October 2021 Spending (Points earning) Game Plan

My October Credit Card Game Plan:

It’s been a while since I wrote up a monthly game plan, however I realized over the summer if I didn’t write it down, some very attractive offers would fall through the cracks. Here we go, however I do warn this will not be my most active month. Currently, I am not working on any minimum spend since I haven’t opened any cards recently, however that won’t not stop me from earning 5x, 10x, and earn 25% back on some significant purchases.

Chase

Chase Freedom Card(s):

Chase’s Freedom card offers 5% back (5x Chase UR points) on up to $1,500 spend on a quarterly basis. Although my favorite quarter is typically Grocery, I’ll probably take advantage of this offer. While there are some competing offers for Paypal payments during Q4 2021 (see Amex below), I’ll more than likely make a trip to Walmart to max out the $1,500 (7,500 UR points) on my Freedom Card, probably involving buying third-party gift cards. There is probably a play here to use your card and Paypal to pay friends, however I think the fees involved (2.9%) eat into too much of the profit.

Click HERE to ensure your freedom card is registered.

Chase also has some mediocre co-branded bonuses that extend through the end of the year. While we saw much better 5x offers earlier this year, I suppose those looking to get a bump on already used cards should take advantage. Click HERE to see if your Chase co-branded card is eligible.  

Southwest Rapid Rewards Card:

The bonus essentially earns me an extra 1,000 points each month on $1,000 spend. Earning 2x on SW isn’t exactly a sweet deal. A nice caveat here that might help some is that the bonus points earned will count towards earning companion pass status. Depending on your billing cycle, you may earn an extra 3,000 points towards the beloved Companion Pass. I’ll probably be passing on this deal as I can earn 2x or better with other cards, and without adding the hassle of checking to make sure I hit the $1,000 threshold monthly.

IHG Rewards Club Select Card:

Same deal, but IHG points are worth less. Pass. I don’t know the last time I spent $1k on my IHG card. Even at 5x I probably wouldn’t jump at an offer like this.

American Express

Marriott Brilliant Card:

Amex came out with a nice offer for all Amex Marriott cards and I hope to see more of this in the future. Earn 10X on Paypal purchases (an extra 8x since you already earn 2x via card earnings) up to $6,250 in spend. What I like about this offer is that everyone can spend on Paypal as online retailers nearly universally accept it. I do expect to max out this offer between now and the end of the year. You could probably have a conversation as to which spending offer is better between the Chase 5x on Paypal and Marriott 10x, at least for the first $1,500. Since my Marriott credit card comes with an annual 50,000 Marriott Certificate, earning these 50,000 extra points will complete a weekend at a Category 6 Hotel. They’ll come in handy as I look to check out Marriott’s renovations on the newly renamed and rebranded Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection Hotel this winter!

Use this link (HERE) to register and sign up using your Amex Marriott card.

Citi

Typically I wouldn’t add discounts on merchants a company adds as they’re usually not need movers, however Citi came strong this month with some offers.

Citi Double Cash & Citi premier BOTH had the below offer to be added to my cards.

Spend $200 at Best Buy, earn $50 back. While I do not typically spend a ton of money at Best Buy, I’ll likely buy a $200 gift card to Amazon on each of my cards. Yes the offer says “not valid on Best Buy Gift Card purchases” however that restriction should not include third-party gift cards. I’ll get back $50 on each card off for a total of $100. Not bad for a quick trip to best buy.

Citi’s website isn’t the easiest to navitage, so click HERE to see your offers.

Potential October haul:

Chase Freedom – 7,500 UR points. I have 3 Freedom Cards, so I’m looking at a potential 22.500 points – Likely to participate in deal. Have until end of quarter to complete.

Chase Sapphire Card– 2,000 SW RR points – Pass. Not worth earning 2x and also have to track as I’d only earn a bonus 1,000 each month.

Chase IHG Card- 2,000 IHG points - Pass. Not worth earning 2x and also have to track as I’d only earn a bonus 1,000 each month.

Chase Marriott (Bonvoy Brilliant) Card – 50,000 Marriott points – ABSOLUTELY! Have until end of quarter to complete.

Citi Double Cash & Citi Premier – $100 back on $400 spend (combined between the 2 cards) – ABSOLUTELY! I could wait until Black Friday to see if any gift cards go on-sale, however I’ll take the offer as is to avoid the rush.

 Let me know your game plan this month!