Points and Deals Update

1) As I’ve mentioned last week, Chase Freedom’s sign-up bonus is currently increased to $200 after spending $500 in 3 months. The card pays me commission. If you have a friend who currently has Chase Freedom, let them refer you instead, so they can get 5,000 bonus points. Valid till June 20th, and you can access the link HERE    (hat tip to FTG blog).

2) On a related note, it looks like Chase might be changing its rule of one bonus/per card/per lifetime. Chase Freedom’s terms and conditions indicate that the sign-up bonus is not available to those who received a new cardmember bonus for this consumer credit card within the last 24 months. This new rule may eventually trickle down to other cards as well. (h/t Million mile Secrets)

3) Be careful about using any IHG bonus codes, unless you get a targeted email. IHG is getting aggressive closing accounts when they see this activity. I’ve mentioned those codes before, and honestly don’t see what the big deal is.

There is nothing in the terms of the program saying that you can’t.  The codes  are posted in the public forums (including IHG ) and reps can easily see them and post a warning. However, IHG feels differently and they make the rules, so there! If you have a large balance and used the codes in the last year, consider burning some of those points.

4) Check Amex special offers in your profile. According to Deals We Like blog, some have gotten an offer of $10 off $50 grocery bill, for any store.

5) Get 4% back on purchase of Amex gift cards from LuckyRewards site. No purchase fees through 6.16.2014 with a code FPDAD I’ve clicked through that site a month ago, and my cash back is currently pending. So, it appears to be legitimate. More details HERE

6) I’m thrilled for Dia from The Deal Mommy (a fellow “square peg in a round hole” and darn proud of it!) who made  Family Travel Seminar a reality. You can see more details HERE 

The price is  only $49, about half of what FTU event runs. If you live in the area, consider attending. I’m sure, you’ll get enough useful information to make it worth the entrance fee.

Unfortunately, I won’t be there, but several speakers are confirmed, including Jason Steele who writes for The Points Guy blog. Maybe even Miles Kelly (the famous TPG dog and diva extraordinaire) will make an appearance! There might even be a session called “Miles for Real Pets.” 🙂

But I digress… Anyway, this is a very cool development meant to provide useful info for regular families like mine. I don’t get any commission for recommending it, but happy to promote it nonetheless.

7) I got interviewed yet again! What?? Thanks to Casey from Pointsaway blog for featuring me on his site. If you have a couple of minutes, check out my short interview HERE

Casey just published a Miles and Points guide that you can find for purchase on his website. I’ve read parts of it, and it’s pretty good, very comprehensive.

Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses