As we struggle to find new ways to meet our minimum spends on new credit card sign-ups, “Bikeguy” may have come up with an answer that can help all of us and those less fortunate than us at the same time.
Kiva.org grants interest-free micro loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries. If you need to reach a minimum of $1000 on a given card, consider lending that much or part of your minimum spend to those in need through Kiva.org. Your money will be returned to you over time when the entrepreneur you help is able to repay it. You will receive no interest and there is some risk of non payment, although all of my Kiva loans have been repaid in full. Loans can be for as little as $25.
Kiva will accept your credit card to fund your personal lending account and the transaction will be treated as a purchase.
This method will not work if you need to repay your card with the same funds before the balance is due on your next card statement. I know some of you are in that position, but many of you could cover at least part of your required minimum spend this way, couldn’t you?
Both Flyertalk and Milepoint have Kiva lending teams you can join by targeting your loans to the team of your choice.
I hope you will check out Kiva.org and the respective threads on FT and MP. We can make a difference in the countries we visit and the lives of those struggling to improve their circumstances through their small businesses. Imagine the difference we could make if we turned just 10% of our minimum spend into Kiva loans.
Speaking of Lower Minimum Spends…
Rick,
Credit to “lowtek” on SlickDeals: New targeted offers for Chase Sapphire with promo code “GX1″ and an invitation number. I just received my card in the mail today when I signed up under the $3K/3 month promo for 50k. I called to activate and informed the rep that a friend received an offer today with the GX1 code that only required $750 spend in three months to get the 50k points. She sent a note to marketing to put this offer on my account and then activated my card with this new promo. She stated I would receive a snail-mail confirmation of this in 7-10 business days. So, if anyone has applied recently and not received the card, they should be able to activate it under this new promo with offer code GX1.
– Ryan L. (posting as: MrRedskin)
To All: Please report your successes in the comments section for others to see.
Free GoGo in August
Rick – from Slickdeals in case you have not seen:
Free GoGo in-flight wi-fi Internet for August with coupon on American Airlines, Delta, United, US Airways etc. Use code DIETCOKEGOGO . Valid during entire August 2011.
List of participating airlines http://www.gogoair.com/gogo/cms/airlines.do
Connect to GoGo in-flight. Buy a $12.95 or lower plan (usually the 24 hour pass). Enter DIETCOKEGOGO at checkout. Price: Free.
– Nick
Thanks, Nick, for saving everybody $12.95. You and Ryan are our Frugal Travel Guys of the Day.
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