Credit Card Thread - Now with a Beginner's Guide to free travel/FAQ

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by blind dog, Apr 10, 2015.

  1. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    Just booked 5 nights at Park Hyatt in Zurich. 160k UR>Hyatt. BartScott.gif
     
    EMAW FC, Whammy, pratyk and 4 others like this.
  2. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    It's a fantastic hotel fwiw
     
    C A N E and Whammy like this.
  3. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    Me first thing
    [​IMG]
     
    BellottiBold likes this.
  4. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    Also did 3 nights at The Morrison in Dublin with 180k Hilton Points but I’m not one to brag
     
    DuffandMuff likes this.
  5. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Received a delta platinum mailer today for 90k.
     
  6. comrade static

    comrade static i love french fries
    Donor
    Oklahoma City ThunderPhiladelphia EaglesOklahoma SoonersBarAndGrillBig 8 Conference

    Any of these cards give elite/preferred type of status with rental car companies?
     
  7. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    This link is a decent enough breakdown of what cards offer rental car status https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/cards-elite-status-car-rentals/amp/

    I will say in my experience (Amex Plat and Venture X), the rental car status hasn’t seemed to matter much price wise. I typically only rent a car a couple times a year though. Feel like I’ve seen better pricing through Priceline and sites like that.

    The status may be beneficial for obtaining a higher level vehicle or bypassing the rental process.
     
    BellottiBold and comrade static like this.
  8. GoodForAnother

    GoodForAnother I’d rather be down the allotment
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Kansas State WildcatsKansas City RoyalsKansas City ChiefsSporting Kansas CityTottenham HotspurBig 8 ConferenceBig 12 ConferenceCoors LightFormula 1

    Shelbourne >>>
     
  9. EagleDuck

    EagleDuck Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    Oregon DucksSeattle MarinersPortland Trail BlazersSeattle Seahawks

    Doesn’t really do much for the price but being able to bypass the line and go straight to the car is worth it to me.
     
    BleedinGreen likes this.
  10. GoodForAnother

    GoodForAnother I’d rather be down the allotment
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Kansas State WildcatsKansas City RoyalsKansas City ChiefsSporting Kansas CityTottenham HotspurBig 8 ConferenceBig 12 ConferenceCoors LightFormula 1

    If you have hotel status, National will usually match it. I’ve had executive elite with them forever through my Marriott titanium

    https://status.emeraldclub.com/
     
    i am a bammer and comrade static like this.
  11. GoodForAnother

    GoodForAnother I’d rather be down the allotment
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Kansas State WildcatsKansas City RoyalsKansas City ChiefsSporting Kansas CityTottenham HotspurBig 8 ConferenceBig 12 ConferenceCoors LightFormula 1

    got on our Delta 757 to ATL from FLL on Friday night and pilot comes on and says “we were about to push back but the ground crew noticed our front landing gear was leaking… I have no further information at this time”

    then he comes back on and says “so it is leaking but it’s a slow leak, so I think it’s safe to fly with it, because it won’t leak all its fluid before we get there, but I have to clear this with Atlanta”

    lady next to me says “what the fuck” and I go “this guy is way oversharing”

    anyway this daredevil move was NOT approved by Atlanta, so I ended up missing my connection and had to stay overnight at the ATL Westin on my way back home. got 18k miles for the inconvenience tho and drank a lot of beers in the FLL sky club, which is lovely
     
    tjsblue, Lip, EMAW FC and 4 others like this.
  12. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    18k miles is a nice come up
     
  13. GoodForAnother

    GoodForAnother I’d rather be down the allotment
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Kansas State WildcatsKansas City RoyalsKansas City ChiefsSporting Kansas CityTottenham HotspurBig 8 ConferenceBig 12 ConferenceCoors LightFormula 1

    they said 7500 and I was like well I’m missing part of my nieces fifth birthday party for this and the lady goes oh I’ll do 10000 more. then on my flight to KC on Saturday the flight attendant gave me another 1000
     
  14. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    How does the flight attendant thing work? She just tossing out 1k mile coupons on the flight?
     
    comrade static likes this.
  15. GoodForAnother

    GoodForAnother I’d rather be down the allotment
    Staff Donor TMB OG
    Kansas State WildcatsKansas City RoyalsKansas City ChiefsSporting Kansas CityTottenham HotspurBig 8 ConferenceBig 12 ConferenceCoors LightFormula 1

    she came down and said thanks for being a gold member, I saw you missed a connection and I wanted to offer you 1000 miles, is that ok? I said sure, she typed some stuff into her little tablet and I got the points

    she also went through and thanked all the diamond members, never seen that
     
  16. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida GatorsChicago Cubs

    Technically you don't need the landing gear to fly :awesomeface:
     
  17. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    I've gotten miles on a flight from the FA for a broken TV or other small inconveniences
     
  18. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    With 1M MR points, you have to fly Emirates A380 first class IMO. Especially for your honeymoon. It's an experience you'll never forget. When I booked my flight last year they were only flying the A380 out of LAX/SFO/JFK and maybe IAD? The onboard bar and shower are amazing. Service was unmatched. It unfortunately has ruined flying for me, even business class. The shower has a 2 person max capacity BTW.

    I have been Explorist for the past year, which has been nice but nothing special IMO. I convinced my gf to leave Marriott and go with Hyatt this year, so I'm excited to see the perks of Globalist.
     
  19. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    Some Instagram models have definitely been shit on by some Sheiks in those showers

    Kidding aside, that sounds amazing. Will definitely look into that
     
  20. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    I’m a pussy and didn’t slide in with my gf. Next time. Hopefully. Maybe.
     
  21. racer

    racer Yuma, where I work in software.
    Donor
    Iowa HawkeyesKansas City ChiefsLas Vegas Golden KnightsWatfordOlympicsFormula 1

    How’d she like the Cleveland steamer from the prince?
     
    DuffandMuff likes this.
  22. kinghill

    kinghill Cool American Flavour
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami MarlinsMiami DolphinsMiami HeatPoker

    Called Marriot. Per the agent I spoke with, I have to CALL MARRIOT to use my 5 free award night certificates. Web site won't show option for using Award Cert - even though Marriot's own web site says it should.

    And she couldn't find a single option anywhere near Tampa, FL for Feb 17-19.

    I've made a mistake with this Bonvoy crap. Oh well, live and learn. I'll keep searching.


    https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/redeem/hotels/free-nights.mi

    upload_2023-2-3_9-31-55.png
     
    i am a bammer likes this.
  23. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Was this the five free nights at up to 50,000/night offer from last year?
     
    kinghill likes this.
  24. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    Pretty difficult to use in the US....they advertise 35,000 pts as redemption options at Marriott or Renaissance hotels, but they all are usually 40k or 45k in the high season. 35k usually only available in the low season, like Minneapolis in February.

    I've been able to use mine, but usually only outside the US
     
    kinghill likes this.
  25. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    First referral bonus just hit, thanks boys :beerchug:
     
    DuffandMuff and milquetoast like this.
  26. milquetoast

    milquetoast Firm Security
    Donor
    Florida GatorsNew York MetsTampa Bay BuccaneersNew York Islanders

    Appreciate the link, thanks!
     
  27. kinghill

    kinghill Cool American Flavour
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami MarlinsMiami DolphinsMiami HeatPoker

    yes
     
  28. kinghill

    kinghill Cool American Flavour
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami MarlinsMiami DolphinsMiami HeatPoker

    award cert is good up to 50k pts
     
  29. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    Really? Mine are 35k

    Edit: y’all are talking about a specific promotion. Mine are just the yearly that come with the card
     
    kinghill likes this.
  30. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Wut

    (I use the site/app all the time for it)

    Also I really don't find it that difficult to spend my 35k (card) or 40k (annual choice) certs in any of SF, PDX, or NYC - admittedly, usually on Autograph, AC, or CY - but sorry to hear about the woes finding availability.
     
  31. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Are you able to search hotels by points, find one for less than 50,000, then try to book and use the cert as an option? Sorry, I have no experience with the card/Marriott certs, just spitballing after reading a few articles.
     
    kinghill likes this.
  32. kinghill

    kinghill Cool American Flavour
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami MarlinsMiami DolphinsMiami HeatPoker

    i’m gonna try the app instead of the web site
     
  33. kinghill

    kinghill Cool American Flavour
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami MarlinsMiami DolphinsMiami HeatPoker

    That was the answer. The Marriot app is SO much better than the web site. Was able to reserve 2 nights using the free award certs using the app in a few minutes.
     
    EMAW FC, Han Solo and DuffandMuff like this.
  34. comrade static

    comrade static i love french fries
    Donor
    Oklahoma City ThunderPhiladelphia EaglesOklahoma SoonersBarAndGrillBig 8 Conference

    What card should I buy purchasing my flights on? I’m not good at figuring out the differences. I have these cards:

    chase sapphire reserve
    Amex Hilton Aspire
    Amex platinum
    Chase IHG

    I also have a business citi American Airlines but that is only 2x points which seems shitty
     
  35. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    Amex plat 5x on flights is tough to beat
     
    Whammy and comrade static like this.
  36. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Amex Plat 100% imo
     
    comrade static likes this.
  37. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    This will also cover your checked bags if you are flying AA, but I think you have to pay for the tickets with the card for it to kick in.
     
  38. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    I can transfer Amex Points to any SkyMiles account, right?

    Lyrtch to do the Amex gift card trick....I have a $600 flight. I need to buy $325 with of gift cards then buy my flight with the gift cards plus $175 on my amex and I should get a $175 credit back?
     
  39. bRamonceTaylor

    bRamonceTaylor Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Yes to your first Q.

    I think the trick for your second point is to get the amount put on the card under $250. That will trigger the “incidental” charge that gets credited back to you. I’d buy $375 in GCs and then put $225 on my Amex Plat.
     
    Where Eagles Dare likes this.
  40. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    that is correct as far as i remember from using it last year
     
  41. Menelaus

    Menelaus The Red-Haired King
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideReal Madrid

    Had no problem maxing out the $200 incidental when I was living in NYC and family would travel with me a lot (guest lounge access). May give this workaround a try
     
  42. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    At best I'm buying some beers on a flight and that's hard to get to $200
     
  43. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    Apparently you can't use a Delta gift card w/in 48 or 72 hours of purchase which is fucking dumb
     
  44. bRamonceTaylor

    bRamonceTaylor Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I used mine immediately in like December, but I think I bought them from Amazon because I had a 5x Amex offer. Is there a reason to buy them from Delta directly?

    Another data point for the Amex Plat airline credit on Delta is my taxes and fees for an award flight were credited back to me.
     
  45. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    Has anyone seen the AMEX Plat 125k plus 10x Dining offer recently?
     
  46. racer

    racer Yuma, where I work in software.
    Donor
    Iowa HawkeyesKansas City ChiefsLas Vegas Golden KnightsWatfordOlympicsFormula 1

  47. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    Chase giving me a hard time on Southwest business card. Bamboozling my companion pass.
     
  48. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    Idk, just figured it didn't matter where I bought from.

    Shit...I just bought two reward flights and put them on my delta amex for higher points.

    Maybe I'll upgrade seats. Annoying
     
  49. bRamonceTaylor

    bRamonceTaylor Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Sounded like you were going to burn your $200 credit by using GCs to get the price under $250 though, right? If so, shouldn’t matter. Just FYI - I think your Amex Plat is always going to be the highest points when paying an airline.

    That comment wasn’t directed at you - just generally throwing it out there for if anybody’s wondering if the taxes and fees on an award ticket can be applied against the flight credit. Flight credit used to feel difficult to use, but I’ve spent the whole thing without trying the past few years.
     
  50. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    [​IMG]