mtofell

Thanks guys - I think I'm going to go for it but am now looking for the best referral code to use. I read somewhere that whatever code you use locks in your renewal rate for life so I'm proceeding with caution. It seems like there are tons of codes out there on every blog I come across but am skeptical. Does anyone some good advice as to how the referral code game is played?

miadukes

Same question.
Also upthread someone mentioned FC Elite and companion card, how much more is that?
I woudn't mind locking in 2 years, at 295 upfront but question is, from reading this, if i signed up now, and CR renewed, the status would not grant me the 4 night stay in bahamas?

mtofell

I signed up through Business Insider Magazine and got one year for $395 with no initiation fee. They offered a 2nd spouse card for a one-time $495 that lasts as long as I have my membership. I'm holding off for now to see if they renew with Caesars for 2020. Still not sure I'd need my wife to have a card as well.

When I got my welcome email it said something about the elite membership for $500 additional but I really couldn't see the benefit. Nothing on the list seemed very appealing.

Registering with Caesars was super easy and they said I should hear back by 11/1. I went to my local UPS store to ask about the discount and they had never heard of the card so I've got some investigating to do apparently!

mtofell

Here's an interesting news article from today regarding Caesar's Diamond Card for 2020

https://www.playusa.com/caesars-rewards-card/

Basically, they are adding some tiers to Diamond status for 2020. They reference The Founders card and how it's easy to just buy diamond status. I see this as a positive and a good indication that FC will continue to get you Diamond status at Caesars (and therefore Wyndham) in 2020 and hopefully beyond. It looks like basic Diamond status will still get us out of resort fees and the $10 in reward credits to get into Diamond lounges (now called, "Laurel Lounges").

Also, an interesting note about resort fees and lawsuits, and how they could go away. Now that I'm a Diamond member I find myself in the strange position of hoping they stay!

jsinghtw

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to know if this really worth signing up? I am planning on going to Vegas in December and wanted to recieve diamond status. Just wanted to know if people have had success using the diamond benefits.

Thank you.

mtofell

It takes about 2 weeks after you get your FC (which takes a few days) so plan accordingly. As for the benefits working I think all you have to do is stop by the rewards center desk to get the new card. As for whether or not it makes $$ sense it just depends how much you can use it. With resort fees being around $40 you'd need to spend 10 nights. If you can use the $100 dinner that helps a bit more. Then, there's the diamond check-in and skipping lines at the casino cages and restaurants. Those don't have a direct cost but to me are quite valuable. Mainly, the check-in. I've had to wait as much as 2 hours to check-in at a Caesars property before. The restaurant thing could be nice I suppose but I've never really noticed long lines other than buffets which I generally steer clear for reasons well beyond just the lines.

ellinj

Hope the Celebration dinner doesn't go away that would signifigantly change the value prop for me.

shadow520

Agreed. I finally got to use the resort fee waiver this year for 2 stays. Back when I first signed up, I stopped getting comp room offers from CET and was better off staying elsewhere. This year the comps started coming back, so 9 nights this year with waived resort fees worked out. Have used the $100 dinner every year, wife likes it because it's the only way I'll go to any high end restaurants (and I've been underwhelmed every time so far). A few free shows, plus free parking also.

You really need to use all the benefits or make multiple trips per year to get the value out of it.

mtofell

How soon after getting Diamond status do you get the $100 dinner comp? Is it at your first renewal at the end of the first year or immediately upon getting diamond?

I agree with you about needing to use the benefits to make it work. Parking is nice as is Diamond check-in. I also just matched over at Wyndham and it was instant. Not sure I'll use it much but am planning a trip to NYC and am hoping for a suite upgrade.

Also, for anyone wondering about the UPS deal you have to sign-up for an account online and they give you a number to use at the retail locations or when making shipping arrangements online. A few posts up I mentioned I asked about the FC at my local UPS store and they had never heard of it.

shadow520

You get the $100 dinner immediately upon earning diamond. You get it once per CET renewal period (Jan 31). So if one were to get the FC today, and get diamond, they could use the dinner between now and Jan 31, then again after Feb 1 assuming FC and CET renew the deal.

jsinghtw

If purchase a card next month will benefits be available until November of next year?

james400

Your FC card benefits will continue until November of next year, the CET Diamond status/benefit would expire on Jan 31 2020, if the partnership is not renewed. If the partnership is continued as currently configured, then your CET Diamond status would remain until November of next year.

If you are just buying for the CET Diamond benefit, wait until after the new agreement is defined. Otherwise you end up with an non refundable auto renewal each year for a benefit that may or may not be available.

If/When the FC/CET partnership ends, so will my association with FC, I don't derive enough benefit from the FC card otherwise. CET is being taken over by a new owner and changes are already being made to the CET Diamond level, so the next set of negotiations could be a bit more difficult.

Hipplewm

Any update on this? I know it is only November but....

Specifically any word on 2020 renewal?

ecomajor

My question is this, I have 2 free reservations at the atlantis and I am gifting one to a friend (my other reservation is through my wife). If for some reason I cant make it will my friend be able to check in without me? I will obviously call and add her as a second guest in advance. But I am wondering.

james400

FC will charge you a renewal fee in 2020. Whether the CET partnership is renewed is unknown. I'm sure someone soon will post some inside information from the cousin of a desk clerk that it most definitely is going away.