Deal of the Day
Posted by FrugalTravelGuy Thursday, December 01, 2011, No Comments
TripAlertz has hotel nights in New York city from $185/night in January and February.
US Air has a 100% bonus on purchased miles through December 31.
Club Carlson has select properties for 30% off when you use 30PCTOFF. Valid for stays between December 23 and March 3.
Mommy Points has a great explanation of the American Express Gift Chain in which you may receive a gift from American Express for shopping at certain retailers.
New Girl in the Air has posted the 2012 bonus categories for the Chase Freedom card. If you don’t have a Freedom card, there is currently a 30,000 point bonus that can be converted into miles if you have an Ultimate Rewards card.
Finally, Passports with Purpose is having a massive raffle for those who donate. They have partnered with hundreds of different bloggers to give away prizes such as 110,000 Hyatt Points, a spa getaway to British Columbia, and hundreds of others. For each prize you’d like to receive, a $10 donation is required for a ticket.
30,000 Delta Miles $500 Minimum Spend and No First Year Fee A Great Starter Card
Rumors Flying on United Elite Changes for 2012
Posted by Rick Saturday, August 13, 2011, No Comments
Lucky posted on the One Mile At A Time blog possible changes to the Elite program for the merged United Continental Airlines for 2012. Link
At some point in time, the airlines had to tie revenue to status. It just makes sense that those spending the bucks get the upgrades and bennies. If the rumor is true, I would expect all the other players to institute similar guidelines no later than January 2013.
Although I don’t begrudge them for the long overdue change, I will not be participating in the annual revenue requirements for the goodies. With a decent stash of miles and 11+ years of experience earning them, I will continue with my plan of losing my Elite status and flying on award tickets, premium ones at that, if I’m going to spend over three hours in the air.
By participating in the awards programs of all the majors — airlines and hotels — I can generate enough miles and points to meet my travel desires. The airlines and hotels earn enough from me by selling miles to vendors I frequent, who then, in turn, award points to me. There is no free lunch. My vendors (card companies, restaurants with Idine, rental car companies, banks, etc.) factor into their pricing the cost of buying the miles they then award me.
For this leisure traveler, status will become a thing of the past, at least with United if the rumors hold true. It means I will buy lounge access or redeem some of my miles stash for the privilege.
The value of miles just increased, in my estimation. I am more apt to fly on miles now and less with cash. Good credit just became even more important. The game is always changing and, in reality, this one has been coming for a long, long time. We just need to adapt, be more vigilant in acquiring miles, and continue to see the world at prices we all can afford.
How Often Can I Apply For Credit Cards?
Posted by Rick Saturday, April 09, 2011, 18 Comments
Switch Over to WordPress Today
Howie is attempting to move the blog today to WordPress so service may be interrupted. We are still here, just trying to improve the look of the blog.
The question of the day seems to be:
I applied for a Chase card in December and February and really want the 100,000 miles from the British airways card. Can I apply for this and expect success?
Here is an email I just got:
“Hey Rick, just a follow-up from our previous emails.
My girlfriend applied for the Chase Continental credit card two weeks ago and was accepted/received her card this past Saturday. She then applied for the Chase British Airways credit card yesterday and was denied. She called Chase today and they simply lowered her Chase Continental credit line and then approved her for the British Airways card.
So it looks like you can apply for and receive both of these cards within a short time period after all! Might be helpful to some of your other readers who are wondering the same!
Thanks again for your help!
Scott”
This proves that the Chase six-month rule is bunk. I knew it was, as I got five cards in six months from Chase. But here is the same result from another reader. You need high scores and few inquiries and the ability to lower the limits on your existing cards with the same card issuer, or be willing to close an older account. Your Mileage May Vary, but don’t believe that six-month rule line you get on the phone sometimes.
Every inquiry costs your credit score two to five points. That’s the amount you’re risking. If you are denied for a card, it does not go on your report as a negative factor. There is no drop in your score for a credit card denial.
This offer is large enough that if you aren’t sure of the outcome, it may still be worth the try, particularly if you have another Chase credit card you can cancel to earn the approval. Don’t cancel anything before applying. Wait until you get the denial if you do and then call the reconsideration phone number.
Reader emails are really providing valuable information to you, the readers. Several days ago we heard an example of a Premier Rewards credit card producing another sign-up bonus in the short term. Last month another reader email indicated that a Platinum Card from American Express, closed at least two years, could be applied for again and the new application would produce the points. I personally verified that one with my account at two years and three days since I closed my first Platinum Card.
This British Airways card has plenty of positives as a long term card for many people. It can be a terrific compliment to those carrying the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express credit card where Amex is not accepted.
1.25 miles per dollar spent
$30,000 spend to earn a free companion pass
No foreign transaction fees
I wish I hadn’t closed mine this year. Although I am not a fan of the fuel surcharges that British Airways charges on awards using their own metal to Europe, there are plenty of other options for using the miles with OneWorld partners. I also wish the companion pass provision was good on all OneWorld partners, but that is way too much to expect.
BTW: The 100,000 frequent flier mile offer is scheduled to last until May 6th.
Chase has really stepped up as the primary issuer of great credit card offers for travelers. Look at the offers we have recently seen.
100,000 Mile British Airways Card Offer. Limited time only.
Rookie Travel Tips with Shannon
Posted by Shannon Friday, April 01, 2011, No Comments
Last week’s Winning Tip goes to Bacc with the tip on Tripit.com. Thank you all for your stories and tips. They were Great!
Our March $100 gift card winner was Angik S!!! Angik: Email your address to Rick to receive your gift card, and congratulations!
I can finally say I’m on my way to being 50,000 Continental Airlines Frequent Flier Miles richer. WAHOO!!!! I’m sick of watching all you “pros” get 100,000 miles here and 100,000 miles there, elite status, and lounge access — you make me sick! Actually you all make me jealous and hungry for more!
As you may remember, I applied for the Chase Continental One Pass credit card months ago and received a denial letter. Not too surprising as I am just beginning to build my credit and do not have a ton of history, although my FICO score is 729, which I thought was pretty decent. I took two different approaches when pursuing my reconsiderations for these cards. For the Chase credit card, I called and spoke in person with a representative. I essentially told him the same information I would have in a written letter (see below). He updated my information and told me to wait for another response within 30 days. I was approved three weeks later.
Along with the Chase credit card, I applied for the Starwood Preferred Guest Card and received a denial. I have written a letter of reconsideration to the SPG people and am awaiting a response (hopefully an approval).
When you’re writing a reconsideration letter (see August, 28th 2010 post) you want to include a few key points:
1. I have NEVER BEEN LATE with a payment.
2. I’ve een gainfully employed for ______ consecutive years.
3. I have a credit score of ______, which I know is in the good range as I check my credit regularly.
4. I’ll take a small credit limit to prove my worth to you.
5. Think of the merchant fees you’ll be missing out on by not approving my application.
My letter to SPG:
To whom it may concern,
I recently applied for your Starwood Preferred Guest Card and received a denial letter. I am writing to ask for reconsideration on your position. I work for and I have been an employee there for two and a half years. My husband and I had a combined income in 2011 of dollars. I have a credit score of 729 and I monitor my credit regularly. I have never made a late payment in the past and I do not desire a large line of credit. Please take these facts into account and reconsider my application.
I look forward to hearing from you,
In case you missed the info on these two cards: The Chase Continental One Pass credit card link is located on the right hand column of the blog under Rick’s Top Eight Travel Deals #3. Many Rookies don’t know this but you can only receive a bonus once per card. This credit card offer will expire May 31st, so this is a great chance to get bonus points off a card that will never be offered again and save the other cards for later. The bonus miles are Continental frequent flier miles, which will be combined with United frequent flier miles once the company merger is complete. It’s a great chance to build up United points. Some details on the card:
- 50,000 bonus frequent flier miles after your first purchase
- A waiver of the $85 annual fee for your first year
- 10,000 bonus frequent flier miles annually when you spend $25,000 on your Card
- Two frequent flier miles per $1 spent on tickets purchased directly from Continental
- One frequent flier mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
The Starwood Preferred Guest Card offer is at the bottom of the blog. That card gives a 25,000 point bonus, 10,000 after first purchase, and 15K more if I spend $15,000 in the first six months. That will be tough for me to do. I will use this card for my hotel stays.
Wish me luck!
SHANNON
Submit your best travel tips for a chance to win a $100 dollar travel gift card!
Platinum Card for the Delta Transfer Bonus, Elite Status, Lounge Access, $200 Incidental Credit and More. Read my February 6th blog post for details.
8 Free Nights Hawaii per Couple Credit Cards Required
Posted by Rick Tuesday, September 09, 2008, No Comments
Here is the letter I sent to Josh and Shannon regarding how to get a free 8 nights in Hawaii at Hilton Hotels. As a single individual you can easily get four free nights.
Remember, your credit is one of your most important assets. Treat it with care.
Josh and Shannon:
I’m going to show you step by step how to get enough points for a free stay at the Hilton Kauai Resort for your trip in July, or any other Hilton resort in Hawaii.
It is time to start the process now as you never know what bumps we’ll hit along the road (credit issues, lack of product etc) so follow along with me. We are going to apply for three credit cards each and use them ONLY to gain the required points for the trip. I am not advocating the use of credit cards in your daily life as that is a decision you have to make as a couple. With discipline this goal can be handled quite easily, you will actually improve your credit score and then you can put the cards away if you like, or cancel them when you are done.
At any time you have questions or balk at continuing, speak right up and we can discuss it or quit the process with no harm to you.
1. Each of you should join the Hilton Honors program at hilton.com and save your printed membership card and number. You will use that membership number on your application for the Hilton Honors Platinum Card from American Express.
2. Go to frugaltravelguy.com and then the credit cards page and then each of you separately and individually apply for the Hilton card mentioned above. Answer every question truthfully.
3. Individually sign up for the American Airlines Aadvantage program, print and save the membership number. You can sign up at freebies page of frugaltravelguy.com for an extra 1000 Advantage miles. First entry on the freebies page.
4. On the same day you should each apply for the American Airlines Platinum Aadvantage card from Citibank. You will find it on the credit card page of the website under the ad for creditcards.com. Make sure you are each applying for the Platinum card which gives you 25,000 American airlines points after spending $750 on the card.
5. Now to meet the purchase requirements of each card. You get 10,000 Honors points for the first purchase. There is no requirement other than a first purchase on the Hilton card, but you can pick up an extra 20,000 Hilton Honors points by spending $5,000 in the first 5 months. You will accomplish that by buying $1000 of travellers checks each week free of charge from the closest American Express Travel service center. You can find the nearest one at this internet address: http://www134.americanexpress.com/travel/CTNWTServlet?request_type=tsofinder&ctrywrap=usa
Then just deposit the traveller’s checks in your bank account and payoff the credit card bill when it comes due.
It must be an official Amex Site and not a franchise site. Look for the little **** by the office listing. The * indicates a franchise site, which will not qualify.
The next card is the American Airlines card. We will meet the minimum spend buying US $1 coins from the United States mint without shipping charges. You can buy a maximum of $500 per president and the mint will ship them to your house. Upon receipt, take them to your bank, deposit them and use the money to pay off the credit card. You need a total of $750 spending on the American Airlines card within the first 4 months so place your orders as soon as coins become available. The website address is:
Josh: The Mint is picky about sending more than $500 of any one coin to the same address. You may have some of yours shipped to an uncle or brother you can trust. Or, if 3 different coins become available you can each order $250 or each coin to meet the minimum spend requirement. As of today two coins are available for sale.
Here is how this pays out. The Hilton Amex card allows you to reserve rooms on an award called an AXON from Hilton Honors. It is 4 nights for 125K Hilton Honors points. Each American Airlines mile converts to 2 Hilton Honors points. Two months after you have applied, received and met the minimum spend on the American Aadvantage Platinum card, you will each apply again for a new card and go through the same minimum spend requirements again. Yes, you will receive the 25K bonus again. So each of you will receive 25K American Airlines miles twice X 2 applications = 50K AA miles converted to 100K Hilton points.
If all goes well, you will each have about 10,000 Hilton honors points from the credit card sign up and 20,000 more from the purchase of traveller’s checks without any fees.
The total earned will be 130,000 Hilton Honors points each or two 4 day AXON awards. Take them at the same hotel or visit two islands and stay at two different Hilton properties.
And here is your cost:
Annual fee for the Hilton Amex Card = FREE
Annual fee for Aadvantage Card= FREE (cancel after first year to avoid future fee)
Shipping on US Mint Coins= FREE
Cost of Obtaining Travellers Checks= FREE
_____
Final Price FREE
Love Rick
PS: As an alternative, if you own a small business you can apply for the Citibusiness American Aadvantage Card instead of reapplying for a second Platinum Worldcard.
We got Shannon award tickets to Hawaii in celebration of her upcoming graduation from nursing school. Josh is a firefighter and attending classes in computer networking.
For their honeymoon we sent them to Brazil where Shannon had spent a year as a Rotary foreign exchange student. Josh got sicker than a dog and ended up in the hospital with food poisoning or something. We thought he may like Hawaii better this time.
My son Andrew is about to graduate from the University of Sydney with a Masters in International Public Health and has just applied for a job with Doctors without Borders.
I wonder where that award ticket will be to?
Status Match to Free Lounge Access and Southwest 16 Credits
Posted by Rick Monday, September 01, 2008, No Comments
Elite status usually gives you bonus miles, higher priority on the upgrade list, some extra help during times of irregular operations and sometimes a little more legroom. BMI can give US based flyers free lounge access as well. Here is how to get it easier and cheaper than with your own domestic carrier.
British Midland is a part of the Star Alliance with our domestic carriers United, US Airways and soon to be Continental, I hope. Top tier status with BMI takes 58,000 miles the first year unless you are status matched from a non Star Alliance carrier.
For example, suppose you have Gold status on Northwest Airlines and have been thinking of switching your loyalty to the Star Alliance. Submit an email request to: diamond.club@flybmi.com and ask to be status matched to BMI Gold. You’ll probably want to send along your latest Northwest Worldperks statement and a cover letter indicating you’d like to switch your loyalty to BMI.
It does not have to be Northwest, it could be American, Delta or Continental for now. Any non Star Alliance member airline.
And if you only have status with a Star Alliance carrier? Use that status to get matched to a non Star Alliance carrier and use that new status to get a BMI status match.
Once you have BMI Gold (aka Star Alliance Gold) you will be admitted to US domestic lounges for United and US Airways as you are now flying an international itinerary in the eyes of your membership which is British. This is the case even if, (and you probably are), flying on United Airlines or US Airways planes and routes.
Free Lounge Access and in addition, requalifying the following year only requires 36K or 38K (can’t remember) miles once you already have Gold status from the previous year.
You can’t requalify to top tier status with any domestic carrier with only 38K butt in seat miles.
Think about it. the BMI miles are the most valuable for redemption, you can get domestic lounge status and keep it easier the next year. Seems like the way to go for me.
Not everyone will be bumped to Gold status by BMI. Some may get Silver, some Blue Plus and some may even get thanks for trying but “nada for you” There is no hard and fast rule and the discretion is entirely BMI’s.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Ticket
I guess the blog is growing as I forgot to mention this. Here is a nice promotion for Southwest Flyers. Usually you get 8 credits for applying for their credit card. A fellow blog reader Donald sent me this link for all to see. It offers 16 credits for the card sign up and the possibility of 8 more with a balance transfer. No guarantees as I can’t find a date on the promo terms.
Thanks Donald on behalf of all of us. Link here
Our Around the World Challenge 61 Hotel Night Needed
Posted by Rick Thursday, July 24, 2008, No Comments
I just counted them up and it is a total of 61 nights on the road from April 5th til June 5th when we arrive home. That is a lot of hotel nights to find for free. Some will be easy in blocks of a week at a time, but others in remote towns (Cuzco and Siem Reap come to mind) may be tougher to get.
The first two nights will be easy ones. I’ll use Wyndham best rate guarantees for April 5th on Hilton Head Island and the same source for April 6th at the Savannah airport or close by.
The coordination involves not only the city but other variables as well. For example, we arrive in Lima Peru at 9:30 PM and hope to take an 5:40 AM flight to Cuzco. That means an airport hotel as oppossed to going into the city.
In Sao Paulo, which is all I could get for Iguazu Falls, we’ll want to leave town immediately to Iguazu or Buenos Aires depending on flight times and hotel availability and we still need to get to Rio for our flight to Europe and find a place in Rio. I wonder if I can get an award flight LIM-CUZ and/or SAO to IGU?
But Europe may be the toughest ticket of all. The hotel rates are outrageous without award nights. I’ve even thought about getting overnight trains and sleeping compartments but they won’t be free either.
So here are the locations again and if you have any ideas or know of decent accommodations ( preferably within hotel chains) please let me know. Every little tip will go towards this Frugal experience of a lifetime.
Lima Peru, Cuzco, Peru, Sao Paulo Brazil, Buenos Aires Argentina, Rio DeJaniero Brazil, Zurich Switzerland and two weeks in Europe( mainly Austria and Switzerland but could go east from there), Bangkok Thailand, Siem Reap Cambodia, Phuket Thailand, Sydney Australia and lastly I have the 11 nights in Maui and Kauai already booked.
Out of pocket costs so far are $303 each in taxes for the OneWorld Business Class Award Ticket.
Maybe we should have some kind of contest to guess the airfare and lodging costs for this extravaganza?
$25 Restaurant.Com Coupons for $3 Buy Before July 31st.
The coupon code word is CRAVE
Free Upgrade Coupon from Budget
Enter the contest at Budget and they will email you a free upgrade coupon
