FF Point Hacking Tips & Advice

AssociatedJStraw84 @ joshstraw.com on 08/01/2018 - 14:28
Last edited 08/01/2018 - 15:25

Hey guys,

After the great response to my last travel hacking blog, I decided to write about point hacking. The only difference being, as I wrote, I began to realise my deficiencies. I'm a much better deal and error finder, then point hacker. So I decided to reach out to the good community of OzBargain for advise on what it's missing.

I've added the content I know and trust, but there's so much more good advise out there. Do you have something I can add, or a resource worth reading?

Please let me know, all criticism and constructive feedback appreciated. The goal is to make a resource that's truely valuable, your help is appreciated and will be credited accordingly.

Point Hacking Article: https://joshstraw.com/hacking-frequent-flyer-points-cheap-aw…

Thank you in advance, and happy new year to all.

Josh

Travel

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Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2018 - 14:36

    Maybe mark yourself as associated?

    • AssociatedJStraw84 @ joshstraw.com on 08/01/2018 - 14:49
      +1

      I'm not associated with any of the companies I've mentioned in the blog, and none of the links are affiliate. Do I still mark it as associated?

      I'm happy to, perhaps I am just not understanding the intention properly.

      • enzioFirenze on 08/01/2018 - 15:08
        +1

        I think the point of association is to let the community know you are associated with where/what you are posting. In this case, the website is yours (regardless of the content links being affiliate links etc) so you when you mark as associated, that means you are associated with the website joshstraw.com

        That is my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong!

      • Zaenille on 08/01/2018 - 15:22

        I believe because it's your blog you're linking to that you have to mark yourself as associated, regardless of what companies you mention in the blog.

        • AssociatedJStraw84 @ joshstraw.com on 08/01/2018 - 15:24
          +1

          Yep, fair enough. I'll do that right now.

          Thanks guys. Thats constructive feedback #1. I appreciate it.

  • Zaenille on 08/01/2018 - 15:28

    Hey Josh, I like FF point hacking blogs in general because I point hack myself… until recently.

    I have been declined for the past 2-3 cards I applied for. It seems like my credit score (CreditSavvy: 635, CreditSimple:558) has taken a hit from my applications even though I've never paid a cent of interest as I always pay in full and in time.

    What would you recommend for someone like me? They say credit card application records fall off in 5 years, and I'm going to feel bad if it means I'm only going to be able to apply in 5 years' time.

    My current cards left are the 28 Degrees Mastercard and a Commbank Low Rate Platinum ($300 off $1000) that I'm going to cancel soon.

    • AssociatedJStraw84 @ joshstraw.com on 08/01/2018 - 15:41

      Hey @Zenille,

      I did a fair amount of reading in this area, and the general consensus was:

      1. You absolutely always have to pay off the cards. Fail to do that and your credit score takes a hit.
      2. You can cycle too many cards too quickly. It's rare, but does happen

      If you fall into category #2, then building up your credit score is the best idea before you apply again. They can see when an application is not approved, and that's a bad thing. So take a break and keep your accounts in positive.

      I did read that part of the algorithm they use to evaluate credit score is average age of credit lines. So to that end, I would keep your two current cards active as a way of increasing your average. From my reading, it doesn't actually matter if you use them or not, but I would certainly ensure they are paid off on time always.

      So those are my top line thoughts. Hopefully there are some other point hack experts on here, or possibly bank credit staff that can chime in. I'm interested myself in the answer to this one.

      Josh

      • Zaenille on 10/01/2018 - 18:32

        Thanks JStraw. So it seems like it's just going to be a waiting game for me.

    • isthisreallife22 on 10/01/2018 - 17:46

      Do you have a mortgage? Pay off your mortage and your credit score benefits big time

      • Zaenille on 10/01/2018 - 18:31

        Nope, no mortgage. No other debts. Paid for my car in cash. :/

  • Baghern on 08/01/2018 - 16:36
    +2

    err when did this deal come out…

    from the blog

    I recently earned 60,000 Qantas points with Westpac for $0. Yep, I just ordered the card, purchased my morning coffee on the card and boom 60k points.

  • Foxtail on 13/01/2018 - 12:54

    Buying miles been doing it for years AS (Alaskan Airlines) the best on numerous long haul airlines like CX, AA etc. buy when the 40/50% extra miles offer for free is on about 4 times a year. Done HK in J (bus. class) CX $1800 Europe J $3000 find out more here: https://www.pointhacks.com.au/guides/

  • Squiddy70 on 29/11/2018 - 21:52

    Yeah Im new to this as well, Got a good mate that has put me onto Point hacks bloody makes sense as u spend the money anyways i.e Food, Private health, car insurance and things like that, Mortgage if u want but im not going to do that. I think if you do the cards with min fees to 0 fees then its worth while. Discipline is key here if your not going to pay off the card/cards as you use them I can already pic bad CC debit which is not the desired outcome.
    My Mate JR has just come back from a Trip to Europe first class there Business class back with his wife and child, totally love what hes done and its all on things that he needs to spend anyways. Yes you have to pay Taxes when you travel which could cost over 1K depending where you are traveling etc etc But I personally think if you travel alot then you would also know the benefits of traveling long distances in the best travel classes :)

  • Lexie123 on 30/11/2018 - 10:27

    I believe Xmas is before happy new year jstraw,merry Christmas to all oz bargain forum readers.

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