Double Fail with Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Offer, Success with US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature

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We’ve said many times that this blog is geared towards normal families. We assume that for the most part, you don’t engage in manufactured spending and instead, prefer to prioritize easy wins.
As such, applying for huge credit card sign-up bonuses now and again should be the core part of your points strategy. Obviously, to each his own, but IMO, if you obsess over earning 1.5 or 3 points instead of 1 on everyday purchases, you are missing the forest for the trees.

On the other hand, I realize that not everyone wants to do what I do. Between me and my husband, we have gotten 8 new cards this year, so far. And I’m not done yet! I’ve mentioned before that I was planning on applying for Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card before the offer expires (which is  today or possibly tomorrow). I do think that the bonus on Chase Marriott card is probably better, but I’m over 5/24 limit at this point, and so is my husband.

A quick reminder on the current Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant offer for those who are not familiar with it (main points only):

1. Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points and a Bonus Free Night Award after you use your new card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card Membership.
2. Each bonus Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 85,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/3/202
3. The annual fee is $450
4. You get a $300 credit valid for virtually any spending at a Marriott hotel.
5. The card comes with Priority Pass access for you and two additional guests. Keep in mind that Amex cards don’t include airport restaurants, unlike Chase.

At this point many are probably wondering why I would even consider applying in view of recent Marriott announcement. The short version is that starting next year, Bonvoy program will be revenue based, which will presumably destroy value during peak season, especially when it comes to aspirational properties. Honestly, that change had zero impact on my decision to apply for the card.

My interest in Bonvoy program mostly lies in the ability to transfer points to miles at 3:1 ratio (and occasionally better during special promotions). Of course, if the stars align, I’m not opposed to redeeming Bonvoy points on hotels, but to me that’s secondary. I speculatively value Bonvoy points at 0.5 cents apiece, so the sign-up bonus is worth $750. Sure, there is a giant $450 fee, but the included perks mostly offset it.

I’m pretty confident that I could use this certificate at a decent Florida property, and to me it’s worth around $150. Again, speculatively, because  things don’t always work out according to the plan. But even a lowly Residence Inn near an airport is usually worth $150 all-in.

There is also a $300 credit that can be used at any Marriott property. This one is a bit more tricky, but can be leveraged advantageously under the right circumstances. Plus, worst case scenario, you can buy a Marriott gift card inside of a hotel that sells them. I value Priority Pass access at zero because it lets you bring two additional guests, and we are a family of four.

Long story short, I wouldn’t pay $450 for the hotel certificate+$300 credit, but I would probably pay around $400. So, I would have to deduct $50 from $750, which would make the sign-up bonus worth $700. Again, this is my personal calculation, and it likely varies from yours. I tend to be conservative when assigning speculative value, but Bonvoy points are most certainly worth accumulating, if only for their ability to transfer to Alaska and American frequent flyer programs.

That’s why I decided to apply. Of course, if you’ve read the title, you already know the outcome. Unfortunately, I got a pop-up saying I’m not eligible to get the bonus due to my prior history with Amex. Ditto for my husband. This was somewhat expected, but still worth a try.

This is an all-time-high offer on this particular product and is worth considering for some. But to be clear, if you are just starting out in the hobby, you should look elsewhere. I recommend going to Chase branch to see if you can still apply for 100k points offer on Chase Sapphire Preferred (call first).

As for me, I started looking at cash back credit card offers since I’m either not eligible or have already gotten all the best bonuses.

An easy win

I’ve heard about US Bank Altitude Connect Signature Visa, and was planning on applying for it at some point. Now is as good a time as any. Here are the basics on the offer:

The 4X points on gas is decent, but I’m mostly here for the bonus. Unlike Bonvoy offers, the profit here is the same for everyone. As in $500, since the first annual fee is waived. It might also be possible to get a $30 streaming credit before the annual feet hits after the first year, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Historically, US Bank cards have been somewhat  hard when it comes to approval, but I’ve decided to give it a shot and apply in my husband’s name. Success!  Normally, I would select US Bank Altitude Reserve card over Connect, but he has cancelled the former only a few months ago.

Either way, I’m not complaining. Plus, it will be quite a bit easier to meet minimum spending requirements on Connect product, since they give you almost four months. Overall, I definitely feel like we are ending this year on a high note, at least when it comes to miles and points. I hope we can use up our stash towards some cool trips soon.

P. S. All of the mentioned cards do pay us commission if you apply through the blog. As always, we only recommend products we personally would consider. Thanks for your support!

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