New Best Western Rewards MC avail (FNBO)

[Anonymous]

I've been reading all I can about the different travel/hotel cards. REALLY want a Ritz and/or a Marriott, but realistically, we road trip up and down CA and stay in not-too-fancy places along highways. And surprisingly, there aren't even many of Marriott's lower brands where I've searched. I've thought about all the brands we've stayed with and Best Western was one I wanted to check, but they were in the in-between zone between Barclay and FNBO. Apparently, the FNBO is now available (or there's a website at least). 

https://www.firstbankcard.com/bestwestern/landingpage/rewards/index.html

I'm not apping for anything now, but I'm trying to strategize for summer travel. I even signed up for the IHG rewards program to try to get more info on their rewards, and there are some good locations for us, but not all that great. I'm going to start looking into this. 

I don't think I've seen this mentioned here. Sorry if it's a dup. 

[B335is]

I didn't know they were switching to FNBO. I really like Best Western properties in Europe. Any idea how redemption is?

[Anonymous]

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@B335is wrote:
I didn't know they were switching to FNBO. I really like Best Western properties in Europe. Any idea how redemption is?

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I'm just trying to figure it out and it's really odd. I see that you can buy BW gift cards with points, but I can't figure out how to (if you can?) book with points. You can buy a $100 BW gift card with 22000 points. But you get get other gift cards, air miles for some airlines, stuff. Maybe I'm missing something. 

[Anonymous]

Ah, figured it out. It's one of the drop down rate choices...Use rewards points. (I'm new to this stuff). 

Healdsburg, CA  -(not available next Friday night, possibly because there is a 2 night min)

Healdsburg, CA  - $119 cash, 24000 points a night (some night in June)

Carpinteria, CA - $249 cash, 20000 points (next Friday night)

Carpinteria, CA - $149 cash, 24000 points (some night in June)

[B335is]

I pulled up the full site and you can choose from the rate drop down menu. They're decent value, $200 booking is redeemed for 20k points. Availability is iffy. 

[NRB525]

The no AF card looks interesting. The points earning is quite similar (very basic) and with no annual night or bonus points, no reason to pay the AF, in my opinion.

For road trips, this would be better than the city-hotel cards, perhaps IHG would be similar.

[NRB525]

It appears that if I apply for the no AF card, and they think I should have the AF WMC card, they will upgrade my app. The opposite of the US Bank Cash+, where they will nerf you if you don't qualify for the Cash+, give you Cash Rewards.

I may have to try this just to see if the app upgrade hits.

[chalupaman]

Interesting. If I see a lot of people get approved for it, it might be an easier way to get in with FNBO. They are really conservative. 

[NRB525]

I guess I'll find out in 2 - 4 weeks

[chalupaman]

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@NRB525 wrote:

I guess I'll find out in 2 - 4 weeks

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Good luck man. As soon as you find out if you're approved or not, some stats would be useful.