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You Can Now Earn Points on HMRC Spend with Currensea
Currensea has changed its rules so you can now earn points when paying HMRC with a Currensea-issued debit card. The main issue is that a 0.95% fee now applies.
Previously, HMRC payments didn’t earn points, although the spend still counted toward milestone benefits.
You will now earn points, AND your spend will count towards milestone bonuses, but you will need to pay the fee. In most cases, the value of the points earned will not outweigh the fee, and if you were happily using the card to pay HMRC to earn milestone benefits, you will now have to pay the fee too.
However, the fee could still be worthwhile in a range of situations, including when the spend helps you reach the card renewal bonus at the end of the year.
The fee could also be worth it if you’re happy to pay a small fee for Elite Night Credits. An £8,000 HMRC bill paid with the Marriott Bonvoy Premium Debit Card would incur a £76 fee. You would earn 12,000 Marriott points, worth around £60, as well as two Elite Night Credits. Once you factor in the value of the points, you’re effectively paying £16 for the two Elite Night Credits. That’s effectively £8 per Elite Night Credit.
If you’re paying VAT, PAYE, or Corporation Tax, the fee may be an allowable business expense, which could reduce the cost.
For some, this will be a positive change, but many will end up paying a fee for something they were already doing, and the points earned won’t offset it. It’s worth a quick calculation to see whether putting your tax bill through your Currensea card makes sense in your circumstances, especially if you want to reach the renewal bonus, earn spend-based rewards, or if the fees can be a business expense.
IHG Stay 3, Pay 2 Across Asia Pacific – With Breakfast Included
You can now stay for 3 nights and pay for 2 when booking selected Premium Rooms and Suites across Asia Pacific for stays until 30th June 2027 as long as you book before 30th September. Your stay also includes daily breakfast for two.
The deal also works on multiples of three nights. Stay six nights, and pay for four; nine nights and pay for six and so on.
To book, make sure you select the promotional rate. Compare the rate with other rates to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
A long list of participating hotels includes selected InterContinental, Kimpton, Regent, voco, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo and Crowne Plaza properties (plus others).
Some of the standout luxury options include:
- InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort – A free night could save you a substantial amount at this private island resort.
- Regent Bali Canggu – One of IHG’s newest ultra-luxury resorts with private pool villa options.
- Regent Hong Kong – One of Hong Kong’s top luxury hotels with Victoria Harbour views.
- InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef – A private island resort
- Kimpton Kitalay Samui – A beachfront resort with private villas available
- ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa – One of the most luxurious IHG resorts in Japan.
Some hotels also have blackout dates, and conditions vary. You must also be an IHG One Rewards member.
This is a deal well worth taking advantage of if you’re planning a trip to a destination in Asia Pacific, especially at the more luxurious properties with high nightly room rates. The saving works out at up to 33% which is pretty good for a promotion. Factor in breakfast for two as well, and the overall saving could be substantial at some of the more expensive properties.
Up to 4,500 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points
You’ll be able to earn up to 4,500 bonus Marriott points per stay between 22nd September and 22nd November 2026 as long as you book your stay and register for the promotion from 9th September onwards.
1,500 bonus points will be rewarded for each stay of two nights or longer, and you’ll earn an extra 3,000 bonus points if you stay at an eligible resort. That’s a useful extra, though not worth considering an extra stay. Regardless, register for the promotion in case you end up booking a stay.
While this offer isn’t particularly lucrative and isn’t as good as the last few promotions, a bonus is always better than no bonus! If you’re planning multiple short stays of two nights or more or have a resort stay planned, the points can really add up.
Stays must be paid, not redeemed or booked with free night certificates, to qualify for the bonus.
Marriott is running a few other offers, including up to 5,000 bonus points on qualifying Algarve stays and up to 6,000 bonus points at participating hotels in Thailand. There are also some targeted promotions running, so it’s worth checking your account.
We’ll update you once the promotion is live, along with the full terms and the eligible resorts.
HT: Loyalty Lobby
