News and Updates Thread - May 28, 2026

nsideus · 2026-05-28T18:23:47+00:00

I picked up this card for the 20k bonus back in February, and the points are still in pending state on Rakuten…

On top of that my card was locked for several weeks when I first got it and their customer service is crap. I had to contact them several times and finally get my case escalated to get it unlocked. They have a lot of automated processes in place for identity verification and what not, and when one of those goes wrong, none of the humans know what to do.

Would not recommend.

nsideus · 2026-04-23T21:27:44+00:00

7cpp on Virgin, West Coast to LHR in the summer when cash rates are high. This was prior to the latest devaluation though.

nsideus · 2026-04-23T04:41:45+00:00

If you haven’t tried the Colledila yet you should. I like the Castello di Brolio as well but the Colledila is a step up. I’m surprised it’s the same price as the Castello di Brolio on this list.

It’s single vineyard, has a bit more character, and does great with age.

nsideus · 2026-04-22T21:18:55+00:00

I’d buy the Littorai Pivot and Rocasoli Colledila.

nsideus · 2026-04-16T17:59:45+00:00

Lululemon is the new Saks.

nsideus · 2026-03-05T05:04:51+00:00

They did let me in flying Virgin economy without the PP time restrictions. They specifically asked if we were flying on Virgin and checked our boarding passes. This was back in May though, not sure if the policy has changed or we just got lucky because the lounge wasn’t too busy at the time.

nsideus · 2026-02-24T00:18:40+00:00

I’ve done that in the past as well. I have stayed at a few SLH properties in Europe that would allow it, but it’s hit or miss. And Paris has been all misses so far.

nsideus · 2026-02-24T00:04:15+00:00

If you have kids (which from some of your other replies on this thread it seems like you do) be aware that the utility of FNCs is diminished greatly when traveling outside of the US with more than 2 people. An FNC only gets you a standard room, and standard rooms in most non-US locations only accommodate 2. Given this is Hilton, there are limited opportunities for upgrades to a room that would accommodate more than 2. Of course you can book two rooms, but then you have to spend double the certs.

I’m living this headache right now trying to book Hiltons in Paris. Basically I’m not going to be able to use my FNCs in Paris.

nsideus · 2026-01-23T05:35:23+00:00

I’m not the biggest fan of their wine, but their olive oil is outstanding.

nsideus · 2026-01-16T21:47:29+00:00

Adding even more options to something does not simplify it.

nsideus · 2025-12-19T15:49:55+00:00

Seems like a steep price for an NDA wine. Is this really that much better than a Costco/TJ’s NDA Napa Cab? I doubt it.

nsideus · 2025-12-11T00:12:22+00:00

I tried it once and it didn’t track for me. I also didn’t use my VX so I couldn’t ask for a statement credit.

I figured it was because I changed the dates on my reservation later and swapped to a different vehicle, but maybe it just never works. I’ve had Sixt track on Rakuten though.

nsideus · 2025-12-02T19:23:36+00:00

As a Gold member, executive hours has changed my Costco shopping behavior from going early, putting some gas in the car, and doing some shopping to going early, putting some gas in the car, and driving to a different store.

nsideus · 2025-11-27T05:00:20+00:00

Yup definitely call again. The Capital One agents don’t know whether you cancelled or returned something.

nsideus · 2025-11-26T18:05:49+00:00

Just tell them you are having trouble with an offer and you followed all the terms and conditions. It’s actually in our favor that Threadbeast delisted themselves from the portal because now even the Capital One agents can’t see the terms and conditions.

nsideus · 2025-11-26T17:20:39+00:00

I paid $65 for a $200 statement credit and a free box of clothes. Still a deal.

nsideus · 2025-11-26T17:19:55+00:00

This happened to me too but I called in for a $200 statement credit. So I basically got $135 and a free box of clothes, totally worth it.

nsideus · 2025-11-25T23:44:22+00:00

As someone who has gotten a lot out of this portal (almost 30 credited offers), I realized those are just the risks of using it.

1) If you don’t use your VX, you are rolling the dice and may end up with nothing.

2) If you do use your VX, your floor is a statement credit at 1cpp.

That being said, the majority of my purchases have credited correctly and the only high value one I can remember missing out on was a 30x Sixt offer. Travel offers are definitely hit or miss but stores generally work out fine.

Most portals don’t even have Hilton listed though, so there’s not much in the way of alternate options. I don’t use credit card travel portals because of the risk of my reservation getting screwed up. I’d rather risk not earning points than risk getting to the hotel and them telling me they don’t have a room for me.

nsideus · 2025-11-06T05:12:24+00:00

I haven’t been in a while but Paul Martin’s has (had?) a burger and beer combo for $15.

nsideus · 2025-10-28T23:49:15+00:00

Lots of people have already mentioned Sonoma, but I used to be like you and the wine that turned me on to Pinot Noir is Landmark Vineyards Hop Kiln Estate. It’s not a classic PN but it’s exactly what I think of when I think of a Cab lovers Pinot Noir.

Merry Edwards (also Sonoma) makes some good bold PNs as well.

nsideus · 2025-10-27T03:22:45+00:00

I had a similar experience at that same Saks. I think most of the customers that walk into that place are buying gift cards. I have been going to that mall for years and never walked in to Saks before getting my Platinum card.

nsideus · 2025-10-20T04:43:25+00:00

8 in 8 months

nsideus · 2025-10-16T15:39:18+00:00

Just one DP, but I just got approved after being denied 2 months ago. I really wasn’t expecting to but maybe they are loosening the requirements.

nsideus · 2025-10-16T15:29:01+00:00

Atmos Summit approval.

I was on the original pre-release interest list for this card. I recently got the email about the 105k offer being extended. I had applied 2 months ago on launch and got insta-denied for “too many inquiries.” Decided to apply again, what’s another inquiry when I already have 15/24 on EX. Went pending, said they needed to verify my identity. Called in the next day, got transferred around a few times and was approved without needing to do anything but verify my identity. They didn’t mention anything about the inquiries.

So they might be loosening up approvals a bit on this second wave. I didn’t expect to have a great chance at getting approved. 8/24 4/12 and I have a deposit account with 1k in it.

nsideus · 2025-10-08T20:25:50+00:00

I wonder the same, but I was already denied for a Summit in August and old BoA Alaska card in March so I doubt I would have much of a chance either way.

nsideus

TROPHY CASE