Is it worthwhile to purchase points?

[Cyberon]

Is it worthwhile to purchase points? Say for the current promotion with bonus 50,000 + 25,000 = $575USD = 0.76c per point

 

[ksthommo]

Purchased points a few days back to go towards 6 nights in New York.
Had 24,000 points in my account prior to. Worked out to around $130 a night compared to $300+ not taking
into account the points already accrued. Cost per night was 15,000 points and $60 USD.

Good value I reckon.

The cancel reservations option is still available to accrue points at a lower buy rate.

 

[awilcockson]

What is the points + pay cancel trick that some people use?

Book an refundable award night using the "points + pay" option.

A couple of days later, cancel the booking.

You will be refunded the original points plus the extra 10K/20K points that you "purchased" (i.e. you get the points back, not the cash you used to top up).

 

[ksthommo]

Also now platinum with priority club due to the points purchased.

 

[lovestotravel]

Where is the link for this promo ?

 

[ksthommo]

Where is the link for this promo ?

Link is on this page

https://www.points.com/loyalty-program/priority-club-rewards

 

[smit0847]

Book an refundable award night using the "points + pay" option.

A couple of days later, cancel the booking.

You will be refunded the original points plus the extra 10K/20K points that you "purchased" (i.e. you get the points back, not the cash you used to top up).

So this is just basically buying points? (You get the extra points by forfeiting the money?)

Whats the earn rate? Better than this 50,000 + 25,000 = $575USD = 0.76c per point rate?

 

[Cyberon]

Book an refundable award night using the "points + pay" option.

A couple of days later, cancel the booking.

You will be refunded the original points plus the extra 10K/20K points that you "purchased" (i.e. you get the points back, not the cash you used to top up).

How does this work?

For example if I looked up a Crowne PLaza Reward night it is around 25,000 points per night.

It also has the option of

20,000 points + $40
10,000 points + $60

I'm assuming this means each night costs 10,000 points from your balance and also $60 per night?
So how does one purchase the 10K?

Thanks in advance.

 

[lovestotravel]

I am still confused....

 

[ksthommo]

Here's the direct link to the purchase points page https://buy.points.com/PointsPartne...AMPAIGNCODE=PDCGIFTIHGBtieredupto50pdceoMar12

Weigh up your options whether it is worthwhile to purchase points or buy your nights outright.
As mentioned, I went for the 15k points plus $60 USD. If I was to purchase the nights booked with cash/plastic,
would have cost $390 USD for each night at Staybridge Suites, Times Square.

Saved heaps and have now bypassed the b&b establishments.

 

[smit0847]

How does this work?

For example if I looked up a Crowne PLaza Reward night it is around 25,000 points per night.

It also has the option of

20,000 points + $40
10,000 points + $60

I'm assuming this means each night costs 10,000 points from your balance and also $60 per night?
So how does one purchase the 10K?

Thanks in advance.

I think how it works is, say you only have 11,000 points in your account right now. Instead of using 25,000 + $0 to pay for the hotel (as you only have 11,000 points), you can use just 10,000 points and pay $60. When you cancel it and get it refunded, they refund the full 25,000 points but not the $60. You have therefore 'bought' 15,000 points for that $60 you're not getting back (being the difference between the 10,000 you initially spent and the 25,000 they refunded).

That works out to be 0.04c per point which is cheaper than the buying promo in the OP.

Depending on how you use your points (i.e. washing them through airline FF programs that could be a cheap way to get points.

 

[hummel]

Buying PC points count towards status correct? - Think I just worked that yes it does.

I was comped platinum until end of this year but would be looking to retain next year.

 

[awilcockson]

I think how it works is,

that's exactly how it works.

 

[markis10]

Buying PC points count towards status correct? - Think I just worked that yes it does.

I was comped platinum until end of this year but would be looking to retain next year.

It does but is expensive when PC points Are easy to get at $30 per 5000.

 

[smit0847]

Remember if you want to transfer these points to a FF program, most only give a 5 PC : 1 FF point conversion, EXCEPT it seems, Virgin Atlantic flying club which offer a 1:1 ratio.

Travel | Priority Club Rewards

 

[Nigelinoz]

Remember if you want to transfer these points to a FF program, most only give a 5 PC : 1 FF point conversion, EXCEPT it seems, Virgin Atlantic flying club which offer a 1:1 ratio.

Travel | Priority Club Rewards

The Virgin Atlantic site has something different.

Exchange Priority Club Rewards points at a rate of 10,000 points into 2,000 Flying Club miles

Flying Club miles do however convert at 1:1 into PC points but not it seems the other way,unless I am reading it wrong,or maybe the ratio has changed and the Flying Club site
hasn't been updated.
Virgin Atlantic Airways - Popup
Cheers
N'oz

 

[Cyberon]

understand it now

 

[vitagen]

How long does the points take to post? I purchased some 2 days ago and my account is still showing 0 points?

 

[burmans]

Buying PC points count towards status correct? - Think I just worked that yes it does.

I was comped platinum until end of this year but would be looking to retain next year.

Buying points does, points + pay does not. So for some there may be value in buying even at the extra costs (.76 vs .6). Having said that I don't think Platinum gives you much extra. Like one other poster I got my stay at the Staybridge Suites in NY, got mine earlier at 20K points (i.e. $120 per night, 8 night in NY five minutes from times square under $1000 is a great deal).

But don't think there is any value from platinum at Staybridge, from what I have read all the suites are the same, though of course higher floors have a better view.

 

[Cyberon]

Buying points does, points + pay does not. So for some there may be value in buying even at the extra costs (.76 vs .6). Having said that I don't think PLatinum gives you much extra. Like one other poster I got my stay at the Staybridge Suites in NY, got mine earlier at 20K points (i.e. $120 per night, 8 night in NY five miniutes from times square uner $1000 is a great deal).

But don't think there is any value from platinum at Staybridge, from what I have read all the suites are the same, though of course higher floors have a better view.

I'm interested in this hotel. The rooms are the same apart from bedding config and view isn't it?

Btw, how did u find the elevators? People were complaining about the long waits on Tripadvisor.