Because…
…traveling the world doesn’t have to be just for the super-wealthy,
…flying doesn’t have to be uncomfortable,
…we deserve to be pampered.
Because of experiences like this:
Click here for the article, “Life on the World’s Best Airline”
Ordering dollar coins from the US Mint is a great way to meet spending requirements on credit cards. Right now, you can order 1000 of them every 10 days. At the beginning of the program, there was no limit at all. Some old-time hustlers (not me, unfortunately) are sitting on a pile of miles they’ll never be able to spend. It’s not at that level anymore, but still great to do in smaller increments. I’d recommend not being overly coin-heavy in your spending. Mix up different cards. Mix coins in with other purchases. The only people who get hassled nowadays are the ones using the same card constantly, not charging anything but coins on it. For people who make it so obvious, just mix some actual spending with all the coin and Big Crumbs purchases. As far as which cards not to use, Amex watches coin buyers most closely so I avoid using their cards at the mint. I also go light with Chase cards. Really, there’s just no reason to push it with coins anymore. The mileage bonuses this year have been so insane that there’s no need to buy coins for anything past the minimum spends.
If any of you got the Chase Sapphire card I posted a few weeks ago, this could be your lucky day. Instead of 50,000 points, you’re looking at a possible 100,000. All you have to do is log into your Chase account and send a secure message. Tell them about offer code S6V (which is a 100,000 point offer on the card) and ask if they can match it. They’re crediting the extra 50,000 for tons of people, so get yours! If you haven’t applied for the card yet, I’m not sure how long this will last. But even if you “just” get the original 50,000, it’s a great deal. Click here for the current credit card offer page. Again, these points transfer easily to Continental/United and Hyatt hotels.
Definitely get this one if you haven’t already. It’s the US Airways Premier MasterCard. Spend a buck and rack up 40,000 miles. Barclays isn’t the best bank in the world, so make your one purchase, collect your miles, and move on. As always, keep cards open for at least 6 months before closing. Click here for the info.
This is a lukewarm deal. Hmm, I can’t decide if I like or not.
On a positive note, the partners for Alaska are great and the $99 companion ticket is a very big plus.
Negatives include:
It’s not a ton of miles, annual fee is not waived for year one, and it’s Bank of America (who decides whether you qualify for a Signature card or not).
The link works until July 30th, so I think I’ll skip this one for now.
And with that wishy-washy introduction…
For the new 40,000 mile Alaska Airlines card, click here.
**Edit: Upon closer inspection, it looks like you receive an annual $99 companion ticket. Bringing along a significant other for under a hundred bucks every year makes this a much better deal.**
