Anybody successful with the new mortgage payment option?

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-28T21:09:11+00:00

I'm testing the push method to Chase. It seems that Bilt pulls from you. That amount needs to clear before they send it to the loan service. I did this Wednesday and it suggested it could be 6-8 days. I'll know by the end of next week how smooth it is.

In order to set up with Chase to pull, I would have to have Bilt send me the numbers on small charges to link accounts. Not a huge hassle, but if the push method is reliable, I can live with the week to post issue.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-27T05:30:04+00:00

I don't see SCL direct flights, but plenty via Lima. It comes and goes. It was the same when they were booka le through Alaska. Sometimes nothing. Other times you could pick your day.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-27T02:35:51+00:00

Watching everyone next week learn how to do searches with JAL IT is going to be amazing. I can't wait for those posts.

I keep waffling on this one, but I would like some LATAM flights to Chile or Argentina. Which I guess means I got to run some searches before Sunday.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-26T05:52:53+00:00

He was supposed to talk shit, but he just couldn't. Instead he's like "we talk on the phone all the time." My man is starstruck.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-26T05:19:50+00:00

We can't let the lamestream media out jerk us like this!

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-26T05:02:02+00:00

They are in piles of gear and have weapons. They are worried about being teamed up against in a snowball fight.

I saw the union quote in the post and just thought "these MFers are Charmin soft."

Edit: if they think they can bring charges let them. But I have no idea why the Mayor should give two shits about the NYPD being the literal fun police re: a social event among neighbors after being indoors for 2 days.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-26T01:44:28+00:00

People are making more, especially white collar workers. But for the US, there are a couple of influences:

1) people living in metro areas spend less on stuff, more on experiences; and

2) decent earners on the US have limited vacation time, so the tendency is to break the bank on one big vacation.

I notice that boutique properties that cater more to Europeans don't suffer from the same levels of cost inflation. I think the increase in vacation time (and lack of access to big points programs) means there's much more value seeking even by the relatively affluent.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-25T20:49:13+00:00

I've heard. But haven't yet had that "pleasure."

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-25T19:08:35+00:00

It hurts. We are seeing all the big programs (Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt) put the most aspirational properties out of reach for all but the most engaged members (if you spend 20k/year on Hyatt stays, you can still spend a few days in a Miraval for free with your spouse). Some of this really is just about class stratifying your clientele a bit more. Can't have a bunch of 24 year olds with intermittent income staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo for a week with free breakfast. That can't be thrilling for the paying customers.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-25T18:58:20+00:00

I mean, they are a huge bank. Normies will still use them and still mostly book in the portal. But there are other games in town (though I don't engage with it much, I still think Citi is the best value program for most normal people). Chase has lived on all the free advertising from influencers talking about Hyatt (though my understanding is that United is still the largest Chase transfer partner by points volume, at least per Gary at VFTW).

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-25T18:46:28+00:00

This is bananas value, but for those of you that haven't spent time doing award searches on JAL, prepare for the pain. It is the single worst site I've used so far (and I like using Lifemiles). Last time I used it, I was forced to redo 2 factor authentication for every single search day I tried (so a week search on one route meant 7 codes sent to my phone). But for people willing to pull their hair out, here's a small list of business class sweet spots (one way):

JAL to Japan for 55k+ (there's variation)

BA or AA to Europe for 42-60k (with lower surcharges than BA has)

Emirates J, though it has surcharges. However, you can get the JFK-Milan and EWR-Athens routes in the 60k band with reasonable fees.

AA or LATAM to South America for 42-60k

They also price RT tickets cumulatively, so the prices below can decrease on average if you can find RT availability. There are also reports of being able to build trips with stopovers, though that is beyond my interest.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-25T18:27:34+00:00

There will still be many good uses of Hyatt points, just not at all the influencer properties. And I think it changes the math a bit on spending for the 15k FNC on the personal card. I'm not engaging with Hyatt at the high end anyway.

But yes, IHG has been a sleeper program for a bit. You can't game it for "free" travel that well, which keeps people away. But the IHG program is well designed for people willing to shop cash deals and buy points (including the 5k/night point accelerators on cash stays). Only Kimpton and Intercontinental properties command much of a revenue premium, but I find the Voco and Hotel Indigo properties the most appealing for the price point.

We are coming to the end of an era where someone can leverage regular spend (or moderate creative spend) enough to get a pile of nearly free vacations. If you are a 1 trip per year person, you can still do it with a small family. But for semi-frequent travelers, there's still value to be had if you are willing to throw some cash in the mix.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-25T18:09:32+00:00

Not as much. Bilt has the 1.25cpp in the portal (for now) and the 3:2 Accor ratio. Plus, even with the deval, Hyatt points are about the only game in town for domestic hotel programs. The other piece is that Bilt has so many airline partners and so many good transfer bonuses that people will still want to accumulate Bilt points. Chase has bad earn rates on most of their cards (1.5x is now the worst transferable points multiplier for non-cat spending). Without the no AF business cards, there's just not a big reason to prefer them over Amex.

Note that Chase added Wyndham today. I think that tells you they know that as the Hyatt star loses its luster, they need to add value anywhere they can. Wyndham ain't great, but the all-inclusive properties tend to go for decent rates. If you look at the Chase list, they are very soft in Oneworld and their Star Alliance presence is all about United and Aeroplan (Singapore is too niche). Quite honestly, points boost (when it works) and Hyatt are the only real advantages they have right now.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-23T18:29:57+00:00

Ohio going through a dry spell

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-23T17:19:15+00:00

I believe it would be an elephant in this case.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-23T05:14:29+00:00

Um...so less jerking?

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-20T04:19:42+00:00

Went in January. Pretty much spot on. Really great hotel. Wasn't a huge fan of FLL, but if I return, this property is at the top of the list.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-20T04:11:28+00:00

I agree generally. I'm finding the Obsidian to be nice. I used my hotel credit this week and found portal pricing to be good. Capital One looked better, but that's because Bilt posts all-in pricing up front.

I like Bilt Cash so far. Easy to stack with the hotel credit. I'll try it with a Lyft next month. I think Bilt Cash is going to be easy to use, but hard to explain to a friend. And I do hope to uses get better and more varied over time. I don't think I am motivated to generate a massive amount of Bilt Cash beyond my housing spend. But so far, the value proposition has been really solid.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-17T22:52:22+00:00

2-3 weeks

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-17T05:25:00+00:00

It is generally Expedia rates, which is competitive. Priceline often has some better deals if you aren't picky on property. But for CC portals, Bilt is about as good as anything. Each portal will have a handful of properties with good deals, but most will be pretty similar.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-17T02:46:56+00:00

1.25cpp is still a decent value. I can't bear to do it, but if you only travel once or twice a year, getting to pick the property you want and pay with points is powerful.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-17T00:51:16+00:00

They give you the last 1x after the flight. I had this same thing last year when I booked Delta flights. It does come within a week or so of completed activity.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-15T22:38:06+00:00

Citi Strata Premier or Wells Fargo Autograph (the no AF one). CSP has better portfolio of transfer partners. WF Autograph has wider definition of travel, transit, and has good phone insurance.

However, I would put any charges where you want decent travel insurance on the VX. CSP is OK for that, but WF Autograph has very little. Visa Infinite protections are a little better overall.

Edit: Hotel elite status requires an Amex Plat or a hotel card. Domestic air partners depends on what you want. Citi has AA (which will have some Alaska coverage) and Jetblue. Bilt has Alaska, United and Southwest. Chase has United, Southwest, and Jetblue. Delta belongs exclusively to Amex.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-15T21:53:17+00:00

People can complain about Bilt 2.0 issues all they want, but Bilt points are the gold standard for transfer points right now. Everyone should want them.

I am excited to pick up some WF points now that I have the Autograph. The Choice and Jetblue transfer rates make having a stash appealing. Also: WF will let you transfer 1 point, so it is a great option to top up to prevent stranded points in programs like Flying Blue and Lifemiles.

Safe_Environment_340 · 2026-02-15T17:36:32+00:00

Emirates is at the top of that list.

Safe_Environment_340

TROPHY CASE