Fairmont Chase Signature Card
Apr 28, 2015, 8:51 pm
#1081
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
I have this card but I don't think it makes sense for me to put 12k on it for the free night cert. You must have plans to stay at a property with rates of >$500/night for it to make sense.
I do think the $95 AF for the card pays for itself multiple times with the various certificates.
For me, this card is an 1% card. I have many cards with bonus categories so I will average 3% cash back on that 12k spending. So my cost for gaining the free night cert is $360-$120 = $240. If I had 12k in reimbursable fairmont spend, then I would put the spend on this card.
The certs book you usually in the lowest category room and the booking doesn't qualify for the third night free certificate. By booking a paid rate through visa signature/virtuoso/FHR, atleast I can get breakfast and use the third night free certificate.
do you guys put 12k on this card? any particular reason why it makes sense for you?
I do think the $95 AF for the card pays for itself multiple times with the various certificates.
For me, this card is an 1% card. I have many cards with bonus categories so I will average 3% cash back on that 12k spending. So my cost for gaining the free night cert is $360-$120 = $240. If I had 12k in reimbursable fairmont spend, then I would put the spend on this card.
The certs book you usually in the lowest category room and the booking doesn't qualify for the third night free certificate. By booking a paid rate through visa signature/virtuoso/FHR, atleast I can get breakfast and use the third night free certificate.
do you guys put 12k on this card? any particular reason why it makes sense for you?
Overall I am very satisfied with the card and think the AF is a bargain.
Apr 29, 2015, 12:40 am
#1082
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: IC Spire Amb, RC Plat, Shangri-La GC, and more.
Posts: 148
With some additional reflection ... if you're weighing this as a pure valuation of a hard pull and annual fee vs. potential benefits/freebies - hotel credit cards in general are probably not on top.
But if you regularly (or even occasionally) stay at the associated properties - 5x minimum redemption, and possibly more depending on promotions, one's status (e.g. Intercontinental), etc., and adding dining, room service, and other fees - the situation is beneficial.
Consider - $4K at Fairmont, $4K dining, $4K regular spend.
That would be 5*4000 + 2*4000 + 4000 = 32000 Fairmont points.
So, a free Chase night, and sufficient points for a Cat. A Junior Suite night (or $300 in gift cards with 2000 residual points) - that's two nights, apart from the conferred Premier benefits (upgrades, LNF, dining certs, etc.)
2% on 12000 is $240. 3% (if you can get that) is $360. If you value Fairmont stays, the benefits accruing from the Fairmont card are much greater than $360.
But if you regularly (or even occasionally) stay at the associated properties - 5x minimum redemption, and possibly more depending on promotions, one's status (e.g. Intercontinental), etc., and adding dining, room service, and other fees - the situation is beneficial.
Consider - $4K at Fairmont, $4K dining, $4K regular spend.
That would be 5*4000 + 2*4000 + 4000 = 32000 Fairmont points.
So, a free Chase night, and sufficient points for a Cat. A Junior Suite night (or $300 in gift cards with 2000 residual points) - that's two nights, apart from the conferred Premier benefits (upgrades, LNF, dining certs, etc.)
2% on 12000 is $240. 3% (if you can get that) is $360. If you value Fairmont stays, the benefits accruing from the Fairmont card are much greater than $360.
Apr 29, 2015, 8:01 am
#1083
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: AA, B6, UA, HH, WoH
Posts: 455
With some additional reflection ... if you're weighing this as a pure valuation of a hard pull and annual fee vs. potential benefits/freebies - hotel credit cards in general are probably not on top.
But if you regularly (or even occasionally) stay at the associated properties - 5x minimum redemption, and possibly more depending on promotions, one's status (e.g. Intercontinental), etc., and adding dining, room service, and other fees - the situation is beneficial.
Consider - $4K at Fairmont, $4K dining, $4K regular spend.
That would be 5*4000 + 2*4000 + 4000 = 32000 Fairmont points.
So, a free Chase night, and sufficient points for a Cat. A Junior Suite night (or $300 in gift cards with 2000 residual points) - that's two nights, apart from the conferred Premier benefits (upgrades, LNF, dining certs, etc.)
2% on 12000 is $240. 3% (if you can get that) is $360. If you value Fairmont stays, the benefits accruing from the Fairmont card are much greater than $360.
But if you regularly (or even occasionally) stay at the associated properties - 5x minimum redemption, and possibly more depending on promotions, one's status (e.g. Intercontinental), etc., and adding dining, room service, and other fees - the situation is beneficial.
Consider - $4K at Fairmont, $4K dining, $4K regular spend.
That would be 5*4000 + 2*4000 + 4000 = 32000 Fairmont points.
So, a free Chase night, and sufficient points for a Cat. A Junior Suite night (or $300 in gift cards with 2000 residual points) - that's two nights, apart from the conferred Premier benefits (upgrades, LNF, dining certs, etc.)
2% on 12000 is $240. 3% (if you can get that) is $360. If you value Fairmont stays, the benefits accruing from the Fairmont card are much greater than $360.
Apr 29, 2015, 8:59 am
#1084
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: IC Spire Amb, RC Plat, Shangri-La GC, and more.
Posts: 148
From http://www.fairmont.com/promo/card/ :
"2 for every $1 spent on airline tickets purchased directly with airlines, at car rental agencies, and on transit and commuting"
So here are two corrected scenarios:
$4K Fairmont, $4K dining, $4K regular = 5*4000 + 4000 + 4000 = 28000 Fairmont points. (Still enough points for a Cat. A Fairmont room with 3000 remainder.)
$4K Fairmont, $4K airfare, $4K regular = 5*4000 + 2*4000 + 4000 = 32000 Fairmont points.
So I imagine many folks here may use card/airline pairs that awards more points, e.g. an Alaska card when flying on Alaska gets 3X. Or the AMEX PRG. But if you do value Fairmont stays, this card provides some notable, usable benefits.
Apr 29, 2015, 10:17 am
#1085
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
Sorry for the novice nature of this post, I hope you can help and be patient.
I currently have Hyatt and Hilton Diamond status and don't normally frequent Fairmonts as I work to maintain those levels. I am taking a trip in Dec to the Philippines and unfortunately Hilton has no properties and the only Hyatt property there sounds like it is middle of the road at best.
This is why I am looking at the Fairmont Card as they have a pretty nice Fairmont as well as a Raffles there.
So here are my questions, appreciate your help:
1. If I get the Fairmont card I guess it upgrades me to middle tier status, will this give me a potential upgrade on a free cert stay to lounge access?
2. the two free night certs are they redeemable at both Fairmont or Raffles or just Fairmont?
3. I read that $ spend translates into points, but for the life of me I can't find a redemption chart to find out how many points it would take to book a stay at the Raffles or Fairmont in the Philippines. I am not sure if it would be worth it.
Appreciate any help or guidance you can provide.
Cheers!
Z
I currently have Hyatt and Hilton Diamond status and don't normally frequent Fairmonts as I work to maintain those levels. I am taking a trip in Dec to the Philippines and unfortunately Hilton has no properties and the only Hyatt property there sounds like it is middle of the road at best.
This is why I am looking at the Fairmont Card as they have a pretty nice Fairmont as well as a Raffles there.
So here are my questions, appreciate your help:
1. If I get the Fairmont card I guess it upgrades me to middle tier status, will this give me a potential upgrade on a free cert stay to lounge access?
2. the two free night certs are they redeemable at both Fairmont or Raffles or just Fairmont?
3. I read that $ spend translates into points, but for the life of me I can't find a redemption chart to find out how many points it would take to book a stay at the Raffles or Fairmont in the Philippines. I am not sure if it would be worth it.
Appreciate any help or guidance you can provide.
Cheers!
Z
Apr 29, 2015, 11:42 am
#1086
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
So here are my questions, appreciate your help:
1. If I get the Fairmont card I guess it upgrades me to middle tier status, will this give me a potential upgrade on a free cert stay to lounge access?
2. the two free night certs are they redeemable at both Fairmont or Raffles or just Fairmont?
3. I read that $ spend translates into points, but for the life of me I can't find a redemption chart to find out how many points it would take to book a stay at the Raffles or Fairmont in the Philippines. I am not sure if it would be worth it.
Appreciate any help or guidance you can provide.
Cheers!
Z
1. If I get the Fairmont card I guess it upgrades me to middle tier status, will this give me a potential upgrade on a free cert stay to lounge access?
2. the two free night certs are they redeemable at both Fairmont or Raffles or just Fairmont?
3. I read that $ spend translates into points, but for the life of me I can't find a redemption chart to find out how many points it would take to book a stay at the Raffles or Fairmont in the Philippines. I am not sure if it would be worth it.
Appreciate any help or guidance you can provide.
Cheers!
Z
2) only Fairmont properties
3) Chase points can be redeemed for GCs or ovation certs; see post #3 of this thread for details; the Fairmont Makati is a collection B property
Apr 29, 2015, 1:48 pm
#1087
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
1) Yes, you'd get Premier status. No, free lounge access is never a benefit (whether you have Premier or Platinum status).
2) only Fairmont properties
3) Chase points can be redeemed for GCs or ovation certs; see post #3 of this thread for details; the Fairmont Makati is a collection B property
2) only Fairmont properties
3) Chase points can be redeemed for GCs or ovation certs; see post #3 of this thread for details; the Fairmont Makati is a collection B property
I only get the suite upgrade certs if I am an existing premier/platinum member correct?
Apr 29, 2015, 1:55 pm
#1088
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
No, all Premier members receive one suite upgrade cert (see the Master FAQ thread for details), existing Premier/Platinum members get a Gold upgrade cert.
Apr 29, 2015, 2:03 pm
#1089
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
Jasper thanks for your time responding, I have read through the master thread FAQ and still have a few more queries I appreciate your patience.
The FAQ doesn't say if I can apply the suite upgrade cert to stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Is this possible?
Not quite. Fairmont Chase points are different from Chase UR points and the accruel rates vary. E.g. you'd only need to spend $7k at Fairmont hotels to earn 35k points (see first few posts for details). But generally speaking, redemming Fairmont Chase points for GCs is a better option.
While this is true, If I was looking to MS points towards free nights UR seems like the way to go.
No, all Premier members receive one suite upgrade cert (see the Master FAQ thread for details), existing Premier/Platinum members get a Gold upgrade cert.
While this is true, If I was looking to MS points towards free nights UR seems like the way to go.
No, all Premier members receive one suite upgrade cert (see the Master FAQ thread for details), existing Premier/Platinum members get a Gold upgrade cert.
Apr 29, 2015, 2:10 pm
#1090
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Good question, to which I unfortunately don't know the answer. Upgrade certs can be combined with both the regular free night certs as well as ovation certs (the certs you can redeem your Fairmont Chase points for), but I have no experience with the Chase UR program.
Apr 29, 2015, 2:27 pm
#1091
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
Thanks well you answered my next query which was if i could apply the suite upgrade to my free nights from the credit card. Sounds like i can. Will report back on my success/failure on the UR nights.
May 6, 2015, 7:08 pm
#1092
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: whatever comes with CCs
Posts: 1,082
With some additional reflection ... if you're weighing this as a pure valuation of a hard pull and annual fee vs. potential benefits/freebies - hotel credit cards in general are probably not on top.
But if you regularly (or even occasionally) stay at the associated properties - 5x minimum redemption, and possibly more depending on promotions, one's status (e.g. Intercontinental), etc., and adding dining, room service, and other fees - the situation is beneficial.
Consider - $4K at Fairmont, $4K dining, $4K regular spend.
That would be 5*4000 + 2*4000 + 4000 = 32000 Fairmont points.
So, a free Chase night, and sufficient points for a Cat. A Junior Suite night (or $300 in gift cards with 2000 residual points) - that's two nights, apart from the conferred Premier benefits (upgrades, LNF, dining certs, etc.)
2% on 12000 is $240. 3% (if you can get that) is $360. If you value Fairmont stays, the benefits accruing from the Fairmont card are much greater than $360.
But if you regularly (or even occasionally) stay at the associated properties - 5x minimum redemption, and possibly more depending on promotions, one's status (e.g. Intercontinental), etc., and adding dining, room service, and other fees - the situation is beneficial.
Consider - $4K at Fairmont, $4K dining, $4K regular spend.
That would be 5*4000 + 2*4000 + 4000 = 32000 Fairmont points.
So, a free Chase night, and sufficient points for a Cat. A Junior Suite night (or $300 in gift cards with 2000 residual points) - that's two nights, apart from the conferred Premier benefits (upgrades, LNF, dining certs, etc.)
2% on 12000 is $240. 3% (if you can get that) is $360. If you value Fairmont stays, the benefits accruing from the Fairmont card are much greater than $360.
May 13, 2015, 9:23 am
#1093
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 343
Has anyone had success in extending the Visa Free Night certs? My travel plans changed, and I will most likely not be able to use them before they expire.
May 15, 2015, 3:49 pm
#1094
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: whatever comes with CCs
Posts: 1,082
Card anniversary was April 14. Annual Fee posted on May 1. Free night posted to fairmont account on May 8.
Looks like chase is generous in providing retention offers for this card. A few people have been offered 5000 points after spending $1000 in next 90 days. The card is practically free for me.
Looks like chase is generous in providing retention offers for this card. A few people have been offered 5000 points after spending $1000 in next 90 days. The card is practically free for me.
May 15, 2015, 11:02 pm
#1095
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New England
Programs: UA 1P, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,502
Point redemption options include:
•Gift Cards
•Travel (see details here)
•Fairmont Ovation Certificates (25000-75000 points depending on ovation cert category) which can be used for stays at Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles properties
The number of points required for a redemption depends both on the room category and the collection to which a property belongs:
(screenshot courtesy of Travelsort)
You can find a complete list that of the Collection A - D properties here.
•Gift Cards
•Travel (see details here)
•Fairmont Ovation Certificates (25000-75000 points depending on ovation cert category) which can be used for stays at Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles properties
The number of points required for a redemption depends both on the room category and the collection to which a property belongs:
(screenshot courtesy of Travelsort)
You can find a complete list that of the Collection A - D properties here.