I love credit cards so much!

[disneymagicgirl]

SPG points are on sale until May 31. 35% deal. Anyone need to top off at 3 to 1 before Aug 1?

yeeessss! finally some good news!!!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Is that benefit going away with the new programs, though? Now that I'm motivated to get Marriott nights again, I'm regretting ditching my Marriott cc (just a little - that one night is not a great reward for 3k in spend).

The only card that I see the benefit on is the Marriott business card.

 

[jhoannam]

So I've read through the Points Guy interview from here: https://thepointsguy.com/news/marriotts-david-flueck-combined-program-questions/

I'll share a couple of thoughts that tie directly and indirectly to your comment. I had been meaning to post this for awhile anyways

EDIT: I also realize I didn't directly answer your question...I can assume from all of this that the change to that program will be announced prior to August and go into affect in August when the new award chart is in place.

We’re taking all hotels and placing them in the new award chart, and as we started to do this we found more properties moving down in cost than are moving up. Where properties fall in the charts will be announced in about six weeks — we have 6,500 hotels to get through so it’s a long process. And not only are prices going down, but we have the off-peak prices [which SPG members have never had].

• To me - this means that they are looking at each property independently and assigning it to the appropriate category. It doesn't sound like they are taking all Marriott Cat 5 and putting them all in the new Cat 4 for example. They may have started with a premise like that but there is obviously thought going into it.
• I like the statement of "more properties moving down in cost than are moving up" - if that turns out to be a lie, they would look terribly bad, so why lie about it?

People love the Marriott Flight and Hotel packages — are those going away?
DF: No, they’re not. And that’s going to be great news for our SPG members. The travel packages are one of the richest ways that members can redeem on the Marriott side, so we’re keeping those across the program.
TPG: And the SPG Nights and Flights?
DF: It’ll stay as well and move into these travel packages, we’re going to combine them.
TPG: Are the package prices changing?
DF: It’s a good question because as we combine the two programs, we are trying to align them where we can, so we’ll have that information when we roll out our award chart.

• So obviously Nights and Flights is something people see a lot of value in. Marriott acknowledges it - and they say that they are keeping it intact and combine the SPG nights and flights program into there as well.
• They do acknowledge the prices will have to change - but we all expected that. The thing about this is, the Marriott pricing on this was formulaic. It was easy for anybody to dissect exactly how they came to the pricing AND it will be very easy for us to dissect if this is a negative change. They've done a good job so far avoiding negative publicity on this and I'd imagine they want to continue to do so.
• The point above is huge in this though - and that is, what category do your desired properties end up in? The thing I'm closely tracking is where will they slot Swan and Dolphin and what does a nights and flights look like with that property

I shared this the other day and I'll share again with another idea - IF Marriott keeps the calculation roughly the same here is what the new Nights & Flights could look like at the 120,000 mile redemption level:

IDEA 1: (moves the lowest tier to Cat 1-4 which would look similar to the existing program)
270k = 7nights at Cat 1-4 + 120k miles
330k = 7nights at Cat 5 + 120k miles
420k = 7nights at Cat 6 + 120k miles
480k = 7nights at Cat 7 + 120k miles
630k = 7nights at Cat 8 + 120k miles
This chart would get a 10% kicker on miles w/ United and get cut in half on the miles for Jetblue.

IDEA 2: (keeps the lowest tier at Cat 1-5 which would be slightly negative but probably not affect many people)
330k = 7nights at Cat 1-5 + 120k miles
420k = 7nights at Cat 6 + 120k miles
480k = 7nights at Cat 7 + 120k miles
630k = 7nights at Cat 8 + 120k miles
This chart would get a 10% kicker on miles w/ United and get cut in half on the miles for Jetblue.

Thanks!!

Sounds like I should probably get it now before everything changes. I'm looking at Cat 8 - United. I need 360K points now. But if it becomes at Cat 6 I'll need 420K.

We don't have enough points now, we could, but we would need to have the points by mid-july since I would have to transfer half the points to DH. And I'm not sure how that's going to work after SPG points go away.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Like @platamama and @Judique already answered, buying Starpoints from points.com will earn you 2x Starpoints on the Amex SPG cards. Alternatively, points.com earns 3x UR on CIP. And yes, check shopping portals for points.com.

I am not confused if I should use DH's new CIP on this for MSR since 3x, or use one of our new AMEX SPGs on it for 2x due to amex being harder to meet spend on. hmmnnn.

What shopping portal do you suggest? It isn't on SW, Ebates, UR, or SB.

 

[miztressuz]

FYI - if anybody read this article on DoC related to Southwest reducing their gift card redemption rates: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/southwest-points-have-lower-gift-card-redemption-value-of-just-74/

I actually think the headline and info is misleading. I think this may actually be an “added benefit” if you will. Those with SW CCs have always been able to redeem at $0.01 per point. It seems now if you don't have a SW CC you can also redeem for GCs but at a reduced rate. I have the Southwest CC and still see the $0.01 redemption rate. On my daughter's account I see the worse rate (and obviously she doesn't have a SW CC). This is not how DoC has worded it in his post so just be aware and don't panic. It seems from the comments that some people are cashing out SW points illogically because they're afraid something has changed.

I actually just read that. And I was wondering the same thing so I scoped out the comments and saw a few speculating the same as you... and then I saw a familiar avatar and to me that confirmed it
That had been only a CC bene before so opening it up to non-CC holders but at reduced values make sense, and would add value to the whole program. (not for us, but I'm sure someone could use it to cash points before they expire rather than worrying about keeping them active)

 

[FredtheDuck]

DISchurners - Please Update Support Links for AMEX and Chase where necessary:

• Numerous dead SPG personal and Biz links - please delete so as not to confuse people. If SPG links were the ONLY links you had please delete your comment and if you get another eligible AMEX card in the future you can add a comment then.
• Southwest Links in Chase thread - we still have people listing "50,000 points" - please update to the correct 40,000 offer.

I'll give a few days to get these changes made/updated and then we may remove your post until the updates are made. It's important that when we send somebody to DISchurners (especially newbies) that the link information is correct. Thanks

Whomp whomp. Deleted mine : (

 

[linzjane88]

I’m curious what Cat 8 hotels you’re eyeing. ;-)

We aren't set on any particular island or activity yet so a few that are standing out are:
Kaui: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lihak-koloa-landing-resort-at-poipu-autograph-collection/ ,
Maui: http://www.marriott.com/search/hotelQuickView.mi?propertyId=HNMRI&brandCode=RI&marshaCode=HNMRI

However I wasn't paying much attention to Starwood hotels since I wasn't putting two and two together that they will be an option with nights and flights post 8/1. So I need to factor those in too.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I am not confused if I should use DH's new CIP on this for MSR since 3x, or use one of our new AMEX SPGs on it for 2x due to amex being harder to meet spend on. hmmnnn.

What shopping portal do you suggest? It isn't on SW, Ebates, UR, or SB.

Here are the portals offering cash back for points dot com:

https://www.cashbackmonitor.com/cashback-store/Points.com/

ETA: Giving Assistant seems good, but when you read the fine print, Starwood points earn just 1%. Make sure to read carefully to know which is best. Best seems to be RebatesMe at 1.5%.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I'm truly torn on the matter. When I could pay with URs for a minivan for the 4 us for our midnight arrival then go to a hotel near airport and the ability to grab some supplies in the morning for $100 paid with URs it was an easy call. I sold myself that it was better than our free hotel shuttle for night one + Uber to BC next day. Now I have no idea if I want to pay $90 cash (for Executive Aisle where there should hopefully be a car that can hold all 4 of us and our luggage, guaranteed minivan is way more expensive) in order to have a supply run for our 3 nights at BC or just buy water bottles/snack food onsite...

Would you have to pay to park said rental car, or would you be just renting it to drive from the airport? To me, the latter seems like a hassle. But then again, I am traveling as 6, one of which is a toddler.

And I just booked ANOTHER quick SW/Starriott trip. A weekend in Chicago while our kids are at their grandparents' this summer. Hoping that the flights will get cheaper (in points) so I haven't tagged myself on as "companion" just yet, but booked the flights for DH (which were ok value for points), and I found what looks like a really nice hotel for 12k points per night (list price of $500 per night, but same points as lots of hotels that only cost $220 per night the weekend I'm looking at). So its a little splurgy, but should be fun! And the points are way better than the values for hotels I was looking at in Boston. I will have to keep revisiting to see if that all still makes sense once the shift the Starriott values happens - so who knows what the trip will actually look like, but fun to have something else on the calendar . Not that I'm trying to use my points to get me to that magic 50 nights and platinum for next year, or anything...

Which one are you looking at? We have decided to spend a week in Chicago this summer so DS8 can attend the Blackhawks hockey camp.

FYI - if anybody read this article on DoC related to Southwest reducing their gift card redemption rates: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/southwest-points-have-lower-gift-card-redemption-value-of-just-74/

I actually think the headline and info is misleading. I think this may actually be an “added benefit” if you will. Those with SW CCs have always been able to redeem at $0.01 per point. It seems now if you don't have a SW CC you can also redeem for GCs but at a reduced rate. I have the Southwest CC and still see the $0.01 redemption rate. On my daughter's account I see the worse rate (and obviously she doesn't have a SW CC). This is not how DoC has worded it in his post so just be aware and don't panic. It seems from the comments that some people are cashing out SW points illogically because they're afraid something has changed.

I had no idea this was even a possibility. I can't imagine trading free flights for gift cards.

Here are the portals offering cash back for points dot com:

https://www.cashbackmonitor.com/cashback-store/Points.com/

ETA: Giving Assistant seems good, but when you read the fine print, Starwood points earn just 1%. Make sure to read carefully to know which is best. Best seems to be RebatesMe at 1.5%.

Thank you! Awesome site. Bookmarking it!

 

[miztressuz]

Is that benefit going away with the new programs, though? Now that I'm motivated to get Marriott nights again, I'm regretting ditching my Marriott cc (just a little - that one night is not a great reward for 3k in spend).

Don't know yet. It's not a benefit that anyone really talked about, that I recall, so when most of the blogs are evaluating the details of the new Chase card it doesn't get mentioned. Everyone's focused on the points/$1 and the free night/status and any other perks like the wifi.
I hope they don't touch it because I know that's part of how we have so many nights toward lifetime elite status, it's not a huge chunk but I know that's not all actual stay nights either. It's not a make or break in keeping or even getting a card, which is why I kinda think it's got potential for the chopping block. But on the other hand, they already like to tie status with spend, so this is a small way to encourage it so maybe Chase makes it stay.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

So I talked to my DH and he has agreed to apply for a CSP! We'll finally be in the UR camp! So, a few questions just to make sure I understand.. If I get a CSR later this year, can we transfer his CSP points to my CSR account for the additional 25% more value for UR portal? Also, he can add me as an AU but use my middle name and it won't add to my 5/24 score, correct? Also, in case for some reason we don't want to use the UR points through the portal, we could cash the 50k bonus points out for $500 in cash, is that correct?

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

So I talked to my DH and he has agreed to apply for a CSP! We'll finally be in the UR camp! So, a few questions just to make sure I understand.. If I get a CSR later this year, can we transfer his CSP points to my CSR account for the additional 25% more value for UR portal? Also, he can add me as an AU but use my middle name and it won't add to my 5/24 score, correct? Also, in case for some reason we don't want to use the UR points through the portal, we could cash the 50k bonus points out for $500 in cash, is that correct?

Thanks so much for the help!

Congrats and welcome to the dark side!
Yes, the points can be transferred all to your upcoming CSR.
Not sure on the AU part. Do you have a kid you can add? Someone else will have a better answer on that.
Yes you can cash out the points, but it isn't the best value. Good for an emergency though.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

So I talked to my DH and he has agreed to apply for a CSP! We'll finally be in the UR camp! So, a few questions just to make sure I understand.. If I get a CSR later this year, can we transfer his CSP points to my CSR account for the additional 25% more value for UR portal? Also, he can add me as an AU but use my middle name and it won't add to my 5/24 score, correct? Also, in case for some reason we don't want to use the UR points through the portal, we could cash the 50k bonus points out for $500 in cash, is that correct?

Thanks so much for the help!

Yes, you can transfer points from one spouse's CSP to the other spouse's CSR. I don't know the answer to the AU question, but I don't think I personally would risk a 5/24 spot in that way. And you can cash out the 50k points for a $500 statement credit or $500 in gift cards, but you loose the 50% value from the CSR or increased value potential when transferring to hotel and airline partners.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

So I just made the first payment towards my new SPG I have had in my possession for a whole 24 hours. Yep, maxed out that amazing credit line already.

 

[Calfan]

So I just made the first payment towards my new SPG I have had in my possession for a whole 24 hours. Yep, maxed out that amazing credit line already.

I'm still scratching my head at how ridiculous those $1k credit lines are....

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So I talked to my DH and he has agreed to apply for a CSP! We'll finally be in the UR camp! So, a few questions just to make sure I understand.. If I get a CSR later this year, can we transfer his CSP points to my CSR account for the additional 25% more value for UR portal? Also, he can add me as an AU but use my middle name and it won't add to my 5/24 score, correct? Also, in case for some reason we don't want to use the UR points through the portal, we could cash the 50k bonus points out for $500 in cash, is that correct?

Thanks so much for the help!

Have him add himself as an AU using his middle name. That way even if it tracked back to him - it can't list an account twice

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So I just made the first payment towards my new SPG I have had in my possession for a whole 24 hours. Yep, maxed out that amazing credit line already.

I hope that doesn't trigger some ridiculous Financial Review with AMEX. One of the things they say not to do is cycle your credit limits multiple times within a month (which unfortunately is what that limit will force you to do).

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I had no idea this was even a possibility. I can't imagine trading free flights for gift cards.

I use it as a fallback redemption method. If we were ever in a pinch financially I could get myself over $5,000 in Target gift cards to feed and clothe us for months. If they changed the redemption method it wouldn't really affect me as I have no plans to cash out that way, BUT it's nice to know the option is there.

I've also seen people signup for Southwest cards with the intent of cashing out that way because they aren't serviced by SW at all. You figure the 60k offer was still worth $600 in target cards on $2k in purchases for paying a $69 annual fee. That is still a fantastic offer for somebody with no interest in flights or who can't fly Southwest.

 

[miztressuz]

So I just made the first payment towards my new SPG I have had in my possession for a whole 24 hours. Yep, maxed out that amazing credit line already.

If it were me, and I knew I had another large purchase, I'd call in and ask about it. You now have a history, hehe. I'd pull the 'really not sure what the point of having a credit card is if I have to make a payment after a purchase just to be able to use it. I can use my debit card for that!' In order to even meet the min spend you have to make multiple payments in a month. Maybe they can reconsider or something to give you a little breathing room for the first statement cycle at least.

 

[speedyfishy]

I just called Amex saying I tried referring a friend last night and my link wasn’t working so I didn’t get any points.... they wanted a name. I never have any luck with this stuff.