I was on the phone this morning redeeming some points for a fixed point flight, and the CSR said that the Citi Professional card was about to lose it's eligibility for fixed point flight redemptions (20k points = up to $400 ticket) effective 4/15. No word on if the same applies to Expedia.com accounts. This effectively reduces the value of ThankYou Points.
Perfect time to consider adding the Citi Plat AMEX. Great card (5 TY Everyday/3 everything else) and will keep the better redemptions. + 15K sign-up bonus + annual fee waived first year + some free airport lounge access.
EDIT: I hear this card is not eligible for fixed point redemptions after 4/15. Still a great card, but be advised.
lhendricks92
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Feb. 18, 2008 @ 11:55a
Any word on which cards will retain the fixed point option? I'm wondering if it will only be cards with annual fees (e.g., PremierPass.)
That's not how fixed points work -- they don't care where the points came from, they only care whether you currently have a qualifying card or account before they'll let you redeem fixed point. So even if your points came from Citi Professional when fixed points was available, you still won't be able to redeem for fixed points after 4/15.
BTW, you do know what points came from what. If you go to your statement and click on the expiring points link, you'll see how many points you have from where and when they expire. When you redeem points, they pull from the ones that expire first.
Also note that all that matters is whether you have a qualifying product, not where the points came from.
Precisely my question. I have 6 cards connected to the account, are they going to start splitting points?
And SLC tried to answer it. I'll try again. All the points from multiple cards are dumped into one account.
Then, to get the better redemptions after 4/15 you'll just need to have at least one qualifying card for the better redemptions. It doesn't matter where each point came from (or even all) as long as you have one qualifying card.
slc39 said: Fixed points will be available for Expedia customers and Citibank checking customers enrolled in ThankYou network.
I'm still confused. I just looked up the expiring points on teh statement and it does show where the points are expiring from. Are you saying that if I get a Citibank checking account and enroll in TYN, I can avoid not being able to purchase a fixed price ticket with my Professional points after 4-15?
Or...
Are all points earned with non-qualifying cards (Professional) going to be invalid for fixed purchase after 4-15 no matter what?
If it is the latter, I might as well just cash the points in for some gift cards.
fixed point redemption allows you to spend a fixed 20K points on flights valued at $400 or less. under variable point redemption, a $400 ticket would cost you 40K TY points.
sethdallob
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Feb. 18, 2008 @ 2:32p
lhendricks92 said: slc39 said: Fixed points will be available for Expedia customers and Citibank checking customers enrolled in ThankYou network.
So you only need to link your Expedia account to ThankYou and no worries?
I don't know if this one will survive, either.
As a word of caution, if you make an Expedia account and link it to your existing ThankYou account, you will not be eligible for fixed point redemption. Don't ask me why, but you have to make a new Expedia account with a new ThankYou number, then call in and have a Supervisor merge the two accounts to be eligible - it makes no sense, and the CSR thought the same.
Are there other levels of fixed point redepmtion? e.g. flights to europe etc. I can't see anything on the TY website.
sethdallob
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Feb. 18, 2008 @ 2:34p
Keyboard said: Perfect time to consider adding the Citi Plat AMEX. Great card (5 TY Everyday/3 everything else) and will keep the better redemptions. + 15K sign-up bonus + annual fee waived first year + some free airport lounge access.
This is an awesome card, and I already have it - by far the best deal on any credit card, anywhere. However, it is not eligible for fixed point flight redemptions by itself.
sethdallob
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Feb. 18, 2008 @ 2:52p
Ecuadorgr said: Are there other levels of fixed point redepmtion? e.g. flights to europe etc. I can't see anything on the TY website.
4. I am eligible for fixed flight option Travel Rewards. What are the current prices and destinations?
Point levels are subject to change; please contact a ThankYou Network Travel Specialist for the most current point pricing. COACH Flights Starting Points Ticket Value (in Dollars) Continental US & Alaska and Canada 20,000 Up to $400 in value Mexico and Central America 45,000 Up to $900 in value Hawaii and Caribbean 50,000 Up to $1,000 in value Europe 60,000 Up to $1,200 in value Puerto Rico to US (48 States) 40,000 Up to $800 in value Middle East and Africa 80,000 Up to $1,600 in value Asia 80,000 Up to $1,600 in value South America 60,000 Up to $1,200 in value Australia and South Pacific 100,000 Up to $2,000 in value
BUSINESS CLASS Flights Starting Points Ticket Value (in Dollars) Continental US & Alaska and Canada 90,000 Up to $2,700 in value Mexico and Central America 120,000 Up to $3,600 in value Hawaii and Caribbean 140,000 Up to $4,200 in value Europe 180,000 Up to $5,400 in value Puerto Rico to US (48 States) n/a n/a Middle East and Africa 200,000 Up to $6,000 in value Asia 240,000 Up to $7,200 in value South America 180,000 Up to $5,400 in value Australia and South Pacific 180,000 Up to $5,400 in value
You pay taxes and fees if you use the fixed point option. You do not pay taxes and fees on the variable point option.
Also, they do not charge a fee for calling for the fixed point reservation, but they do charge one if you call in for a variable point one.
This is an awesome card, and I already have it - by far the best deal on any credit card, anywhere. However, it is not eligible for fixed point flight redemptions by itself.
Interesting. Glad I also have PP Elite. As I understand it, that counts.
user012345
Member
posted: Feb. 18, 2008 @ 3:30p
Anyone know how this affects PremierPass and PremierPass Elite cards? It would make sense to me if those cards managed to retain fixed point redemption... But, citi seems to be on the warpath when it comes to TYP perks nowadays...
tolamapS
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Feb. 18, 2008 @ 11:12p
What prevents someone from getting a card that qualifies the account holder for fixed point redemption, and then converting / dumping the card later? Repeat as needed.
sethdallob said: You pay taxes and fees if you use the fixed point option. You do not pay taxes and fees on the variable point option.
Thanks, I must be blind for missing that. Usualy when I book reward tickets (not through TY) I pay taxes with my PP Elite and get points for the miles flown. Any idea if this would work with the fixed point flight? I would assume they would have made sure you don't get extra miles this way.
tolamapS said: What prevents someone from getting a card that qualifies the account holder for fixed point redemption, and then converting / dumping the card later? Repeat as needed.
Nothing stops you. You only need to have the qualifying card at the time of redemption.
dmlavigne1 said: slc39 said: Fixed points will be available for Expedia customers and Citibank checking customers enrolled in ThankYou network.
I'm still confused. I just looked up the expiring points on teh statement and it does show where the points are expiring from. Are you saying that if I get a Citibank checking account and enroll in TYN, I can avoid not being able to purchase a fixed price ticket with my Professional points after 4-15?
Or...
Are all points earned with non-qualifying cards (Professional) going to be invalid for fixed purchase after 4-15 no matter what?
If it is the latter, I might as well just cash the points in for some gift cards.
Yes to the former, no to the 2nd question.
The only reason they keep track of where points come from is because different products have different rules for when things expire. For example, points earned from the PremierPass cards won't expire as long as you use the card at least once every 36 months (I think), while points earned from Citibank checking accounts expire three *calendar* years from when they were earned, and there's no extension option.
When you redeem, they take from the points that are expiring earliest.
Southpaw75
Member
posted: Feb. 19, 2008 @ 9:42a
So what will qualify as having a "qualified card/account"? So far I see... PremierPass PremierPass elite Citi checking
Any others?
tolamapS
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Feb. 19, 2008 @ 11:19a
Southpaw75 said: So what will qualify as having a "qualified card/account"? So far I see... PremierPass PremierPass elite Citi checking
Any others?
What will qualify? We don't know.
What does currently qualify? From the FAQ (https://www.thankyou.com/faq.jspx):
3. Am I eligible for fixed flight options for airline tickets?
Certain ThankYou Members have the option of redeeming for air travel at fixed ThankYou Point amounts. Currently,
- ThankYou Members with a Smith Barney Account, - Citibank® Account, - Expedia® Account, - or the following Card Accounts are eligible for fixed flight airline tickets at fixed ThankYou Point amounts: - Citi PremierPass® Card, - Citi PremierPass® Card - Elite Level, - Citi PremierPass® Card – Smith Barney Elite Level, - Citi PremierPass® / Expedia.com® Card, - Citi PremierPass® / Expedia.com® Card - Elite Level, - Citi ProfessionalSM Card with ThankYou® Network, - CitiBusiness PremierPassSM Card, - CitiBusiness® Card with ThankYou® Network, - Citi® ChairmanSM Card, and - Citi Chairman® American Express® Card.
This list is subject to change without notice. Fixed flight option Travel Rewards are only available when you call the ThankYou Service Center. Agents will work to offer you the best deal on available flights – you are not required to select the fixed flight option.
It sounds to me they are scaling down the call center. It never made sense to me why they required one to do it over the phone to get the fixed redemption, for something that could easily be automated over the internet, other than that some people won't bother with calling.
sethdallob said: lhendricks92 said: slc39 said: Fixed points will be available for Expedia customers and Citibank checking customers enrolled in ThankYou network.
So you only need to link your Expedia account to ThankYou and no worries?
I don't know if this one will survive, either.
As a word of caution, if you make an Expedia account and link it to your existing ThankYou account, you will not be eligible for fixed point redemption. Don't ask me why, but you have to make a new Expedia account with a new ThankYou number, then call in and have a Supervisor merge the two accounts to be eligible - it makes no sense, and the CSR thought the same.
Yep, just did this. Thanks. Supervisor had to combine the accounts.
kewloperator
Member
posted: Feb. 21, 2008 @ 1:42p
BillLumberg said: sethdallob said: lhendricks92 said: slc39 said: Fixed points will be available for Expedia customers and Citibank checking customers enrolled in ThankYou network.
So you only need to link your Expedia account to ThankYou and no worries?
I don't know if this one will survive, either.
As a word of caution, if you make an Expedia account and link it to your existing ThankYou account, you will not be eligible for fixed point redemption. Don't ask me why, but you have to make a new Expedia account with a new ThankYou number, then call in and have a Supervisor merge the two accounts to be eligible - it makes no sense, and the CSR thought the same.
Yep, just did this. Thanks. Supervisor had to combine the accounts.
True. I had to go through the same process to get my Expedia account linked up. Create a new Expedia with a new thank you number. For some reason they need a supervisor to approve, not sure why.
When I booked my ticket, they did not mention the 4/15 date to me. However, my girlfriend who does NOT have an Expedia account but has a Citi professional, was told the 4/15 date. She was told that you can only redeem points earned by the qualifying card for fixed point flights. I think either the CSR was informed incorrectly, or my girlfriend heard wrong.
I'm more inclined to believe it's simply that her professional card will no longer be eligible. We used our points from the Citi AMEX Platinum...you really can't beat 3x pts per $.
tolamapS
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Feb. 21, 2008 @ 2:07p
kewloperator said: She was told that you can only redeem points earned by the qualifying card for fixed point flights. I think either the CSR was informed incorrectly, or my girlfriend heard wrong.
I find that hard to believe. If that were the case, someone would have run into point fungibility problems. Also, if that were the case, then TY network would have to have some internal accounting rules to cash points that are non-fixed point qualifying on non-fixed flights.
ddyourself
Thrifty Member
posted: Mar. 5, 2008 @ 7:42p
Sorry but I am still totally confused.
I am currently having 70k points in my TY account, but 5 credit cards are associated with this TY account, one of them is a professional credit. Apparently some points were from the professional card.
So, after 4-15, what will happen to my points? some points will not be eligible for the fixed points offer?
friendlyguy
Addicted Member
posted: Mar. 5, 2008 @ 8:00p
I have the PP elite card and its 1 yr is about to be over. Has anyone who got this card last year received their annual fees statement yet?
psychtobe
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Mar. 5, 2008 @ 9:13p
I don't think anything will happen to points that were earned with once-but-no-longer-eligible cards. The points are already in your pooled TY account. The only thing that is changing is your eligibility to use those points - all of your pooled points - for fixed point travel. They're not going to remove points or otherwise restrict the use of points you already have.
cafe
Member
posted: Mar. 15, 2008 @ 8:29p
Please pardon my ignorance. I have a citi banking account and a professional card. Can I still use the fixed-point redemption after April 15? Do I have to pay tax and fees using an "eligible card"?
markkundinger
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Mar. 15, 2008 @ 10:21p
My statement for my Expedia PremierPass card (basically a standrd PP) said that fixed points was going away Apr 15.
xCarsonx
Senior Member
posted: Mar. 15, 2008 @ 10:31p
slc39 said: That's not how fixed points work -- they don't care where the points came from, they only care whether you currently have a qualifying card or account before they'll let you redeem fixed point. So even if your points came from Citi Professional when fixed points was available, you still won't be able to redeem for fixed points after 4/15.
If thats the case all you need is one link card that gets fixed points right?
friendlyguy said: I have the PP elite card and its 1 yr is about to be over. Has anyone who got this card last year received their annual fees statement yet?
xCarsonx said: slc39 said: That's not how fixed points work -- they don't care where the points came from, they only care whether you currently have a qualifying card or account before they'll let you redeem fixed point. So even if your points came from Citi Professional when fixed points was available, you still won't be able to redeem for fixed points after 4/15.
If thats the case all you need is one link card that gets fixed points right?
Slc39, what you said may stop being true in the very near future. They (CITI/TYN) do have a system in place to track where the points come from (credit cards, bank account usage, promos, etc.) Mark's info 4 posts above + the T&C of the recent 40K/20K banking promos (no guaranteed fixed point redemption after 6 months of points posting) tells me that CITI wants to do away with (or significantly narrow) the fixed point redemption, which is, essentially, devaluating TYPs ... If they say a PP card will not qualify one for fixed point redemption after Apr 15, it looks like they're moving in the direction of leaving only annual fee cards.
diazfranco
Greedy Member
posted: Mar. 16, 2008 @ 1:19p
pashu said: friendlyguy said: I have the PP elite card and its 1 yr is about to be over. Has anyone who got this card last year received their annual fees statement yet?
I did.No fee this year too I got the PP Elite a year ago... my last statement says: Annual Fee: $0
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