US Mint Deal Is Back!

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I’m very excited that the US Mint deal is back!

OK, it’s not really.  But I happened to find a way to help meet minimum spending requirements (sort of) buying coins with a credit card!  And with no fees!

US Mint Deal Is Back
Always Be on the Alert for New Ways to Earn Miles & Points!

For folks new to our hobby, the US Mint deal was a government program that allowed you to buy dollar coins with a credit card without a fee.

And some people would buy the coins with their credit cards, then haul these heavy coins to deposit in their bank account, earning Big Travel in the process!

I was playing Skee-Ball with friends at Punch Bowl Social here in Austin, when I spotted it.  A rare magnificent beast.

US Mint Deal Is Back
The Change Machine at the Bar & Arcade Accepts Credit Cards!

I thought, “Surely there must be a fee to use a credit card.”

But as always, I examined the fine print.  And there was no fee.  Two of my friends had new Discover it® Cash Back that earn $50 after the 1st purchase.  They immediately purchased coins at no cost.

US Mint Deal Is Back
You Earn a Profit Each Time You Get Coins From the Machine

I imagined the joy of running my Citi Prestige through the machine to earn 2X Citi ThankYou points for each $1 spent.  (Because the machine is in a bar that is likely categorized as a restaurant or entertainment.)

I did try it to find out if it would code as a purchase or cash advance (and to see if I’d earn a category bonus).

US Mint Deal Is Back
Success! It Posted As a Purchase (and I’ll Earn 2X Points for Dining!)

Then I thought of rolling all those quarters and figured it probably wasn’t worth my time.  Or being known in Austin as “that guy who leaves Punch Bowl Social every day with a huge sack of coins.”

For that reason, I probably won’t be adding this to my 50+ Ways to Earn Miles & Points post.

Although, the experience was a reminder that if you keep your eyes open, you can find unusual ways to earn points.  Even if it’s only a few points for fun!

Bottom Line

Be on the lookout for hidden ways to earn miles & points for no cost!

In this case, I found a change machine at an arcade that accepted credit cards with no fee.  My friends and I earned points towards Big Travel playing Ms. Pac-Man!

Have any of y’all found unexpected ways to earn a few extra points?

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