Founders Card
May 21st, 2015 at 8:22:19 AM
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I just signed up for the Founders Card. I was intrigued by some of the benefits such as Diamond Status with Caesars, Gold Status with Hilton Hotels, Jet Blue Elite Mosaic Status, etc. There's a hefty membership fee of $395 (with a special Code) but considering how much I would have to gamble to reach Diamond, it's a score.
I go to Vegas a few times a year, so it will help with lines and Resort Fees, the Diamond show tickets, and Diamond lounges in Vegas. I'm not sure how AC would work since you get charged $10 if you don't have 25,000 tier points, so I'm assuming you'd have to pay in AC to enter. You also get the $100 celebration dinner. Another perk is showing that Diamond Card at the Borgata for Black Level. Even if I just went to the Borgata Buffet 32 times I'd break even, lol.
I got laid off last year from a job I did nationwide traveling 3 weeks out of 4 and now my territory is "Da Bronx" and Brooklyn so not much traveling overnight for me, even though sometimes it takes me 4 hours to get to an account. I was Diamond with Hilton and some really good perks come with that. I still have tons of points so I stay there whenever possible.
There's a nice tread of TA with mixed reviews, but I think if you are able to utilize some of the perks it's a good deal and good investment.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g45963-i10-k7675144-o20-FoundersCard_and_Total_Rewards_Diamond_Status-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html
I go to Vegas a few times a year, so it will help with lines and Resort Fees, the Diamond show tickets, and Diamond lounges in Vegas. I'm not sure how AC would work since you get charged $10 if you don't have 25,000 tier points, so I'm assuming you'd have to pay in AC to enter. You also get the $100 celebration dinner. Another perk is showing that Diamond Card at the Borgata for Black Level. Even if I just went to the Borgata Buffet 32 times I'd break even, lol.
I got laid off last year from a job I did nationwide traveling 3 weeks out of 4 and now my territory is "Da Bronx" and Brooklyn so not much traveling overnight for me, even though sometimes it takes me 4 hours to get to an account. I was Diamond with Hilton and some really good perks come with that. I still have tons of points so I stay there whenever possible.
There's a nice tread of TA with mixed reviews, but I think if you are able to utilize some of the perks it's a good deal and good investment.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g45963-i10-k7675144-o20-FoundersCard_and_Total_Rewards_Diamond_Status-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html
You only go around once, but if you play your cards right, once is enough.”
¯ Francis Albert
May 23rd, 2015 at 3:11:07 AM
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Good information for those who may be interested, thanks for sharing.
May 23rd, 2015 at 4:39:09 AM
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That's a good tip. The expected loss of going for "diamond in a day" is probably less but carries much more risk.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 23rd, 2015 at 4:48:32 AM
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Quote: WizardThat's a good tip. The expected loss of going for "diamond in a day" is probably less but carries much more risk.
I know "your results may vary", but I lost more than $ 395 getting to Diamond Status, and that was on 9/6 Jacks or Better, which I think CZR is now systematically removing from their gaming inventory in keeping with their policy of disappointing players. I didn't do Diamond in a day. But I did get the bonus points for getting so many points on a several different days.
IE:
Earn 500 Tier Credits and receive 125 Tier Credits
Earn 1,000 Tier Credits and receive 1,000 Tier Credits
Earn 2,500 Tier Credits and receive 5,000 Tier Credits
Earn 5,000 Tier Credits and receive 10,000 Tier Credits
Source
So yes thanks for sharing that TIP. Hopefully it or something like it will be around in 2017 when my Diamond runs out.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 23rd, 2015 at 6:36:56 AM
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I would jump on this if AC didn't start charging for their diamond lounges. I may still, very tempting.
If I did this card today I wonder what the odds are that I can get the upgrade by June 12th. I am staying 4 nights and paying a wonderful 100 in resort fees so that would be a nice benefit as well.
Lastly, does anyone know how the $100 dinner reward works, would I get that as soon as the upgrade was made or do you have to wait until a certain time frame before you can get that?
If I did this card today I wonder what the odds are that I can get the upgrade by June 12th. I am staying 4 nights and paying a wonderful 100 in resort fees so that would be a nice benefit as well.
Lastly, does anyone know how the $100 dinner reward works, would I get that as soon as the upgrade was made or do you have to wait until a certain time frame before you can get that?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
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May 23rd, 2015 at 6:43:12 AM
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I just realized that this is not a credit card. I thought it was a credit card with perks. This is just a rewards card like AAA kinda.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
May 23rd, 2015 at 8:54:14 AM
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No this is not a credit card. This is like a AAA card or AARP in which you pay to become a member and there are discounts and perks that are associated with it. It is really for entrepreneurs and high level management (CFO's CEO's etc. and the member list is pretty impressive. (That being said I'm sure they don't do an extensive back ground search)
I'm not sure if this is like a pyramid type ploy or just a way to increase their membership but they encourage you to invite members and you get Founders points for each member that signs up under your promo code.
This is what it says for my invites"
Use my VIP Promo Code FCMICHELLE100 for an annual rate of $395 (vs. our standard rate of $795), valid through May 30, 2015.
(not that I'm encouraging anyone to do this)
I wouldn't pay the $795 and we'll see what happens after the first year. I know during my trips to Vegas with a $5,000+ bankroll each trip I've only reached diamond status once and that was for 4 trips to Vegas, gambling a lot for 4 days. I know theoretically you should be able to reach DS on 9/6 JOB if you can find them at all in the denomination I play. .25,.50 and 1.00 with CET.
The Diamond card status usually takes 4-6 weeks but they do say if you are planning to use the Diamond benefit before that to contact them, you can probably speed up that process.
I'll keep you posted on how long it takes to get mine.
I'm not sure if this is like a pyramid type ploy or just a way to increase their membership but they encourage you to invite members and you get Founders points for each member that signs up under your promo code.
This is what it says for my invites"
Use my VIP Promo Code FCMICHELLE100 for an annual rate of $395 (vs. our standard rate of $795), valid through May 30, 2015.
(not that I'm encouraging anyone to do this)
I wouldn't pay the $795 and we'll see what happens after the first year. I know during my trips to Vegas with a $5,000+ bankroll each trip I've only reached diamond status once and that was for 4 trips to Vegas, gambling a lot for 4 days. I know theoretically you should be able to reach DS on 9/6 JOB if you can find them at all in the denomination I play. .25,.50 and 1.00 with CET.
The Diamond card status usually takes 4-6 weeks but they do say if you are planning to use the Diamond benefit before that to contact them, you can probably speed up that process.
I'll keep you posted on how long it takes to get mine.
You only go around once, but if you play your cards right, once is enough.”
¯ Francis Albert
May 23rd, 2015 at 5:48:25 PM
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This is what someone on the TA Vegas board wrote about the dining credit.
"In regards to the dining credit, my account was updated right before my trip to Vegas last October. When I asked at the Total Rewards Center about the dining credit, they said that it gets loaded by corporate and usually takes about 2 weeks after you reach the Diamond Tier. So I lost out on that then, but should get it when I return to Vegas this October."
I would suggest reading the thread from TA, some good feedback on the Founders Card and peoples experiences with it.
"In regards to the dining credit, my account was updated right before my trip to Vegas last October. When I asked at the Total Rewards Center about the dining credit, they said that it gets loaded by corporate and usually takes about 2 weeks after you reach the Diamond Tier. So I lost out on that then, but should get it when I return to Vegas this October."
I would suggest reading the thread from TA, some good feedback on the Founders Card and peoples experiences with it.
Quote: GWAEI would jump on this if AC didn't start charging for their diamond lounges. I may still, very tempting.
If I did this card today I wonder what the odds are that I can get the upgrade by June 12th. I am staying 4 nights and paying a wonderful 100 in resort fees so that would be a nice benefit as well.
Lastly, does anyone know how the $100 dinner reward works, would I get that as soon as the upgrade was made or do you have to wait until a certain time frame before you can get that?
You only go around once, but if you play your cards right, once is enough.”
¯ Francis Albert
May 31st, 2015 at 4:50:01 AM
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Just checked my TR and lo and behold, I'm DIAMOND!! It took about 2 weeks.
No resort fees and Diamond Lounges in Vegas for free.
And off to Borgata to upgrade to Black Label.....
Also checked my Hilton status and I'm back up there to Gold.
Best $400 bucks I've spent.
The Diamond card status usually takes 4-6 weeks but they do say if you are planning to use the Diamond benefit before that to contact them, you can probably speed up that process.
I'll keep you posted on how long it takes to get mine.
No resort fees and Diamond Lounges in Vegas for free.
And off to Borgata to upgrade to Black Label.....
Also checked my Hilton status and I'm back up there to Gold.
Best $400 bucks I've spent.
The Diamond card status usually takes 4-6 weeks but they do say if you are planning to use the Diamond benefit before that to contact them, you can probably speed up that process.
I'll keep you posted on how long it takes to get mine.
You only go around once, but if you play your cards right, once is enough.”
¯ Francis Albert
May 31st, 2015 at 5:12:58 AM
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Quote: MrsHeartRNJust checked my TR and lo and behold, I'm DIAMOND!! It took about 2 weeks.
No resort fees and Diamond Lounges in Vegas for free.
Cool. See you in the Diamond Lounge. I'll be the guy with the free drink and plate of appetizers, stop by and say Hello ! And don't forget about the 2 free show tix per calendar month.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 31st, 2015 at 5:49:19 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQCool. See you in the Diamond Lounge. I'll be the guy with the free drink and plate of appetizers, stop by and say Hello ! And don't forget about the 2 free show tix per calendar month.
LOL Johnny, you and about 40 other guys....A drink in hand and Chicken Wings and potato chips on their plate...
You only go around once, but if you play your cards right, once is enough.”
¯ Francis Albert
October 22nd, 2016 at 1:43:12 PM
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I am really considering this card. We are going to vegas for 8 nights in April and in July we will be in atlantic city for 5 nights. Waiving 13 nights of resort fees basically pays for itself.
My question a though.
1. If I do it on Jan 1, do I gt diamond for just 2017 or would I end up with it for 2017 and 2018?
2. Do you also get the $100 celebration dinner?
My question a though.
1. If I do it on Jan 1, do I gt diamond for just 2017 or would I end up with it for 2017 and 2018?
2. Do you also get the $100 celebration dinner?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
October 23rd, 2016 at 6:57:02 AM
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Quote: GWAE
1. If I do it on Jan 1, do I gt diamond for just 2017 or would I end up with it for 2017 and 2018?
2. Do you also get the $100 celebration dinner?
My understanding is no on both counts. Generally Caesar's requires you to "earn" Diamond for those perks.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
October 26th, 2016 at 1:18:07 PM
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Quote: GWAEI am really considering this card. We are going to vegas for 8 nights in April and in July we will be in atlantic city for 5 nights. Waiving 13 nights of resort fees basically pays for itself.
My question a though.
1. If I do it on Jan 1, do I gt diamond for just 2017 or would I end up with it for 2017 and 2018?
2. Do you also get the $100 celebration dinner?
1. Your Diamond status would expire at the end of January 2018.
2. Yes, you do get the celebration dinner. I've only heard a few people say someone gave them issues, but mostly those issues were due to not allowing that 2-week window from attaining the status to the records all being updated. All of my e-mails still said I was Gold for almost two weeks, even though the site reflected Diamond. I'm new to it and with my bookings and possibly cashing in the dinner this weekend, it's already been worth it. Heck, I've routinely lost more than a year's fee on a bad night, so I don't consider it "expensive".
In regards to the status turn around, they say 4-6 weeks. I literally got the bare, rare minimum requiring just 2 days from applying to becoming Diamond, but I've heard others say two weeks is not uncommon. This Friday is my first trip utilizing this perk, and avoiding the insane lines at Harrah's AC check-in can prove to be priceless.
October 26th, 2016 at 1:45:52 PM
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We waited nearly an hour at Caesars AC last year for check-in so that will be nice not to have to do.
For my trip to Vegas next year I was able to get 5 comp nights, is it possible to get more just because your diamond with the same play? Didn't know if the computer would somehow bump you to a new level.
Also, at Harrah's LV, are chances better of a free upgrade when checking in via diamond check in?
For my trip to Vegas next year I was able to get 5 comp nights, is it possible to get more just because your diamond with the same play? Didn't know if the computer would somehow bump you to a new level.
Also, at Harrah's LV, are chances better of a free upgrade when checking in via diamond check in?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
October 26th, 2016 at 2:16:28 PM
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We waited nearly an hour at Caesars AC last year for check-in so that will be nice not to have to do.
For my trip to Vegas next year I was able to get 5 comp nights, is it possible to get more just because your diamond with the same play? Didn't know if the computer would somehow bump you to a new level.
Also, at Harrah's LV, are chances better of a free upgrade when checking in via diamond check in?
For my trip to Vegas next year I was able to get 5 comp nights, is it possible to get more just because your diamond with the same play? Didn't know if the computer would somehow bump you to a new level.
Also, at Harrah's LV, are chances better of a free upgrade when checking in via diamond check in?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
October 26th, 2016 at 4:21:55 PM
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I gotta think that it won't affect it too much since offers have little at all to do with tier, but you may be able to get a room on a night you might not have before. I'm also curious with any upgrades. When I was Platinum and that mattered, I got room view upgrades in Vegas without even asking. In AC, I never got squat as Platinum, but I've been moved to better towers even as Gold if I arrived there before the flood gates opened at check-in. I'll find out in two days.
I will say that although it may just be lucky timing, I needed to switch to two Queen beds instead of a King, and was told that day was tight and they'd make a note that I wanted to change. I called after being bumped to Diamond and got a "sure, we have that for you". It's in the Marina tower, which I don't prefer, though don't mind, but it was the ease of which they made the switch versus just days earlier.
I will say that although it may just be lucky timing, I needed to switch to two Queen beds instead of a King, and was told that day was tight and they'd make a note that I wanted to change. I called after being bumped to Diamond and got a "sure, we have that for you". It's in the Marina tower, which I don't prefer, though don't mind, but it was the ease of which they made the switch versus just days earlier.
January 30th, 2017 at 5:22:09 AM
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Stupid caesars cancelled the founders card. I have 27 nights planned for CET in the next 18 months. We were really counting on the upgrade to diamond to save some money. Plus they took ToK out of myvegas which was part of our plans. Uggg
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 30th, 2017 at 5:30:18 AM
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Quote: GWAEStupid caesars cancelled the founders card. I have 27 nights planned for CET in the next 18 months. We were really counting on the upgrade to diamond to save some money. Plus they took ToK out of myvegas which was part of our plans. Uggg
link?
and whats ToK?
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
January 30th, 2017 at 5:36:49 AM
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Terrible. Any hole, they fill it. Anything of value or value to customer service and they kill it. Did you already have the founder's card and not get the Diamond already or had you waited too long? I wonder if the recent post here had anything to do with Caesars abandoning the program.Quote: GWAEStupid caesars cancelled the founders card. I have 27 nights planned for CET in the next 18 months. We were really counting on the upgrade to diamond to save some money. Plus they took ToK out of myvegas which was part of our plans. Uggg
I am a robot.
January 30th, 2017 at 5:37:03 AM
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Quote: 100xOddslink?
and whats ToK?
Tournament of Kings
I heart Crystal Math.
January 30th, 2017 at 5:38:06 AM
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ToK is tournament of kings. Not cet, it is through myvegas.
There is no link that they removed it as there was no office announcement however if you go to https://founderscard.com/preview it is no longER listed as a bemefit. There is also a long post on flyertalk about it.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/gaming-loyalty-programs/1582880-caesars-total-rewards-diamond-status-founderscard-41.html
There is no link that they removed it as there was no office announcement however if you go to https://founderscard.com/preview it is no longER listed as a bemefit. There is also a long post on flyertalk about it.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/gaming-loyalty-programs/1582880-caesars-total-rewards-diamond-status-founderscard-41.html
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 30th, 2017 at 8:14:29 AM
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Yeah but you get to pay for a brand spanking new parking lot if you stay at CET or MGM
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
January 30th, 2017 at 8:32:55 AM
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Quote: djatcYeah but you get to pay for a brand spanking new parking lot if you stay at CET or MGM
Well I am not renting a car so I lose there too.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 30th, 2017 at 8:34:38 AM
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Honestly I never understood what was in it for CZR's. I am not a defender of them, but I am sure they evaluated the program after being in it for a while and determined there was not enough income from the people who used it. They are very good (too good) with determining the value of a customer to them. And I never will blame a customer with removing a program that doesn't make financial sense.
My guess is someone was friends with the group who started the FC and they gave it a try after a sales pitch as a favor among CEO types.
My guess is someone was friends with the group who started the FC and they gave it a try after a sales pitch as a favor among CEO types.
January 30th, 2017 at 9:16:59 AM
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Oh I agree. It was not a good business decision for them. Not only did they probably not gain a ton from it but they gave away a ton in resort fees. 1 7 night stay would nearly pay for the program.
My guess is they will continue with founders but not have diamond as the perk. It will probably be the VIP card that gets you diamond line perks and that's about it.
My guess is they will continue with founders but not have diamond as the perk. It will probably be the VIP card that gets you diamond line perks and that's about it.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 30th, 2017 at 9:23:21 AM
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The pitch was to drive business in from non-gamblers, who they all are targeting anyway, but it backfired in that almost anyone could get a card and benefit from it. And a few of those people abused those privileges.
Side note: I find no appeal in spending hundreds of dollars to eat, at best, buffet food everyday.
One EASY way to avoid this: do like AC and charge admission for DL, unless you earned a required amount of tier credits (25K in AC). It's probably easy to have the system bypass the fee for regular cardholders.
Side note: I find no appeal in spending hundreds of dollars to eat, at best, buffet food everyday.
One EASY way to avoid this: do like AC and charge admission for DL, unless you earned a required amount of tier credits (25K in AC). It's probably easy to have the system bypass the fee for regular cardholders.
November 29th, 2017 at 4:04:42 PM
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Well I just bit the bullet and bought the founders card. They raised the price but have a special that ends tomorrow. It is 495 but they are giving you a 200 Amex gift card so for 295 I decided to do it. I am a little apprehensive though because when I get upgraded it will be through Jan 31 2018 and then in Feb I get upgraded again but there is no guarantee that they will continue the contract. Last year they removed it but then a month later put it back on so I think there is a chance they could take jt away this year unless them now charging for diamond lounge will allow them to keep these going. Worst case I will save $120 in resort fees, 2 show tickets, and 100 dining cert in Jan when I go which is $300 worth of stuff. So worst case is I will break even.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
November 30th, 2017 at 8:20:53 AM
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There was a delay in negotiations probably since the expiry date got moved up to the end of January. I also took the plunge late in the year, and it didn't take long to break even. A year later? I wish I signed up earlier. As a player and someone who likes to AC and the local, I'm able to tack Diamond privileges onto my already decent comps. If I stuck with just CET, I could easily reach base Diamond, but I believe in having my entertainment and not being loyal to any particular casinos. I will say again, though, that having it kept me in their house a few more times than normal.
December 1st, 2017 at 12:03:35 PM
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Quote: HarryLymeThere was a delay in negotiations probably since the expiry date got moved up to the end of January. I also took the plunge late in the year, and it didn't take long to break even. A year later? I wish I signed up earlier. As a player and someone who likes to AC and the local, I'm able to tack Diamond privileges onto my already decent comps. If I stuck with just CET, I could easily reach base Diamond, but I believe in having my entertainment and not being loyal to any particular casinos. I will say again, though, that having it kept me in their house a few more times than normal.
I received an email this morning that for $395 I can have a spouse card for life. Not a yearly fee but 1 fee for life as long as I have my card active. I thought about it but one of the big things that is useful are the free resort fees. You only need 1 card for that so it doesn't make a ton of sense to get another.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
