Post: #1251

I'm going to bump this to give some potential value for some of you scumbag rooshv's...full disclosure: I'm a scumbag.

Anyway since we got that out of the way. I'm going to share a little quasi travel hack i've been using since I was a broke college kid. Full disclosure: I've never been a broke college kid.

I got a 800+ credit score and somewhere between 8-12 credit cards. My legit credit limit is hard to estimate since my primary fuck you card is amex, which is a charge card, somewhere between 100-200k. Average monthly expenses is probably 5-7k.

Anyway, this is a something i've been doing for a long time with my credit cards. Buy some shots or even a table, sign it Johnny Depp, or whatever, then call your credit company and say...what the fuck?

My card was stolen nah I ain't paying for that fraud. In my experience with my history no questions asked ever. One time after 1000+ at a particular bar, sir we looked at your receipt here and this italian restaurant your other establishments and the signatures match up, would you like us to pursue this further?

Best company ever, Amex. Proceed at your own risk.

Double full disclosure: Global is my younger brother.

Post: #1252

Armogan.,



Well, I don't know what to say about this...though you're definitely buying next time.

Post: #1253

(02-26-2017 04:36 AM)Armogan Wrote:  I'm going to bump this to give some potential value for some of you scumbag rooshv's...full disclosure: I'm a scumbag.

Anyway since we got that out of the way. I'm going to share a little quasi travel hack i've been using since I was a broke college kid. Full disclosure: I've never been a broke college kid.

I got a 800+ credit score and somewhere between 8-12 credit cards. My legit credit limit is hard to estimate since my primary fuck you card is amex, which is a charge card, somewhere between 100-200k. Average monthly expenses is probably 5-7k.

Anyway, this is a something i've been doing for a long time with my credit cards. Buy some shots or even a table, sign it Johnny Depp, or whatever, then call your credit company and say...what the fuck?

My card was stolen nah I ain't paying for that fraud. In my experience with my history no questions asked ever. One time after 1000+ at a particular bar, sir we looked at your receipt here and this italian restaurant your other establishments and the signatures match up, would you like us to pursue this further?

Best company ever, Amex. Proceed at your own risk.

Double full disclosure: Global is my younger brother.

That is just plain theft. Your post also violates the forum rules about posting about illegal crimes. Your "advice" is the exact opposite of what your brother intended by posting really great advice about legitimately gaming the system. Most people with extensive life experience will tell you that this stuff catches up with you -- even if you never realize it.

Post: #1254

Sounds like braggadocio; ^ Problem is too many "disputed charges" will trigger fraud warnings, so other than a sneak cheat every once in awhile, no way to pull that off.

Post: #1255

Karma is a bitch. You don't realize it now.....but everything like this you
do will come back with 1970's interest against you.

I don't care who your brother is.....if you are charging back legitimate
charges its a dirt ball thing to do.

(02-26-2017 04:36 AM)Armogan Wrote:  I'm going to bump this to give some potential value for some of you scumbag rooshv's...full disclosure: I'm a scumbag.

Anyway since we got that out of the way. I'm going to share a little quasi travel hack i've been using since I was a broke college kid. Full disclosure: I've never been a broke college kid.

I got a 800+ credit score and somewhere between 8-12 credit cards. My legit credit limit is hard to estimate since my primary fuck you card is amex, which is a charge card, somewhere between 100-200k. Average monthly expenses is probably 5-7k.

Anyway, this is a something i've been doing for a long time with my credit cards. Buy some shots or even a table, sign it Johnny Depp, or whatever, then call your credit company and say...what the fuck?

My card was stolen nah I ain't paying for that fraud. In my experience with my history no questions asked ever. One time after 1000+ at a particular bar, sir we looked at your receipt here and this italian restaurant your other establishments and the signatures match up, would you like us to pursue this further?

Best company ever, Amex. Proceed at your own risk.

Double full disclosure: Global is my younger brother.

Post: #1256

I certainly do not want to derail the thread, but now that we are discussing credit card fraud I wanted to pass on a word of advice based on my actual experience from a few months ago. I have two computers. A laptop on which I do 98% of my web surfing, which is up-to-date and locked down with numerous privacy settings and a VPN service. I also have an ancient desktop that I use primarily for business (i.e., mostly word processing, but I also always have a web browser open for email and research). The desktop is so old that it still uses XP and one of the two mirrored drives has already crashed, but I still have up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware programs. Basically, I am just using the desktop until the second hard drive crashes. All data is backed-up multiple ways. Significantly, it does not have a VPN service.

So, in planning a trip a few months ago I sat at my desk and used the desktop to open half-a-dozen credit card web sites to research the best deal for my trip. Obviously, I entered numerous passwords to access these web sites. Long story short, I get hacked and someone treats themselves to a new loaded laptop using my newest credit card. Historically, when placing merchandise orders or accessing accounts on the web, I had always used my laptop. The only reason that I used the desktop for this particular task was to work comfortably at my desk for a few hours while I researched the best use of my miles and points.

Lesson learned: Always use a VPN when accessing bank and credit card accounts (especially if using an out-of-date OS). VPNs are also absolutely essential when traveling if you wish to avoid fraud, especially if using Wi-Fi at an airport or a cyber-cafe. A VPN is cheap insurance in hiding your presence on the web. Sign up with a service during the Cyber Monday and Christmas sales. You can often get great deals on a year's worth of VPN service.

Post: #1257

This is a little cross-over action, being posted in the dead of night in BKK as I am jet lagged as fuck.

Match.com (and eHarmony, on slightly less generous terms) have Avios sign up bonuses that make the purchase of the avios (never mind the membership to Match) super affordable, like 2/3 of a cent each. Avios are easily worth a penny and a half each, and often far more on last minute short haul flights. Sure, they've been devalued in the USA there are fuel surcharges on many flights but the value is still there, and at this price, you could throw away the Match.com membership and still have a great deal.

HEre's a link in depth from OMAAT. I'm not buying myself, because I'm pretty stocked up on points, but if you don't have Avios or Chase UR points, you should definitely consider adding this tool to your toolbox for short haul, economy, direct flights on One World carriers and BA's other partners.

http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2...g-website/

Post: #1258

(03-02-2017 02:49 PM)Global Entry Wrote:  This is a little cross-over action, being posted in the dead of night in BKK as I am jet lagged as fuck.

Match.com (and eHarmony, on slightly less generous terms) have Avios sign up bonuses that make the purchase of the avios (never mind the membership to Match) super affordable, like 2/3 of a cent each. Avios are easily worth a penny and a half each, and often far more on last minute short haul flights. Sure, they've been devalued in the USA there are fuel surcharges on many flights but the value is still there, and at this price, you could throw away the Match.com membership and still have a great deal.

HEre's a link in depth from OMAAT. I'm not buying myself, because I'm pretty stocked up on points, but if you don't have Avios or Chase UR points, you should definitely consider adding this tool to your toolbox for short haul, economy, direct flights on One World carriers and BA's other partners.

http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2...g-website/

Match.com is already dead, although eHarmony lives on. This is great deal for those who are flying short flights within Asia (4500 Avios). Business class isn't too bad either at 9000 Avios. But remember certain carriers have put in last minute restrictions, Cathay comes to mind (7 days out mininum to book)

Post: #1259

Yes the recent CX ban on 7 day in bookings using Avoid sucks balls. I'm flying Sri Lankan today (fifth freedom) from BKK to HKG instead of my normal CX. I don't mind UL but I wouldn't have chosen it over CX (RJ also has this flight). Chinese points brokers have fucked it up - Im told there are additional questions being asked when checking in at CX counters on BA bookings, tho I haven't myself experienced it.

Post: #1260

Is there still such a thing as last-minute flight deals? Are they worthwhile?

Post: #1261

(03-03-2017 06:22 PM)Global Entry Wrote:  Yes the recent CX ban on 7 day in bookings using Avoid sucks balls. I'm flying Sri Lankan today (fifth freedom) from BKK to HKG instead of my normal CX. I don't mind UL but I wouldn't have chosen it over CX (RJ also has this flight). Chinese points brokers have fucked it up - Im told there are additional questions being asked when checking in at CX counters on BA bookings, tho I haven't myself experienced it.

How's Sri Lankan in your experience? I'm contemplating the same 5th freedom flight from BKK-HKG as I've taken CX and TG a number of times and wanted to try something different. Have only heard bad things about the Royal Jordanian flight so I'm staying away from that one.

Post: #1262

They're superior to pretty much any US carrier in economy on that flight, which is a A330 continuing on from COL-BKK. The seat pitch was 31-32 Inches, they served a decent meal, with proper silver and glass stemware, and even offered water before takeoff. The entertainment system is top notch for economy (100 movies or so, i think) and if you're paying cash, its far cheaper than CX. In biz, they have 1:2:1 and shell seats, looks very plush, again because its a continuation of the other flight. Food in biz on UL, assuming you like South Asian food, is pretty top notch. They consistently beat Jet airways for top South Asian airline in the Skytrac stuff.

I will also tell you, my one RJ experience ex-BKK was solid. Theres a trip report in here buried somewhere - I flew BKK-AMM and really enjoyed it, in biz tho, so if you're flying coach on a different route, I can't speak to it. Ultimately we're talking 2:30 on the aircraft. Its not a huuuuuge deal - just get there.

Post: #1263

Have a decent stash of Avios, so 7500 more for J is worthwhile in my book. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll be sure to try and book Sri Lankan if the times/availability work out.

Post: #1264

It seems like most frequent flyer and credit card programs are only available for US citizens.

I’ve had a fair number of flights recently, and it is a pity to waste the potential rewards. Haven’t come across any useful deals for German citizens, though.

Any European forum members that can share their experience?

Post: #1265

Frequent flyer programs are agnostic - it doesn't matter where you live. And the non-US programs can be far more rewarding than the US programs. None of my favorite airlines for crediting flights are in the USA except Alaska. I credit to AA simply because I have status, but if I didn't I'd probably credit to BA or the Cathay (maybe JAL). For Star alliance, I credit almost always to Singapore. And for Skyteam, I typically credit to Air France or Korean.

For credit cards, youre right. Its a much harder game for non-US. You can still buy miles however, and hack some of the programs for airlines and hotels. And there are limited opportunities - I imagine Lufthansa has a card.

You generally have 6 months or so in many programs to claim credit for flights you've taken. You should aggregate as many as possible into a single airlines programs. Check this - wheretocredit.com for ideas on where to retroactively credit your flights.

Post: #1266

Global Entry, thanks for the tipps. I signed up for the frequent flyer programs from Lufthansa (MilesAndMore) and airberlin (topbonus) a few years ago. Wheretocredit showed me I can credit my flights with ChinaAir to the Lufthansa program. Nice. They do have a credit card, as well. Will look into the conditions.

Post: #1267

(03-31-2017 06:33 AM)Chase Wrote:  Global Entry, thanks for the tipps. I signed up for the frequent flyer programs from Lufthansa (MilesAndMore) and airberlin (topbonus) a few years ago. Wheretocredit showed me I can credit my flights with ChinaAir to the Lufthansa program. Nice. They do have a credit card, as well. Will look into the conditions.

Actually, only Air China flights can be credited with MilesAndMore, not China Airlines flights.

Post: #1268

You don't need to be a citizen, only a resident with some credit history. Other than that, they're practically giving these cards away.

Post: #1269

You need a social security number for most US cards. So yeah, a resident can have a SS number and then get a credit history and do the card game. I don't think we're really talking about that many guys who fit into that category for whom these circumstances apply. But yes, I'd agree.

Post: #1270

Since my travel insights are so welcomed here, I'd like to share another one with you guys.

Last Saturday I got the unexpected surprise of a $15 credit for Ubers on my Platinum Amex. They just increased their benefits to offer $15 uber credits 1x a month for 12 months, in December there is an additional $20 credit for $200 free rides annually.

In addition, to the $200 free travel credits. A little hack I've been using for a few years is using that credit to buy AA gift cards. You can use these gift cards to then buy tickets or miles.

These two items alone are a cash value of $400. Annual fee is $450 for the card, I peg the Starwood Gold status, 5x points in travel, and the 5 year free Global Entry credit ($100 value), priority pass lounge access, well over $50 a year. It's become a no brainer to get this card or upgrade if you have another Amex in my opinion.

Post: #1271

How do you like the Platinum Amex? I was looking at it the other day, but doesn't seem as good as the Chase Saphire...

Post: #1272

I got both Chase's but canceling when the year is up. It does have some good benefits, but I signed up for 100k sign-up bonuses. Visa is more widely accepted, but I prefer the Amex. The customer service is unrivaled.

This added $200 a year uber credits in my opinion is a huge perk, at least someone like me. I use uber all the time.

If you are on the fence, however, and only are going to get one. Perhaps, get the Chase cards first so you don't get dinged by the 5 cards in 24 months. Get the points from Chase first.

Post: #1273

Disclaimer: This post is meant for entertainment purposes and is 100% fictional.

I don't know if this belongs here and I'm definitely no travel pro

But I just noticed when I was on Porter Airlines' (low cost Canadian carrier) website

If I use the Canadian version of the site, it quotes me in CAD instead of USD

Just saved about 80 bucks this way. I know that's nothing for you RVF got 3 location-independent businesses big ballers but I'm broke ok

Post: #1274

I don't recommend ever canceling cards. Once you've gotten the sign-up bonus, it's feasible to "downgrade" the account to a no-annual fee card, so Chase Sapphire Preffered to say, Chase Freedom. Then stick it in your sock drawer forever. Closing credit card accounts lowers your credit score.

At this point though, with the Chase Reserve no longer offering 100k points, the Amex Plat is the way to go. One of the nice things with Amex's reputation - when you call regarding disputes, they always take your side. Visa et al seem to be on the other guy's side

Post: #1275

(04-20-2017 06:23 AM)markygras Wrote:  I don't recommend ever canceling cards. Once you've gotten the sign-up bonus, it's feasible to "downgrade" the account to a no-annual fee card, so Chase Sapphire Preffered to say, Chase Freedom. Then stick it in your sock drawer forever. Closing credit card accounts lowers your credit score.

Isn't this only a temporary ding?