Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Truant
Both the wife and I signed up for both the chase southwest cards during the 60k bonus period and timed the spend to get the bonus in 2018. We got the companion passes for our kids through 2019. Great success. The cards are renewing now and we do not need or use them, or really need the thank you points for re-upping. We both have 800ish scores. What's the play here? Is it a mistake to cancel all four cards?
ETA not aware of any big purchases on the horizon but maybe (unlikely) a car this year and also more likely will be looking into one or more hotel reward cards as I will be traveling a lot more frequently in 2019.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheTyman9
Wouldn't say it's a mistake to cancel them necessarily but they will usually give a retention offer that covers the annual fee on the southwest cards so can't hurt to ask. I was able to get a retention offers on both the ones I had gotten for the same reason (companion pass) which covered the annual fee and so the anniversary points were a free 9k sw pts (18k in your case here). Cancelling is fine if you decide that's not worth the hassle but it only takes a couple min per card to call in.
When you start looking at hotel cards try and take a look at which properties you usually stay at or are in the areas you wanna go. But can't go wrong with Chase Marriott/Amex SPG cards (can only do one or the other as the programs merged now). Amex hilton bonuses are highest they've been right now, not quite as valuable as marriott pts but still worth it imo. Especially the business one since it doesn't count towards 5/24.
If you plan to use SW points to travel in 2019, it might be worth keeping the cards with or without a call-in retention bonus. With the Premier you get 6k points for the $99AF. Depending on how you value the points + CP, this could be a profitable keeper. However, if you already have all of the SW points you will use for 2019 and don't plan on having a CP in the future, it probably makes sense to close the cards if they don't offer a solid retention bonus. Depends on your situation completely.
As to hotel cards, Chase has some solid ones with IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt. Amex+Citi Hiltons can provide great value. Arrival+ can have some great value if you use Air BNB or don't want to be tied down to a single chain. Depending on your Chase status, you can also get great UR points/ travel benefits with their sapphire and inks. Amex MR can also be worth transferring to Airlines or Hotels simply because it's easy to get approval for their cards and you can find some great signup bonuses.
Again, it really depends on your situation. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
I go through stretches where I don't pay much attention to churning, travel, etc., but I just recently stayed at an all-inclusive in Jamaica for close to $0 out-of-pocket by using the SW CP with the wife to fly there, Hilton points to stay, Arrival+ for excursions not included at the resort, oh yeah, and Priority Pass lounges for food while flying (loved the PP lounge in Montego Bay!). Sorry for rambling, but I'm heavily into churning right now and am studying up/pushing the boundaries with some of my apps/strategies right now. Definitely can be a profitable side hustle!