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Yep got a surprise about the FX rate crashing today, decided to cop it and pay the US Amex bill. On the other hand, the Qantas FX sale with bonus points looked really good, was over 0.6 USD earlier today and locked it in.

Looks like a similar offer to last year - but this time only one stay is required. Successfully registered for the fast track.

BTW, still have my Textnow subscription and it is still working fine for Amex but have heard issues receiving verification texts from other US banks. Is it still the case?

I did get an upgrade from King Acacia Room to the King Waratah Premium a few times but never to a suite. Probably the max you could go.

For Oneworld carriers it seems to be Avios that is the only program which is a transfer partner for all the major US CC companies. BA and QR teaming up and allowing Avios to be pooled makes it easier. Seems to work better for direct routes on Oneworld partner airlines. Will look into it more.

YMMV but US hotel CCs may be of benefit to you if you stay at Hilton or Marriott chains frequently. Either the instant Diamond status with Hilton Aspire or Elite Night credits + status with Marriott cards.

Once we get the ITIN, is it advised that we link it to our AMEX accounts almost immediately or we don't really have to yet and we can start applying for other US cards? I assume other US banks want to know if we have a good credit score first and they want some sort of history.

No hard and fast rule for getting out of pop up jail but it probably took me a year of continuous spending on existing cards (went for the FNCs after spending 15k) to get me out of it. That is what I noticed. Also, no downgrades/upgrades around the time you apply for another card. The SUB for my...

Sounds like an ITIN is the way to go, but sounds like it will be a long process. Will try SH studio. No rush though.

If there was ever an upgrade bonus for the US Amex cards I assume it will come in a targeted email (e.g. Marriott to the Brilliant). Same goes for the Hilton ones. In PUJ at the moment so upgrade offer is the next best option.

Indeed the extra 15 nights + another 35k FNA from the Marriott Biz card for $125 looks good but it sounds like an ITIN is required and an address in the US where you do business. I know in Aus, being a Doordash or Uber driver on the side counts and you need an ABN for that... probably the same...

Thinking of starting the ITIN journey. I have seen from earlier that Maza is the cheapest. Is it still the case or is SH Studio better? Willing to be patient, won't be getting another US card for a while yet.

It is either the HGI or maybe they are looking for a existing hotel and make it a Doubletree, who knows.

Admittedly no update on the HGI Spring Hill in any article... unless someone else is there to check the construction site out.

https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/02/17/accor-plus-additional-10-bonus-nights-total-30-for-renewals-expiry-unclear/ Not sure if this was ever a feature yet - I know there was the 20 nights for being an A+ member at a point in time + 20 nights at renewal in 2023, but never heard of 10 extra nights...

Seconded - The Hilton Surfers Paradise gift cards should still work.

Indeed the most lucrative promo Marriott offers. The difference is now Marriott Homes and Villas paid stays is now eligible for this promo. I dont think this was the case in recent years. Useful if you want to stay somewhere around regional areas in Australia and want to get Marriott nights...

Confirmed that the downgrade to the $95 Marriott Amex card still works for both the Bevy and the Brilliant. 35k FNA each year with no spend requirement the main benefit.

Transferred points after I got the email that I registered, will see how long it takes. From the T&Cs it appears that it takes up to the usual 8 weeks after the offer period.

Approaching month 12 of the Marriott Bevy and seeing if the base Marriott Bonvoy card would still be an option. I will see how it goes. I'm okay with the 35k night certificate with no spend requirement as you could use it at a Westin/Marriott/Sheraton here in Australia. $95 annual fee too, not...