My Credit Card Offers Are Updated

I’ve updated my best credit card links for free flights and free stays. It’s been a while since my last update, but most changes have occurred within the last few days. Still, sorry about that.

Best Credit Cards for Miles — Free Flights

Best Credit Cards for Points — Free Stays

AMEX Hilton HHonors Bonuses Are Back

Basically, there are two good pieces of news for miles and points, and both are from AMEX Hilton. The 60,000-point AMEX HHonors offer and the 80,000 AMEX Surpass offer have returned until May 5. If you have never had either card, then grab the 60,000-point one and upgrade for another 50,000 points later, rather than apply for the 80,000-point one. The upgrade will not cost you a hard pull, and you will still get ahead. You can find the new links here.

Unfortunately, if you have had either card, you can’t apply again, due to the policy change introduced by AMEX last year.

Wyndham New Redemption Levels… Sorry, LEVEL– Singular

Everyone and their mother have written about the new revolutionary (well, kinda) transformation of the Wyndham Rewards program. Everyone, but me. Yep, that’s right. The reason I haven’t written about it is not because I’m lazy — although I am, indeed — but because I still don’t know what to think of it. Simply put, they are setting their redemption rate at 15,000 points for EVERY Wyndham property in the world after May 11. That’s, well… unusual. Imagine Delta pricing their awards — coach, business, and first class — at the same mid level! Now that you have laughed your heart out, please explain how it is even possible! They are either visionaries who can see into the future, or they are dumb as a bag of hammers. Example: the new pricing policy would make these two hotels redeem for the same 15,000 points.

This redemption is like getting 3 points for a penny…

… And this one is 0.4 points.

Of course, hotel chains are master wordsmiths, and they have boldly perfected the art of trickery in the most recent years with a proliferation of so called premium rooms that have nothing premium about them, as well as upgrades to the next category, which means putting your alarm clock on the left nightstand instead of the right (OK, totally made that one up, but you’ve got the picture). There is nothing about this Whyndam change that assures us that the rooms at their most desirable properties will be available upon request (yes, they do promise no blackout days, but we have heard that before). We’ll have to wait and see how this plays out.

So far, they have quickly removed the better 45,000-point Barclaycard sign up bonus that would get us (theoretically) three free nights at any Whyndam in the world. For one or two short days, that mediocre Barclays Whyndam credit card offer was arguably the best hotel credit card offer in existence, but Whyndam wouldn’t stand for anything like that. Their regular 30,000-point offer is, once again, nothing to write home about, considering the annual fee is not waived. The two free nights offered by the Chase Hyatt and especially Chase Fairmont cards are infinitely better, and even the Citi Hilton Reserve card offer still remains slightly more attractive, as well. IMHO, of course.

The US Club Carlson card has removed their main benefit: the Free Bonus Night.

Even worse, they tried to hide it, by burying the announcement in the fine print of your credit card statement. After they noticed that people got slightly outraged, they attempted to rectify the situation by sending us this laconic email.

Beginning June 1, 2015, you can earn a Free Night, good at any Carlson Rezidor hotel in the U.S. This Free Night will replace the current Bonus Award Night benefit. Bonus Award Night stays may not be booked after June 1, 2015. You’ll receive the new Free Night award upon renewal of your card after an annual spend of $10,000. Updated program terms and conditions will apply and be available on June 1, 2015.

Thank you for your continued loyalty.

Well, Club Carlson, don’t mention it!

If you are wondering where is the good news in that travesty, it’s this. The new rule goes into effect on June 1. You still have until the end of May to use up your points.  

You’re welcome!

$150 bonus from Capital One Branch in Manhattan

Per Doctor of Credit, Capital One has a $150 bonus for new customers, that would require a direct deposit or three debit card transactions. The offer is valid until May 31, so all of us from the five boroughs and other parts of Tri State have a chance to grab some free easy money. There doesn’t seem to be any geographical restrictions, so you can (supposedly) grab the bonus even if you are just visiting.  

DOC maintains a nice page dedicated to banking bonuses nationwide. 

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