Welcome to another edition of Shop Talk where we discuss what’s going on in our personal points & miles space and highlight what we think is interesting in the broader space as well. This is the kind of “Shop Talk” many of you are engaged in on a daily basis, so feel free to discuss […]
AmEx Hilton Business Eligible for Referral [25,000 for you, 125,000 for a friend]
The AmEx Hilton Business credit card I wrote about yesterday is now eligible for referral. The offer is 25,000 for you and 125,000 for your friend. How to refer Direct link to refer-a-friend on an AmEx card: https://www.americanexpress.com/refernav/ Log in. Refer your friends. Receive bonus rewards if your friend is approved. Thoughts On the receiving end, […]
AmEx Double Dip: Hilton Business 125,000 + $50 statement credit + [Targeted] Premier Rewards Gold 50,000 w/No Lifetime Language
A heightened offer for the new AmEx Hilton Business card (125,000 + a $50 statement credit) and expanded eligibility of the targeted 50,000 AmEx Premier Rewards Gold with no lifetime language might be worth applying for both on the same day. The Offers AmEx Hilton Business Signup bonus: 125,000 Hilton points + $50 Statement […]
Shop Talk: Eulogy Edition. Discussing Deals From Beyond the Grave
Welcome to another special edition of Shop Talk where we write out a “podcast on paper”. This is the kind of “Shop Talk” many of you are engaged in on a daily basis, so feel free to discuss with us in the comments section. Robert: This week we have Free-quent Flyer joining us to discuss Dead […]
Thoughts and Datapoints on Maximizing the Plastiq Masterpass Deal
Bill pay service Plastiq is offering fee-free payments through Masterpass with an associated Mastercard. Direct Link Thoughts This is a great way to rack up credit card rewards while paying real bills: You can use it to meet the minimum spend requirement on a Mastercard credit card Another application could be buying Mastercard Gift […]
Swim Upstream: Identify That Which Makes You Unique & Find Your School
Warning: I’m still feeling some residual grumpiness, so humor me a bit today. — There’s a lot of really bad advice out there. Advice on traveling for “Free,” advice on what credit cards we “all should get,” advice on the best programs. And then there is your personal best. I’ve long advocated that we be the […]
This Week in Bank Points: [Not] Booking Viator Tours through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
Thanks to the Rise of Bank Points I’ve been booking a lot of travel with flexible bank points lately. On paper Bank Points are great. Programs with credit cards which handsomely reward spend combined with uplift when redeeming for travel create situations where you can build up a stash of points for deeply discounted travel. In […]
Brandon Asks: What is “uplift” and how does it help in the points & miles game?
This week’s Brandon Asks comes from Brad who asks: “You mention uplift several times in this article but I don’t know what that is. What is it, and how does it help the points and miles game?” Thanks for asking. If you were confused by the term you’re probably not alone so I’m glad […]
Amazing: “Virgin Alaska” First Class Transcon Upgrades as a Lowly Alaska MVP
Alaska’s acquisition of Virgin America has been an interesting one to interact with. With the exception of the somewhat stingy 1.3:1 transfer ratio they elected for Virgin America miles migrating into the program, I’d say Alaska has handled it mostly well from the perspective of an infrequent Virgin America customer based out of Boston. While […]
Grump Talk – Cranky over Chase, Miffed at Marriott, and Grouchy over GCM
Welcome to another the first edition of Shop Talk Grump Talk where we discuss what’s going on in our personal points & miles space and highlight what we think is interesting making us so grumpy lately. This is the kind of “Grump Talk” many of you are engaged in right now as well, so feel free to discuss […]