Fairmont Chase Signature Card
Jun 23, 2017, 11:33 am
#1951
Join Date: May 2015
Location: LAX, BUR
Programs: AS,AA,JB, HH Gold, Starriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Explorist, Global Entry
Posts: 1,930
but we decided to get one Reserve card each for the bonus.
My spouse can sign up for another card, but I'm under 5/24 until January. So maybe we'll get the Sapphire Preferred (again for the bonus). $50K is a pretty good bonus; might as well grab it now; don't want to wait 2 years.
My spouse can sign up for another card, but I'm under 5/24 until January. So maybe we'll get the Sapphire Preferred (again for the bonus). $50K is a pretty good bonus; might as well grab it now; don't want to wait 2 years.
Jun 23, 2017, 1:20 pm
#1952
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Plat, 1 MM; SPG LT Plat (RIP); Marriott LT Titanium; Fairmont Plat (RIP), DL Kryptonium Medallion
Posts: 1,791
I just called Fairmont (as opposed to Chase), and got some information that seems to contradict the letter that Chase sent, or at least ran counter to my interpretation.
For people whose next card anniversary date is after August 15, they will not have an opportunity to get a "normal" free night cert (i.e., expiring one year after issuance) for spending $12K. They are eligible to get a free night cert that expires Feb 28 by spending $6K, but even if they spend $12K, they only get the $6K certificate.
Anyone with a card anniversay date before August 14 will get their free night processed normally, but if your anniversary date is, say, in September, then even if you had spent $12K after last September and before Chase sent out the letter, you are only eligible for the $6K offer.
The stated reason is, getting a regular night requires two things: spending $12K since your last card anniversay date, and a year elapsing, and the card will not be in existence then. This is real hair-splitting.
Also, anyone who has Premier status because of holding the card will lose that status on August 15 (or whenever they process it). They won't keep it through Feb 28 2018, but they will retain their existing Premier certs until then. This might be consistent with what happens today when a cardholder cancels the card -- existing certificates are retained, but perhaps the status is lost.
No one will receive a gold floor upgrade coupon next March. I think it is a fair argument that anyone who has paid a $95 annual fee since the last gold floor upgrade certs were issued in March 2017 should get one, but no dice. Similarly, non-elites who have paid the annual fee since March will not get Premier status and Premier certs next March.
As the person put it, these benefits aren't tied to when you last paid an annual fee, it's tied to whether you are a cardholder on March 1 (or whatever the exact date they look at), and the card won't exist next March 1.
This transition really sucks.
For people whose next card anniversary date is after August 15, they will not have an opportunity to get a "normal" free night cert (i.e., expiring one year after issuance) for spending $12K. They are eligible to get a free night cert that expires Feb 28 by spending $6K, but even if they spend $12K, they only get the $6K certificate.
Anyone with a card anniversay date before August 14 will get their free night processed normally, but if your anniversary date is, say, in September, then even if you had spent $12K after last September and before Chase sent out the letter, you are only eligible for the $6K offer.
The stated reason is, getting a regular night requires two things: spending $12K since your last card anniversay date, and a year elapsing, and the card will not be in existence then. This is real hair-splitting.
Also, anyone who has Premier status because of holding the card will lose that status on August 15 (or whenever they process it). They won't keep it through Feb 28 2018, but they will retain their existing Premier certs until then. This might be consistent with what happens today when a cardholder cancels the card -- existing certificates are retained, but perhaps the status is lost.
No one will receive a gold floor upgrade coupon next March. I think it is a fair argument that anyone who has paid a $95 annual fee since the last gold floor upgrade certs were issued in March 2017 should get one, but no dice. Similarly, non-elites who have paid the annual fee since March will not get Premier status and Premier certs next March.
As the person put it, these benefits aren't tied to when you last paid an annual fee, it's tied to whether you are a cardholder on March 1 (or whatever the exact date they look at), and the card won't exist next March 1.
This transition really sucks.
Jun 23, 2017, 2:44 pm
#1953
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Posts: 295
Also, anyone who has Premier status because of holding the card will lose that status on August 15 (or whenever they process it). They won't keep it through Feb 28 2018, but they will retain their existing Premier certs until then.
...
This transition really sucks.
For me, this transition is not as bad as I was expected.
1. I'll have a good chance to get most, if not all, of my annual fee back when I cancel it in Aug. (Anniversary in May)
2. I can get a free night with only 6k spending. (Maybe Fairmont Orchid this winter)
3. My 60k points will worth $900 (I'vs CSR) instead of $600.
I think Chase does a fair job on transition BUT losing this wonderful card sucks.
Jun 24, 2017, 1:12 am
#1954
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: LT Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, United Platinum
Posts: 767
I've never had any Chase UR points and plan on cancelling the card before my Jan 2018 anniversary. I'll have ~8200 Fairmont Rewards on Aug 15, as I don't plan on using the card anymore.
I don't know how to use Fairmont Rewards points but from reading posts here, it sounds like it's better to convert them to UR and then convert my UR to some other points. What program gives me best bang for the buck on conversion? Can I convert UR 1:1 for Starpoints? Or is Hyatt points or United miles going to be my best conversion?
Are there points levels I should hit for conversion? 10,000 UR points? 9000? or will 82xx work OK?
I don't know how to use Fairmont Rewards points but from reading posts here, it sounds like it's better to convert them to UR and then convert my UR to some other points. What program gives me best bang for the buck on conversion? Can I convert UR 1:1 for Starpoints? Or is Hyatt points or United miles going to be my best conversion?
Are there points levels I should hit for conversion? 10,000 UR points? 9000? or will 82xx work OK?
Jun 24, 2017, 4:56 am
#1955
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,445
Success!
The bloggers may be partially wrong. I seem to have been able to make a payment on my mortgage today (a smaller bank) using the Fairmont Visa. On the thread below, I was advised to set my cash advance limit to as low as they'd allow.
They'd only to go $20 and that takes 24 to 48 hours to process. I immediately had them lower my credit limit such that 20% of an amount less than my mortgage payment. That's evidently how Chase calculates your cash advance limit, at least for this card and at least according to the CSR--20% of your credit line.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...l#post28475603
They'd only to go $20 and that takes 24 to 48 hours to process. I immediately had them lower my credit limit such that 20% of an amount less than my mortgage payment. That's evidently how Chase calculates your cash advance limit, at least for this card and at least according to the CSR--20% of your credit line.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...l#post28475603
Get 'ems while the gettin's good. :-) I may prepay another mortgage payment.
Jun 24, 2017, 3:00 pm
#1956
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
I don't know how to use Fairmont Rewards points but from reading posts here, it sounds like it's better to convert them to UR and then convert my UR to some other points. What program gives me best bang for the buck on conversion? Can I convert UR 1:1 for Starpoints? Or is Hyatt points or United miles going to be my best conversion?
I don't think any other pathway yields nearly as good a value. The transfers aren't that valuable unless it is enough to get you a business class flight on one of the partner airlines and you have an account there.
Jun 24, 2017, 4:04 pm
#1957
Join Date: May 2015
Location: LAX, BUR
Programs: AS,AA,JB, HH Gold, Starriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Explorist, Global Entry
Posts: 1,930
Canceling instead of a Freedom is shortsighted IMO.
Jun 24, 2017, 4:39 pm
#1958
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,121
Jun 24, 2017, 6:02 pm
#1959
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Texas
Programs: AA Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 125
The person I talked to was not in any way, shape, or form flexible. Said I was getting a Sapphire and it did not matter if I already had one. I could cancel it after it was issued is what I was told. Shot down any discussion of transferring to another card besides Sapphire.
Not sure if the Chase bunch have all of their info or stories straight. Who know? Sad to see the Fairmont card go.
Not sure if the Chase bunch have all of their info or stories straight. Who know? Sad to see the Fairmont card go.
Jun 25, 2017, 3:04 pm
#1960
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: 718
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Diamond
Posts: 966
The letter says they will deposit the free nt ($6k spend) cert 8-10 weeks from when though? If its from 8/14/2017 then wont be able to use free nt cert possibly until NOV 2017 and it is to expire on 2/28/18.... that's kinda stupid. I am hoping the free nt cert posts after meeting hte $6k
Jun 25, 2017, 6:59 pm
#1961
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,121
Jun 25, 2017, 7:31 pm
#1962
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: LT Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, United Platinum
Posts: 767
Best use of UR points is to use them towards travel when booking on the UR website. You get an extra 50% value versus a pure cash out. That only applies if you have one of the higher end UR cards like CSP or CSR. Since your Fairmont card will convert to a CSP, then you are in. Use the points on your next booking there and then cancel the card.
I don't think any other pathway yields nearly as good a value. The transfers aren't that valuable unless it is enough to get you a business class flight on one of the partner airlines and you have an account there.
I don't think any other pathway yields nearly as good a value. The transfers aren't that valuable unless it is enough to get you a business class flight on one of the partner airlines and you have an account there.
Jun 25, 2017, 11:09 pm
#1963
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,906
At lease we still can keep certs for this year
For me, this transition is not as bad as I was expected.
1. I'll have a good chance to get most, if not all, of my annual fee back when I cancel it in Aug. (Anniversary in May)
2. I can get a free night with only 6k spending. (Maybe Fairmont Orchid this winter)
..
For me, this transition is not as bad as I was expected.
1. I'll have a good chance to get most, if not all, of my annual fee back when I cancel it in Aug. (Anniversary in May)
2. I can get a free night with only 6k spending. (Maybe Fairmont Orchid this winter)
..
Jun 26, 2017, 10:10 am
#1964
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: (SJC)
Posts: 2,198
I signed up for the FM Card on the first day it was available. I currently have 10,000 FM points.
I had a LONG call with Chase on Friday, over 45 min with multiple reps and supervisors assisting. Chase really didn't have solid information but here are some takeaways.
I presently have a CSR, Freedom, and the FM card. I do not want the CSP, and my annual fee is due on July 1.
1. FRHI terminated the relationship, speculation but Accor must have told FRHI to kill it.
2. All cards are in a suspended transition and can only be closed.
3. On August 14 the transition will take place.
4. The supervisor informed me I can then switch to a slate or other, but not before.
5. Not sure if this was a special condition, but once switched the supervisor noted my fee will be prorated, (comes to $19ish for 2.5 months)
I had a LONG call with Chase on Friday, over 45 min with multiple reps and supervisors assisting. Chase really didn't have solid information but here are some takeaways.
I presently have a CSR, Freedom, and the FM card. I do not want the CSP, and my annual fee is due on July 1.
1. FRHI terminated the relationship, speculation but Accor must have told FRHI to kill it.
2. All cards are in a suspended transition and can only be closed.
3. On August 14 the transition will take place.
4. The supervisor informed me I can then switch to a slate or other, but not before.
5. Not sure if this was a special condition, but once switched the supervisor noted my fee will be prorated, (comes to $19ish for 2.5 months)
Jun 26, 2017, 7:25 pm
#1965
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: LT Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, United Platinum
Posts: 767
I signed up for the FM Card on the first day it was available. I currently have 10,000 FM points.
I had a LONG call with Chase on Friday, over 45 min with multiple reps and supervisors assisting. Chase really didn't have solid information but here are some takeaways.
I presently have a CSR, Freedom, and the FM card. I do not want the CSP, and my annual fee is due on July 1.
1. FRHI terminated the relationship, speculation but Accor must have told FRHI to kill it.
2. All cards are in a suspended transition and can only be closed.
3. On August 14 the transition will take place.
4. The supervisor informed me I can then switch to a slate or other, but not before.
5. Not sure if this was a special condition, but once switched the supervisor noted my fee will be prorated, (comes to $19ish for 2.5 months)
I had a LONG call with Chase on Friday, over 45 min with multiple reps and supervisors assisting. Chase really didn't have solid information but here are some takeaways.
I presently have a CSR, Freedom, and the FM card. I do not want the CSP, and my annual fee is due on July 1.
1. FRHI terminated the relationship, speculation but Accor must have told FRHI to kill it.
2. All cards are in a suspended transition and can only be closed.
3. On August 14 the transition will take place.
4. The supervisor informed me I can then switch to a slate or other, but not before.
5. Not sure if this was a special condition, but once switched the supervisor noted my fee will be prorated, (comes to $19ish for 2.5 months)