Airline Discounts and Elite Status Perks With FoundersCard
The FoundersCard is a paid membership that gives entrepreneurs discounts and networking opportunities. I joined earlier this summer on the recommendation of a friend, primarily for the networking opportunities (though not surprisingly I've been traveling for any of the key NYC events so far, oops). There have been a bunch of travel benefits added recently that I thought TPG readers might find useful. FoundersCard used to be exclusive, but I'm pretty sure they are on a big membership spree. Membership is normally $595 per year, but it is only $495 per year with a waived initiation fee if you use promo code FCTPG17.
Disclaimer: I do not have a business relationship with FoundersCard. There was some confusion with their affiliation with American Airlines last year, but it seems to be resolved.
Per their website:
FoundersCard is a first of its kind members-only community for leading entrepreneurs and innovators. Among our members are the leaders of many of today's most successful companies and tomorrow's most promising ventures. Headquartered in Manhattan, FoundersCard has members in virtually every major city.
Our members receive access to exclusive benefits, upgrades, and amenities from the hottest travel, lifestyle, and business brands, carefully selected to meet the needs of the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Members also have the opportunity to network at invitation-only events held on a regular basis.
American Airlines Benefits:
Update: There is an American Airlines elite perk, but it is for members only and FoundersCard has asked me politely to remove the information. Feel free to contact FoundersCard directly for more information.
TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT CODES:
10% discount codes for travel through September 30, 2011 may be redeemed by clicking the button below. Unique codes are valid for 24 hours once they are issued and may be applied to itineraries on which you are listed as the Lead Traveler. We expect to have codes available for travel October through December by the middle of September.
One discount code per month may be retrieved via the automated request system. If you would like an additional code, please contact (email redacted)@founderscard.com who will fulfill your request, based on availability.
Qantas Benefits:
FoundersCard Members receive 10-20% off travel between US, Australia, and New Zealand. Discounts are available on all classes of service.
Virgin Atlantic Benefits:
FoundersCard members receive discounts up to 13% on travel to all Virgin Atlantic destinations in all classes of service.
As a FoundersCard member, you also receive an immediate complimentary upgrade to Flying Club Silver Status with a fast-track to Gold Status. Benefits include:
- An extra 25% of miles flown on qualifying Virgin Atlantic flights.
- Access to Premium Economy check in on every flight regardless of class of travel.
- Priority standby on all eligible flights.
- Receive four complimentary First Class upgrades, two each for Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express trains.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.