[OP link EXPIRED]Hilton HHonor AMEX points - 62,500 (50k easy)
Jul 13, 2011, 11:56 pm
#91
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: varies
Programs: AA Plat; Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, BestW Plat
Posts: 202
Thanks for your responses and insights. A few more details about my situation...
-I have been an AMEX customer for >10 years, and will be keeping a longer term card, so the matter of existing relationship and "young" credit card is a moot point, as you point out.
-the annual fee on the SPG AMEX is coming up soon, so (after analyzing my spend), I've decided it makes the most sense to cancel.
-In the midst of this, I have a pending mortgage closing, so don't want to do ANYTHING to affect my credit score (probably being overly cautious). Therefore changing programs on the same line of credit seemed to be a way to avoid inquiries, and changing lines of credit in the midst of the closing. If not for the mortgage, I'd just do some combination of cancel and apply.
-while AMEX may pull your credit periodically and even frequently, there is a distinction between this type of "soft" pull, and a hard pull that is initiated by you as a customer when applying for a new line of credit...it's the hard pull that I want to avoid currently if possible.
If this all isn't possible, I may just hang onto the SPG until after closing, then apply for Hilton and close SPG. Anyone know if AMEX will forgive the annual fee or pro rate it if card is cancelled soon after?
-I have been an AMEX customer for >10 years, and will be keeping a longer term card, so the matter of existing relationship and "young" credit card is a moot point, as you point out.
-the annual fee on the SPG AMEX is coming up soon, so (after analyzing my spend), I've decided it makes the most sense to cancel.
-In the midst of this, I have a pending mortgage closing, so don't want to do ANYTHING to affect my credit score (probably being overly cautious). Therefore changing programs on the same line of credit seemed to be a way to avoid inquiries, and changing lines of credit in the midst of the closing. If not for the mortgage, I'd just do some combination of cancel and apply.
-while AMEX may pull your credit periodically and even frequently, there is a distinction between this type of "soft" pull, and a hard pull that is initiated by you as a customer when applying for a new line of credit...it's the hard pull that I want to avoid currently if possible.
If this all isn't possible, I may just hang onto the SPG until after closing, then apply for Hilton and close SPG. Anyone know if AMEX will forgive the annual fee or pro rate it if card is cancelled soon after?
I really wish I knew the answer for whether you can just "switch" one Amex into another. Since you have a longstanding relationship with Amex, I would call in and give it a try (or a couple of tries with different reps if the first one denies you). If you can switch from the SPG to the HH with no hard inquiries and no change of credit line then I would go for it. Otherwise I would just wait. I have heard that some people have been successful at getting a statement credit in the amount of the annual fee on cheaper Amexes (i.e., not Platinum or higher).
I just brought up all that stuff with the soft pulls because I'm curious why they would run a hard pull when they probably have a soft pull from within the past week or two. Especially in a situation like you're wanting, changing the affinity of a card but trying to keep the credit line the same.
Jul 14, 2011, 12:49 am
#92
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ANC, SAP
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,863
Well the mortgage closing soon certainly throws a stick into things! Personally, I would not touch your credit at all, one way or the other (no new credit, no cancellations) until you have closed. Mortgage bankers are super jumpy now and will bite at anything that comes up. It probably wouldn't affect your score much one way or the other, but just the "new" credit line might cause a delay or require some additional documentation. A smooth closing is well worth the $65 SPG annual fee IMO!
I really wish I knew the answer for whether you can just "switch" one Amex into another. Since you have a longstanding relationship with Amex, I would call in and give it a try (or a couple of tries with different reps if the first one denies you). If you can switch from the SPG to the HH with no hard inquiries and no change of credit line then I would go for it. Otherwise I would just wait. I have heard that some people have been successful at getting a statement credit in the amount of the annual fee on cheaper Amexes (i.e., not Platinum or higher).
I just brought up all that stuff with the soft pulls because I'm curious why they would run a hard pull when they probably have a soft pull from within the past week or two. Especially in a situation like you're wanting, changing the affinity of a card but trying to keep the credit line the same.
I really wish I knew the answer for whether you can just "switch" one Amex into another. Since you have a longstanding relationship with Amex, I would call in and give it a try (or a couple of tries with different reps if the first one denies you). If you can switch from the SPG to the HH with no hard inquiries and no change of credit line then I would go for it. Otherwise I would just wait. I have heard that some people have been successful at getting a statement credit in the amount of the annual fee on cheaper Amexes (i.e., not Platinum or higher).
I just brought up all that stuff with the soft pulls because I'm curious why they would run a hard pull when they probably have a soft pull from within the past week or two. Especially in a situation like you're wanting, changing the affinity of a card but trying to keep the credit line the same.
Jul 14, 2011, 10:55 am
#93
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Madison, WI
Programs: AA, BA, CO, DL, FL, UA, SPG, HH
Posts: 7
How long do you need to wait between AMEX apps? I've been poking around on FT and blogs for close to an hour and still can't find an answer.
Trying to decide if I should apply now if there's going to be an SPG Amex in the near future.
Trying to decide if I should apply now if there's going to be an SPG Amex in the near future.
Jul 14, 2011, 12:17 pm
#94
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 475
Jul 16, 2011, 6:56 pm
#95
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Los Alamos NM
Posts: 47
not me
I got the card around May 1, met the spending requirement, and still waiting for the 30000. I was told up to 3 months when I called. So, will be calling again soon. You were lucky to have them credited. I also got the Citi Hilton and I am still waiting on the 40000 to be credited. Might have start calling on that one too!!!!!!!
Jul 19, 2011, 7:44 am
#96
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: SkyMiles Silver / DividendMiles Silver
Posts: 37
I got Amex Plat in January and this HHonors card in May.
Jul 19, 2011, 11:58 am
#97
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 475
I got the card around May 1, met the spending requirement, and still waiting for the 30000. I was told up to 3 months when I called. So, will be calling again soon. You were lucky to have them credited. I also got the Citi Hilton and I am still waiting on the 40000 to be credited. Might have start calling on that one too!!!!!!!
I got the Citi Hilton card too and my bonus posted from that when the statement closed. I have a bunch of Hilton points now
Jul 19, 2011, 12:25 pm
#98
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ROC
Programs: Anything CC gives me
Posts: 1,118
Jul 19, 2011, 7:03 pm
#99
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: HA, DL, UA, PC Gold, A/club Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Pl
Posts: 1,461
just curious.. looking to sign for this amex...if i get this one..will i not be eligible for the citi hilton cards?
Jul 19, 2011, 7:18 pm
#101
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 271
amex 2500 point bonus
I believe that this card comes with a 2500 point bonus for each of your 1st 4 Hilton stays paid with this card in the 1st 18 months of cardmembership. I have already gotten 1 of these bonuses.
However, my family and I are going for a long stay at a Hilton for which I prefer to pay with with a different credit card. I was wondering if I could "split" the bill and pay say $100 of the bill with the AE Hilton card and pay the balance on the other credit card.
If I did this, would this be considered a "stay" and would I be eligible for the 2500 bonus points.
Needless to say, any insights would be very much appreciated.
However, my family and I are going for a long stay at a Hilton for which I prefer to pay with with a different credit card. I was wondering if I could "split" the bill and pay say $100 of the bill with the AE Hilton card and pay the balance on the other credit card.
If I did this, would this be considered a "stay" and would I be eligible for the 2500 bonus points.
Needless to say, any insights would be very much appreciated.
Jul 21, 2011, 10:39 am
#103
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ANC, SAP
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,863
Thanks for the thoughts. You're confirming my approach to not rock the boat much just now. Also agree that the SPG annual fee is not even worth considering vs. headaches of further paperwork, or potentially getting denied the refinance. I'll wait for my SPG cycle to close (to collect the last of my points...), then call and see what is possible re: switching affinity programs (without an inquiry or change in my credit line). I'll report back!
-have the SPG AMEX but have decided my spending (earning) doesn't justify the fee.
-want to switch to Hilton card for the bonus
-currently in process of closing a refinance, so don't want to rock the credit boat by changing my credit lines or having any hard inquiries.
My SPG points posted recently, so I called today to ask to switch programs. The agent put me on hold, but returned and reported it is not possible to switch from SPG - HHonors without a new application. He did offer to switch to some generic AMEX travel options, however, so it would have been possible to change, just not to HHonors. I suspect they have some kind of contract with the specific affinity programs not to switch to a competitors product??
He did advise me, however, that I have 60 days after being charged the annual fee to cancel the card and have the fee reversed. Just FYI to anyone interested in AMEX policy.
Jul 21, 2011, 11:18 am
#104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
SPG retention bonus - $50 statement credit
RED EYE, have you tried to SM AMEX asking them to offer you some help to partially offset the SPG annual fee?
The offers range from a low $25 credit to a $50 credit, or 2K to 5K SPG pts.
My husband's card got $50 statement credit on first request. Same wordings on mine got me a 2K SPG pts. I wrote back to ask them matching the $50 statement credit and I offered to return the 2K SPG pts, or they up the SPG pts to 5K. I then got an additional $50 statement credit and also kept the 2K SPG pts which they said could not be reverted.
In light of your mortgage application, may be you could try this before doing all the card conversion dance to avoid the $65 fee?
I am of the camp that a smooth closing is well worth the $65 fee but you could ask little something to reduce the fee substantially.
SM is your best friend. Calling may not produce same result. Hint: pick a time that the SM would be handled by oversea center.
The offers range from a low $25 credit to a $50 credit, or 2K to 5K SPG pts.
My husband's card got $50 statement credit on first request. Same wordings on mine got me a 2K SPG pts. I wrote back to ask them matching the $50 statement credit and I offered to return the 2K SPG pts, or they up the SPG pts to 5K. I then got an additional $50 statement credit and also kept the 2K SPG pts which they said could not be reverted.
In light of your mortgage application, may be you could try this before doing all the card conversion dance to avoid the $65 fee?
I am of the camp that a smooth closing is well worth the $65 fee but you could ask little something to reduce the fee substantially.
SM is your best friend. Calling may not produce same result. Hint: pick a time that the SM would be handled by oversea center.
Jul 21, 2011, 1:24 pm
#105
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ANC, SAP
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,863
RED EYE, have you tried to SM AMEX asking them to offer you some help to partially offset the SPG annual fee?
The offers range from a low $25 credit to a $50 credit, or 2K to 5K SPG pts.
My husband's card got $50 statement credit on first request. Same wordings on mine got me a 2K SPG pts. I wrote back to ask them matching the $50 statement credit and I offered to return the 2K SPG pts, or they up the SPG pts to 5K. I then got an additional $50 statement credit and also kept the 2K SPG pts which they said could not be reverted.
In light of your mortgage application, may be you could try this before doing all the card conversion dance to avoid the $65 fee?
I am of the camp that a smooth closing is well worth the $65 fee but you could ask little something to reduce the fee substantially.
SM is your best friend. Calling may not produce same result. Hint: pick a time that the SM would be handled by oversea center.
The offers range from a low $25 credit to a $50 credit, or 2K to 5K SPG pts.
My husband's card got $50 statement credit on first request. Same wordings on mine got me a 2K SPG pts. I wrote back to ask them matching the $50 statement credit and I offered to return the 2K SPG pts, or they up the SPG pts to 5K. I then got an additional $50 statement credit and also kept the 2K SPG pts which they said could not be reverted.
In light of your mortgage application, may be you could try this before doing all the card conversion dance to avoid the $65 fee?
I am of the camp that a smooth closing is well worth the $65 fee but you could ask little something to reduce the fee substantially.
SM is your best friend. Calling may not produce same result. Hint: pick a time that the SM would be handled by oversea center.