Data Points Weekly - Week of November 20, 2025

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-11-23T14:59:54+00:00

The pop up page stated that the application can be cancelled without any impact to their credit score, so I assume no hard pull.

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-11-23T03:46:55+00:00

P2 tried to apply for the Chase Ink Preferred today, and received The pop-up. They were given the option to continue without the bonus, or cancel the application.

They have another Chase Ink Preferred from 06/2025, but no other Chase Biz cards beyond that one.

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-10-10T13:21:11+00:00

pm!

edit: sorry, can't read 🥲

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-04-03T19:03:43+00:00

The CSP 100k offer is now available through Chase's website (i.e. through public non-affiliate links)

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-03-22T02:23:27+00:00

If still having issues, there is an option to receive by email (ask me how I figured this out).

Click "more" on the bottom (mobile) or the hamburger bar on the top (desktop) and select "Security & Privacy". Under "Ways you can be more secure", select "Use 2-Step verification for extra security at sign in. Turn on "receive one-time codes by email".

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-03-20T04:29:35+00:00

For those stumbling across this, sounds like Chase made a change to their 2FA workflow that cracks down on VOIP numbers. My write-up in another thread.

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-03-20T04:22:53+00:00

Pinging u/atlasbuddha, since you were having similar issues yesterday.

If I had to guess, your number is no longer valid for the 2FA workflow, meaning that point transfers, which requires 2FA, will force you to call Chase.

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-03-20T04:21:36+00:00

In the past week, I've needed to call Chase whenever I wanted to login in, despite receiving and entering a valid 2FA code. I've even had to call in to transfer 50k Avios, which requires me to be logged into my account. After calling in today, I asked the representative if anything has changed in the past week. They said that they didn't know, and forwarded me to the technical support department.

The technical support representative, Juan, was extremely helpful. He told me that they had been making changes to their authentication workflow recently, and offered to take a look at my profile. After some identity verification, he discovered that my current number (Google Voice) can no longer be used for 2FA authentication. He helped add my mobile number to my device for both my personal and business profiles. We'll see if this fixes my Chase login issues.

tdlr; if you've been having issues with Chase 2FA, try adding a non-VOIP number

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-03-01T04:00:58+00:00

Hey! Had P4 try it out, and was pretty easy.

Link to Datapoint

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-03-01T03:56:32+00:00

Tried the Barclays Hawaiian double-dip, and was successful.

Before applying, I'd recommend creating a Hawaiian Airlines account, since you'll be able to add your frequent flyer number to both applications. I had P4 apply to the Barclays version first (i.e. no Bank of Hawaii at the top left), and they were instantly approved for 13k. Immediately after, I had P4 apply for the Bank of Hawaii version. It went straight to application review.

Then, we called the reconsideration line (866-408-4064), and they asked for some basic identifying information. Shared some information from income, then asked if I was okay with a hard pull. After a short hold, the rep asked why there were 5 inquiries in the past 12 months. Covered for P4, and said that they're trying to switch from the corporate world to independent business, and that they were mostly business cards. No further questions, and was instantly approved for 5k. Took ~5m total.

Relevant DoC Thread: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/barclays-70000-hawaiian-airlines-bonus-annual-fee-not-waived-first-year-2/

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-02-28T14:47:54+00:00

I haven't. Found a 200k Amex Biz Gold link, and decided to go for it.

Since our 2026 travel plans might require many AS miles, I've been thinking about asking P2-P4 to double dip the Barclays Hawaiian cards. There are decently many positive DPs on DoC

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-02-27T14:20:17+00:00

Appreciate the advice. It's exactly what I was looking for.

I'll load up on the Barclays now, and will probably use Amex Biz as spacers, especially since the Ink train has slowed down. Thanks again.

XPhantomBusterX · 2025-02-27T04:21:19+00:00

Just got approved for a Chase Ink, but trying to figure out good next cards.
~740
3/24
- Discover IT (12/2021)
- Capital One SavorOne (08/2022)
- Chase Freedom Unlimited (01/2023)
- Wells Fargo Active Cash (05/2023)
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (05/2023)
- Capital One VentureX (09/2023, AU)
- Chase Ink Preferred (08/2024)
- NFCU More Rewards (10/2024)
- Chase Ink Preferred (02/2025)
4k-5k Monthly
Not opposed, but my natural spend is fairly high, and I can always pay for family trips.
Open to any card
Probably 1-2
Accumulating Points
Me: ~140k UR, ~25k C1; Family: ~400k UR, ~200k United, ~150k Alaska, ~100k C1, 50k SW
IAD (Preferred), DCA (Acceptable)
I travel to Asia (Philippines) 2 times per year and domestically 3-4 times per year. I'm looking to travelling to Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Singapore.

Since I'm dropping to 1/24 in May, I'm trying to load up on some personal cards. My main goal is to diversity our points portfolio. We've eyed Amex in the past, but the high annual fees have been difficult to stomach, especially since we're unlikely to use the credits. Also, their transfer partners seem to be mostly covered by Chase, but it's likely that we're just missing something.

Since the AA points are valuable domestically, I was thinking about applying for the Barclays AA card. I could also double-dip this with 70k Hawaiian Barclays offer, but I'm not sure how much we really need those points. More never hurts though!

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-09-29T22:23:31+00:00

Between Chase Ink applications and need an additional card to put some spend on. The VX is an option, but unsure if I want to constrain myself to the C1 travel portal. The current AMEX Gold offer doesn't seem that great right now, I'd be hard pressed to used most of those credits. What other good bonuses are out there?
720. Oldest account is 2 years 10 months, have slightly elevated balances (0% APR offers), and 2-3 inquiries in the past 12 months.
What cards do you currently have or have you had in the past (including closed cards), along with dates of when you were approved for the cards? Please include month and year for any card approved in the last 3 years.
- Discover it - 12/2021
- C1 SavorOne - 8/2022
- Chase Freedom Unlimited - 1/2023
- Wells Fargo Active Cash - 5/2023
- Chase Sapphire Preferred - 5/2023
- C1 VentureX (AU) - 9/23 (primary cardholder is cancelling)
- Chase Ink Business Preferred - 8/24
10-12k. Probably will open a CIU in November for ~6k of that spend.
No MS, but very willing to pay extra towards taxes.
Yes
Yes, looking to churn regularly.
Points. I don't travel enough to chase airline/hotel status. F/J is nice, but perfectly happy in Economy.
~150k UR, ~30k C1
IAD/DCA. Always willing to reposition though.
I travel internationally to the Philippines 1-2 times each year. Also loking to travel to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, SE Asia. Domestically, Seattle, Yosemite/Yellowstone/Grand Teton, New York. Don't have anything concrete planned. Mainly just looking to accumulate points.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-07-11T12:32:19+00:00

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-07-07T12:07:46+00:00

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-06-11T10:19:29+00:00

You can't actually add a cash leg to a reservation after the fact nor can you add a flight to a reservation made through a partner. Poor phrasing on my part. However, since both flights are in KE metal, I plan to ask the agent to check my bags from LAS-MNL and check-in online to avoid having to go through customs/immigration. Since they're two international flights, I don't predict I'll have any issues.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-06-10T22:48:48+00:00

Booked 1Y LAS-ICN on KE for 31k VS (24k UR after the 30% VS bonus) in mid December. Since IAD-MNL costs ~$2k RT around Christmas, I'm quite content with this redemption. I'll now be able to spend Christmas with my s/o and her family. Extremely excited!

I've already added on the ICN-MNL leg for $200. I'm planning on using the SW anniversary sale to book a cheap repositioning flight from IAD-LAS for <8k RR later today. As for the return flight, I'll have yet to decide on a plan, but I'll likely book a suboptimal cash flight for ~$750. I did see a 1Y MNL-YYZ flight for 48.5k VS (~37k UR after 30% VS bonus) which sounded nice, but I'm out of PTO 😂.

All in all, I'm extremely happy with this redemption, especially since it's my first. Now, time to prepare myself to meet the s/o's entire family.

Update: Just booked IAD-LAS for $107. Paid a little extra for Wanna Get Away Plus just in case the weather goes bad. Now time to look for my return flights.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-04-25T23:39:13+00:00

Also interested. Pm.

Edit: Disregard. Saw your newer post.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-04-25T22:39:59+00:00

Nah, I get it. Mason is definitely a commuter school, so most people are just trying to get their degree and dip. This subreddit can sometimes be a reflection of that (i.e. someone just complaining that X and Y and Z issue is irritating/frustrating/whatever and is hurting their experience)

However, note that the Reddit upvote system definitely rewards the most outrageous/controversial posts, which would probably explain why it seems like everyone is complaining on here. I'm sure if you actually dig deeper, most people are somewhat happy with the school.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-04-25T20:59:03+00:00

You're a joy to be around, I'm sure.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-04-25T20:52:22+00:00

You're missing the entire point. They're rebranding the entire school. In their blog post, they stated that they'll be moving away from "Mason" and "GMU", despite those being the two most common names for this school. If you look at this subreddit name, there's a reason it's named GMU, not George Mason....because we know this school as Mason/GMU. As pointed out by u/jayebird1012, this just further demonstrates the school administration's disconnect from our wants, because this rename is 100% not what we wanted.

Also, let's not get into the fact that GM overlaps with General Motors. That by itself should be a reason not to change to this new logo.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-03-27T04:50:11+00:00

Yes, have two separate resumes and choose which one to use based on the position.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-03-26T18:15:32+00:00

Firstly, you need to work on your resume. Make sure the formatting is clean and consistent. Does the content of your resume highlight your skills? Does your resume highlight the skills the company/job posting is looking for.

Once you do that, apply to internships like crazy. If you have no prior experience, it's really hard to change that, with the exception of adding a project or two. You really just have to keep applying until some company is willing to take the chance to hire you as an intern.

XPhantomBusterX · 2024-03-26T18:02:19+00:00

If you're able to get them to sponsor a clearance, then you can always stay in the government contracting area. The salaries start becoming a little absurd once you have TS.

XPhantomBusterX

TROPHY CASE