My Latest Status Match

Having status with airlines and hotels can completely change your vacation experience. From upgrades to lounge access, you can get addicted to the perks. Last month I talked about the awesome Hyatt Diamond Challenge. Well, my latest status match was this week. I took my Hyatt Diamond status and got myself into Kimpton’s fancy Inner Circle. Status matching is as easy as it gets. How hard is sending an email? That’s literally all it takes. One tip I have for shy people is to get more and more comfortable asking for what you want. You’ll be surprised by what you can get when you ask for it in the right way.

Free Platinum Status

For anyone who still doesn’t have Platinum status at Accor hotels, you can get it here. This is free and will probably not last more than a couple days (if that). It’s good for late checkout, room upgrades, and status matches at other hotel chains. New accounts only. If you already have one, just use a different email address.

A Possible Ridiculously Easy 5,000 American Express Points

I’ve talked about this one before, but I’m getting more reports lately of people collecting free points again. Many of you have an AmEx card with Membership Rewards points. If so, you might be able to pick up 10,000 of the easiest points of all time here. If that doesn’t work, maybe you’ll get 5,000 points here. It’s a simple enrollment for an extended payment option. This will work for some and not for others. This offer was just extended, so give it a shot!

Top 25 Updates

A couple updates to last week’s Top 25 Credit Card post:

  • The 4 Southwest 50,000 mile cards are back. Personal here and here. Business here and here.
  • Citi Thank You has an improved 30,000 mile offer.
  • Check to see if you were targeted for a 50,000 mile Delta offer.

Current Contests

Once a month, I try to run through some of the current contests for those of you who enter them. Good luck with your borderline troublesome gambling issues!

  • Starwood’s contest is still going (I’ve heard from multiple readers who have won).
  • Ramada has instant prizes too and a stay anywhere in the world.
  • Win a trip to France.
  • Or one to Hawaii.
  • Maybe a shopping trip to Vegas.
  • Choose from a few great stays here.
  • What about Los Angeles.
  • Or the never-boring South Africa.
  • New York might be even less boring.
  • This choice between Austin and Maui doesn’t suck.