This is a news recap from last week. For faster updates, follow me on Twitter or check my feed on the right side of the blog.
1) If you’ve been living under a rock during the last week, then this will be surprising/shocking/delightful news. Ebates (my referral link) is giving 15% cash back on certain stores, y’all! Go crazy. Or better yet, don’t.
2) Speaking of, apparently, Fatwallet has migrated to Ebates recently. You may be able to get a $10 bonus if you combine the accounts, but you have to spend $25 within 90 days. Details here
3) You know that Cardwatchdog app I’ve mentioned before? Well, it has evaporated and now redirects to Walletpath All the information I’ve previously saved is gone. New advice: Don’t ever use apps to track credit cards, just record stuff on spreadsheet or similar tool (aka piece of paper).
4) Remember that Wyndham Garden Clearwater I was raving about? Well, it’s Wyndham no more! The hotel went solo, as in broke the chains of being attached to a hotel chain. It just shows you that you should always have another hotel (or two) in mind when collecting hotel points. That goes for everyday spending or sign-up bonuses. Too bad, I was actually thinking about using my renewal points there.
Speaking of, I called Barclays and the rep has confirmed that I’m supposed to receive 15,000 points after paying my $69 annual fee. We’ll see.That particular offer is no longer available, now you only get 6,000 points after first year (weak sauce). But the sign-up bonus is still worth it IMO.
5) Delta is having an award seat sale, book by June 7th. An example of one-way mileage price:
|
Chicago-Midway, IL (MDW) |
Minneapolis, MN (MSP) |
5,000 miles |
(h/t Frequent Miler Quick Deals)
6) Well, guys and gals, my new shiny Amex Platinum (X 2) has arrived the same day the post went live. UPS has delivered it in the evening. There are no winners, but I’m not saying you are losers either.
Centurion lounge, here I come with my obnoxious kids! Place your bets on how long it will take to have the lounge all to ourselves. This is how I reacted after receiving my Platinum card:
Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
And this is how my husband reacted after learning that it’s Amex (not accepted everywhere) and that we will have to prepay $900 in fees:
Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
My husband is a bit on passive-aggressive side. Plus, he is a little scared of me.
I just hope Centurion lounge will make him feel this way:
Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I love it. In just one post I was able to appeal to white people, plus two of my favorite minorities. Have a good weekend!
Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Thanks for the heads-up on FatWallet/Ebates, I hadn’t heard that one. Just be patient with Wyndham. They are building the “Wyndham Grand Resort Clearwater Beach” right next door to the Hyatt Clearwater Beach on the north side. And Marriott fans will like the fact that a new Springhill Suites and Residence Inn complex is being built behind the Hyatt on the east side (some rooms will have a view of Clearwater Bay). Sure, Marriott will probably make them cat 7 so not a great award redemption, but potentially the cash (or cash+points) rates might be cheaper since you’ll have to walk through (or around) the Hyatt to get to the beach.
@Erik Yeah, I saw that Wyndham Grand property is being built in Clearwater. There was an article on it http://wyndhamworldwide.com/news-media/press-releases/450-room-wyndham-grand-resort-clearwater-beach-fla-breaks-ground We will probably have to check it out if we can find availability for only 15,000 points. I won’t be able to resist, especially since we live less than 2 hours away.
There is a ton of construction going on in that area, which will make it even more congested. I bet Hyatt will have to reduce its prices to compete!
I’m still a little sad about that Wyndham Garden property leaving the chain. We really liked it. It’s very low-key, which is my preference, plus it’s located in a quiet corner of Clearwater beach. Oh well, I’m glad we were able to take my parents there.