One time use points buying strategy

[Dicentras]

I’m going to need 7 one time use points for a trip I’ll be able to book on Monday. Since it’s a super busy travel time, I’d like to have them right when the window opens (not waiting to call that morning). From what I’ve read, I can’t just buy them to have, I have to have a room I’m booking when I buy them… Is the best way to do this to call MS this weekend to book a room, cancel it and then have them in the account to use Monday morning? do I need to use all my points in this transaction to show a need for the OTU points, or can I just rand be like “yeah, just want to buy points for this one night and leave my points for later…?”
thanks!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I thought you could only buy them at the 7-month mark (or less) when other point options were exhausted, while making an actual reservation.

 

[Narcoossee11]

1st.... Monday is a holiday and MS will be closed.
2nd .......... yes , just book a room and purchase your OTU point. Then cxl that res, freeing up the OTU points.

 

[hhisc16]

I’m going to need 7 one time use points for a trip I’ll be able to book on Monday. Since it’s a super busy travel time, I’d like to have them right when the window opens (not waiting to call that morning). From what I’ve read, I can’t just buy them to have, I have to have a room I’m booking when I buy them… Is the best way to do this to call MS this weekend to book a room, cancel it and then have them in the account to use Monday morning? do I need to use all my points in this transaction to show a need for the OTU points, or can I just rand be like “yeah, just want to buy points for this one night and leave my points for later…?”
thanks!

I did this on Monday. I recommend calling at 9am for a quick call.
1. Call MS
2. Find a room for the amount of points in the UY that you need (Pay the OTU points)
3. Cancel the room after the phone call
4. Points will be available for booking the room you want when the time comes

 

[Sandisw]

To add, just make sure the date you choose is at least 31 days from now, or when you cancel, all those points go into holding. And, as mentioned, make sure that the date you choose is in the UY of the trip you are booking as OTU points expire at the end of the UY in which the original trip was booked.

For example, if I wanted to use them in December, with my Dec UY points, then I have to make sure the fake night is Dec 1st or later...if I was booking using my Aug UY points, then I can choose any night from Aug 1st and later....

 

[wnielsen1]

I thought you could only buy them at the 7-month mark (or less) when other point options were exhausted, while making an actual reservation.

I don't think other point options need to be exhausted. You certainly are not required to borrow first, for instance. But I don't even think you need to use all of your current year points either.

 

[Sandisw]

I don't think other point options need to be exhausted. You certainly are not required to borrow first, for instance. But I don't even think you need to use all of your current year points either.

Correct. When they first came out then had limits, but that changed quite a bit ago and now will sell them as long one is booking something 7 months or less!

 

[hhisc16]

When I booked the OTU points night, the MS CM asked me if I wanted to use my current points or borrow instead. I said I wanted to purchase OTU points instead of using my current/future points.

 

[pianomanzano]

If you'd rather borrow and those 7 points put you over the 50% borrowing limit, MS have been making exceptions on a case by case basis. Something to consider when you talk to them if you'd rather borrow 7 additional points instead of pay for additional OTU points.

 

[Dicentras]

Thanks everyone! I called yesterday and amazingly had no wait, bought my points (and then cancelled the reservation shortly after). I’m now ready for Monday, wish me luck I can get what I want after all of that! Lol

 

[Stormalong Smiths]

Thanks everyone! I called yesterday and amazingly had no wait, bought my points (and then cancelled the reservation shortly after). I’m now ready for Monday, wish me luck I can get what I want after all of that! Lol

How did you do?

 

[Dicentras]

How did you do?

At first it was booked, but then I checked again and it was available… Can’t believe I was able to get a 1bedroom at BLT for NYE! Wooooot! (Dec 30-Jan 5)