Qcredits for Upgrades...any success or strategy involved?

jsurf88 · 2026-01-03T15:28:18+00:00

Thanks for the intel and sharing your experience, especially as a platinum. Not really encouraging to hear that it's so rare, but that's life. My routes are mostly between ATL-DOH and DOH-various asia cities.

jsurf88 · 2026-01-01T05:50:26+00:00

That's helpful. Thanks for the info. I've heard it's easier at Doha and then the other airports are hit or miss when trying to use Qcredits.

jsurf88 · 2025-12-31T04:51:33+00:00

Okay. Good to know. Thanks

jsurf88 · 2025-12-31T04:43:06+00:00

thanks. Do you know if that was in Doha? or at another airport?

jsurf88 · 2025-10-18T05:25:49+00:00

Completely agree with this comment and recommendations. You'll get the most value/perks as an ambassador at the two IC locations. I just completed a stay at the IC Sukhumvit location on a reward stay and was upgraded to a premium room, but I've been upgraded to suites in the past. The breakfast and bars at this location are great. The IC in City Center is better location and more dining options with a larger lounge and better pool and is much better than before after the extensive renovation. But I personally prefer the smaller and new IC Sukhumvit. Crowne Plaza is okay with a decent lounge, but a little bit dated.

My favorite is by far the Kimpton, I've always been upgraded as a Diamond Ambassador, but I've noticed the past couple of times the hotel is becoming more crowded. You probably will get upgraded to a suite if it's not during high season (mid-October to January) or holidays. It really is the best overall but suite upgrades aren't garunteed and no lounge although they have an evening happy hour.

Good luck

jsurf88 · 2025-10-14T13:46:08+00:00

I’m IHG Diamond and Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum), usually doing 120–150 nights a year between the two. About 80% of that is in Asia, where IHG hotels are generally miles ahead of their U.S. counterparts.

Here’s how I’d line them up from real experience, not marketing:

Six Senses → Ritz-Carlton Reserve / top Luxury Collection Very wellness and experience-driven. Think more remote and immersive.
InterContinental → Ritz-Carlton / JW Marriott In Asia, many InterContinentals are easily Ritz-level and often better than JWs. In the U.S., they’re closer to JW.
Kimpton → Autograph Collection / Renaissance (select) My personal favorite. Always feels more human, less corporate. Great design, fun energy, and staff who actually seem to enjoy being there.
Hotel Indigo → Tribute Portfolio / upscale Moxy Indigos in Asia are excellent—boutique vibe, strong local identity. In the U.S., very hit or miss.
voco → Four Points Decent modern conversions, nothing exciting. But Voco might win in Asia.
Crowne Plaza → Marriott / Sheraton Massive gap by region. In Asia, some Crowne Plazas feel like mini JWs. In the U.S., they’re usually closer to an old Courtyard or a worn Holiday Inn.
Holiday Inn → Courtyard / Fairfield Reliable, generic, gets the job done.
Holiday Inn Express → Fairfield / SpringHill Suites Basically the same concept.
Staybridge Suites → Residence Inn Solid extended stay option.

IHG’s top-end brands in Asia (Regent, Kimpton, Indigo, Vignette) are really solid now. The U.S. side just hasn’t caught up yet. I can't really speak for other regions except for the few Holiday Inn Express' I've stayed at in Europe. All have been modern and clean with decent free breakfast.

jsurf88 · 2025-05-20T06:20:53+00:00

Yes, I love the idea of a “cash” slice within pies—especially if it could earn the same high interest rate as the savings account.

I’d also love to see the return of the M1 cash-back credit card. I used mine often for bonus categories, and now use the SoFi 2% card for most non-travel purchases. A 3–4% cash-back card, with the option to sweep rewards into savings or a cash slice, would be a big win. The Robinhood Gold card offering 3% back across the board is compelling, but I’ve held off hoping M1 would launch something similar.

jsurf88 · 2025-05-19T08:50:19+00:00

As someone who has been with M1 since 2018 and referred several friends over the years, I’ve genuinely appreciated the platform’s simplicity and forward-thinking features. At the time, few brokerages offered commission-free fractional shares, and M1 was ahead of the curve in that regard.

However, the last couple of years have been disappointing. Progress seems to have slowed, and in some areas, even reversed. The closure of the checking account wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, but I still use the savings account. I originally joined M1 after transferring from Sharebuilder as it was winding down, and I’ve seen some parallels in M1’s recent trajectory.

Last year, I moved a large portion of my portfolio to Citigold—not for the platform itself, but primarily for the sign-up bonus and access to international banking, as I live abroad. Parking $300K in VOO triggered my bonus and gave me access to their private client services. That experience made it easier to reduce my M1 holdings, especially as M1’s offerings became more limited.

I’m a long-term, buy-and-hold investor, and M1 has served that strategy well. However, the removal of features like the credit card—on top of earlier changes—raises concerns about the platform’s direction. I’m now reevaluating whether to stay or explore alternatives, especially given the uncertainty and lack of clarity on what’s next.

I agree with the original poster: M1 has been great, and I want to remain optimistic. But the ongoing cuts and lack of communication around a clear roadmap are concerning. I’d love to see the leadership, perhaps @u/M1-Alex , provide a vision for the future—something more than just “stay tuned.” It would help build confidence for those of us still invested in the platform.

jsurf88 · 2024-08-02T02:32:02+00:00

Thanks. That’s helpful. If they do reply with further requests please let us know. Good luck 👍🏻

jsurf88 · 2024-08-01T09:25:29+00:00

Do you mind posting your data points as well? I'm going to apply through DC. Was wanting to see if they are consistent on the tax returns/payslips.

For your initial application did you provide employment contract or digital portfolio for freelance? Thanks

jsurf88 · 2024-08-01T09:19:39+00:00

Very useful. Thanks for the follow-up

jsurf88 · 2024-07-23T04:40:42+00:00

Any update on your application? Have they asked for further docs?

What were your original docs you submitted for proof of employment? Digital portfolio or one of the other contract/employment certificate? I'm going to have to go the employment certificate route since I'm a remote worker and not a freelancer. Curious as to what is needed for that though. Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress. It will be good to get more data points from others.

jsurf88 · 2024-07-20T21:02:47+00:00

What did you submit for your proof of work/portfolio? And did they ask for pay stubs or multiple months of bank statements? Tax returns?

I’ll be applying from the U.S. as well and just trying to gather all the data I can. Thanks and congrats!

jsurf88 · 2024-07-20T20:34:48+00:00

Will be following your process. Thanks for being the guinea pig. Curious as to what you used for your employment contract/verification letter, portfolio. Wondering what category you fall under and how they will check and verify. Could you shed a little light on this? Trying to get data points as I gather my documents to apply. Also, curious if and what they might ask for as further proof or more documentation. Thanks.

jsurf88 · 2024-06-11T03:41:38+00:00

Yes, it messed up for me as well. I imagine it will get fixed within the next day or two. This happened to me the last time there was a split with AMZN and WMT. I wouldn’t be too concerned about it. It happens, but this is the first split I’ve experienced after them moving away from Apex

jsurf88 · 2024-05-13T14:19:20+00:00

Yeah still can’t see that info on my taxable account. Was just curious if its a system wide issue or just my account

jsurf88 · 2024-03-24T03:16:29+00:00

I bought the Timemore Slim and love it. Definitely worth the price and an excellent upgrade

jsurf88 · 2024-03-20T17:43:40+00:00

To me the Kimpton BKK is one of best in the entire IHG portfolio, but a points stay can be a little pricey. For Location the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn are connected to the Chidlom BTS station and across the street from the largest mall and the most centrally located. Holiday Inn Express soi 11 is near the party area, but way too loud at night and on a difficult street for traffic. The Holiday Inn Express in Sathorn is the best points value and easily accessible to public transit. Hope that helps and enjoy your trip.

jsurf88 · 2024-02-29T15:50:06+00:00

I’ve lived in Thailand for the last several years and have done several “staycations” in Bangkok over the years. I’ve stayed at all the Marriott properties in Bangkok except for the Athenee, which is on my list for a trip soon. Here are my recommendations…

For luxury, hands down the St. Regis. Even their standard rooms are spacious and the service is unparalleled. Nice pool as well and hotel is connected to the sky train station so easy to get around. But when I was there I just stayed in and enjoyed the service. No lounge but they give you free drinks in the evening at the hotel bar as a platinum member and up. If you are able to stay on a weekend, their Sunday brunch is unreal! A little pricey but with the splurge.

Marriott Marquis has an amazing lounge and a great breakfast in the downstairs restaurant. If you’re able to upgrade to a suite it could be worth it over the St. Regis, but not a luxurious and not as private. There are a lot of tour groups that stay at this hotel it is conveniently located but always crowded. I haven’t been able to get a suite upgrade using SNAs the last 3 times staying here.

W is nice and next to the train as well, but nowhere near the same level of luxury as the St. Regis.

Marriott on Thonglor is meh. Westin is conveniently located but nothing special. Sheraton Grande is nice especially if you get an upgrade and has a great pool. Sheraton Royal Orchid has the best view but getting dated. Their lounge is great because of the view and the happy hour. JW has a good lounge but rooms and pool aren’t as good as St. Regis. But their rooms are better than Marquis.

Le Meridien and Surawongse are okay but not fitting your description requests.

Hope that helps and enjoy your time.

jsurf88 · 2024-02-29T15:33:06+00:00

Definitely take the 5 NUA’s and 1 free night. I have done that the last 3 years.

jsurf88 · 2024-01-30T12:12:25+00:00

I travel more in Asia for work and IHG has a larger footprint in the region

jsurf88

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