by PointsGuru | Aug 12, 2016 | Credit Basics
Credit cards hold huge advantages to other forms of payments such as debit cards. They include the purchase and fraud protection and the fact that using them allows you to build the credit required for major purchases in the future such as a home or new car. As long as you pay all of your bills on time there’s absolutely no reason to use a debit card even though talking heads will tell you there is “no positive side” just to invoke fear.
With credit cards the catch is making sure you do not miss a payment and organizing which ones to use for what purchases or services. You may want to keep some cards locked in your safe for only online purchases and carry the ones that give the most points and miles in your wallet or in your Apple Wallet or Android Pay. Using a debit card vs. a credit card makes you vulnerable to having your entire checking account emptied. Then you have to fight with your bank to get your money restored.
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by PointsGuru | Aug 11, 2016 | Points
Whole Foods recently announced that it’s testing a rewards program in two U.S. cities, with the intention of rolling it out nationally. Like Chipotle’s Chiptopia, the Whole Foods loyalty program is designed to reward shoppers that spend more and come in more often. Right now you can even get 10% off your next purchase by signing up in Philadelphia and Dallas.
The Whole Foods Market Rewards program is currently being tested in 11 locations in the Philadelphia area, where it was first introduced in 2014, and it has recently expanded to 13 locations in Dallas. This loyalty program is linked to the Whole Foods Market smartphone application, which already offers customers digital coupons whether they’re a rewards program member or not. Those who do sign up for the program get 10% off their first purchase and a one-time discount of 15% in a single department. Members are rewarded based on how much they shop at Whole Foods, and every once in awhile they will receive surprise rewards.
Once you download the rewards program app you will notice that they have a listing of various produce and products you can unlock with a number of points. With 300 points you can unlock a full-sized bag of tortilla chips, with 900 points unlock a whole roasted chicken, and with 5,000 points you get the chance to unlock a private cheese tasting event. This actually makes me excited to shop at Whole Foods again because lately I have been shopping at Kroger, Target, and Sprout’s Farmers Market because Whole Foods has lost their mojo lately. This will definitely bring back some of the once loyal customers who have moved on due to higher prices (Whole Paycheck) and less enthusiasm for the retail chain.
It seems to only take 500 points to get $5.00 off your bill at Whole Foods. Rewards may take 60 minutes to become available and you only have 30 days to collect once you unlock them. One of the best awards is the dollar off rewards bu
t you can only redeem one of these at a time. You must wait 24-hours to redeem another one. These vary between $5 and $50 each for savings off of your total bill.
365 Rewards Are Not The Same
Whole Foods already offers a rewards program at two of its newly branded 365 store chain but the two programs are separate. My 365 Rewards members get an instant 10% off on select products across the store as well for signing up with new deals every two weeks. So if you live by a 365 store you may want to sign-up for this program. We were a bit confused when we tried to sign-up for the 365 rewards thinking it was for 365 branded products at Whole Foods stores but it is exclusive to the stores with that name that carry the same branded goods.
Make sure to maximize your grocery spending by earning 2% to 10% back with these credit cards on top of the points you will earn with Whole Foods Market.
by PointsGuru | Aug 4, 2016 | Restaurants
Starbucks is back with a $5 bonus gift card when you purchase at least a $10 Starbucks online gift card using Visa Checkout. The promotion is valid through August 18, 2016, or for the first 200,000 people so hurry up on this because it ends for whichever comes first which could be a few days because everyone drinks at Starbucks.
You’ll see the $5 bonus reflected on your receipt and it will not appear before the transaction is finished. This is good for those who have used or never used Visa Checkout.
It just takes a minute to set up a Visa Checkout account where you add a Visa credit card. Preferably a Chase Freedom Visa while they have their 5% back on dining as this will count towards that.
1. To take advantage of this offer, simply go to this page where you can purchase a Starbucks gift card here.
2. You’ll be prompted to select your payment method — choose Visa Checkout.
3. Then check out and complete your purchase. A minute later you should receive an email confirming your $15 gift card purchase even though you paid just $10.
by PointsGuru | Aug 3, 2016 | Beauty & Health, Points
The Brilliant Distinctions Rewards Program gives users exclusive savings on cosmetic treatments like BOTOX, JUVEDERM, and more. If you are a regular user of injectable fillers and are looking for a way to save, this rewards program may be a great choice.
What Is the Brilliant Distinctions Program?
When you become a member of the Brilliant Distinctions program, you earn points every time you undergo a new treatment or purchase an Allergan product. These points accrue over time, and you can use them to save on your future treatments and products.
Bonus for signing up?
Yes, the unrivaled aesthetics rewards program is offering you $20 in Brilliant Distinctions points just for registering. You can register here for the $20 offer.
How Do the Points Work?
For every 100 points you earn, you save ten dollars. To use these accumulated points, you must log into your account and click Redeem Points. This enables you to spend your allotted points in any way that you choose.
What Treatments Are Offered?
When you become a Brilliant Distinctions member, you can use your points on Allergan treatments offered by participating physicians. There are a number of injectable fillers offered, including:
BOTOX: This filler is injected into facial muscles to reduce the muscle activity that causes crow’s feet and frown lines. This filler can improve the appearance of mild to moderate wrinkles.
LATISSE: This product is a topical solution that increases the fullness and length of eyelashes. It is applied to the lash line and promises quick and effective results.
KYBELLA: This injectable treatment is used to get rid of submental fat beneath the chin. It works by breaking down and destroying the fat cells responsible for double chins.
JUVEDERM: This filler adds volume to facial areas that have lost fullness due to age. It can be used to correct the appearance of wrinkles, add fullness to the cheek area, and plump the lips.
Natrelle Breast Implants: These gel implants are used to enhance the size of the bust.
What Is the Brilliant Distinctions Mall?
You can also redeem your points at the Brilliant Distinctions Mall. This online shopping hub offers a wide range of products from many of your favorite retailers.
Do My Points Expire?
When you earn points, they are automatically transferred to your account within two days of issue. Once these points are earned, they will remain valid for nine months. After this, they will expire. Your points will also expire if your account is closed by choice or due to inactivity. In-office coupons, which are sometimes offered by participating physicians, usually expire after 60 days.
How Does Brilliant Distinctions Compare?
While there are other comparable rewards programs, Brilliant Distinctions offers Allergan treatments, which are some of the best on the market. If you have used and liked BOTOX and JUVEDERM, Brilliant Distinctions is a great way to get regular, reasonably priced treatments.
by PointsGuru | Aug 2, 2016 | Taxi Rideshare & Rentals
Airport Ride Promo Codes:
1. Click here to sign up if you have not already taken a ride with Lyft. You can then get a $50 Lyft credit in addition to this promotion.
Atlanta
The city council is still debating the issue and we still have no word on if it’s completely legal for Uber or any rideshare to pick you up at airport. One article said it may not be until July 2016. One thing I noticed before is that the app had the option to select the door you were needing to get picked up at (N4, S5, etc). Although, It’s usually quicker if you cross the first street and get picked up on the outer street near the shuttle buses if it comes up at all in the airport area.
Austin
We recommend Wingz to pick up and drop off passengers at Austin-Bergstrom airport in Texas who is offering $1 Rides for new sign-ups. Uber and Lyft have now suspended services in Austin due to City Council regulations. if you wish to hail a taxi TO the airport you can use Curb.
Baltimore-Washington
UberX and Lyft are technically not supposed to operate at BWI but new rules are coming.
California
LAX
Los Angeles just became the largest city in the nation to open the door for companies such as Uber and Lyft to fully operate alongside taxis at the airport. Ready for #LyftOff! Travelers can now be picked up and dropped off at LAX on the Upper/Departures level only. Use code: FLY2015 to get $5 off Two Rides to/from LAX! If you are new to Lyft make sure to sign up here first.
Burbank Bob Hope
A ride-share service can drop you off at Burbank Bob Hope Airport, but it can’t pick you up at the terminal.
Ride-share drivers can wait in the airport’s parking lots for arriving passengers. The airport charges $3 for 30 minutes of parking. Wingz is available for Burbank Pickup.
John Wayne/Orange County
Lyft, Uber and Wingz have acquired permits. Their will be an additional fee of $2.25 for each pickup.
Long Beach
Anyone may drop off passengers at Long Beach airport, but ride-share drivers can’t pick up passengers at the terminal. Wingz is available.
Oakland
In August, the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners OKd an eight-month-long pilot project.
Ontario
All drivers may drop off passengers at Ontario, but only drivers with permits may pick up travelers.
Wingz is available.
San Diego
Wingz, Lyft and UberX acquired permits in early that allow drivers to pick up and drop off passengers at San Diego’s Lindbergh Field and must pay the airport $3.76 for each pickup.
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by PointsGuru | Jul 6, 2016 | Taxi Rideshare & Rentals
Summer vacation season is about to peak in the next few weeks and we are on the lookout for any discounts we can get. Especially when it comes to rideshare since we refuse to do the rental car thing anymore. Uber has been running plenty of targeted specials this summer such as their Uber Vip and $5 off two rides for some who had problems using the app this past week. This latest promotion gets you $5 off your next ride.
How to Get A Free $5 Uber Credit
1. If you’re a new user, Register here to get a Free Uber car service ride up to $20. If existing user skip to step #2.
2. Enter promo code: layssummer to get a $5 credit. It expires July 10.
If you have an Android phone you can also get $10 off another ride here.
by PointsGuru | Jun 28, 2016 | International Travel, Starwood Preferred Guest
Things are really changing this year to make Cuba one of the top places to go in 2015. Full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba will resume on April 10, and the six-story building off Havana’s Malecón esplanade that was once the U.S. embassy (and is now the U.S. Interests Section) is primed to reclaim its status after 54 years. Tourism infrastructure catering to U.S. travelers is next.
While Americans were permitted to make educational visits to Cuba in tour groups, a tourism ban has barred individuals from traveling there under most circumstances. Under new revisions, Americans who plan a trip with a full schedule of educational exchange activities, including interacting with the Cuban people, will for the first time in decades be able to travel on their own to Cuba without special permission from the U.S. government.
Although tourism is still barred by statute, the new rules amount to permission for any American who wants to travel to Cuba to plan an educational sojourn there, as long as they keep records of their activities for five years. (more…)
by PointsGuru | Jun 21, 2016 | Taxi Rideshare & Rentals
Chicago is trying to regulate rideshare to be more like taxis. Uber and Lyft may be safe for now but Chicago is threatening fingerprinting drivers while they are threatening to pull out of the city if they do. Uber and Lyft have waged regulatory battles in several high profile locales including New York, Broward County, and neither company is currently operating in Austin due to a recent fingerprinting requirement imposed by the city council. Chicago is the third largest city in the US with close to 3 million people and 90,000 rideshare drivers so this will be a huge loss in revenue to both companies if they do pull out. Chicago is three times bigger than Austin.
If Uber and Lyft pulled out of Chicago, it could be a huge opportunity for new startups such as Juno out of NYC or Fasten in Boston and Austin to expand their territory.
Arro and Curb are two taxi-hailing apps that operate in Chicago. DivvyRide is a company that looks like a rideshare app but they actually require livery plates.
Curb is now an official taxi app for the City of Chicago covering Cook, DuPage, and southern Lake counties. Curb can take you wherever you need to go in Chicago. From Navy Pier to Green Mill, your Curb driver will expertly navigate the city to serve you.
Via is an app that started in NYC as an alternative to transit. They have now expanded to Chicago area (read more here).
by PointsGuru | Jun 18, 2016 | Taxi Rideshare & Rentals
Uber will offer free rides to locations of significance to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community around the country this weekend. This is because the community recently suffered a massive tragedy where a gunman killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando.
Customers will be able to access two credits each, worth up to $20, when traveling to locations in 40 cities such as LGBT bars and clubs, as well as community centers, nightclubs, and institutions.
If you are new to Uber you can sign-up here to get a $10 credit for Uber towards a Free Ride. Use promotion code “UberVip4me“ This will be on top of the 2 Free Rides you are getting with this kind offer from Uber.
Venues include various lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community centers, bar, nightclubs and stores. Uber told CNNMoney there are roughly 5 to 10 locations in each city, including San Francisco’s Harvey Milk Plaza and New York City’s Stonewall Inn. Uber has created individual pages for each of the 40 cities to notify people of the destinations.
Here are the participating cities in Uber’s promotion: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Connecticut, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Hampton Roads, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York City, Orange County, Ottawa, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rhode Island, Raleigh-Durham, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Bay Area, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Washington, D.C.
Here’s some examples:
In Washington D.C.: Locations include Nellie’s bar and Cobalt nightclub along with institutions serving the capital’s LGBT community, like Whitman Walker health clinic, Casa Ruby and the DC Center. The company is offering the credits in 39 other cities in the United States and Canada.
Nellie’s (901 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Cobalt (1639 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20009) (more…)
by PointsGuru | May 23, 2016 | Retail
Banana Republic is offering $10 Shopcard for Free when you Text 89532 the word SUMMER. Offer Valid from 5/20/16 – 5/30/16 in stores.
There’s No purchase necessary. Up to 6 VIP messages/month may apply.
Basically they want you to join their BRfriends program for free in exchange for the $10 Shopcard where you could get up to 6 VIP messages/month. Once you redeem for your free card you can always hit STOP to quit any further texts which may become annoying if you’re not a frequent shopper of the retailer. (more…)
