Best way to get AA points when based in NZ

[cambriamarsh]

Hi, I'm based in NZ and have an AA account but haven' t yet been able to find an efficient way to obtain AA points. Any ideas please?
All advice much appreciated.

 

[levelnine]

Unless you can get a US credit card, your best bet is probably purchasing them when on sale.

 

[cambriamarsh]

Unless you can get a US credit card, your best bet is probably purchasing them when on sale.

Ouch, ok thanks for that. Unfortunately a US credit card is unlikely to be practical.

 

[serfty]

One efficient way is to fly oneworld in premium cabins and credit to AAdvantage.

For example, a Qantas Gold can fly SYD-HND in discount business class on a JL flight and earn 6000 points and 60 SC if crediting to QFF. Credit the same travel to AAdvantage and earn each of 12093 miles and 12093 loyalty.

 

[NM]

Any way to Earn Marriott Bonvoy points? These can be laundered into AAdvantage miles. Laundering rate is not great, but may be better than purchasing AAdvantage miles. In Australia, some Amex credit cards provide 3x Amex Membership Rewards points per A$ spend at supermarkets. So buying supermarket gift cards (such as Woolworths Wish/Essentials etc. cards) earning bonus Amex points, then transfer Amex->Marriott->AA can still work out at 0.667 AA miles/A$ spend. Not sure if that is available for Amex NZ credit cards?

 

[cambriamarsh]

One efficient way is to fly oneworld in premium cabins and credit to AAdvantage.

For example, a Qantas Gold can fly SYD-HND in discount business class on a JL flight and earn 6000 points and 60 SC if crediting to QFF. Credit the same travel to AAdvantage and earn each of 12093 miles and 12093 loyalty.

Thanks Serfty, unfortunately not physically flying a lot at the moment and definitely not on premium cash fares. However will keep this in mind in case of opportunity.

 

[cambriamarsh]

Any way to Earn Marriott Bonvoy points? These can be laundered into AAdvantage miles. Laundering rate is not great, but may be better than purchasing AAdvantage miles. In Australia, some Amex credit cards provide 3x Amex Membership Rewards points per A$ spend at supermarkets. So buying supermarket gift cards (such as Woolworths Wish/Essentials etc. cards) earning bonus Amex points, then transfer Amex->Marriott->AA can still work out at 0.667 AA miles/A$ spend. Not sure if that is available for Amex NZ credit cards?

I think I can use Amex MR points for Marriot Bonvoy points. I'll have a look and see how it works. In NZ we can only get 2 MR points per $ spend but may still be an option.
We don't yet have bonus points at supermarkets.

 

[drron]

When I got 900000 AA miles in less than a year back in 2010 I transferred points from Marriott, Hilton and Diner’s Club. I also bought the maximum amount of points. At that time we were travelling to the US frequently so earnt miles through their shopping and dining partners. All car rental was an earner of. AA miles as well.
It might be worth joining fllyertalk and. read the AA forums but beware that they can be a bit aggressive .

 

[cambriamarsh]

When I got 900000 AA miles in less than a year back in 2010 I transferred points from Marriott, Hilton and Diner’s Club. I also bought the maximum amount of points. At that time we were travelling to the US frequently so earnt miles through their shopping and dining partners. All car rental was an earner of. AA miles as well.
It might be worth joining fllyertalk and. read the AA forums but beware that they can be a bit aggressive .

Thanks DrRon, appreciate the advice.