Fronting Money for States that Require It

[luvmystang67]

States like Colorado, Wyoming (if you want your name in the hat), Idaho, and probably others.  What do you folks do to front the money?  Surely, I'd like to be getting my points in Colorado, but I don't have enough cash to front it for everything.  Does anyone stick it on the card and pay the interest?  Any other way people have of creatively fronting the money?  I suppose if I were to get a double miles card it wouldn't be as bad...

[Ridgerunner]

Depending on the cycle of  your credit card bill you might be able to time it so the refund hits back before the payment is due, I've done that on New mexico before.  I've heard of guys having a dedicated card to it and paying the interest rather than losing out on the opportunity for a point.  I believe CAbelas will front the money for you but then  you have to pay them to apply. 

[luvmystang67]

Probably cheaper to get a low interest card for that specific purpose or perhaps get an introductory card with 0% for the first 6 months every year at application time.  Maybe that'll be the way I go next year.

Better than paying Cabelas and better than missing out as you've mentioned.

[Maverick]

Crap why didn't I think of that? Get a credit card just for applying out of state.

[BULLBLASTER]

I have the cash set aside before i apply. If i dont have the cash i figure i dont need to be spending it. 

[pianoman9701]

I have the cash set aside before i apply. If i dont have the cash i figure i dont need to be spending it. 

Don't spend it if you don't have it. Who do you think you are, the federal government?

[BULLBLASTER]

I have the cash set aside before i apply. If i dont have the cash i figure i dont need to be spending it. 

Don't spend it if you don't have it. Who do you think you are, the federal government?

i Try to stay as far away from the fed gov as i can... 

[luvmystang67]

For Colorado's OIL tags though...  3 Years before you even have an opportunity to be drawn...  Doing that next year.

[Bigshooter]

I save money for some of it and put the rest on a credit card.

[Bean Counter]

I have the cash set aside before i apply. If i dont have the cash i figure i dont need to be spending it. 

Don't spend it if you don't have it. Who do you think you are, the federal government?

   I feed the pig. 

Were I newer in my career and not so blessed I probably wouldn't hunt out of state at all. If money is that tight then I should be focusing in my career and/or paying debt off.

[Halo]

When I started applying out of state about 18 years ago I started putting a portion on the credit card and paying a little interest even though I detest it and have never carried a balance except for that purpose. While I had money out on the card because I hate debt I would scrimp and pay as much as possible before getting the refund back. By the time the refund came it would be enough to pay it off with some left over so I would set that aside for the next year. Over the years I saved more and more and applied for more and more and eventually saved enough to avoid paying interest. Now if that money only made a little interest in the off season. 

[BULLBLASTER]

I also put it all on my credit card... but i have never once carried a balance and paid credit card interest. I like to feed the pig!

[Karl Blanchard]

Most states just get cash but states like Nevada that require the purchase of a license and then hit your card if you draw, I use a credit card.  I don't keep a bunch of spare cash in my checking account so the card is the route I go.  That way if I get hit, the wife won't flip   The less she knows the better

[Bigshooter]

Most states just get cash but states like Nevada that require the purchase of a license and then hit your card if you draw, I use a credit card.  I don't keep a bunch of spare cash in my checking account so the card is the route I go.  That way if I get hit, the wife won't flip   The less she knows the better

That's what goes on my credit card.  States that I don't front the tag fee when I apply and charge you only if you draw.  Like UT, AZ and NV.  I don't want my debit card to decline because I didn't have enough money in my account.  Then I use my refund money from states that I had to front the tag money and pay off the credit card if I draw.

[Bob33]

Put it on a credit card. In most cases you will get a refund within one or two billing cycles if not drawn. With a 12% card and a $1000 hit, that's only $10 in interest per month for one or two months until you get a refund.

Of course, if you draw you won't get a refund.

[MerriamMagician]

I noticed that for Idaho, if you apply online with a credit card, you don't get a refund but rather a credit to your account if not drawn. How you guys feel about that? If you apply for an expensive tag like nonresident moose, goat, or sheep it's gonna be about 2 grand. You could use that credit if you draw a tag in the future, only thing I would be worried about is another increase in tag fees.

[fillthefreezer]

i get my hunting partner to put it on his CC and i pay him cash for the point+interest. saves me fights with the wife 

[benhuntin]

I noticed that for Idaho, if you apply online with a credit card, you don't get a refund but rather a credit to your account if not drawn. How you guys feel about that? If you apply for an expensive tag like nonresident moose, goat, or sheep it's gonna be about 2 grand. You could use that credit if you draw a tag in the future, only thing I would be worried about is another increase in tag fees.

they also charge 3%, so on 2000+ it cost an additional $60 just in a processing charge.

[Halo]

I noticed that for Idaho, if you apply online with a credit card, you don't get a refund but rather a credit to your account if not drawn. How you guys feel about that? If you apply for an expensive tag like nonresident moose, goat, or sheep it's gonna be about 2 grand. You could use that credit if you draw a tag in the future, only thing I would be worried about is another increase in tag fees.

they also charge 3%, so on 2000+ it cost an additional $60 just in a processing charge.

It's the same way for Montana moose, sheep & goat, 2.5% I always use a cashiers check for Montana, saves me over $50.

[andrew_in_idaho]

I noticed that for Idaho, if you apply online with a credit card, you don't get a refund but rather a credit to your account if not drawn. How you guys feel about that? If you apply for an expensive tag like nonresident moose, goat, or sheep it's gonna be about 2 grand. You could use that credit if you draw a tag in the future, only thing I would be worried about is another increase in tag fees.

I think you misunderstood the regs. If you apply with a credit card rather than getting a refund check they return the money to the credit/debit card account in the form of a credit so the money does come back to you.

[180-GRAIN]

I noticed that for Idaho, if you apply online with a credit card, you don't get a refund but rather a credit to your account if not drawn. How you guys feel about that? If you apply for an expensive tag like nonresident moose, goat, or sheep it's gonna be about 2 grand. You could use that credit if you draw a tag in the future, only thing I would be worried about is another increase in tag fees.

I don't like how idaho credits the credit card. I have a card I apply for everything with and I usually pay it off before I get the refunds. Then have cash my wife does not know about to throw in my gun safe as my yearly hunting stash. Last year I paid the 2100.00 for idaho moose and ended up with a 2100.00 credit on my card instead of cash in my pocket. I don't dig that system.