Making the most of loyalty (points & miles) programs

[maven]

Here are some online exchanges for loyalty points and miles.

Points.com
http://www.points.com/homePage.jsp;jsessionid=ARFbS6Yp1CTDJ7a2E6OYUSej5e Yaa0E45umm2Bl17SO3Z4XQRMGx!1494710389!primary!2002 3!20024

milesandpoints.com
http://www.milesandpoints.com

Tips on exchanging points and miles:

Free Frequent Flyer Miles -- Gary Steiger
http://www.freefrequentflyermiles.com/index.htm

The Joy of Miles -- Tim Winship
http://www.smarterliving.com/columns...mn.php?id=3815

[b4freedom]

Every year I go on one business trip to the same location. Boring, I know… But the expense is paid by my employer.

Every year I stay at the same Marriott, at around $250/night for five nights.

Two years ago, I opened up a Marriott credit card and paid for my stay with the credit card (which I was reimbursed for). Just for opening up the Marriott credit card, I got 15,000 points. The bill was $1250 before taxes, so I earned 12,500 points for the stay, plus 2500 bonus for being a silver member. I then earned an additional 3 points via the credit card, the total bill with taxes was around $1600 (nearly 30% in taxes!), and I got around 4800 points from the credit card. My total point earnings for the trip, including opening the credit card, were 34800 points. I did the same thing this year; however I didn’t stay as long, and I earned around 28500 points. I now have around 63300 points. By opening and closing the credit card, I doubled my point gain (and avoid the annual fees). This got me to thinking - How many other ways can I earn points via a credit card? I have a continental credit card and my wife and I do the same thing.

As soon as I open the card and it comes in the mail, I compose a letter to cancel the card, put it in an envelope, ready to mail. I then add to my calendar a reminder to mail it in 9 months and another reminder in 10 months to verify that it was canceled.

We’ll do this for two more years and then cash in the points to pay for a vacation in Hawaii. Free airfare for two and a one week stay at a nice Marriott resort in Hawaii. The cost to me: A little time and organization.

[baking23]

Nice setup. I'm a fan of signing up for the store card, paying the balance like I always do, and then canceling it right away. I haven't seen any problem on my credit score either.

Last year I was switching cards around a lot to get the best returns from a credit card comparing site. The one I have is great about money back and saving at the only places I use it, gas station, grocery store, and pharmacy.