Money For Miles

Thanks to reader Mark for sharing this about-to-end offer. Sounds like it’s going away in a few hours…

Through the years, I’ve posted a few deals for Air Berlin’s topbonus miles. Some of you probably still have a balance there. Since that currency is now useless, you can apparently exchange it for a better currency…money.

Unless you have Jason Bourne-ish language skills, you’ll need the translate feature in your browser to fill out the form. According to Mark, the word for USA isn’t translating so select “Vereinigte Staaten.”

Tuesday Triple

Some sale stuff for this week…

  • The Spring Flash Sale from IHG/Kimpton is this week. Sure seems like we’ve had one promo after another from these guys since the devaluation. “Hey toddler, look at this shiny object over here.”
  • Sign up for Marriott Rewards and get a free night (up to category 5) after 2 stays. If you already have a Marriott account, it might be a good time to clone yourself.
  • Get a 20% point bonus for Vegas Hyatt stays before August. When you get there, go down to the casino immediately. Take your money out and bet it on Lebron not winning a championship and then passive aggressively blaming his teammates. It’s a lock.

Staples Promo

In the 497th sequel of Nerds With Inks, this week’s story takes us to Staples. Mastercard $200 gift cards are fee-free through Saturday. As always, this is in-store and the idea is to earn 5 points per dollar on your Chase Ink or 5% cashback on your Amex SimplyCash. Stores and clerks will vary but bold nerds who make friends tend to push these promos much harder than most.

What Card Should I Get?

I’ve probably heard that question…oh…6 billion times.

Maybe closer to 7 billion.

(Editor’s Note: The above calculations are in no way accurate)

Anyway, it is a question I’ve been asked multiple times per week for many years.

If I tried splitting the “askers” into 2 groups, they would be:

A.  People like me.

B.  People who are not like me.

(Editor’s note: When I say “people like me,” I’m not referring to a shameful inability to stay sober after 2 beers)

No, I’m talking about people who apply for lots and lots of credit cards.

But this post is for the others.

If you haven’t gotten 5 or more cards in the last couple of years…

And you’re the type who likes spending on one piece of plastic…

This Chase Freedom deal is the current answer to, “What card should I get?”

3 points per dollar on all spending for a year is very nice.

But, man, if you also have a Sapphire Preferred or Ink in your wallet…

…the value starts getting nuts.

In that case, it becomes 3.75% towards travel on everything you spend in the first year.

And if you have a Sapphire Reserve along with the Freedom, that number is 4.5%.

Obviously, the math is very attractive.

If you’re a big spender (or will be for a year), this Freedom deal should definitely be on your radar.

Have a great weekend, nerds!

10% Flight Discount, Round One

For you guys who responded to yesterday’s post…I apologize for not writing back yet. But I’ve read all the emails and have more information to share today. Some people never pay for flights and that’s awesome (obviously it’s everyone’s goal). But we all have different situations. Clearly, from the responses, this offer is very attractive to many people. Before I continue, please understand that I need to present this in a way that works best for the provider. As always, I’m trying to do my best to help. I just can’t make it a free-for-all right now and open up the floodgates yet. It’s not up to me. So, here’s how it will work:

  • The deal is 10% off for paid flights on any airline except Southwest.
  • These are non-refundable flights, so no cancellations will be possible with this service.
  • These tickets will be booked by the provider so you cannot use your own credit card.
  • These are regular revenue tickets that will accrue miles, allow for elite benefits, upgrades, etc.
  • There is concern about being overwhelmed with customers right now…so, at this time, large bookings will be handled first. This initial round will be for people spending a minimum of $2,000 on a single booking – yes, there can be multiple passengers in the single booking to reach the $2,000 minimum.
  • I know that minimum requirement will be a bummer to some, but I’m just passing on what I was told. This is the only way I’m able to share the deal on right now. This 10% discount opportunity will be opened up for smaller bookings later. Not sure when that will be yet.
  • I know the provider very well. If you need my personal guarantee, you’ve got it. I’d recommend this deal to my mom if she were paying for a flight. It’s rock solid. Obviously, I wouldn’t share it otherwise.

So, if you have a flight ready to go ($2,000 or more), send me a message and I’ll pass on how to get it booked. I’ll respond to all of yesterday’s emails by the end of the week and my hope is that this opportunity will be opened up with a lower minimum soon. I’m working on it.