Archive for the 'Deals & Offers' Category
Friday, July 3rd, 2009
I promised to follow-up on the features of the Citi Forward card after getting mine, and am finally getting around to it. Read on to see how you can get a $100 gift card and also 3.45% cash back with this card at restaurants, Amazon.com, and more.
Sign-Up Bonus
New cardholders get 6,000 bonus ThankYou points after $50 in purchases made within 3 months. In addition, you get another 5,000 points for choosing paperless statements within 3 months.
The 11,000 bonus ThankYou points showed up promptly. I signed up for paperless statements immediately, and received the 5,000 points on my very first statement. I made the required $50 in purchases during the first month (showed up on the first statement), and received the 6,000 points on my second statement.
5x ThankYou Points
This card works off the same ThankYou points system as many other Citibank cards. 10,000 points = $100 gift card at stores like Sears, Macy’s, Staples, Old Navy, Gap, etc. 12,700 points = $100 towards a student loan or mortgage payment. 14,000 points = $100 prepaid Visa credit card. 14,500 points = $100 statement credit.
What makes this card unique is that you get 5 points for every $1 you spend on books, movies, music, and at restaurants. On everything else, you get the plain vanilla 1 reward point for every $1 spent. No annual fee.
5x Rewards at Restaurants
Again, at 1 penny per point with gift cards, getting 5x points is like getting 5% back when eating out. Even if you convert to straight cash, that’s still 3.45% cash back at restaurants (5/1.45). Or 3.57% back if you are okay with prepaid Visa card, which I am since they are usable anywhere that takes credit cards.
I have gotten my 5x rewards at fast food restaurants (McDonald’s), chain sit-down restaurants (Chili’s, etc), and also mom-and-pop places.
5x Rewards at Amazon.com
I can also officially confirm that Amazon.com is considered a bookstore. This is true even if your entire purchase (or any of it) did not contain books. I made one purchase with books, and one with only electronics, and got 5x points for both. So you can indeed get 3.45% cash back at Amazon, or 5% back in the form of gift cards.
The 5x points show up separately under the “Bonus Points by Category Earned” on your online statement:
I can also confirm it works at Regal movie theaters. I have this card stored online at my Amazon account so I don’t forget, and it’s in my wallet marked for restaurants only. Makes it easy to track my dining-out budget!
Posted in Credit Cards, Deals & Offers | 10 Comments »
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
Well, looks like I’ve squeezed all the free money out of another credit card offer. This time it is the Miles Card by Discover. It used to have a good 12-month no-fee 0% balance transfer offer, but has recently added a balance transfer fee. However, it does offer 0% on purchases for 6 months.
In addition, this card still offers a sign-up bonus of 12,000 Miles. You get 1,000 Miles each month you make a purchase for 12 months. A mindless way to get the points is to sign the card up for automatic billing of your cell phone bill (or similar bill).
Discover Miles Redemption Options
However, the Miles you earn with this card are not affiliated with any airline. So what’s one of these special Miles worth? The wording is very vague, and not until you already have the card do you get the details. So here they are…
The most efficient way to redeem is for travel credit. You can redeem 10,000 Miles for a $100 cash credit towards any travel purchase (airfare, hotel, car rental, cruise) from any vendor or website. Now that I’ve actually done the redemption with my Hotwire purchase, I am happy to report that it was hassle-free.
You simply charge the purchase to your card, and request the credit online. The system automatically checks that you have a travel purchase, and approves the request. In a few business days the $100 shows up in your account:
Other redemption options
The alternatives are not that great. If you travel at all, I would wait and go with the travel credit.
- Gift cards. 7,000 Miles gets you $50 gift card at stores such as Macy’s, Gap, or Shell gas stations. You can also redeem 4,000 miles for a $25 gift card.
- Cash. 5,000 Miles gets you $25 deposited into your bank account.
Double Miles & Other Promos
For most purchases, you get 1 Mile per dollar spent. The default feature of the card is that you get 2 Miles per dollar on the first $3,000 in travel and restaurant purchases each year. There is also a rotating category each month. For example, you get double miles on up to $500 in purchases at gas stations throughout June and July.
Even with the double miles here and there, this is not a top rewards card. However, you can still extract $100+ out of it with no annual fee, plus you get 0% interest for 6 months.
Here are additional credit cards with sign-up bonuses of $100 or more.
Posted in Credit Cards, Deals & Offers | 7 Comments »
Monday, June 15th, 2009
You’ve probably heard about the new “Cash for Clunkers” bill that is offering up to $4,500 towards the purchase of a new car. The idea is to stimulate demand for new cars as well as raise overall fuel efficiency by promoting the trade-in of “clunkers” for new and more efficient vehicles. It is officially part of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act, which recently passed the House and is currently in the Senate.
It’s not finalized or sent to the President yet (don’t buy anything yet!), so there is still room for changes. However, here are the requirements in the House Bill:
Old Trade-In Vehicle Requirements
- Must be in drivable condition.
- Have been continuously insured to the same owner for at least one year immediately prior to trade-in. (You can’t just buy a $500 beater for the $4,500 voucher)
- Manufactured in model year 1984 or later. (mostly due to EPA mpg data not going back that far), and
- Have a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg or less. You can find your car’s combined EPA fuel economy at FuelEconomy.gov.
If you are trading in a “Work Truck”, defined as having a 8,500-10,000 pounds GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), then your vehicle must be from model year 2001 or older.
Obviously, another common sense requirement would be that your car should be worth less than the $3,500 or $4,500 you qualify for, or else you could simply sell it yourself instead of going for the voucher.
Let’s check out our cars:
1995 Nissan Maxima
The first car I ever owned, which came to me in excellent condition in 2000. Besides the usual oil changes and stuff, I’ve replaced the starter and 3 out of the 4 power windows motors (annoying common flaw in this model). It is nearly 15 years old now and runs great. Edmunds says my car is worth about $2,500 (sold to a private party). $4,500 for it might tempt me.
My combined fuel economy is 21 mpg. Not quite gas-guzzly enough.
2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
Yes, I have a sad little orphan Pontiac. But I took advantage of its horrendous resale value and picked it up when it came off-lease at 3 years old at my workplace for cheap. The interior is really cheap-feeling, but you know what, it hasn’t run into any mechanical problems at all. The only thing that broke so far was a plastic air conditioner knob.
Edmunds says it is now worth about $5,000 Private Party, which means has depreciated less than $1,000 per year since purchase. My combined fuel economy is 21 mpg.
So I guess neither of our cars qualify, which makes me think that most “beater” cars won’t either. Think of the VWs, Hondas, and Toyotas out there. A 1985 Honda Civic gets over 30 miles per gallon! This law is mostly for SUV and truck owners, and you can qualify for a voucher with as little as 1 mpg improvement (for large trucks) to 4 mpg (for passenger cars). I don’t quite get it.
Indeed, just because you qualify, doesn’t mean you should necessarily go for it. You’ll get some fuel cost savings, but unless you pay cash you’ll also have a monthly auto loan payment. A new car also has higher insurance rates, and you’ll have to carry collision/comprehensive coverage.
Posted in Deals & Offers, Frugal Living | 34 Comments »
Friday, June 12th, 2009
Chase Bank is offering $100 Bonus coupons for opening a qualifying business checking account with at least $500. You must print out a unique coupon code and bring it in to a local branch.
First link is good for the following states: IL, WI, MI, IN, NY, CT, NJ, OH, WV, KY, FL, LA, OK, TX, CO, AZ, WA, ID, OR and UT. There is a separate link for California accounts. Limit one business checking account-related premium per customer per calendar year. Cash premium will be deposited automatically into your checking account within 10 business days after the minimum deposit requirement is met. Not a bad deal, you don’t even have to mess with direct deposit for the bonus (though each checking account type has their own fee rules). Expires 7/24/09.
If you are starting a side business or freelancing, it can be a good idea to separate your finances with a business checking account. You can simply open one up with your Social Security Number as a sole proprietorship if you’re happy that way, or you can apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Obviously, other types like LLCs and Corporations are also valid.
Posted in Deals & Offers | 8 Comments »
Friday, June 12th, 2009
PNC Bank has a new online banking product called Virtual Wallet which combines multiple bank accounts and online money management tools into one site.
Virtual Wallet is comprised of 3 accounts working together:
• Your SPEND account is a non-interest-bearing checking account.
• Your RESERVE account is an interest-bearing checking account used for short-term savings goals. [currently 0.10% APY]
• Your GROWTH account is a savings account which earns interest and can be used for longer-term savings goals. [currently 2% APY up to $25k]
The SPEND account has a $25 minimum to open, while the other two have no minimum opening requirement. None of them have minimum monthly balances or monthly fees. Online statements are required, and you only get 3 free checks per month. ATM fee reimbursements are available if you keep $2,000 combined in the SPEND and RESERVE accounts. Looks to be available online to any state.
I see the motivation, but couldn’t this just be done with two accounts? The SPEND and RESERVE are basically the same… 0.10% APY difference?
If you open an account by 7/4 and initiate a direct deposit of at least $400 by 8/31/09, you can get a $75 bonus. Early closure fee of $25 if you close within 180 days. $75 also available with other PNC checking account types, but you can only get one bonus.
Posted in Banking, Deals & Offers | 7 Comments »
Saturday, June 6th, 2009
WT Direct is running a new “Stay Financially Fit!” promotion for their savings account. Ostensibly it’s to help you build your emergency fund with regular savings deposits, but of course you have to do it with WT Direct. 
To participate, you must open a new account first or log into your existing account and look for this banner on the Account Summary page.
Now WTDirect can help you stick to your savings plan and bulk up your savings account. Simply take a few minutes to set up Direct Deposit from your earnings to your WTDirect account.
Act now and receive a $75 BONUS*. All you have to do is maintain a balance of at least $10,000 on July 31 and make direct deposits of at least $300 each month between 7/1/09 – 9/30/09.
Equivalent APY?
Finding out exactly how good this promotion is tricky, but I’ll make some simple assumptions. Let’s say you put $10,000 in on 7/31, the interest rate stays at the current 1.76% APY, and take everything out on 10/15. Then you take out everything including the three $300 direct deposits. This roughly equates to 4% APY during that 3.5 month period. Not bad if you can change or split your direct deposits. It seems questionable if other electronic transfers will count as direct deposit:
Bonus will be credited to your account on or about October 15, 2009. A direct deposit is defined as a recurring and automatic electronic deposit transaction of at least $300 per month initiated by a third party source of income, such as employment, pension or social security income. Direct deposit must be from a source not already being direct deposited into any existing account with Wilmington Trust or its affiliates.
Posted in Banking, Deals & Offers | 6 Comments »
Friday, June 5th, 2009
Not juicy enough for a post of their own, but enough to warrant a mention!
Sports Authority Class Action Settlement (California)
In a class action lawsuit settlement, The Sports Authority (TSA) is giving out $20 vouchers to people who shopped in a California location from 4/8/07 to 4/30/08, paid with a credit card, and were asked for their zip code. Vouchers can be used at any TSA store. Via SD.
If you are TSA California customer who was requested or required to provide your zip code and/or “Personal Identification Information” in connection with a credit card transaction at a Sports Authority store from April 8, 2007 through April 30, 2008 then you may be eligible to receive one Voucher if you complete and timely return a Claim Form to the Claims Administrator.
Free Victoria’s Secret Underwear
Present this coupon at checkout to receive your free VS Undies panty (a $7.50 value). No purchase necessary. Last day to use it in store is June 5th.
From Ordering Steak and Lobster, to Serving It
Article about a former Wall Street crude oil trader who went from earning $200,000 a year to being a waiter bringing in $25,000 a year. This isn’t a unique story, but it does get you thinking about how specialized and transferable one’s skills are. If a good nurse was laid off, I expect they could find another job within a hour’s drive in less than a month.
How can government improve retirement savings?
Scott Burns throws out two great suggestions about how the retirement savings system could improve. For one, you could open up the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to everyone. But that would cut out trillions in annual fees for money managers. (Gasp! Send in the lobbyists!) Alternatively, Congress could simply declare that all our retirement accounts were created equal, and allow any saver to put the same amount of money either in an IRA, a 401(k), or whatever - the Unified Savings Account. Then you could invest your money anywhere, be it your employer or a private brokerage. Nah… that’s too common sense to actually happen!
Posted in Career, Deals & Offers, Investing | 3 Comments »
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Get a free yeasty donut from Krispy Kreme on Friday, June 5th. Apparently it’s National Doughnut Day… who knew? I love how my friends always know where the nearest KK is, even if its an hour or more away.
No purchase is necessary to receive a free doughnut on National Doughnut Day, June 5. The offer is good for one doughnut per customer.
Here is the official press release and a store locator.
Update: Dunkin’ Donuts will also give every customer a free donut of their choice on June 5th, with the purchase of any beverage, limit one per customer. Confirmed on their website, thanks to reader RK.
Posted in Deals & Offers | 3 Comments »
Saturday, May 30th, 2009
You may have been seeing a bunch of purple ads for something called Ally Bank recently. Actually, this “new” bank used to be GMAC Bank. But besides a cosmetic name change, they have revamped the website and tweaked their product offerings. Their pitch: “No minimum deposits. No monthly fees. No minimum balance. No sneaky disclaimers.”
Here are the products that are most compelling, with interest rates as of today (5/30/09):
2.80% APY 12-month CD
2.80% APY is the best rate available for a 12-month CD with no minimum deposit restrictions. Interest is compounded daily.
2.50% No-Penalty 9-month CD
No early withdrawal penalty, daily compounded interest. With an uncertain future rate outlook, this seems like a good compromise between a savings account and a CD. If rates stay low (or get lower?!) you can stay in the CD and get 2.50% APY. If rates start rising, you can keep earning 2.50% up until you withdraw without penalty.
2.25% APY Online Savings Account
A competitive rate for an online savings account, a la ING Direct and such. No minimum balance, no fees, as you’d expect. Daily compounded interest. A differentiating factor to this account is their fast and easy transfers between Ally and your other banks. If you want checkwriting ability and ATM fee rebates, you can go with the similar Money Market Account at a slightly lower 1.90% APY.
FDIC Coverage & More
I noticed that they now also offer 24/7 telephone customer service and even share the current wait time online. Neat idea, I wish more sites did this:
Ally Bank is FDIC-insured, which means accounts are insured at least to $250,000. The new $250,000 limit was recently extended to at least the end of 2013, after which it is still $100,000.
Posted in Banking, Deals & Offers | 39 Comments »
Saturday, May 30th, 2009
A quick reminder that the deadline for getting $25 for each of your kids from the Ohio CollegeAdvantage 529 program is May 31st, 2009. I contacted them about the referral program, and they said that just the application must be submitted by Sunday, May 31st. The opening deposits don’t have to post by then, but they will have to post eventually in order to get the bonus. This agrees with the fine print below. When you fill out your application, you immediately get an account number.
A new account with a valid referral code provided in the application must be established by May 31, 2009 in order for both the referring Account Owner and new Account Owner to be eligible for the $25 bonus.
Posted in Deals & Offers | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
Delta and Northwest Airlines are merging, and right now you can go ahead and transfer frequent flier miles between the Northwest WorldPerks and Delta SkyMiles programs with no fees. You can even move them back and forth as you like. This is nice if you don’t have enough of either individually to get an award, but after combining you do. Also, if you link your Northwest and Delta accounts by May 31st, you’ll get 500 bonus miles.
According to this timeline, they will eventually all be merged into SkyMiles anyway in December 2009.
Posted in Deals & Offers, Travel | 6 Comments »
Monday, May 25th, 2009
As you celebrate and observe this Memorial Day, here is a quick deal. Old Navy’s popular Flag t-shirts are Buy 1 Get 1 Free today, May 25th, making then 2 for $5. Only in stores. All colors, all sizes. Outfit the family for cheap? More Old Navy coupons here.
Posted in Deals & Offers | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Chase Bank is offering a $100 bonus if you open a new Chase Checking(sm) account with $100 and either set up direct deposit or make five debit card purchases. Through the link, they will e-mail you a coupon with a unique code that you must print out and physically bring into a local Chase branch. Selected fine print:
Bonus/Account Information — To qualify for the cash bonus you must open a new Chase CheckingSM account with a $100 minimum opening deposit of new money (money not currently held by Chase or its affiliates). Also, within 60 calendar days of account opening, you must initiate a monthly direct deposit such as payroll, pension or Social Security, or have at least five debit card purchases using your PIN or signature posted to your account. The cash bonus will be deposited into your new account within 10 business days after the initial direct deposit or the five debit card purchases have posted to your account. Limit one personal checking account-related cash bonus/premium per customer, per calendar year.
Offer available only at Chase branded branches, excluding branches in California. Expires 6/23/09. One thing I noticed is that the “Chase Checking” account requires either direct deposit or 5+ debit card purchases each month to waive the monthly fee, something not required by the similar WaMu Free Checking bonus.
Posted in Deals & Offers | 17 Comments »
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
WaMu is offering a $100 bonus (Update 2: Found new link, thanks to reader Matt) if you open a WaMu Free Checking account and set up direct deposit or make five debit card purchases. Selected fine print:
Bonus/Account Information — To qualify for the reward, you must open a new checking account with a $100 minimum opening deposit of new money (money not currently held by this bank). Also, within 60 calendar days of account opening, you must initiate a monthly direct deposit such as payroll, pension or Social Security, or have at least five debit card purchases (using your PIN or signature) posted to your account. The reward will be deposited into your new account within 2 weeks after the initial direct deposit or the five debit card purchases have posted to your account. Limit one personal checking account-related reward/premium per customer, per calendar year.
Based on this text, it would appear that this promotion would be available to existing customers opening an additional new checking account, as long as you haven’t had a bonus within this calendar year. Offer expires 6/16/09.
Although WaMu is to become Chase, these “WaMu branded products are only available at WaMu branded branches. In CA only, WaMu branded products available at Chase branded branches.” Sooner or later, your account will be converted to the Chase Free Extra Checking account.
Posted in Deals & Offers | 25 Comments »
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Attention Costco shoppers! Promotional company Kardmerchant is offering special Costco membership certificates to MyMoneyBlog readers. They are $50 each with free shipping, and are good towards new Gold memberships and also upgrades to Executive Membership. This is exactly how much it would cost normally from Costco, but they include a special Costco coupon booklet ($35 value), including:
- a free rotisserie chicken (3 meals in 1 )
- a free 2lb. bag of Kirkland Signature™ coffee (roasted by Starbucks)
- free photo processing (50 free digital prints - 1 hour photo)
- and more…
The rest of the coupons can vary, but they might be something like $3 off a Food Court pizza or case of water. This offer is not available through Costco locations.
Really, if you’re going to purchase a membership anyways, this is a no-brainer. You pay the same price, and get free stuff. Simply order the certificate online and bring it in to Costco to redeem. Would also make a good gift idea as you can purchase multiple certificates. (To buy a new Executive membership, buy two certificates. You will also receive two coupon booklets.)
I am an Executive Member myself, and enjoy the 2% cash back plus savings in a variety of other ways (Sharebuilder bonuses + 25% commission rebate, check printing discount, etc.). But for many people the regular Gold membership is plenty. See Is Costco Executive Membership worth it?
Posted in Deals & Offers, Frugal Living | 25 Comments »
