Originally Posted by tailfins
It is possible for you to:
- register for the double points promo (stay at a Marriott, pay w/ Visa, get double points for your stay)
- check in at a $200 / night Marriott property for 1 night. You don't need to actually stay. That will get you:
2000 base points
2000 double points
400 bonus points (silver)
600 bonus points (visa)
-----------------------
5000 points
This doesn't seem particularly worthwhile, though. I can't imagine you'll save a whole lot - if anything - by doing this. You're probably better off just paying for your night.
Tailfins, the first stay does not earn 2x points--it's a Qualifying Stay.
In any case, wasting a $200 stay is not worthwhile, even though Anthony's desired Marriott room costs $299++ = $330 buxanite!
Anthony can also try to charge as much as he can to his Visa until his statement closes. If he charges $3000, he can buy the last 2K points for $20--maybe buy more points if the rep is nice.