Founders Card

[SYD]

I had a look.
My impression was that there are far too many offers, each worth far too little.

IHG AMB is US$225 (instant IHG Platinum). I’ve paid that before when I knew I had a few stays but wouldn’t get there on my own.

Throw in HH Gold and there’s tangible benefits with upgrades (both), brekky with HH.

Even if the Uber credit is limited to the US, I can use some next visit.

I’m already booked out for the next year or so, so that’s the main hesitation being able to use the peripheral benefits - if any are useful.

 

[Cynicor]

I thought ambassador had benefits of its own, however, vs the plat status which is marginal?

HH gold for 295USD is in itself a good offer IF you have an ideal use case- I’m thinking points purchase with HH and then 5 nights in Maldives or similar aspirational hotels where the breakfast cost and 5th night free would have a value around 1500-2000USD.

Again, extremely niche.

 

[SYD]

I thought ambassador had benefits of its own, however, vs the plat status which is marginal?

Yes, there’s a Free w/e night at an IC (subject to availability). Most of the other benefits are mainly at ICs.

HH gold for 295USD is in itself a good offer IF you have an ideal use case.

There’s also ALL Accor Gold and min 15% discounts at ALL properties. Looks like 20%+ at higher end Sofitel, Fairmont and Raffles.

So similar to A+ without the 2x BOGOFs.

 

[SYD]

Got the same offer just now via DJs. For a laugh, clicked thru to see what happens.

Logging in, I’m presented with a “One off” offer to upgrade to “Elite” for US$295 (instead of US$995).

Is it worth it?

IHG Platinum (I’m currently Gold but will drop to Silver - unless I buy AMB)
HH Gold (dropped to “nothin” and nothing booked but I can SM again if I did)
US$200 Uber credit ($50 per qtr - probably use it or lose it?)
AVIS President Club - already have
Hertz President Circle - could be handy
Sixt Platinum

and what ever discounts one might be able to access?

Oh, and a stainless steel member card.

So I took one for the team and paid the uplift to Elite for US$295.

When I signed up for the “free” trial membership, I used a AMEX that’s about to be cancelled (withdrawn), so I figured that was a good way of not getting locked into an auto renew scenario but it charged that AMEX for the upgrade. No option to use another card eg one with no Int Tx fees…

Anyway, it seems that I’m now on a plan that can rollover at US$449 pa. Not sure yet if that’s worthwhile but at the current amount paid, there seems to be some decent value. They possibly discount for holders outside the US because many things are not really accessible (eg discounts on new cars etc).

So far I’ve:

1. Upgraded IHG Gold to platinum thru to Dec 2027
2. Upgraded HH “Member” to Gold (I think that’ll be to Mar 2028?)
3. Upgraded Hertz Gold to President’s Circle.
4. Taken a free TripIt Pro subscription
5. Rebooked a couple of AVIS rentals - they were already at a good Corp discounts but the Founders rate seems to be even better.

As mentioned earlier, these options are there but I already have them:
1. AVIS President Club
2. ALL Accor Gold

Things I’m still exploring:
1. Airline discounts, including QF
2. Lots of Hotel discounts (some similar or better than Accor+)
3. US$200 Uber credit - haven’t worked out how to get that one. US$50 per qtr (use it or lose it). Looks like to request at the start of each qtr.

 

[Coathanger]

The outsized value is for iconic luxury hotels like Belmond Mount Nelson in Cape Town at significantly more than 20% off and pay at hotel.

There is also value for hotels in NYC like the Arlo properties with prices almost half the public rates with ‘urban fee’ waived and cancellation by 4PM on day of arrival.

 

[SYD]

Yeah, I’m slowly working through what might be some further value just by reviewing existing bookings (Hotels, Cars etc).

We’re not usually into 5* luxury insta worthy stays but happy to take a good deal,

If I recoup my upfront cost and then some, I can’t complain.

Most of the actual Business related stuff is next to useless for me now but might appeal to others.