it didn't look like there was anything spectacular to see during the day that we haven't already seen elsewhere. But some of the nocturnal creatures are super interesting and we haven't ever seen them, so I'm kind of interested in trying to fit the Night Safari into our trip. I see that it's kind of out of the way too... do you need to take a taxi type situation to/from the zoo? Advice welcome, as we'll only have 3 1/2 days in Singapore and trying to make the most of it!

Been a few years since I've been to the Zoo/Night Safari/River Safari and I haven't been to the new Bird Paradise park yet. We did the Zoo/River Safari together (can walk between the two) but the Night Safari would have been on a different visit. Quite like them but I don't go often! Have heard good things about Bird Paradise from friends who have been.

And yes they are rather out of the way... I either took a taxi or Grab (Uber-equivalent), or friends/family drove there. There are buses but I've never taken this route. I seem to remember waiting quite a while for a taxi/Grab when I left at closing time a few years ago, not sure of current situation now though!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

We are considering the Zoo (but for the Night Safari) instead of daytime. Have you been to that? Curious on thoughts. We've been to many zoos, we've seen giant pandas twice in Atlanta, and from the list that I saw online it didn't look like there was anything spectacular to see during the day that we haven't already seen elsewhere. But some of the nocturnal creatures are super interesting and we haven't ever seen them, so I'm kind of interested in trying to fit the Night Safari into our trip. I see that it's kind of out of the way too... do you need to take a taxi type situation to/from the zoo? Advice welcome, as we'll only have 3 1/2 days in Singapore and trying to make the most of it!

I did stay at the zoo for the night safari. I had the earliest timed entry and they let me in 20 mins before my time, which was nice. But the line for the ride was already huge. I waited around 40 mins total for my turn to board. IMHO this was a waste of time because I barely saw any animals (you pass by rather quickly, so if they aren't out and about then you don't see them). I did the full walk through afterwards and that was interesting. I did enjoy seeing the Tasmanian devils!
I took the subway to the zoo; at the subway station there is a dedicated bus that goes directly to the zoo -- it's very easy. Going back to my hotel I was hot and tired, so I took a cab even though the bus to the subway was there. Not sure if I would go just for the Night Safari, but just looking back through my pics I know that I'd definitely like to go to the zoo again (though I would skip the night safari).
A few pics taken from my phone. If you want good pics at the Night Safari I'd probably take a good camera (these are from my phone -- good night pics were very hard to get, esp if the animals were moving)

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

I did stay at the zoo for the night safari. I had the earliest timed entry and they let me in 20 mins before my time, which was nice. But the line for the ride was already huge. I waited around 40 mins total for my turn to board. IMHO this was a waste of time because I barely saw any animals (you pass by rather quickly, so if they aren't out and about then you don't see them). I did the full walk through afterwards and that was interesting. I did enjoy seeing the Tasmanian devils!
I took the subway to the zoo; at the subway station there is a dedicated bus that goes directly to the zoo -- it's very easy. Going back to my hotel I was hot and tired, so I took a cab even though the bus to the subway was there. Not sure if I would go just for the Night Safari, but just looking back through my pics I know that I'd definitely like to go to the zoo again (though I would skip the night safari).
A few pics taken from my phone. If you want good pics at the Night Safari I'd probably take a good camera (these are from my phone -- good night pics were very hard to get, esp if the animals were moving)

Interesting take on this... I didn't even think about getting day tickets AND night tickets and just staying... that might actually be a super convenient idea and esp if they let you in a little early! I'm mostly interested in seeing the pangolin, tasmanian devil, hyenas and doing the rhino feeding for $10 during the night safari.
Sounds like using the subway to get there is easy enough, and then maybe we'd just do Grab back to the hotel after.

Have you or @sky13 done Windsor Nature Park? I've also read good things about that, appears to be free, and seems to be in the same vicinity as the zoo. Mostly would be interested in walking around trying to see the monkeys, and see other wildlife.

 

[jujubiee4]

What do you guys think about the rumor of March insurance category for Freedom Flex? I have seen in posted on reddit. I checked my email and though it says March birthday surprise there was no mention
of insurance like some have seen on their accounts.

I

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I hope so. This is just a seat reupholstery side thing he does out of our garage so not really even an official business.

… meanwhile the rest of us are out here feeling super optimistic about this years eBay take, sure it didn’t materialize last year but maybe this year

I don't like Ebay. They want a cut. Craigslist for me and I never have to see them again, or ever if I end up just donating to Goodwill.

Plus, I can't help it if the buyer says he's coming and never shows....

Besides eBay, I do prof/mgmt consulting. First consultation is free. I'm an honest consultant because the majority of my potential clients don't need a consultant and I tell them that...

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Interesting take on this... I didn't even think about getting day tickets AND night tickets and just staying... that might actually be a super convenient idea and esp if they let you in a little early! I'm mostly interested in seeing the pangolin, tasmanian devil, hyenas and doing the rhino feeding for $10 during the night safari.
Sounds like using the subway to get there is easy enough, and then maybe we'd just do Grab back to the hotel after.

Have you or @sky13 done Windsor Nature Park? I've also read good things about that, appears to be free, and seems to be in the same vicinity as the zoo. Mostly would be interested in walking around trying to see the monkeys, and see other wildlife.

If you do go to both, there is a food court between the parks where you can get dinner. But some of the lines were long and a lot of the dishes were sold out. I ended up getting something that was decent, but I was so hungry I probably would've eaten almost anything. I did a quick stop for lunch as well, which was quite good (again, long lines). Subway / bus combo was very easy, but taxi back was worth it for me because I was exhausted (I was there from open to around 9pm). As far as zoos go (I've been to several in Europe / UK / Asia), this one rates very highly. I was very lucky because both of the giant pandas were active when I was there (though both settled down for a nap by the time I left their building).
With Ueno (Tokyo, where I saw the pandas last winter) and Atlanta losing their pandas in the fall and Canada losing ours in 2020, they may become harder and harder to see outside of China (I was lucky enough to see them in Chengdu, including panda infants in the nursery -- through a viewing window).

 

[havaneselover]

So I got my cash refund for one of my canceled Virgin flights (still waiting on the second flight). This is where they changed the times on both flights by over 3 hours and the new flight times wouldn't work.

On the one refund I got, they charged me 100 GBP (looks like an administration fee of 60 GBP and a negative refund of 40 GBP). This was definitely not explained to me (although it wouldn't have changed what I did).

ETA: After 30 minutes on hold, the CSR tried to tell me I had been explained the fees when I rebooked (I am 100% certain I wasn't) and there was nothing he could do. I went back and forth and he then said they could listen to the recorded call when I rebooked which I was happy for him to do. He then came back and said they shouldn't have charged the fees because the flights were changed by VA by > 3 hours (which I had mentioned 10 times). I know I'll have to do it again when the other ticket is refunded. How assinine. And dd was listening to the conversation and thinks I'm nuts, but some mountains are worth dying on.

 

[Alexle2007]

I can’t believe I am soon to have a P3 so need to start planning his CC strategy. Suggestions on where to start with his CC journey?

 

[gottalovepluto]

I can’t believe I am soon to have a P3 so need to start planning his CC strategy. Suggestions on where to start with his CC journey?

Is this your college DS? Is he 18?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Looking at using the biz plat 35% off on some Southwest flights of all things this year... any experience with that, things to watch out for?

I know I have to call in to book and Amex will own the reservation so I won't be cancelling and changing for price drops as that could be a pain (price on what I need is actually really good so I don't expect to even be tempted). I have flown WN for exactly 2 flights in my life so this is new territory for me (they just don't fly many places from my airports)...

 

[Judique]

If you do go to both, there is a food court between the parks where you can get dinner. But some of the lines were long and a lot of the dishes were sold out. I ended up getting something that was decent, but I was so hungry I probably would've eaten almost anything. I did a quick stop for lunch as well, which was quite good (again, long lines). Subway / bus combo was very easy, but taxi back was worth it for me because I was exhausted (I was there from open to around 9pm). As far as zoos go (I've been to several in Europe / UK / Asia), this one rates very highly. I was very lucky because both of the giant pandas were active when I was there (though both settled down for a nap by the time I left their building).
With Ueno (Tokyo, where I saw the pandas last winter) and Atlanta losing their pandas in the fall and Canada losing ours in 2020, they may become harder and harder to see outside of China (I was lucky enough to see them in Chengdu, including panda infants in the nursery -- through a viewing window).

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Our National Zoo has 2 new Pandas debuting in public on January 24. Welcome to Bao Li and Qing Bao! There is a short video of them available at the link and a panda cam coming soon.

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/dcpandas

 

[Judique]

I can’t believe I am soon to have a P3 so need to start planning his CC strategy. Suggestions on where to start with his CC journey?

Shouldn't be any problem with him as you've had him as an AU (right?) on something for the last few years. Plus he would come under family income. Good luck!

 

[georgina]

Our National Zoo has 2 new Pandas debuting in public on January 24. Welcome to Bao Li and Qing Bao! There is a short video of them available at the link and a panda cam coming soon.

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/dcpandas

Bought a membership (tax deductible) this year so grandson could have unlimited rides on the carousel (plus free parking) so we are going to a members preview day for the pandas on Jan 15.

 

[Judique]

Bought a membership (tax deductible) this year so grandson could have unlimited rides on the carousel (plus free parking) so we are going to a members preview day for the pandas on Jan 15.

I bought a membership for my son's family for Xmas. DD's family may get one also soon.

I've seen the earlier pandas that used to be there numerous times over their years and also saw a new baby during that time. That said haven't been over there in ages. Maybe in spring! Not feeling going out in this weather we are having!

 

[havaneselover]

For the csr dash pass credit, is anyone only getting a $5 credit now at grocery stores? I thought it was two $10 credits monthly for groceries and one $5 restaurant credit. But when I do a grocery order and toggle the credit on, it’s only $5.

 

[eticketplease]

For the csr dash pass credit, is anyone only getting a $5 credit now at grocery stores? I thought it was two $10 credits monthly for groceries and one $5 restaurant credit. But when I do a grocery order and toggle the credit on, it’s only $5.

I don’t do groceries only convenience stores as pickup so that I can avoid the fees but it’s still working for me.

I turned off the DoorDash credits so I could use that for restaurants.

 

[KPK02090]

DH is going to Thailand Feb 2026, and I’m hoping to book his flight on Qatar q-suites. BOS to BKK. I have 500,000 MRs that I’m assuming will cover it round trip, but I’m not sure where to begin. I’ve never booked an international biz class. From what I gather i should transfer MRs to avios. So first question can I move them to my Qatar account, and use it to book a ticket for him when I’m not going on the trip?