Last week I suggested signing up for a Club Carlson business account in order to get an addition 10 points per dollar for your stays (see “When 138000 points is not enough”). After some research today, though, I’ve found that business accounts are not as great as they sound. If there are no special rates available (AAA, 30% off promotions, etc.), then the business ID will give you 5% off the standard rate and an extra 10 points per dollar if booked online. That’s pretty good. If there are special rates available, though, those rates are usually much better than the business discount. When you book a special rate, you do not get extra business points.
UPDATE: Please see comments where reader Katherine says she has received extra points for her business account when using special rates. Good news!
If the above hasn’t deterred you, then here are the steps for getting and using a business account:
Step 1: Sign up for a business ID
By registering your own business (if you have one) with Club Carlson, you can save 5% and earn an extra 10 points per dollar for reservation booked online and linked to your business account. Here’s the sign-up link:https://www.clubcarlson.com/profiles/secure/business/joinRouter.do
Step 2: Search for a hotel online
As I mentioned yesterday (see “Breaking News: TopCashBack to double Radisson rebate”), you should start at TopCashBack in order to get an additional 10% off of your reservation (until July 15). Go to topcashback.com/radisson-hotels/
Fill out your initial search criteria:
Step 3: Add you business ID
You may have to first click “More Search Options”:
Then, add your corporate ID and search again:
Step 4: Compare rates with and without the Corporate Account ID
The extra 10 points per dollar you will earn with the Corporate Account ID are approximately equivalent to a 3% rebate. So, unless the rates with the Corporate ID are equivalent or better, you’re better off going without it.
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