I love credit cards so much! v5.0 - 2022 (see first page for add'l details)

[reliev]

Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix.

yea this is a suite experience points + cash I think its an ok deal (I looked at feb 14th)

seems like this is 50k points which is worth ~850$ the cash rate is less 742 a night.

if you mix the points you are paying 390$ so you are out of 20k points which is prob worth 300$ so you are marginally ahead i think its better then doing cash for sure

 

[reliev]

I just received a mailer for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless - offer is for 5 FNC up to 50k pts each - sub is 5k/3mos.

I have pretty much abandoned Marriott over the last couple of years and a Marriott Credit Card was not on my radar, but have to say I am tempted by this offer. Anyone think the 50k certs are still going to be worth having after March?

tbh no I'm waiting to see I've been bonvoyed too much since the merger, good thing my annual fee doesn't start until march I'm still leaning towards canceling this card (sorry if I'm repeating myself on this). I'm lifetime platinum, not titanium and I haven't been upgraded once, I haven't even felt valued since the merger, I miss SPG but those days have sailed. Even with my lifetime status, I don't personally want to give them any business unless I have no other choice.

 

[leeniewdw]

Thanks for letting me know that staying outside the park worked for you! That is encouraging to hear.

As I looked into it more and more today, it seems we are going to do the same. It’s not in our budget for this trip to pay $1600+ just for the rooms, on top of all the other trip expenses like rental car, etc. And then trying to do this last minute also since our other trip was cancelled (well, 7 months out, but that is pretty last minute for this kind of trip! My main priority at this point is just making sure we can go this year since we don’t have another trip planned.) So after mapping it for a long while today, and going over with DH, we’re fine if we have to do a bit more driving some days. We are used to driving (we drive to florida several times a year) with no issue. Although I feel like it’s going to be more of a cliff notes version of Yellowstone, which we’re okay with. We will do a full day in Teton, and 3 full days in Yellowstone. Flying into Jackson hole, and flying out of Bozeman, which does cut down some on the driving also, with not having to circle back.

Anything that we just CANNOT miss? Is the aerial tram in Teton Village worth a visit?

We've never done the TRAM in Teton Village. We've spent our time mostly in the park. Everywhere is beautiful. You can hike around or boat across Jenny Lake and then hike up to Inspiration Point. If you do that, I highly recommend going a little farther into Cascade Canyon (mostly flat once you've made it up to Insp Point). It's just gorgeous! We've also enjoyed our hikes to Taggert & Bradley Lakes (you can do just one if you'd like). Schwabacher's Landing is a quintessential viewpoint (no hiking).

I'm curious about your rental car rates with dropping off in BZN after pick up in JAC? Our rental car for this trip is twice what it was in 2019 and it's for a sedan vs an Escalade! We were having so much trouble with finding decent flights (JAC is closed until end of June this year due to construction) that I even considered going in/out of SLC/BZN but the car rental was like $2k! We finally found a delta itinerary that we like, used points for 1 flight and the $300 Venture X credit against the other and are going in/out of BZN.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

yea this is a suite experience points + cash I think its an ok deal (I looked at feb 14th)

seems like this is 50k points which is worth ~850$ the cash rate is less 742 a night.

if you mix the points you are paying 390$ so you are out of 20k points which is prob worth 300$ so you are marginally ahead i think its better then doing cash for sure

View attachment 642119

What confuses me is the category on the right "upgrade premium suite" which then adds $238 = 9K points for a larger suite. But they let you book that on its own without having a suite already booked, that can lead someone to think they have a room booked rather than just an upgrade. I at first thought that was the rate for the larger suite, which didn't make sense given the rate of the 20K +$390 smaller suite. Anyway... thanks

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I'm excited for the new IHG business card. I love adding to my IHG points. So I guess this gives me a reason to stay under 5/24 for another month or so, LOL. I'm anxious to hear what the offer is with it.

 

[reliev]

What confuses me is the category on the right "upgrade premium suite" which then adds $238 = 9K points for a larger suite. But they let you book that on its own without having a suite already booked, that can lead someone to think they have a room booked rather than just an upgrade. I at first thought that was the rate for the larger suite, which didn't make sense given the rate of the 20K +$390 smaller suite. Anyway... thanks

9k is even better than what I saw on there that's even a better deal

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

and Kroger is now selling $200 gift of college gift cards online ($5.95 fee). May be worth it at times for the fuel points or with a chase msr. I’ve dropped these into our 529s in the past.

Thanks so much for posting this. I thought we had some laws in Wisconsin that prohibited fuel points (something about our minimum markup law on fuel), but it seems Kroger owns many of the grocery stores around me and fuel points seem to be a thing now?

Anyone know how often Kroger does the 4x gc deal? I'd also need a Chase msr.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

We've never done the TRAM in Teton Village. We've spent our time mostly in the park. Everywhere is beautiful. You can hike around or boat across Jenny Lake and then hike up to Inspiration Point. If you do that, I highly recommend going a little farther into Cascade Canyon (mostly flat once you've made it up to Insp Point). It's just gorgeous! We've also enjoyed our hikes to Taggert & Bradley Lakes (you can do just one if you'd like). Schwabacher's Landing is a quintessential viewpoint (no hiking).

I'm curious about your rental car rates with dropping off in BZN after pick up in JAC? Our rental car for this trip is twice what it was in 2019 and it's for a sedan vs an Escalade! We were having so much trouble with finding decent flights (JAC is closed until end of June this year due to construction) that I even considered going in/out of SLC/BZN but the car rental was like $2k! We finally found a delta itinerary that we like, used points for 1 flight and the $300 Venture X credit against the other and are going in/out of BZN.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Our rental car rate is actually cheaper doing the one way (pickup in JAC, drop off in BZN) than it was renting round trip out of BZN! Crazy times. (Although the pickup location is in downtown Jackson. I guess the rental car company is off site from airport. It does say they'll shuttle you there. It's 15 minutes.) I found an economy/compact for $690. That's from pickup on a Monday late morning, drop off similar time Saturday, so only 6 days in rental terms. I think it's kind of high, and will continue to monitor to try to get a better rate. But I know car rentals since Covid have been crazy, and if this price sticks, we're ok with it. Plus, this is the pay later rate. As it gets closer (and barring nothing happens), I'll probably go with the Pay Now rate which is $560, so that would save more too.

 

[wanderlust7]

What confuses me is the category on the right "upgrade premium suite" which then adds $238 = 9K points for a larger suite. But they let you book that on its own without having a suite already booked, that can lead someone to think they have a room booked rather than just an upgrade. I at first thought that was the rate for the larger suite, which didn't make sense given the rate of the 20K +$390 smaller suite. Anyway... thanks

It's based on this chart. The upgrade premium suite rate looks like a great deal!

https://frequentmiler.com/how-best-to-book-hyatt-luxury-suites/

 

[smallsy]

Just startef my life ins policy in the fall. I got a tax form for gross distribution. I obviously haven't taken anything out of it. What is this for? I wasn't expecting tax stuff for an ins policy though I do realize it has an investment component to it.

Is it a whole life policy? I think whole life has investment option, like you said, and maybe you have to report the earnings like a savings account? I'm just taking a stab in the dark here so don't take my word for it.

 

[afan]

Is it a whole life policy? I think whole life has investment option, like you said, and maybe you have to report the earnings like a savings account? I'm just taking a stab in the dark here so don't take my word for it.

That's a good question. It probably is since it's not term. But that would make sense just wasn't expected. This years taxes are awful with the rental house sale so I won't have to worry about it until I do my 2022 taxes, someone else can deal with it this year

 

[iujen94]

Thanks so much for posting this. I thought we had some laws in Wisconsin that prohibited fuel points (something about our minimum markup law on fuel), but it seems Kroger owns many of the grocery stores around me and fuel points seem to be a thing now?

Anyone know how often Kroger does the 4x gc deal? I'd also need a Chase msr.

Definitely follow the Updated Disney Gift Card Deals and More thread here on the Dis Budget Board (it’s always among the most recently-updated threads in the forum list, so easy to find). They always post when Kroger has its 4x fuel point deals (plus lots of other awesome deals on Disney gift cards and other things). It’s my second-favorite Dis thread next to this one!

 

[wanderlust7]

Question about booking flights using cash (always used points)...booking a spring break trip to Hawaii for DD20 and her 3 friends. I found some cheap fare through expedia...anyone know what the cancellation policy is? If I buy tickets using my CSR does that help (or do I need to be one of the travelers?)
Also, one flight has them flying to LAX with a 6 hour overnight layover then transferring to another airline...I'm assuming they would need to get their checked bags and then proceed to check in at the new airline and go through TSA agian...I'm trying to get them to avoid this option if this is the case! My other concern is if the first flight is delayed and they don't make the early morning flight to Hawaii, that could be even more issues...
Any thoughts/tips???

edit…if my DD would get a United credit card before they fly, could they still get the free bag benefit? And any idea if that card could be expedited?

Can you reproduce the same route/price booking direct? Wondering if this is 2 separate tickets, just sold through Expedia. Better to not have a middle man, especially now, in case there are cancellations, delays, etc.

You DD would be covered if you paid with your CSR. You don't need to be traveling. But it would need to be a covered reason. You can get details here:
https://www.chasebenefits.com/sapphirereserve2
I think for the United free bag benefit, the flight needs to be charged to the card.

 

[leeniewdw]

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Our rental car rate is actually cheaper doing the one way (pickup in JAC, drop off in BZN) than it was renting round trip out of BZN! Crazy times. (Although the pickup location is in downtown Jackson. I guess the rental car company is off site from airport. It does say they'll shuttle you there. It's 15 minutes.) I found an economy/compact for $690. That's from pickup on a Monday late morning, drop off similar time Saturday, so only 6 days in rental terms. I think it's kind of high, and will continue to monitor to try to get a better rate. But I know car rentals since Covid have been crazy, and if this price sticks, we're ok with it. Plus, this is the pay later rate. As it gets closer (and barring nothing happens), I'll probably go with the Pay Now rate which is $560, so that would save more too.

It makes more sense between JAC and BZN I suppose, people probably do those arrive/depart points much more frequently than SLC/BZN. In June 2019 we had a rate under $400 for an SUV (I think the Escalade was just a free upgrade based on what was available) for a week. This time we've got a Jetta for 8 days and it's over $700. When I look now it's over $800, but I'll keep looking as well.

 

[reliev]

It makes more sense between JAC and BZN I suppose, people probably do those arrive/depart points much more frequently than SLC/BZN. In June 2019 we had a rate under $400 for an SUV (I think the Escalade was just a free upgrade based on what was available) for a week. This time we've got a Jetta for 8 days and it's over $700. When I look now it's over $800, but I'll keep looking as well.

yeah I got a model y for hawaii for 480$ via turo i remember when i got a corvette for about the same there oh have times changed (when i looked it was 1300 for a midsize upcoming spring break)

 

[elgerber]

OK be kind LOL, I have never been in an airport lounge. I have a Priority Pass card now, thanks to my Venture X. Am I reading this correctly, that I could use a minute suite for an hour with my pass?

Minute Suites Nashville BNA Airport Lounges Concourse D Nashville TN Intl (prioritypass.com)

Nevermind, I think it's pointless, it appears you can't get from the Delta area to this area.

 

[reliev]

OK be kind LOL, I have never been in an airport lounge. I have a Priority Pass card now, thanks to my Venture X. Am I reading this correctly, that I could use a minute suite for an hour with my pass?

Minute Suites Nashville BNA Airport Lounges Concourse D Nashville TN Intl (prioritypass.com)

Nevermind, I think it's pointless, it appears you can't get from the Delta area to this area.

I laugh because I've done this a few times what airport are you going to maybe we can direct you to the "best lounge"

 

[elgerber]

I laugh because I've done this a few times what airport are you going to maybe we can direct you to the "best lounge"

Nashville, but that is the only Priority Pass lounger, according to their website. I don't have any other lounge access.

 

[lfcfan]

The current promo is 3 free night certificates (up to 50k each) with the 10x in those categories. Do you have 150k points or 3 FNC? I don't recall a 150k promo on the Boundless.

Just checking since FNC can't be used with 5th night free.

Thx for your help. I am so confused at this point. I do believe you may be right--the promo may have been "3 free nights, valued up to 150k points." I did make the reservation. at swan reserve. It has a box that you check called "points/certificates." Then, it shows you the total in points. I booked 5 nights for 200k points, and it shows that I get the 5th night free. I don't have the points (or free nights) yet--I meet the spend requirement when my bill is paid in early Feb. The system allows me to book the points rate before I actually have the points.
Then, I guess I will see if it shows up as points after my bill is paid, or will they send me certificates? If so, I don't really see how I can book swan reserve with certificates, since when I search for rooms using "points/certificates" there is no further certificate option.

Any advice on booking with FNC? I am honestly about to give up if I get FNC and use them some where easier down the road, and just book a different resort for Disney!

 

[Arcades]

I'm excited for the new IHG business card. I love adding to my IHG points. So I guess this gives me a reason to stay under 5/24 for another month or so, LOL. I'm anxious to hear what the offer is with it.

My favorite part of the changes is being able to contribute points to FNC to make them more versatile (essentially a 40,000 point deposit each year). A lot of the 40,000 pt stays went up to 45,000+ when they capped the FNCs, so this change is really nice.