My Card Hacking Plan To Pay for a Trip to Paris

**BigRedDad** · 01-12-2017, 04:55 PM

So we did grab a CSR card last night just before the deadline. And will try to get a second one in branch next month.

We're on our way again! Even if we could not space out the annual fees as originally planned.

**BigRedDad** · 03-02-2017, 10:03 AM

Quick update:

Two bonus rewards and a lot of sounding later, we are not over 200,000 Ultimate Rewards points.

Next step: more Marriott points.

**CardShark** · 03-05-2017, 09:38 AM

There is an alternative to Marriott points.

You can get both a Amex and a Citi Hilton card. Neither has a fee. And together you can rack up 125,000 Hilton points on the intro spend.

**DrCardsPhD** · 03-06-2017, 09:13 AM

No, the Marriott Rewards card may be the way to go, if yo get the newest offer:

You will earn 5x points for each $1 you spend in your first year - up to 150,000 point for $30,000 of spending.

That is just an exceptional offer. 5% back on all spending. No category limitations. Not even hotel chain limitations.

**Simon** · 03-15-2017, 08:57 AM

I think this has been covered in other threads. But you'll be better offer getting the Marriott card with the normal 80,000 welcome offer and the SPG card, and then combining points.

You'll spend only $6,000 to get more than 150,000 points.

Which is way more bang for your buck.

**BigRedDad** · 03-15-2017, 01:31 PM

Thanks for the tips.

IMHO getting the SPG card and then the Marriott card seem to be the way to go. Just need to get the SPG card first, and before the merger is completed and the window to earn both signup bonuses closes.

**Card Dude** · 03-16-2017, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by BigRedDad

Thanks for the tips.

IMHO getting the SPG card and then the Marriott card seem to be the way to go. Just need to get the SPG card first, and before the merger is completed and the window to earn both signup bonuses closes.

Solid plan! With all these offers and points, you may need two weeks and some time in the south of France.

Just sayin'.

**BigRedDad** · 03-21-2017, 08:37 PM

Patience might have been my friend on the hotel portion of the trip. I just received this offer from Marriott Rewards in my inbox:

Earn 100,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

I think I will take that one.

**Louis** · 03-22-2017, 01:09 PM

That sounds like an offer to jump on.

**BigRedDad** · 03-30-2017, 07:53 AM

Louis (and everyone else), I did take that Marriott deal from Chase. Though you can do slightly better with the SPG offer available. I just did not see the SPG offer until after getting the Marriott card.

Unfortunately, I do not think we have enough credit card spending to run both offers simultaneously.

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