Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Writer’s block…I envisioned writing something witty and useful this morning. Not gonna happen…so we’re going to use my default setting, Bullet Points (no relation to Hilton Points…get it?… Ugh, ok).
Lets recap the process and benefits because most hotel chains work in a similar fashion. If you understand Hilton, you’re well on your way to understanding them all.
Sign up for the rewards program http://www.hhonors.com and save your new number.
Download the app or save the web site on your computer.
Sign in and explore.
Do some math, play with the points, remember that they are worth ~.005 cents each (10K pts ~$50
Explore Citi Hilton http://www.citi.com and American Express Hilton http://www.americanexpress.com and choose which one best suits your needs. Apply (if they stall ie: we need to review your info, message me and I will provide you with the phone number for their “Reconsiderations Department”. These are the actual people who approve or decline you and they will usually do it while you are on the phone. Most of the time, the initial delay is because a question about something was generated, income, address errors or something that a quick phone call can cure.
When you receive your card in the mail, celebrate and welcome it into the family!
Get serious and complete the spend as specified using your new card. Pay everything you can such as utilities, groceries etc…Try not to take the full 90 days, try for 70 or less if possible. (Don’t go wild on a spending spree either and remember that the balance must be paid off each month or the interest you pay ruins the value).
This Matters: There are many websites that talk about “Manufactured Spending” and other ways to earn points or meet the minimum spend by exploiting a cards rules or policies. Don’t go there. The programs provide plenty of opportunities to earn points in ways that you don’t have to worry whether you’ll be kicked out, and they will, or have your points clawed back.
After the points hit your account, consider the IHG card http://www.chase.com and, if you choose, follow the same plan and ask Hilton for a Status Match. (If your income levels and spending needs support it, get them both at the same time, swing for the fences!)
Remember, you earn points from the hotel from paid stays in addition to those you can receive from the credit card. This can add up to a very large number.
The no-fee cards from Citi and Amex come with Silver Status (Yawn…) and the fee cards come with Gold (Happy Dance).
Then, Go Somewhere! It works Worldwide and for some crazy reason, I get better value from using points OUTSIDE the United States.
Here are a few helpful websites that will add value to finding the great promos. They provide links to Hilton and other Hotel promo’s as they become available.
http://www.doctorofcredit.com
http://www.thepointsguy.com
http://www.frequentflyerbonus.com (This one is great for current promos for all forms of travel)
http://www.travelinggump.com (A shameless plug, I know… Message me and I’ll update you on promos as I watch them like a hawk)
Now that you have a good working foundation, in the next blog we’ll explore other Hotel Chains.
Travelinggump.Com 