Keeping track of CCs
 

Some of you must already have figured out how best to keep track of your various CCs: when you applied, any spend requirement, and if so by what date, how many miles should be credited by when, date & fee for renewal, phone numbers, pertinent FT threads, when you can apply for another, etc., etc.

How do you do this? Are you using a spreadsheet? Is there software?

Much appreciated!

I just keep track of it in an Excel spreadsheet organized by tabs.

I use these columns, but I could probably extend it by adding reward bonuses, time to cancel, etc: Name, Company, Account Number, Network, Expires,PIN, Phone (US), Phone (International),Comment. Should obviously keep this secure if you list out the whole Account Number or PIN.

I do something very similar but include columns for "outstanding balance", "credit limit" and calculation for "% of credit limit used". I also use mint.com to track my balances and every few days update the outstanding balance on my spreadsheet. This lets me see the % of credit limit used on each card; I never like to have my balance on a given card greater than 50% of credit limit.

I use "code" for my account numbers and PINs (probably decipherable in 2 minutes by a pro ;). Also recommend a password in order to open your Excel file.

I use Excel as well. I have a massive spreadsheet with separate worksheets (tabs) for the various ways I cycle money through my CC's. Buying/Reselling concert tickets, merchandise, dollar-coins, etc. One tab has each CC I own with original sign-up date, $ charged to date, etc.

It's a work in progress really. I'd recommend starting a spreadsheet and including as much information as you can at first. You'll soon find ways to make it more efficient and it's easy to eliminate and condense unnecessary information as you go.

Based on another thread here on FT, I also just signed up for AwardWallet.com to track my miles and I'm glad I did. It's very easy to use and gives a fantastic snapshot in one place if you have various programs to keep track of.

Since this is highly personal / private info being kept track of, best thing to do is use Excel's built-in encryption method or use PGP to encrypt the file. www.gnupg.org is a good PGP tool to use.

In addition, I put a copy on a USB key that also contains my email addresses, bank account #'s, FF #'s and all pertinent login details. That goes into our safe deposit box so my wife has all this info if something unfortunate should happen to me. It's usually a month or two out of date since I don't go in constantly but it's still better than having no info at all.

Excellent advice except don't use Excel's built-in encryption.

Consider something like TrueCrypt for encryption, free and easy to use.

When the miles and spending requirements are met cut the card up..

The cards you use, pit the billing day on the back, and sue it after that date for the float.

CC auto pay will pay it off, and they will email you before the payment is due, and after it is paid.

Two good cards are all you need the other are pump and dump...what is to track.

Anything's better than nothing, Excel's mediocre offering included. TrueCrypt works. But for individual file encryption I still prefer PGP packages.

Cutting cards up immediately after meeting minimum spend often doesn't meet the requirements. Consider the BA 100K offer through Chase. 6 months minimum was in the terms. And many later received offers to earn 5K miles for minimum spend over 3 months - some got this offer more than once. You'd have to request a replacement card then.

What to track? Annual renewal date - that's when you should either close the account or try to get the fee waived / get retention bonus. Then dump the card a month after that. :) Keeping cards is beneficial if you use it to keep various program miles from expiring (assuming you also get the fee waived and/or a retention bonus every year to make it worth keeping).

Each time you dump a card you credit limit goes back up...

Dump Delta Amex, and get SPG,Amex..

Chase, SWA, for Continental,and etc.

Most of us have a credit limit, with the banks.

I have 2 cards at 45k limit, the other dumps are lower..forget the 5k I am looking for 25 at least, and have done the 100ks. You can cancel when you get the renewal bill. never had a charge, most are gone before the renewal time.

Are you saying the credit limits are 45k/5k/100k, or the bonuses are?

It's a matter of preference, but I dont care what the limit is as long as its enough to meet the minimum spend!

I received a renewal for my BA CC recently and paid the $75 fee because I have not used my miles yet. I have booked the flight but won't take it until August. I was afraid that my miles might be cancelled if I did not renew. Was I wrong???????????

There is no right or wrong but you certainly did not have to renew;)

150 points from viewing BOSE Video closed on 1/15/11
 

I tried to do this on 1/15/11 at 3PM EST and the website said the offer was closed, even though it was to be opened until MKL Day. No Bose for me:(