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This week’s posts started off with navigating the key details of the new Marriott Bonvoy program. While I like the new elite-status room keys they are handing out, I’m less enthused about all of the missing points I need to call Marriott about (as I’ve received zero elite points and incorrect base points on all of my stays since Bonvoy). See below for other posts helping you to navigate the new Wyndham, free stopovers on Alaska awards, and more.
The New Wyndham Rewards: Everything We Know So Far & What You Need To Do
I’m totally bummed about the coming Wyndham changes. I have a grandfathered version of the Wyndham credit card that earns 2x everywhere, so I’ve been slowly racking up points with a specific redemption in mind. I’m short of my desired goal, but the good news is that there is a little time left — enough to probably snag one more night. I’ll be disappointed not to have ever snapped up the Hotel Henri in NYC or gotten to one of the all-inclusives for 15K per night and angry at myself for not prioritizing more spend on this card. I guess you can’t win ’em all.
Free stopovers on one-way awards w/ Alaska [Sweet-spot spotlight]
Alaska Mileage Plan is a great loyalty program for a number of reasons, but one of those reasons is definitely the ability to add a free stopover, even on one-way awards. This post covers the basics of what is possible. With a little out-of-the-box thinking, you can really get a lot out of your mileage.
In one fell swoop, Ebates shakes up portal and credit card rewards
Who would have seen this coming? With a new Ebates account, you can choose to earn Membership Rewards points instead of cash back. Four words: Christmas shopping. Hello, resellers. Seriously – when stores start hitting 12x, 15x, or even 20x and it’s Membership Rewards points you’re earning…well, this is a nice development. On the other hand, it’s essentially giving you the chance to buy Membership Rewards at a rate of 1c each…which is a good deal considering their relative value, but not necessarily wildly exciting compared to your normal Manufactured Spending techniques. Any way you slice it, you’ll need a new Ebates account, so it won’t be easily available to everyone. See this post for the details.
Best options for buying Visa and Mastercard gift cards
If you’re looking to pick up some points through Visa and Mastercard gift cards, you’ll want to check out this guide to compare your buying options through a wide range of channels.
Marriott Bonvoy Complete Guide
If you haven’t yet bookmarked this guide, you should. Greg has been keeping it constantly updated with the latest info on the Marriott merger. I’ve spent the past week in Marriott hotels and have had to consult the guide a few times to know my benefits for sure — and even when you know what you’re due, there’s no guarantee that the hotel will, too. Keep this tool close at hand.
Book now for 2 bedroom suites at 35K points per night: Marriott’s Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph Collection
A 2-bedroom suite for 35K points — or for having a $95-per-year credit card that comes with an annual 35K certificare — looks like a no-brainer to me…so much so that I didn’t need to think hard about booking this one after seeing Greg’s post. Should the next Frequent Miler to Go event happen here?
That’s it for this week at Frequent Miler. Check back soon for this week in review around the web and this week’s last chance deals.
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