u/BitterStop3242

I've recently noted two synergies of other memberships with the CSR card:

1. For the infamous Door Dash grocery credit, I link my Door Dash to my BJ's account.  The $10 credit becomes a $6-$7 credit after tip and Delivery fee if over $12.  The convenience of not having to spend the hour and a half to go to my local BJs is well worth it for those once in a while items, especially if they're discounted on BJs

2. United Airlines redemptions.  They've recently changed their redemption rules to favor cardholders. I've got the United Explorer, I believe the lowest tier annual fee card. I recently redeemed hnd-ewr business class tickets for 90k points per person where they had 250k points crossed out.  Every redemption has a minimum of 10% discounted for cardholders.  This was a major value driver for me this year.   I don't have $8000 or 500k points for a couple of business class tickets, but do have 180k points.

Anything you've found that you'd like to share?

I'm a value driven traveler on a relatively modest budget. I usually stay in a budget three star hotel. With the Edit, I can stay at a 4 or 5 star depending on whether I'm in Western Europe or SEA. My research shows when comparing to refundable direct bookings, the prices are usually within 5%. It might cost $50 a night more with the credit, but I'm getting a bigger room (usually 50 square feet or more), a nicer place, better breakfast, $100 credit and the rest. Also, we're in hotel rooms 60 or more nights a year, so six or so slightly more expensive nights doesn't stain the budget too much.

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In a way, the Chase hotel partnership strategy is working with me. I look for IHG properties first now. These have been a step up from hotels I would have stayed in without the credit and are actually in my price range with the credit in the less expensive cities.

A lot of people complain about the Stub Hub credit being an overpriced ticket for something that they wouldn't go to normally.

That's exactly why I'm enjoying the credit so much.

One of my most vivid childhood memories was standing in line outside of Radio City Music Hall in NYC waiting to see A Charlie Brown Christmas. It was a magical night, seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, getting hot chocolate, the Rockettes, the movie. As I was passing Radio City last Christmas, nostalgia swept over me, but the tickets were more than I would pay for. I'm nostalgic, but still thrifty. I used the Stub Hub and saw the Christmas show. TBH, it didn't live up to my childhood memories, but was still a nice way to spend the afternoon.

I'll be going to the NY Philharmonic later this month. Something I would not pay $175 for, but for $25 I'll give it a shot.