Crunch Time – My Late 2023 Points and Miles Priorities

All information about the American Express Gold, Platinum, Business Platinum, and Aspire has been collected independently by Miles to Memories.

Miles and Points Priorities

I’m done traveling in 2023.  In our current life season, my family and I avoid big trips around the holidays.  Hence, we (more accurately, I) spend time on gearhead points and miles matters during this time of year.  Today, I’m not sharing a master checklist for others to follow, as the plays we each go after are highly personal and vary.  Instead, I’m particularly focusing on the below matters this month; perhaps some of you are in the midst of one or two of these, as well.  Here are my late 2023 miles and points priorities – share yours in the comments!

Another Alaska Business Card

Just recently, Alaska Airlines tempted many of us with another heightened Alaska Business card offer.  I shamelessly hoard Alaska miles, among other currencies.  I’ll apply and hopefully be approved for another one, as the current bonus is 65k miles on an easy $3k spend.  In my view, Alaska’s merger with Hawaiian makes the currency even more attractive, as we’ll have even more options for redeeming on the horizon.  And this may be my last chance to earn another heightened bonus on this card in its current form.

Triple Dip Amex

The obligatory statement here is I’m looking to score one more Business Platinum later this month in the hopes of triple dipping on the annual credits (including airline fee, Dell, and wireless versions) while incurring just a single $695 annual fee.  This isn’t too different from most other years.

But the wife and I are seriously considering an Aspire application under the currently-elevated 180k point bonus terms.  The Aspire has rarely sported a signup bonus above 150k points.  I held the card years ago, but my wife has never gotten around to this one.  While maybe not as lucrative as the previous version’s triple dip, there’s enough here for us.

I’m also watching out for targeted upgrade offers on other cards, such as the Amex Gold, for further triple dip opportunities on the consumer Platinum.  I don’t have high hopes, but I’ll continue to type here with my fingers crossed.

Caesars/Wyndham Transfers

As a reminder, point transfers between Caesars and Wyndham programs have been temporarily increased from 60k to 100k.  I’ve moved over my full allotment to Caesars Rewards, used some points, and now started returning the remainder back to Wyndham with an extended expiration date.  Just a heads-up:  transfers aren’t instant and can take a good chunk of time, especially transferring from Caesars back to Wyndham.  If you have any Wyndham points expiring soon, consider doing the same!

Big Spend Bonus Housekeeping

I’m a few thousand away from another FNC thanks to the Amex Hilton Business card’s $15k big spend bonus threshold.  I’m confidently finishing that well before December’s end.

It’s a long story, but I’m unexpectedly back with the IHG Premier (more on that in the future).  I’m on the cusp of the $20k (plus one additional transaction) big spend bonus there, which triggers a $100 statement credit and 10k bonus points.  And I’m confident in achieving a few others, as well – which I’ll disclose at a time of my choosing.  Teases aside, it’s been a great year for big spend bonuses.

Forming a New Year’s Plan

Similar to MtM alum and MtM Vegas cohost Mark Ostermann, I love executing points and miles plays on New Year’s Day.  Many annual card benefits reset, and there’s no time like day one to fully realize as many as possible.  And, surprisingly, I have close to zero travel plans for 2024 at this point.  I’m overdue for some strategizing there, ensuring I achieve optimal redemptions along the way.

Miles and Points Priorities – Conclusion

Perhaps you’ve heard setting attainable goals is key.  I’m confident these ones are for me in the next few weeks.  Meanwhile, I won’t be overdoing it, as I want to save special time for the usual holiday traditions – happily unrelated to our hobby.  One thing’s for sure – I won’t be busy with Wells Fargo, as they keep kicking the can on their new cards and transfer partners.  What are you trying to fit in before year’s end?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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