I love credit cards so much!

[StephPlum]

@StephPlum only you can decide if IHG worth it. It had not really been on my radar for anytime soon, but once I saw the current version was leaving I decided to get it even though making me 5/24 for a while. Deciding factor for me was that I joined IHG and then did a couple bookings of places we will go to within next year (Moab, West Yellowstone). Once I saw that and the point value that gave me an idea of what the points are worth. When you combine that with the fact I can transfer UR to IHG and also get the room certificate for $49 AF it was an easy decision. If all you can find is the 60k offer just apply and then ask Chase to match it. I did that yesterday and they agreed (see earlier in this thread).

Posting for those who might be sitting on the fence about the $49 IHG. We are in DC now and using our free Anniversary night certificates for the first time. We are staying at the Intercontinental Willard Hotel.

I did it. Applied and approved instantly. The card was on my list later but I decided I didn't want to take the chance on waiting and seeing the changes on the $89 card. Looking at the past, we've stayed in a IHG hotel at least once for the last 4 years. Last year it was the HIE outside Zion NP at $200+ a night. That was a great hotel. So even if it isn't a super high end hotel, the free night would help with my normal stays.

I already sent the SM regarding the 80K bonus vs the 60K bonus. I'll probably call to reduce the CL as they gave me 24K EEK! That just seems ridiculous. I've tried to read about the pros/cons on reducing CLs. I want to make sure I get CSR later and the SW for a CP at the beginning of 2019. So better to reduce or wait and offer to move if they decline me?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Can SPG points be moved to SW?

Although not what the original comment intended...SPG points can be moved to SW actually. But they first must be transferred to Marriott. 1 Starwood Point = 3 Marriott points. From there it can be a little convoluted to figure out depending on how many Marriott points you're transferring to Southwest. Here are all of the pertinent transfer rates on the standard rate page:

• 3,334 SPG = 10,000 Marriott = 2,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 0.60 RR)
• 6,667 SPG = 20,000 Marriott = 5,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 0.75 RR)
• 10,000 SPG = 30,000 Marriott = 10,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.00 RR)
• 23,334 SPG = 70,000 Marriott = 25,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.07 RR)
• In the last example this values SPG points at 1.70 cpp (which probably isn't a great redemption value...and all the ones above that are even worse)

Now you can actually get even better returns if you use the Nights and Flights package:

• 83,334 SPG = 250,000 Marriott = 100,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.20 RR) PLUS you get 7 nights* at a Marriott Cat 1-5 property *must be 7 consecutive nights at the same property
• 90,000 SPG = 270,000 Marriott = 120,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.33 RR) PLUS you get 7 nights* at a Marriott Cat 1-5 property *must be 7 consecutive nights at the same property
• This can actually potentially make sense if you have NO USE for the nights but makes A LOT more sense if you have a use for the nights. If you need to stay at higher than a category 5 it will require additional Marriott points as you can see from the chart in the attachment.
• In the second example this values SPG points at 2.15 cpp assuming NO value for the nights (which isn't a terrible value but you can do better...NOW if the 7 nights are worth ~$1k to you then this makes it 3.26cpp which is pretty good )

Hopefully this is some helpful info to somebody, haha!

 

[MrPTato]

Although not what the original comment intended...SPG points can be moved to SW actually. But they first must be transferred to Marriott. 1 Starwood Point = 3 Marriott points. From there it can be a little convoluted to figure out depending on how many Marriott points you're transferring to Southwest. Here are some of the different transfer rates on the standard rate page:

• 3,334 SPG = 10,000 Marriott = 2,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 0.60 RR)
• 6,667 SPG = 20,000 Marriott = 5,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 0.75 RR)
• 10,000 SPG = 30,000 Marriott = 10,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.00 RR)
• 23,334 SPG = 70,000 Marriott = 25,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.07 RR)
• In the last example this values SPG points at 1.70 cpp (which probably isn't a great redemption value)

Now you can actually get even better returns if you use the Nights and Flights package:

• 83,334 SPG = 250,000 Marriott = 100,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.20 RR) PLUS you get 7 nights* at a Marriott Cat 1-5 property *must be 7 consecutive nights at the same property
• 90,000 SPG = 270,000 Marriott = 120,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.33 RR) PLUS you get 7 nights* at a Marriott Cat 1-5 property *must be 7 consecutive nights at the same property
• This can actually potentially make sense if you have NO USE for the nights but makes A LOT more sense if you have a use for the nights. If you need to stay at higher than a category 5 it will require additional Marriott points as you can see from the chart in the attachment.
• In the second example this values SPG points at 2.15 cpp assuming NO value for the nights (which isn't a terrible value but you can do better - if the 7 nights are worth ~$1k to you then this makes it 3.26cpp which is pretty good )

Hopefully this is some helpful info to somebody, haha!

I did a little searching after and came across that method. I like how you broke it out into SPG value. Thanks!!!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I did a little searching after and came across that method. I like how you broke it out into SPG value. Thanks!!!

Math is fun to me...hahaha

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So apparently the rumor is there will be NO sign-up bonus on this new Barclays Arrival Premier (got this from DoC https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-barclaycard-to-launch-barclays-arrival-premiere/). That is...ODD. Sorry @calypso726...this one may end up being a miss for you

 

[amalone1013]

Just had a thought... l.p.

So apparently the rumor is there will be NO sign-up bonus on this new Barclays Arrival Premier (got this from DoC https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-barclaycard-to-launch-barclays-arrival-premiere/). That is...ODD. Sorry @calypso726...this one may end up being a miss for you

I was just going to post that if not here yet. It wasn't really on my radar, but... what???

 

[Albort]

Just had a thought... l.p.

I was just going to post that if not here yet. It wasn't really on my radar, but... what???

im actually quite interested in it... Its the only 2x in all category with Actual Partners... many ppl on reddit thinks it be a good Mortgage card to use on plastiq, only a loss of .5% Should be VERY simple to meet the $15k bonus.
or at least thats what we know so far...

 

[kmc8826]

I did it. Applied and approved instantly. The card was on my list later but I decided I didn't want to take the chance on waiting and seeing the changes on the $89 card. Looking at the past, we've stayed in a IHG hotel at least once for the last 4 years. Last year it was the HIE outside Zion NP at $200+ a night. That was a great hotel. So even if it isn't a super high end hotel, the free night would help with my normal stays.

I already sent the SM regarding the 80K bonus vs the 60K bonus. I'll probably call to reduce the CL as they gave me 24K EEK! That just seems ridiculous. I've tried to read about the pros/cons on reducing CLs. I want to make sure I get CSR later and the SW for a CP at the beginning of 2019. So better to reduce or wait and offer to move if they decline me?

Congratulations! Looks like you decided to get it for a lot of the same reasons I did. I wouldn’t reduce your line. Just keep it for now and then you can always shift it around when you start getting other Chase cards. I never have reduced which is I think I have ended up with such high limits.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

When does the $49 IHG card go away?

 

[kmc8826]

When does the $49 IHG card go away?

It is off of the chase web site as of this week. People are speculating anytime now. I think I heard April 1 but may be confusing it with other cards closing/opening.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

It is off of the chase web site as of this week. People are speculating anytime now. I think I heard April 1 but may be confusing it with other cards closing/opening.

I thought I saw it on the IHG site still?

 

[kmc8826]

I thought I saw it on the IHG site still?

It is on the IHG site but not the Chase site. The place you go where all the available Chase cards are listed out.

 

[wendow]

Thank you for the reminder! There are a good number that are, but not the one I’m sitting under in the photo. I just like the water in the background. We saw a good number like the one behind me in this picture. I’m sure your DD will be seeing more this weekend than last.

View attachment 312668




This is our first time too. Even though it isn’t quite peak bloom, I’m very glad we are seeing them! Here’s a pic of the Tidal basin today.

View attachment 312669

I love the pic of you under the tree. Not sure whether your hair is complimenting the trees or the trees are complimenting your hair but you and the trees look beautiful.

Thanks also for the hotel pics. Amazing!!! I want to stay there now!

 

[gottalovepluto]

So apparently the rumor is there will be NO sign-up bonus on this new Barclays Arrival Premier (got this from DoC https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-barclaycard-to-launch-barclays-arrival-premiere/). That is...ODD. Sorry @calypso726...this one may end up being a miss for you

That’s just... just... wow, Barclays thinks a lot about themselves to sell that card with no sign up bonus & no conversions from A+ allowed!

 

[Calfan]

Although not what the original comment intended...SPG points can be moved to SW actually. But they first must be transferred to Marriott. 1 Starwood Point = 3 Marriott points. From there it can be a little convoluted to figure out depending on how many Marriott points you're transferring to Southwest. Here are all of the pertinent transfer rates on the standard rate page:

• 3,334 SPG = 10,000 Marriott = 2,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 0.60 RR)
• 6,667 SPG = 20,000 Marriott = 5,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 0.75 RR)
• 10,000 SPG = 30,000 Marriott = 10,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.00 RR)
• 23,334 SPG = 70,000 Marriott = 25,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.07 RR)
• In the last example this values SPG points at 1.70 cpp (which probably isn't a great redemption value...and all the ones above that are even worse)

Now you can actually get even better returns if you use the Nights and Flights package:

• 83,334 SPG = 250,000 Marriott = 100,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.20 RR) PLUS you get 7 nights* at a Marriott Cat 1-5 property *must be 7 consecutive nights at the same property
• 90,000 SPG = 270,000 Marriott = 120,000 SW RR (1 SPG = 1.33 RR) PLUS you get 7 nights* at a Marriott Cat 1-5 property *must be 7 consecutive nights at the same property
• This can actually potentially make sense if you have NO USE for the nights but makes A LOT more sense if you have a use for the nights. If you need to stay at higher than a category 5 it will require additional Marriott points as you can see from the chart in the attachment.
• In the second example this values SPG points at 2.15 cpp assuming NO value for the nights (which isn't a terrible value but you can do better...NOW if the 7 nights are worth ~$1k to you then this makes it 3.26cpp which is pretty good )

Hopefully this is some helpful info to somebody, haha!

Super super helpful!! Thanks so much for sharing these examples. I’d be looking to convert my SPG + Marriott points to United miles to pool together with our existing United miles and UR, and I realize this is almost certainly not the highest and best use of SPG/Marriott points for lots of folks, but having access to these points as UA miles will likely make Business or First class to Africa doable for 4 of us in 2019, so I’m pretty pumped to have this option in my back pocket if needed. Really glad I went for both the Marriott biz and SPG biz cards now! And if I don’t end up having to convert them to United miles for Africa flights, all the better.

 

[calypso726]

I did it. Applied and approved instantly. The card was on my list later but I decided I didn't want to take the chance on waiting and seeing the changes on the $89 card. Looking at the past, we've stayed in a IHG hotel at least once for the last 4 years. Last year it was the HIE outside Zion NP at $200+ a night. That was a great hotel. So even if it isn't a super high end hotel, the free night would help with my normal stays.

I already sent the SM regarding the 80K bonus vs the 60K bonus. I'll probably call to reduce the CL as they gave me 24K EEK! That just seems ridiculous. I've tried to read about the pros/cons on reducing CLs. I want to make sure I get CSR later and the SW for a CP at the beginning of 2019. So better to reduce or wait and offer to move if they decline me?

Congratulations!!! I would suggest you do not proactively reduce credit lines. I made that mistake and it nearly cost me a card I was after with Chase. I forgot which one. You can always recon and move credit lines to open a new card.

I’m rather surprised it doesn’t cost more to stay at this hotel. I’m really tempted to come again and stay here next year!

So apparently the rumor is there will be NO sign-up bonus on this new Barclays Arrival Premier (got this from DoC https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-barclaycard-to-launch-barclays-arrival-premiere/). That is...ODD. Sorry @calypso726...this one may end up being a miss for you

Have they lost their ever loving minds??? Well thanks for posting @SouthFayetteFan at least I can stop stressing about if my LOL/24 will matter and hitting two MSR. I’ll be heading over to the Dischurner Reddit group to see if anyone has an Amex Mercedes Benz Plat link.

I love the pic of you under the tree. Not sure whether your hair is complimenting the trees or the trees are complimenting your hair but you and the trees look beautiful.

Thanks also for the hotel pics. Amazing!!! I want to stay there now!

Aaaaw, thank you! Sadly, my hotel pics really don’t do it justice. It’s a really cool hotel! DH and I were having afternoon tea here in the Peacock Alley at the hotel which was really a neat thing to do. We got to talking about what a really nice hotel this was and we’d actually pay to stay here without the anniversary certificate. Then, this evening we went on an adults only walking tour called, White House at Night, Secrets and Scandals. One of the stories takes place here at the Willard and the guide described the hotel interior as one of the prettiest in DC! I think the IHG card just became my new favorite annual fee!

 

[amalone1013]

Posting for those who might be sitting on the fence about the $49 IHG. We are in DC now and using our free Anniversary night certificates for the first time. We are staying at the Intercontinental Willard Hotel. It is a historic property located 2 blocks from the White House. The decor is really nice and you are in walking distance of just about everything! The staff has been great and even though we arrived much earlier than check in time we were able to check into our rooms. We are under 2 reservations since both DH and I have an anniversary certificate. They had no problems linking the reservations and we don’t have to check out and back in or switch rooms. I got an email this morning letting me know I’d be receiving 600 IHG points as a welcome gift. The rooms are over $250 per night this weekend and an IHG points stay would be 70,000 per night. Here are some pictures. Granted, this room is still worth an $89 per year card but who knows what restrictions if any may be in place for the new cardholders.

So, I’m posting a picture of the lobby, our room and me saying Hi to all the DISchurning Peeps from underneath cherry blossoms in DC!

View attachment 312659

View attachment 312657

View attachment 312660

Looks like an amazing weekend!!!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Have they lost their ever loving minds??? Well thanks for posting @SouthFayetteFan at least I can stop stressing about if my LOL/24 will matter and hitting two MSR. I’ll be heading over to the Dischurner Reddit group to see if anyone has an Amex Mercedes Benz Plat link.

I hear ya...it's nuts to me. $150 fee...no signup bonus...I mean sure there's a global entry credit but it's not like there aren't a bunch of other cards out there offering that. The earnings are (2x points) are certainly nice but this card is a definite miss for me!

 

[wendow]

Aaaaw, thank you! Sadly, my hotel pics really don’t do it justice. It’s a really cool hotel! DH and I were having afternoon tea here in the Peacock Alley at the hotel which was really a neat thing to do. We got to talking about what a really nice hotel this was and we’d actually pay to stay here without the anniversary certificate. Then, this evening we went on an adults only walking tour called, White House at Night, Secrets and Scandals. One of the stories takes place here at the Willard and the guide described the hotel interior as one of the prettiest in DC! I think the IHG card just became my new favorite annual fee!

And now I am on the fence again about the $49 IHG card What to do!?!?!?!

 

[wendow]

Hmm, cannot generate a referral link for new spg biz...says this card is not available...why do you guys think? Just cause so new or is that a sign that referrals are being taken away?