Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple
Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple
Get rewarded for spending in the city!
New York City, the quintessential holiday winter wonderland. Lights everywhere, the larger than life tree in Rockefeller Center, ice skating rinks in the parks, horse -drawn carriages, and magically decorated storefronts. Who wouldn't want to visit NYC during this time of the year? The Points Passport just took a quick trip to NYC and wanted to share the hacks we used to get the most rewards out of our cards and spending.
Rental Cars? Fogettabout It
First things first! How are you going to get around? Uber! American Express Platinum Card holders get $35 in Uber Cash for the month of December! Just make sure your Amex Plat is selected as your Uber payment method and ride for free. Also, as an Amex Plat holder, you’ll get complementary Uber VIP status. Usually, this status takes 100 Uber rides to attain. With Uber VIP status, you’ll only get drivers with ratings of 4.8 stars and above. This rating results in better drivers, nicer vehicles, cleaners seats, and an all around better experience. One ride in NYC, I was dispatched a 4.6 star driver, and the experience was less than desirable. This was not an Uber VIP experience and not a Uber VIP rated driver. I wrote a quick email to Uber and the ride was refunded that night.
The Caffeinated Cash App
Second, the Coffee! The city is fast paced. If you stand still you might get trampled. To keep up, it is inevitable you will require a caffeine boost. If you are anything like us at the Points Passport you may drink a few brews a day to get the most out of your vacation. Why not save money on this ever inflating caffeine beverage? The Cash App by Square has the benefit of being the biggest cost savings around for coffeeis the most money you can save on coffee. When you use the Cash App Card to purchase a coffee, at a primarily coffee shop, you will receive an entire dollar back with your purchase. As long as you have that "boost" selected, your $4 black and tan oat cold brew from La Columbe will only cost you $3. There is a 30 minute boost cool down, so if you are traveling with a companion, make sure they have the Cash App Card as well, and make separate purchases to save even more dollar bills! Use our invite to the Cash App below and we will both get $5.
Don’t Double Down on Dining. Quadruple It!
Big cities, including NYC, are a diverse melting pots of cultures and cuisines. When you travel to a city such as this big city, you will likely be trying new food and pushing the limits of your taste buds to new heights-exploring your flavor pallet. For the Points Passport team, our largest expense during travel is often food purchases. So, why not get the most rewards for satisfying your appetite? That is why we use our American Express Gold Card for every food purchase. As of December 2018, there is no better card for dining rewards return rate, with a massive 4x Membership Reward points return per dollar spent at restaurants and supermarkets. And if you sign up before January 2019, Amex will cover your 20% tip up to $100.
Hacking Hotels in Manhattan
Last, but certainly not least, how to get to the big city and where do you stay? We used the American Express Platinum to book flights for the 5x points on flights. Generally, we stay in SPG and Hilton Properties due to the Gold Elite status that is given to Amex Plat users, but we got a great deal on the Hyatt Centric in Time Square. It was the perfect location to be able to walk to most major tourist attractions within minutes. Tip: Make sure you ask for drinks and snacks when you check in. We got unlimited free water bottles and fresh cookies! The Hyatt Centric has the highest bar in NYC which is 54 floors up, with a view that did not disappoint.
The Flight Cancellation Fiasco
After a flight cancelation fiasco, we got to stay in NYC for one extra night at the Aloft of LGA. Thanks to the Amex Plat, I have complementary Gold Elite status. We booked the cheapest room last minute and were notified of a room upgrade upon arrival to the very top floor with a view of the airport. The layout and style of the hotel common areas and room were similar to that of a W Hotel: very modern, clean, and minimalist. Certainly by far the best hotel airport we have ever stayed at. The food and bar were fun, delicious, and very inexpensive compared to what was available in the city. It was nicer than the Hyatt Centric in Time Square and far more spacious. Plus getting the extra SPG points and upgrades with the Amex Plat doesn't hurt either.
Need help planning your next city trip or vacation? Want us to help us hack your travels for you? Contact us at the Points Passport for assistance!
Referral Links:
American Express: Apply for an American Express Card (Gold or Platinum) with this link. We can both get rewarded if you're approved! http://refer.amex.us/ALEXGdPnH?XLINK=MSNA
Cash App by Square: Try Cash App using my code and we’ll each get $5! NTBBTPW
Referral Link Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which the Points Passport will earn a referral bonus.