The title of the previous Bankedex has been making people think it only contained offers for NI. So here it is again, with all the current offers and with a more generic title. There are currently 5 active bank switch offers (and only one is specific to Northern Ireland!).
*****************
Here is the the ultimate guide to UK bank switch offers - the collective knowledge of ~140k BeermoneyUK members. Switch your bank account, get a cash reward for doing so. But don't switch your main account, open up a second account and switch that to get the money!
​
Updated 15/05/2024:
​
The most commonly asked bank switch questions:

1. I started to switch to XXX bank before the offer ended, am I still eligible for the bonus?

Yes, usually, most terms will state that a switch just has to be started (or applied for) before the end date or before an offer ends.

1. Do I have to transfer the required amount in all in one go, and does it matter if I pay money in before my switch is complete?

No and not usually, as long as the amount you pay in adds up to the required amount, and as long as you pay it in before the deadline stated in the terms. There has been one exception to this - Co-op - so check individual terms.

1. I need to switch "active" direct debits, does a payment need to have been taken before I switch?

According to Nationwide, an active direct debit is one that has been set up or had a payment taken from it in the past 13 months. So no, according to this. But why not just wait for the direct debit to be taken? You'll not have to worry about it then.

https://twitter.com/AskNationwide/status/1442939781491486720

1. How do I set up and switch an additional Chase current account?
   

   • See Chase instruction here to open an additional account.
     
   • The second account will be linked to the same card as your main Chase account.
     
   • Use the secondary account details and your original card details when switching.
     

2. What are the easiest/best direct debits to use for bank switching?
   

There are many: Paypal, Ebay, Moneybox savings account, Plum savings account, your credit card, Sprive Mortgage auto savings, Wealthify Robo Saving. We recommend ones that save money into an account in your own name. Here’s useful ones that have additional bonuses available via beermoneyuk

Site/App	Offer	Comment
Park Christmas (Search)	Save for Christmas via direct debit
Plum (Search)	A very useful direct debit	Easy and fast to set up
Sprive (Search)	Autosavings for mortgage overpayment direct debit (£5 bonus)	Easy and fast to set up
Wealthify (Search)	A very useful direct debit (£1/month min)	Easy and fast to set up

Questions about Bank Switching should generally be asked here. Posts on the subreddit asking questions about bank switching will probably be removed.

As always with the Bankedex, we need your help.

The post has been updated with the newest offers, and tips commented in the previous Bankedex posts, and those in other posts on beermoneyuk. But it is a difficult task keeping on top of all the questions. Please continue to share your experience with Bank Bribes. I will add questions/answers to this post. Your help is much appreciated - thanks to you all.

Current bank switch offers (£551 in total)

Bank	Bonus	Offer Deadline	Comment
Barclays	31k Avios for £48 spend	None	£100 profit, Requires premier banking
First Direct	£175 to switch	None
Danske Bank	£175 to switch		Northern Ireland only
Santander	£175 to switch	None	£15 extra available
Virgin Money	£100 to switch	31/05/2024	10% gross interest rates boost to 12% on £1k for 1 year (~£120 total) + extra £30 via Snoop

No switch, just sign up bank switch offers

Bank	Offer	Comment
Tide (click for details)	Spend £100, get £75 cashback	A beermoneyuk staple
Monzo (click to search)	Spend £1, get £5 or £50	£50 is for a business account
Starling (click to search)	Free National Trust Day Pass

Never switched a bank account before?

You should consider it. It is one of the easiest and most efficient ways of earning a little beermoney. It is advised to leave your main bank account alone. Instead, switch a secondary bank account, or open a new account at your current bank to be used just for switching. Recommended steps:

1. Open a second current account with your main high street bank (must be part of CASS service)
2. Set up direct debits on the second account (if required).
3. Add £1 to your second account. This will be transferred to your new account, allowing you to see when the switch has been completed.
4. Apply for a new account and arrange to switch to your second bank account (sometimes this is during the application process, other times it is after the account is opened).
5. Let the current account switch service take care of everything.
6. Make sure all other terms are met (e.g. pay in money if needed).
7. Receive your bank switching bonus.

You will hear about lots of people rushing through all of the switch bonuses available. These offers have been coming and going for years, my advice is to do an offer that tickles your fancy and try out a new bank. Then, if you decide you do not like your new bank you should sample another bank and get paid again!
​

Are there some bank accounts worth keeping?

Why yes. Some are quite good, and give ongoing rewards. For example, Club Lloyds gives free Disney Plus. See the "don't leave us please" bank rewards post. Some also give access to the best savings accounts (e.g. regular savers).

Detailed switch offer information

Whilst we do our best to make sure things are correct, sometimes errors do slip through. Always do your own research. Also, it may not be possible to work through all of these.
​

Barclays

Current offer: 31k Avios for full switch to Premier Banking, and paying £12/month for “Avios Rewards” for 4 months - works out around £100 profit when converted to Nectar points.

Direct link to offer (scroll down)

• You must switch to Premier Bank account.

These are premium accounts, supposed to be for those with £70k+ salaries. However, cycling £4201 each month also appears to do the job

Offer end date: None listed
Requirements:

• Open a Barclays Premier bank account & join Avios Rewards (£12/month fee), or
  
• Complete a full switch from a different bank (you do this from within the app, after opening the account).
  

Reward payable by: 1.5k Avios each month for Avios Rewards, 25k Avios paid in month 4 for the switch.
Available to existing customers: No.
Additional notes: it can be worth doing the Barclaycard Avios Plus offer at the same time, as you will get a discount on the credit card fee.

​

Danske Bank

Current offer: £200 for full switch

Direct link to Danske Bank offer

• You can switch to their Danske Reward, Danske Choice or Danske Freedom current account.

Offer end date: No end date given, may be removed at any time.
Requirements:

• Full switch (no direct debits mentioned).
  
• After opening account, pay in £1000 within 60 days (can be multiple deposits)
  
• You cannot have had a Danske Bank reward since 01/01/2024
  

Available to existing customers: only if you are a new personal current account customer. .
How long does it take to pay the bonus: paid within 10 days of meeting requirements.

​

First Direct

Current offer: £175 when you switch

Direct link to First Direct offer

• You can switch to their First account.

Offer end date: No end date given, may be removed at any time.
Requirements:

• Full switch (two direct debits or standing orders are required).
  
• After opening account, log in to mobile banking, pay in £1000, and make 5 debit card payments within 30 days.
  
• You cannot have had a 1st Direct account before.
  
• You cannot switch if you have an HSBC account opened after 01/2020
  

How to do it: Once your first direct account is open, simply log into your first direct app, select the account you wish to transfer into, tap ‘switch to us’ from your account menu and follow the instructions.
Available to existing customers: No. Also can't have had a HSBC account opened since January 2018.
How long does it take to pay the bonus: paid by the 20th of the month following that in which you met all of the criteria.

​

Santander

Extra £15: You can get an extra £15 by signing up to a Santander Edge account via Topcashback. If you don't have a Topcashback account, you can sign up here:

Topcashback sign up

Current offer: £175

Direct link to offer
You can switch to any of these paid current accounts: Santander Edge current account, Edge Up, or the Private Current Account

Offer end date: None given
Requirements: Full switch.

• Apply to switch when you apply to open the account (or existing customers can just switch into an existing qualifying current account).
  
• Complete switch of a non-Santander account, set up 2 active direct debits, and pay in £1500 within 60 days of applying/telling Santander you want to switch. Must keep direct debits active on account
  
• Cannot have had a Santander-group bonus previously (Santander, Cahoot, Cater Allen)
  

Reward payable by: between 60 and 90 days after opening the account.
Available to existing customers: Yes (can switch a non-Santander group current account into a new or existing Santander account). Existing customers may need to visit a branch.

​

Virgin Money

Current offer: Extra 10% interest on £1k for a year (~£100 bonus)
Extra £30: You can get an extra £30 by signing up to Virgin via Snoop (you need to connect your Virgin account to Snoop). If you don't have a Snoop account, you can sign up here for an additional fiver too:

Snoop £5 sign up bonus
Direct link to Virgin Money offer

• You can switch to their M Account (free, ~10% interest total, gross), M Plus Account (free account, ~12% interest total) or Club M Account (costs £12.50/month for insurance and stuff, ~12% total, is one of the best value package accounts - especially if a joint account)

Offer end date: apply by 31/05/24
Requirements:

• Full switch (two direct debits required as part of the switch).

Available to existing customers: No. And can't have closed an account since 30/04/2024
How long does it take to pay the bonus: interest is paid monthly, so a a year to get it all!

​

General Bank Switch Questions

Current Account Switch Bribes - Why do they offer them?

They want your business. Banks like fighting each other for customers. Most of them know they can't win by highlighting their outdated systems and products, so they fight each other by offering potential customers cash bribes (or equivalent) to switch their "main" bank account.

Can I switch any bank account to get a bribe?

No. You must switch a bank account that is part of The Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Most high street banks are included. But some Neo Banks are not (e.g., Kroo, Revolut, & Monese are not included). You should try to avoid switching your main bank account. You can always open an additional account just to switch.
See here for a full list of CASS banks.

Is it too much hassle?

No. The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes switching your account between most banks smooth and effortless. You do not have to do anything apart from apply for and set up a new account at a different bank and tell them you want to switch your account to them. Everything is transferred automatically (except recurring card payments).

Is there the best route to sample all the banks with switch offers?

Do the offer ending soonest first. Then you might switch again. If you complete all offers in this post, you could earn yourself >£1000.

Some of these end soon. Will the offers come back?

Banks have been offering bribes on and off for many years. We can't predict the future. But this is not a new thing.

How long does a bank switch take?

Approximately one week.

Do I have to switch my main account?

You could. But you don't have to. Many people have second bank accounts. One option may be to open up a second account with your current high street bank, add some direct debits to this second account and then switch it to the new bank you want to try out. On the sub, people also like Starling or Monzo as they are easy to set up (but you might want to switch back to them at the end - their functionality wins vs any usual high street bank).
High-street banks also let you open multiple accounts. If you already have an account with one, you might want to open an additional one with your current bank first (Halifax, NatWest etc are reported to allow several current accounts and to be fast to open).

I have savings accounts at the same bank as my current account. Can I still switch to this current account?

Yes. Only the current account will be closed (some linked regular savers may be converted to normal savings accounts). You might want to consider if switching to a secondary account is a better option.

I have linked savers attached to my current account. Can I still switch it?

Possibly.

Which banks let me open a second bank account?

Most of them.

Do I need to activate the card on the account I am going to switch?

Just do it anyway. Some banks require it

What details do I need to switch?

• Sort code and account number.
• Debit card information.
• Usually, but not always, 2 active DDs on the account you are switching.

Do you need to have money in the account you are switching?

No. But it might be a good idea - this will allow you to see when the switch happens (i.e. when the money is transferred!).

I do not have a bank card with my old current account as it is very very old, can I still switch it?

Most online forms require card details, but you can usually switch such accounts over the phone.

My new bank has not given me my account number (e.g. NatWest).

Usually, these are sent via post/email when you sign up. But some banks don't have the account numbers on the card, or maybe letters get lost in the post. If this happens, wait for the card to arrive and contact their support. If you get a bot on the chat thing, type "speak to a human" repeatedly.

My new bank account is a premium account and it has a fee. Do I need to keep paying for this?

No. You can downgrade the account. But you should probably wait until you have been paid the bonus.

I don't like my new bank, do I need to wait for the bank card before switching again?

Yes. See question above. Most banks require the card details of your existing account.

I made an account just to switch. Can I switch before my new bank card arrives?

Best not to. You are asked to enter the debit card information as part of the process.

The offer says I have to pay in £xxxx. Does it have to be in one go?

No. You can transfer in and out. The total sent in has to be equal to or greater than the stated amount. You should be careful with this though, sending money in and out of an account can trigger anti-fraud measures.

The offer says I have to pay in £xxxx. Can I pay it in before the switch completes?

Yes. You can pay it before, after, or during. You can manually transfer it, or it can be transferred automatically from your old account.

I've been asked to verify my identity. Is this normal?

Sometimes automated checks fail. If this happens, you may be asked to manually verify your application by visiting a branch or sending in a copy of your ID.

I switched from Monzo/Starling and want to return, can I?

Starling does not let you return within 12 months. With Monzo, it's possibly a shorter one month that you have to wait.

Do I have to switch direct debits?

Check individual offer terms.

What is an "Active" direct debit?

An active direct debit is usually one where a payment had been taken in the last 13 months. But some bank switch terms require direct debits to have been paid out of the account. If an offer requires an active direct debit, it's safer to switch to an account that has already paid out direct debits.**

What are good direct debits to set up on a second account?

There are many: Paypal, Ebay, Moneybox savings account, Plum savings account, your credit card, Sprive Mortgage auto savings, Wealthify Robo Saving.

I recently switched to XXX Bank, and I do not like it. Can I switch again?

Yes. If you are not happy with the new service, you may want to switch to a new bank that will pay you to give them a try.

Do I have to stick with my new bank for any length of time?

No.

If I switch away, will the bank claw back the bonus?

Very unlikely. They would have to specify this in their terms, and none have ever done so.

My switch is complete, but I have not yet received my bonus. Will I still get the bonus if I switch this account before it is paid?

Probably not.

My most recent switch is not quite complete, but I have already received the bonus. Can I start another switch?

You should probably wait for the switch to complete.

Can I get more than one bribe from each bank?

Sometimes. With some banks (e.g. Nationwide), you can get a bonus for switching one sole and one joint current account. Other banks will pay you to switch again, as long as you have not had a bonus in a specified amount of time. You will need to check individual offer terms.

XXX Bank gave me a bonus before, can I get a bonus again?

You need to check the individual offer terms.

Will this affect my credit score?

Credit scores are a funny thing, What is more important is what is actually in your credit file. Obviously, if you apply for an overdraft then it will affect your "credit score". However, if you do not have an overdraft or you make sure that you have paid off any overdraft before switching banks, then a single current account switch should not negatively impact your credit score. Nevertheless, typically all major banks (excepting Monzo and Starling) do a hard credit search, and this will be recorded on your file. If you plan on applying for a new mortgage soon then you may wish to exercise caution in switching between a load of banks. This is because the hard searches performed by banks will appear on your report and may have an effect for 6-12 months.

Which banks do hard searches and which do soft searches??

See here. Most banks do hard searches.

• Hard searches: Bank of Scotland (first account only), Barclays, Co-op, Clydesdale, Halifax (1st account only), First Direct, HSBC, Lloyds (1st account only), Monzo, Nationwide, NatWest, RBS, Santander, TSB, Ulster, Virgin Money.
  
• Soft searches: Starling, Metro Bank, and Chase
  

I have a bad credit score, will I be accepted to XXX bank?

Unfortunately, we do not know the acceptance criteria of the banks. You might be unlucky with one bank, but lucky with another.

My application was rejected. Why?

Nobody here knows. You could try appealing, but your only way to find out more is to contact the bank.

After switching my account, I still have online banking with my old provider. Do I need this?

No. You do not need to keep the online access (you could shut it down). But you may wish to retain these details in case your old bank suddenly appears with an offer that makes you want to switch back. Or open up a savings account.

Has anyone else been paid for switching to XXX Bank yet?

Check the terms of the offer you signed up for. Some banks have long deadlines and stick to them (e.g. Santander, TSB). Some are quicker. If you haven't been paid within the stated terms, then you should contact the bank's support.

Hi all,
I've been lurking in this subreddit for the past two months and I got the P today so I thought I'd give some advice and do a write-up on my experiences.
First and foremost, I had a disability and had to apply for accommodations. I started the process in November for my test in May and submitted a packet of disability records and medical records going back to elementary school. If anyone needs accommodations, start as soon as possible and get a disability consultant if you can.
I used UWorld throughout my first two years of preclinical to study for NBME tests during my curriculum so I started dedicated with probably 30% complete and an average of 60%. The day I took my test I had 75% complete with an average of 64%. UWorld is a study resource first and foremost, so I spent a lot of time reviewing corrects and incorrects and walking through what changes to the question stem would make the given options the correct answer.
I only did Forms 25-27 because my school only gave us 3 vouchers, and I couldn't afford to buy more CBSAs, but I also did UWorld Self-Assessments 1-3. Scores: Form 25 (diagnostic) 56%, Form 26 64%, Form 27 72% (the week before I took Step 1), UWSA1 68%, UWSA2 62%, and UWSA3 69%. I got sick a few days before I took the test so I stopped studying and focused on getting better (chronic illness sucks), so I didn't do the Free 120 like I planned. But I had recovered by the time I took Step 1. Taking a few days before the exam off was probably the best thing I did for myself, actually. I didn't realize until I was getting better how exhausted and burned out I had been for the past few weeks.
I used CramFighter by Blueprint Prep to organize my study schedule. It was completely free. My main resources were Dirty Medicine, Pathoma, First Aid, and then reviewing those UWorld questions. I started doing 40 a day and the two weeks leading up to my exam I was probably doing 120-160 a day. I usually did a full practice test every Monday (take it in the morning, review in the afternoon) and then Tue-Sun spent my morning working through UWorld questions and my afternoon reviewing content. I usually studied 5-7 hours a day, depending on how my week went. I had 6 weeks of dedicated, but I decided to take the test 5 weeks in and delay to the extra week if I needed it (I didn't, I enjoyed my week off).
Day before the test, I woke up early so I would go to sleep early, and I spent about an hour and a half exercising out the stress. Day of the test, I had a big breakfast full of protein and fiber, and snacked on protein bars throughout the day so I didn't have a blood sugar crash. I also drank about 2 liters of water. Use your breaks! I spent them walking around my testing center or meditating (I know it sounds lame but breathing work actually works).
My best advice would be that you are your own worst enemy. If you think you're going to fail, you're more likely to fail. I told myself the entire time that I was definitely going to pass and that studying for it was just going through the motions. Otherwise, I think I would've been paralyzed by the stress.
Good luck to everyone out there!

Travel Diary: I make $195,000 and spent $2149.75 (+49k points) while on a trip to Amsterdam
Section One: Bio
Age: 40
Occupation: Lawyer
Hometown: DC
Number of PTO days and how you accrue them: I earn 6 hours of annual leave every two weeks (19 days total a year), and used 36 hours for this trip
Section Two: Assets + Debt
Not super comfortable with a very detailed financial picture, but my NW is ~$750k. No SO.
Section Three: Income
Main Job Monthly Take Home: After all deductions and contributions to savings, my monthly take home is ~$6200
Section Four: Travel Expenses/Diary
Trip planning - My (40F) best friend from college (39F) and I decide to go to Amsterdam on a birthday trip. We both turn 40 in 2024, and we decide to go in May because it's in between our birthdays and because it'll be tulip season in Amsterdam! Neither of us have been. We also haven't travelled together before, despite being friends for 20(!) years, so we are a little apprehensive, although we have spent a lot of time together over the past few years. We decide on a 6 day trip. For purposes of this diary I'm going to list my half of the expenses for things we split. Costs are in US dollars, despite paying using Euros. As a side note, I also am a little over one year post-Gastric Bypass, which has a limited effect on my diet (I try to eat low carb, but you'll see that I mostly fail at this on this trip!).
Pre-trip expenses: $1193.15 total
Flight: $255 + 49k points (from Capital One)
Lodging: $1425.91 (split) - $713
Rijksmuseum: $40.28
Anne Frank House: $24.95
Keukenhof Gardens plus bus ticket: $36.20
Red Light District Tour: $50.52
Day trip to windmills tour: $43.20
Snacks: $30ish
Day 1 (Total $21.17)
Our flight is at 5:30pm, so we planned to be at the airport by 3:30pm, which actually turned out to be 4pm. Uber ($21.17). After checking bags (included in flight price) and getting through security we made it to our gate right as boarding was about to start. No time for food or drinks.
On the plane I eat a snack of roasted chickpeas before dinner, which was chicken cacciatore with mashed potatoes, bread, cheesecake, cheese, and a salad. And two glasses of wine. I save the cheesecake and cheese for later.
My friend and I watch a movie (Poor Things) and then try to sleep. I am reading A Fault In Our Stars, because Amsterdam. I try unsuccessfully to sleep for awhile and then go back to reading. At some point i eat the cheese and cheesecake. Breakfast is a cheese roll, which i eat a couple bites of (OMG does all of Amsterdam have this much cheese?? - spoiler alert… yes it does!). I wish I had slept more.
Day 2 - Even though it feels like a continuation of day one. (Total $207.02)
7am - We land at 7 and then grab the bags and go through customs. Easy peasy. We are exhausted so we grab coffee at the airport before figuring out public transit ($5.10). I take out 60 euro for cash in case we need it ($65). We buy a train ticket to the central station ($6.33) and when we get there we buy a four day unlimited public transit pass ($28.44) so that we don’t have to worry about it later.
We get to the hotel at around 9am. They tell us it will cost $50 to check in early, which we opt not to do. Instead we go get breakfast and coffee at a cafe nearby ($21.20). The hotel tells us that our prepaid amount did not include city taxes, which is another $183 (my half $91.88).
11:30am - Back at the room we decide to rest for 90 minutes. Enough to catch up on sleep but not to waste the day and get more jet-lagged. After a rest we decide to walk around and get a feel for the neighborhood and do some shopping. We find a bookstore, and I buy a copy of my favorite book from high school, Tess of the D’Ubervilles with a beautiful cover and gold edges ($21.46). We also buy fries with truffle, mayo, and Parmesan at a fry shop ($3.32) (that’s all they have and they are delicious!). We also stop a grocery store and pick up a few things including yogurt, cheese, salami, apples, and an energy drink ($13.19). We have some early days planned and nothing seems to open early. It’s very cold and rainy and semi unpleasant.
6pm - We drop stuff off, bundle up, and head off to dinner and a tour of the red light district. We try to find a place that serves Snert, a Dutch pea soup, but strike out. We end up at an Asian place instead. I get chicken satay and a beer and my friend gets Indonesian soup and wine ($16.10). Our red light tour is great, but we are exhausted after and head straight home to bed. 22k steps total
Day 3 (Total $87.24)
7:30am - We have an early day planned, and have to be on a bus near the central station by 8am. I eat a yogurt and energy drink (from grocery store) for breakfast and we take public transit (covered on unlimited card) to the station. We find the right bus and head off!
First stop is the windmills, which are beautiful! I am happy we get there early because we basically have the place to ourselves. My friend gets a coffee and we both use the restroom ($1.08!). Then we head to Edam and do a walking tour there. Next stop is a clog/cheese place, which feels very touristy but they do feed us lots of cheese. I buy a cheese slicer as a souvenir ($10.81). Next stop is another small town where we have lunch at a cafe. We basically pick one at random. My friend gets fried fish and I get a ham and cheese panini and a beer ($17.30). Final stop is an artificial island town called Maarken. We do another walking tour.
2:30pm - we arrive back in Amsterdam and get let off north of the water. I grab a coffee ($3.76). We go up to the Adam lookout and take a ride on the swing off the side of the building ($25.95 for swing plus ticket to lookout). We also grab a drink and sit on a pillow watching the city from very high up, which is lovely ($6.63). On the way out I buy a reusable water bottle at the gift shop ($4.87).
After the lookout we take the tram over to a brewery at a windmill that was recommended to us by several people (including here on Reddit!). Cost was covered by the transit pass. We buy bitterballen and a small bottle of Genever (local whiskey) (paid by my friend) and a flight of beer ($16.84). We are a bit tipsy but enjoying the lovely weather.
6:30 - On the way back toward the hotel the weather turns and it starts raining so we dip into a pub for dinner. I have a burger ($16.12). We are there at 8pm, which is momentous because it’s a day of remembrance and the whole bar is silent for two minutes. It was very interesting to be there during this time.
We are exhausted by this point and go home to bed. 19k steps total for the day.
Day 4 (Total $104.33)
7am - Another early day as we have to be on a bus at 7:30 to go to Keukenhof for the tulips! (paid in advance). We wanted to take the first bus out there because we heard the crowds were bad. I eat a yogurt for breakfast and take a 5 hour energy (no cafes open this early!). We try to take public transit to the train station but didn’t realize that the trains do not run that early on a Sunday so we grab an Uber instead ($12.20). We tell the Uber driver we’re trying to catch a bus so he makes sure we find the right place and we pull up just as the bus is loading. Phew!
8:00am - we spend 5 hours in the gardens and take literally hundreds of pictures. We are glad that we get there early as the first few hours are lovely and empty. We get a coffee ($4.60) and lunch later ($25.36). By 1pm it’s getting very crowded so we start heading out. We grab the bus back to the train station.
2:30pm - We decide to go by the Rijksmuseum although not in it because we planning that later. Instead we stop off at the Van Gogh/Rijks gift shop that’s nearby. I get a couple souvenirs, including a foldable bag and a magnet ($20.44). I also get a coffee ($3.64) and my friend gets bubble tea. We sit on the hill on museumplein and people watch. After awhile it starts to get hot (we had dressed for the early morning) so we head back to the hotel to change.
5pm - we decide we are having an evening of drinking. We first grab a drink in the hotel bar because we get free vouchers for each day we choose not to have the room cleaned. Then we have dinner at an udon place, which is delicious. We have tempura, chicken katsu, and dumplings ($15.94). Then because it’s cinco de mayo we decide to have margaritas at the Mexican place near the hotel ($15.15)! Not Dutch but it’s fun. We head down the street to another bar and have a Genever cocktail called an Amsterdam mule ($9.91). I am happy with our choice of hotel because there are so many places in our neighborhood. On the way home we pass a fresh stroopwaffle place and must get in line for one ($5.92).
By then we are exhausted and head to bed. 21k steps total for the day.
Day 5 (Total $80.44)
8am - We have a slightly less early day but have tickets to the Anne Frank house at 9:15. (paid in advance). I eat some yogurt and cheese in the room before we leave. It’s walkable so we decide to head out early and grab coffee on the way. ($3.19). The house is sombering but I’m glad we did it.
11am - After the Anne Frank house we walk to the nearby cheese museum. We sample lots of cheese. I buy one cheese to take home ($15.18). We want to walk to a used bookstore, but decide to have lunch at a cafe on the way. We pick one at random. We split chicken tenders and a goat cheese and apple sandwich and I have a beer. ($15.14). The sandwich is one of the best things we have eaten. We spend about an hour in the bookstore and my friend buys one book.
3pm - We realize we are by the monkey bar (one of the oldest bars in Amsterdam that they told us about on our red light district tour). We stop in for a drink. Ok two drinks. ($12.50). We take the metro back towards the hotel and stop in at a tile store in our neighborhood so I can buy a magnet. I buy magnets from all my trips, but I like non-touristy handmade ones if I can find them, Van Gogh magnet from yesterday aside. I buy one with a windmill on it. ($14). We also stop at the grocery store for more yogurt ($3.05) and for Dutch apple pie at the cafe across the street from the hotel ($4). We get back to the hotel and have another free drink and then rest before dinner.
8pm - We go out to a Dutch restaurant for dinner. I am not super hungry from pie so I just get the snert (pea soup). My friend gets sauerkraut and potatoes. Sorry, but I thought it was pretty bland food in general. ($13.38).
We head home. It’s a lighter day, only 14k steps today.
Day 6 (Total $194.47)
8am - Today is our last full day in Amsterdam. We have planned to spend the day at the Rijksmuseum. We want to get there right when it opens for crowd reasons. We had bought “friend of the museum” passes ahead of time so that we can skip the line. I have a yogurt for breakfast and we walk to a cafe near the museum for coffee and breakfast for my friend ($3.78). The man at the cafe is very nice and we love sitting outside in the sunshine. It’s going to be a warm day!
We spend about 5 hours at the museum. We rush to see the Van goghs and the main gallery where the Rembrandts are, including The Night Watch, which is probably one of the most famous paintings in there. We had downloaded the app so we shared a pair of earbuds and listened to audio notes about many of the works (they have a number you can enter in). We take a break outside for coffee ($7.29 - i pay) and skip the line again. Totally worth it for the more expensive ticket. Around 2 we are hungry and have seen almost everything. We stop in the gift shop and I buy a ring and earring set. ($64.76). I forget to use my 10% discount for being a friend. :( I wanted a necklace too but didn’t like the ones they had there so I’ll try to find a matching piece at home.
2pm - My friend has been trying to get herring for the whole trip so we make it a point to do that. The first place is a bust so we find a little stand that sells it a 15 min walk away. We are determined, so we head there. I don’t eat fish so I get a shawarma on the way, which is terrible (cash). I throw half away. After lunch we get ice cream. I get coffee ice cream, and it makes up for the bad shawarma ($6). We also stop at the peanut butter store, which is allegedly the first in the world, and I pick up 3 small jars for my mom for Mother’s Day ($8.11). We also stop at a thrift store and i buy a dress ($21.59). At some point this day (I think), we also stop at another bookstore, and I buy a few things including a card, a couple gifts, and a book ($39.71).
6pm - After resting a bit, we get two more free drinks at the hotel and then head out to dinner. We pick another Asian place. I get an aperol spritz at dinner and we share appetizers (satay, spring rolls, and bitterballen). We also get coconut ice cream with mango sauce for dessert. All yum! ($33.03).
We get one final drink at a local bar near the hotel ($10.20) and I’m again grateful for our choice of neighborhood. Today has been all walking because our 4-day metro pass ran out yesterday. Total steps 13k.
Day 7 (Total $36.93)
8am - this our last day. The plane was supposed to leave at 1:30pm, but we get a message that it’s delayed an hour. We decide to have a leisurely breakfast. We pick a place that’s at a hotel near our hotel. I get an egg sandwich and my friend gets French toast. We both get coffee. ($15.27)
We decide to leave for the airport around 11. We walk to the central station about 20 min away, and I buy wooden tulips for my mom on the way (cash). We buy train tickets (cash) and get right on a train. We are proud of ourselves for our navigation on this trip.
12pm - we get to the airport and through security. We head to a lounge but there’s a line. We are 40th in line based on our QR code place. We decide not to wait and sit down for lunch at a random bar. I get a sausage and a beer ($20.66). We walk around some and get another message that our flight is delayed more, to 4pm. It’s finally our turn to get into the lounge at 2:30 (2 1/2 hour wait) so we go. I grab some water and a whiskey and coke but we just ate so we are not hungry. Around 3 we head to the gate. Unfortunately when we get there our flight is delayed more and will board at 4. They give us airport vouchers so we buy a book, beer, and some stroopwaffles ($1 after vouchers). We finally board and head off around 5.
On the flight we are served dinner. They have run out of chicken by the time they get to me, but eventually find one and bring it to me later. I have a wine too. I read, watch a movie, and try to sleep a little. We have a whole row of four to ourselves so we can spread out. Dinner is a French bread pizza.
8pm - We land around 7pm (love time zone math!), grab our bags, and get a taxi to my car ($27.09). I drop off my friend and get home at 8:30. I am exhausted but cuddle my cats for about an hour before going to bed. 15k steps today
After trip expenses - $225 cat sitting
Total expenses: $2149.75 (+49k points)
Flight: $255 + 49k points
Lodging: $804.88
Food/drinks: $531.38
Travel: $101.56
Activities: $221.10
Souvenirs/gifts: $ 231.93
Final parting thoughts - I think just over $2k for an almost-week long trip to Europe is a pretty comfortable number for me. I am glad I could use points for most of the flight. We definitely didn't try to cheap out on anything. We spent a lot of money drinking (neither of us drink this much usually). I hope this was helpful to anyone, and I look forward to reactions/comments!

Hey all! Finally got around to writing a trip report after my trip last week. I went to Disney world to celebrate my graduation from college and my honeymoon! I haven't been since I finished my college program pre-covid, so a lot has changed in the parks for me, and my partner has only been twice in his life and knows almost nothing about the parks. Needless to say, I did all the planning. We ended up not getting genie+ at all, and just gauging the crowd levels and checking wait times to make sure we could get on rides with shorter wait times. Overall, we were able to ride everything we wanted to, and didn't wait very long for many rides at all! Anyway, here's my trip report! Sorry it's so long!
May 4: arrive at MCO around 8 am, take Lynx bus to Disney Springs (route 311), so we can get something to eat and walk around to shop. The bus takes about an hour to get from the airport to Disney Springs, but for $2 per person, it can't be beat. End up eating at Chicken Guy, and then head to Pop Century when we're done shopping. It's around noon, and our room isn't ready, so we decide to hop on the skyliner to get a feel for it before we hit the parks the next day. We end up taking the friendship boats from Hollywood Studios to Swan and Dolphin to go play some mini golf with the free vouchers we got! Afterwards, we head back to the resort and head to the front desk, because the app said our room wasn't ready yet. The front desk person immediately found a room for us, so we were able to relax for a bit in the room before grabbing something to eat at the quick service location. We got the dining plan, and ended up using quick service credits for this meal. This is when we found out how much getting just a single alcoholic beverage can add to your bill! Anyway, after relaxing a bit more, we went out to the Polynesian resort to chill in the sand and have dinner at the Kona Cafe (which was great, btw!). We ended up just sharing plates of sushi, but were so full afterwards. We went back to our room at Pop and talked about our plans for our first park day before going to bed.
May 5: Our first day was Hollywood Studios. Neither of us were huge star wars fans before this trip, but in the weeks leading up to our vacation, we watched all the mainline star wars movies, watched Obi Wan, and previously watched the Mandalorian, and fell in love with the series. So, needless to say, we spent most of the day in Galaxy's Edge. We woke up at 7 and immediately got to the Skyliner to see a huge line, but was surprised at how fast it went. We were finally inside the park around 8 am and were surprised to see people already in the park, since we thought early entry started at 8:30. Either way, we walked over to Rise of the Resistance and got out of the ride around 8:15, so we headed to smugglers run. We loved Rise, but were pretty disappointed by Smuggler's. Afterwards, we explored Galaxy's Edge a bit before heading to an early reservation for Oga's. We honestly had a lot of fun there! I was skeptical because of the posts here, but the only thing I can really complain about are the prices, but what can ya do at Disney? We explored the rest of the park a little bit to ride Runaway Railway and Tower of Terror. We also watched the Indiana Jones show, which is where I found out my partner has never seen an Indiana Jones movie, but we almost always came back to Galaxy's Edge to explore, and ended up riding Rise multiple times because we enjoyed it so much! We ate dinner at Woody's Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and didn't realize that the menu was basically the same for everyone, and ate way too much food because of it. While delicious, I made sure not to make the mistake of overeating after that. We left early as neither of us care too much about watching fireworks shows.
May 6: Our second day was Epcot. Rope dropped Remy's, and still ended up waiting 40 mins. We were fine with it, tho, as we saw the wait go up to 80 mins as we were still in line. It was pretty fun, and we were glad to get it over with earlier. We headed over to the future world section of the park, rode the Figment ride (partner never went on it before and was excited to), then explored a bit before heading to our Cosmic Rewind VQ, which was probably the best coaster I've ever been on. It definitely lives up to the hype I've seen about it. Afterwards, we headed to the land pavilion, ate, then went on Soarin and (my fave ride) Living with the Land! We started our trek around the world, starting with Mexico, and made it to the Japan Pavilion for our reservation at Shiki-Sai for dinner. The food was great, but you definitely don't seem to get a lot for what you pay. We felt full enough afterwards, and decided to head back towards Norway to ride Frozen so we could beat the crowds after the fireworks show (neither of us are big fans of fireworks) overall, this day felt super busy, and is definitely a place that requires multiple days to fully experience for next time. We also made the mistake of not realizing you could buy LL and only book one VQ a day, because I wish we could've ridden Cosmic Rewind again! Next time!
May 7: Our third day was Animal Kingdom (my fave park). Rope dropped Flight of Passage, and ended up waiting about 20-30 mins, but it was my partner's first time riding and he enjoyed it. We both thought the screen looked a little blurry at times, and it made me wonder if the screen was aging or something. Afterwards, we dashed to Kilimanjaro Safaris and waited about 20 mins again, but it was another ride my partner never experienced, and he actually said it was probably his favorite attraction that day. We explored some gift shops and then made our way to Expedition Everest, then down to Dinoland USA. my favorite ride is Dinosaur, and it was one of the only rides we decided to ride more than once because I know Dinoland is on it's last leg before getting replaced. Man, is it in a sad state tho. This is the first time I've been since Primeval Whirl closed, and it definitely makes that area seem so empty. While we were walking past the carnival games, we heard one of the announcers begging for more players to join a game, so we decided to buy two tickets to join. I had never played these carnival games before, as I always thought they were overpriced if you didn't win anything, but I ended up winning! I got a Mickey with a dino institute shirt, which is probably the best souvenir I could've asked for to remember this part of the park. After that, we were done with rides for the day and decided to stroll around the park. We went to Rafiki's Planet Watch, since I remember going as a kid, and it was cool to see the veterinarians working, but definitely more of a place for little ones. The train ride was cool, tho. After strolling around through gift shops and such, we did the Bugs Life show, which was just as terrifying as I remember it as a child. It was also my partner's first time watching this show, and said he understands how this would be terrifying to a child. Well, good riddance to whenever that show gets replaced. After that, we got some burger pods and then left the park early so we could check into Animal Kingdom Lodge and chill in the pool because our feet were killing us. After we got out of the pool, we explored the resort some more, awed at the animals from our balcony, and then got ready for dinner at Boma. This was the meal my partner was most excited for, but unfortunately he was feeling a little sick and ended up not eating that much because of it. We also had an issue with our dining plan for this meal, but our server got it taken care of while we ate. Finally hit the hay after dinner.
May 8: Our last park day was Magic Kingdom. While I was exhausted, and suggested sleeping in since we had extended evening hours, my partner was already up and getting dressed. So, we rope dropped Space Mountain, then headed over to Haunted Mansion, then Thunder Mountain. I was getting hungry, so we got a Nutella fruit waffle from Sleepy Hollow and got to watch the parade while we waited. My partner started acting hangry while waiting in line because he thought we were wasting time, but I knew it was fine because we had extended evening hours. He felt better after eating, tho. We took a break to watch Hall of Presidents, then headed over to Tomorrowland for our Tron VQ. We ended up waiting an hour and a half, honestly maybe even more for?? It was insane, we waited 20-30 mins before we even got to the real line that you scan in for. Why does that happen?? This was definitely the most agonizing wait for us. The ride was really fun, but we thought it was just a tad too short. Even if it was only 5 seconds longer, but it is what it is. We enjoyed it, and definitely wanted to ride it again for extended evening hours. We were exhausted afterwards, though, so we went back to our resort to get some food in a more quiet setting and take a nap. After the nap, we headed back out and watched the tiki room, rode the train to storybook circus, rode the people mover, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Tron again (which was a walk-on after scanning in), Under the Sea, Winnie the Pooh, and Mine Train. We were definitely speed running the rest of the rides we cared about at the end, but it was definitely worth it considering how short all the waits were. We still had some time left of extended evening hours after Mine Train, but we decided to call it there because we were so exhausted.
May 9: Our last day, which we were so exhausted from the past few days that we just decided to chill at the resort. We ate breakfast at Boma, then just lounged around in the lobby, walked around to look at the animals one last time, and I bought an animal Kingdom Lodge shirt in the gift shop as a souvenir. We took a bus to Disney Springs and immediately took a Lynx bus back to the airport, where we drank some more overpriced alcoholic beverages while waiting for our flight and heading home.
Overall, it was a great trip. Even though I used to work there, it's a completely different experience going to the parks as a guest on a vacation. It was my first time staying at a deluxe resort, too. Something I was iffy about beforehand was the dining plan, but I loved it. It was crazy looking at the prices of all of our meals, and I think it definitely was a good deal for us since we loved all the fun themed alcoholic drinks we could get!
While I love MK, I think next time we might actually skip it. No plans for kids, so we definitely appreciate the aspects of the other parks with more things to do for adults (like going to Epcot everyday for cosmic rewind and alcohol). We both had a great time, and definitely want to start saving up for our next trip!

I played Battle Senki 0081 but the disc no longer plays and just gotten Side Stories asia version.
Been a while since i played 0081 but i feel this game is closer to 0081 and VS games on PS2 than the more arcady newer VS and gundam games?
Funny coz i asked about games similar to PS2 VS games but only told about Battle Senki and GBO2 (which imo plays nothing like them). In Side Stories you cant spam shoot and fly boost around like no limits.
However info on this game is very little.
Like how long is the game? I'm only on Feds mission 10 and tried few VR missions. I have no idea which MS to invest my pointd in.
Also are there info on the DLCs? Does the asia version use japan or asia psn store for the dlc esp the free vr missions? i need some reload card so want to make sure i got the right store voucher.
i only played cross dimension 0079 on sfc. it was a really long game as the side story starts after finishing the original 0079 story which was already quite lengthly.

BitRefill is a great service that makes it easy for people to purchase gift cards and vouchers for a discount with their crypto.
Currently they have a refer a friend programme where they give both the new user and referrer $5 in free Bitcoin once the new user has spent $50 on gift cards and vouchers.
BitRefill has been around for a while and they advertise a lot on Reddit. Many users have take advantage of the free Bitcoin bonus. If you have a bit of crypto they are a great service to use.
You can deposit your Bitcoin via the lightning network, straight from a Coinbase account, or via the usual Bitcoin core network.
Links:
Here are the links for BitRefill.
My Referral Link $5 bonus - Ensure the code w8zjokmu is entered in the 'I have a referral code' box.
non-referral link (no bonus).
Proof of $5 reward
Refer-a-Friend Program
Steps:
Here are the steps to follow to get your free $5 in free Bitcoin:

1. Sign up with my referral link / non-ref (no bonus).
2. Purchase a total of $50 in products. This can be spent all in one go or spread across multiple products. ( I purchased a £40 voucher to be sure, this is just over $51).
3. You'll see $5 bonus in BTC added to your wallet immediately after payment.
4. You can withdraw the $5 bonus straight away.
5. Share your referral code for more free satoshis.

If you a bit of crypto and haven't tried BitRefill yet now is the time. You can always sign-up and just use it to purchase a gift card when you need. The ability to deposit via lightening is also a great feature.

Just wanted to post a good experience at the Anaheim Marriott recently (the one at the convention center area) if this is searched by anyone for a conference or going to Disneyland. Overall, the property is really nice. I don't have any comments on the pool or gym (did not use).
I wish that this was the "bar" for most Marriott proper hotels in regards to expectations and reward benefits.
Lounge / breakfast - this property has concierge lounge for certain status. I was not there on a weekday, but I was there over the weekend and the alternative is you get a full free voucher to the breakfast at the restaurant. And the breakfast buffet is a step above most. Lots of options, fresh made omelet bar, etc. The meal was full comp'd for me + a guest. I did visit the lounge on the 18th floor and its a nice lounge. I want to check it out on a weekday. On the weekend, a family of 3 (with a <2 year old> eating here really saves money.
I was so tired of getting the voucher for $15-$20 off a breakfast service that is going to charge well over $40. Its nice this is a true "free breakfast" perk and not just a simple breakfast on top of it.
Nightly Upgrade - The hotel was not that busy this weekend. There was no convention. I was given an SNA to a Studio Suite (from a standard king room) and they honored a 4pm late checkout (its a convention hotel, they don't guarantee it). Valet even let the car be there till 6pm the next day. The room was large with a nice view. The bathroom for the size of the room was tiny. My room was ready at like 12pm and check in was 4pm.
I did get lucky and the rate on this particular weekend, for todays hotel prices. But adding a suite upgrade plus a real premium "free" breakfast with my platinum elite perk was one of these trips where you actual see value with Bonvoy. Wish it was this way more often! I think it goes to show you how a "slow" weekend really changes your experience. If the hotel was packed, I would not have had an SNA upgrade. I would not get to check in early and I would not have a 4pm late check out lol.

I had a subscription on X website that deducted from 47€ each month without me noticing or paying attention, this continued for a whole year.
Once I noticed, I cancelled the subscription immediately and contacted the support explaining my case.
Apparently after my free trial the subscription started, but I have never received any invoices or notifications and the invoices are not visible on the site and I have never logged in to the site in the last year.
They refused to refund me and replied with this:

The rates and conditions are clearly displayed on our website: on the T&C, the rates page, the payment page, and the FAQ pages. Our offer can be canceled at any time and costs only 0,5€ TTC for a 24-hour trial.
At the end of the trial period, and without cancellation on your part, our offer is automatically renewed as a subscription without commitment, at the price of 47.50 € per month. If you have subscribed by mistake, you have 14 days to retract your subscription (according to the law). You have benefited from our services for more than two weeks: no refund is possible.
This package entitles you to unlimited tests every month, access to our results database, and a large library of practical guides for psychological tests.
You can unsubscribe at any time from this page: ——————————-

They also refused to give me any vouchers or anything really. Do I have any case here?

Dodl us a easy-to-use, no-nonsense investment app, brought by AJ Bell (a multi-award-winning, FCA-regulated investment platform that’s been doing this for over 25 years).
Just created my account. It offers these accounts: General Investment Account / Investment ISA / Lifetime ISA/Pension. They also have some of the lowest fees in the market, so it may be a long term option for you.
Sign up requirement
Invest or transfer in at least £500. You'll receive a £30 voucher code (redeemable at various popular retailers). I'll send the extra when they credit us.
STEPS

• Type $BID in the comments and you can also click here to send me a DM. Include your email, first and last name so a referral form can be filled.
  
• Opens any Dodl account (an investment ISA or lifetime ISA or pension or general investment account) and add a minimum of £500 to it. You can also transfer an account to Dodl worth £500 or more to qualify for this offer.
  
• A £30 gift card (redeemable at Amazon and all the usual places) will be sent within the calendar month after the month the new customer adds the minimum amount (£500) to their account. You must hold a minimum of £500 in the account at the time the emails containing the voucher codes are sent.
  
• Do not close your account or transfer the investment right after receiving the gift card as they state "Dodl reserves the right to reclaim the £30 gift vouchers if the new customer closes or transfers out their Dodl account within 12 months of the offer being claimed."
  
• I will send you the extra when they credit us. Usually takes around 15-20 days (up to 30 per terms).
  

-Info: Terms
OTHER UK PROMOTIONS /// Click here and have a scroll for UK Only promos.
Feel free to message me by clicking here if you have any interest.

I had a subscription on X website that deducted from 47€ each month without me noticing or paying attention, this continued for a whole year.
Once I noticed, I cancelled the subscription immediately and contacted the support explaining my case.
Apparently after my free trial the subscription started, but I have never received any invoices or notifications and the invoices are not visible on the site and I have never logged in to the site in the last year.
They refused to refund me and replied with this:

The rates and conditions are clearly displayed on our website: on the T&C, the rates page, the payment page, and the FAQ pages. Our offer can be canceled at any time and costs only 0,5€ TTC for a 24-hour trial.

At the end of the trial period, and without cancellation on your part, our offer is automatically renewed as a subscription without commitment, at the price of 47.50 € per month. If you have subscribed by mistake, you have 14 days to retract your subscription (according to the law). You have benefited from our services for more than two weeks: no refund is possible.
This package entitles you to unlimited tests every month, access to our results database, and a large library of practical guides for psychological tests.
You can unsubscribe at any time from this page: ——————————- They also refused to give me any vouchers or anything really. Do I have any case here?

.....ok, so hear me out.
In recent years, Taylor Swift has moved more units than any other artist. If anyone's name can sell a music-based video game in 2024, it's Taylor. It's hard for me to believe that a Taylor Swift video game has never been pitched, but Epic/Harmonix would be the perfect ones to make it happen.
It wouldn't even have to be marketed as a Rock Band game, but simply as a Taylor Swift video game based on the Eras tour concept, with a soundtrack spanning the entirety of Taylor's career. Even if only the hardcore Swifties showed interest in a Taylor video game, it'd likely be successful, but I could also see it being a major Christmas seller with families who want to sing/enjoy familiar music together.
I don't know. I'm throwing out any idea that could help revive the struggling music gaming genre.
While vocals would be the focus of the game, it would support use of the Riffmaster for voxtar players, as well as a standard controller mode (with gameplay similar to Fortnite Festival). I'm sure some sort of Fortnite/Festival event could be used as cross-promotion.
All songs can be exported into Rock Band 4 (bass and drum charts are baked into the code, even if they aren't playable in TS:Eras) for $14.99 (free with the Taylor's Version edition).
Each era would feature an age-appropriate Taylor avatar, and imagery inspired by that album, similar to The Beatles: Rock Band.
Taylor Swift: The Eras standard edition: $49.99

• Base game download only

Taylor Swift: The Eras, game + microphone bundle: $69.99

• Base game download
• USB microphone

Taylor Swift: The Eras (Taylor's Version): $199.99

• Base game download
• Voucher for export of tracks into Rock Band 4
• All downloadable content
• USB microphone
• Microphone stand
• Riffmaster guitar controller

The on-disc soundtrack below features 48 songs, with an additional 29 tracks available as DLC.
On-Disc Soundtrack
Taylor Swift

1. Picture to Burn
2. Teardrops on My Guitar
3. Should've Said No
4. Our Song

Fearless

1. Fearless
2. Love Story
3. You Belong With Me
4. Today Was a Fairytale

Speak Now

1. Sparks Fly
2. Speak Now
3. The Story of Us
4. Enchanted
5. I Can See You

Red

1. Red
2. I Knew You Were Trouble
3. 22
4. We Are Never Getting Back Together
5. All Too Well (10 Minute Version)

1989

1. Blank Space
2. Style
3. Shake It Off
4. New Romantics
5. Is It Over Now?

Reputation

1. ...Ready For It?
2. Don't Blame Me
3. Delicate
4. Look What You Made Me Do

Lover

1. Cruel Summer
2. Lover
3. The Man
4. You Need to Calm Down

Folklore

1. Cardigan
2. August
3. Invisible String

Evermore

1. Willow
2. No Body, No Crime (feat. HAIM)
3. Marjorie

Midnights

1. Anti-Hero
2. You're On Your Own, Kid
3. Midnight Rain
4. Karma
5. Mastermind

The Tortured Poets Department

1. Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
2. The Tortured Poets Department
3. But Daddy I Love Him
4. Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?
5. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
6. So High School

DLC ($2.49/song; pack prices below)
Taylor's Roots ($12.99)

• Tim McGraw
• Mean
• Ours
• Begin Again
• Betty
• 'Tis the Damn Season

Taylor's Ballads ($10.99)

• Fifteen
• White Horse
• Back to December
• Wildest Dreams
• Down Bad

Taylor's Anthems ($16.99)

• Forever & Always
• Mine
• Long Live
• Better Than Revenge
• Out of the Woods
• Getaway Car
• Lavender Haze
• Bejeweled

Taylor's Duets ($19.99)

• Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy)
• Castles Crumbling (feat. Hayley Williams)
• The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody)
• Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran)
• Safe & Sound (feat. Joy Williams & John Paul White)
• Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
• ME! (feat. Brendon Urie)
• Exile (feat. Bon Iver)
• Coney Island (feat. The National)
• Florida!!! (feat. Florence + the Machine)

Dumb idea? A way to get the teen girl market (and normies in general) interested in rhythm gaming? Let me know what you think!

You can now insert images as comments when you seek for in-game help in Megathreads! Check out this mod post HERE for more information.
​
Use this Megathread if you have general questions or need advice! e.g. asking for EX / Candy recommendation, gems usage, "Should I pull this banner?", "How do I build a team on this stage?", etc.
If you need team building help specifically for Champion Stadium, you may use the Champion Stadium Megathread to receive a quicker response.

Installing Pokémon Masters

Pokémon Masters is available worldwide except for Belgium and The Netherlands due to bans on loot boxes.
We will go over the two main platforms on installing the game, IOS and Android.
According to the official site, the game is most compatible in these devices:
iOS: 11 or higher / 64 bit / at least 2 GB of RAM
Android: OS 7.0 or higher / 64 bit / at least 2 GB of RAM
IOS:

1. Via Apple Store: HERE

Android

1. Via Google Play Store: HERE
2. Others

If the game is unavailable in your country or shows as not available for your device, you can download the APK directly from APKPure or QooApp.
You can also use VPN to download it from the application store, but it requires longer downloading time compared to the above recommended methods.
​

Reroll Guide

Reroll means that you make a new account and look at what you got from your scout. If you don't like your first few multi-pulls, you delete the account and create a new one again and so on until you are satisfied.
​
Why reroll?

• You're a new or returning player and you want to get your hands on meta Sync Pairs for easier clears.
• A favourite/meta Sync Pair has been released and you want to get him/her no matter what.

​
How to Reroll?
If you're an existing player, delete your local data or cache first. Otherwise, do not link your account to Nintendo. Doing so will bind your Pokémon Masters account to your Nintendo profile permanently and can no longer be removed.
As of now, if you progress up to the point when co-op mode is unlocked, you can get at least 21.000 gems, the equivalent of 7 multis, earning at least 231/400 scout points (33 scout points per multi scout), allowing you to scout at least 77 Sync Pairs. Completing the following checkpoints will let you receive gems as completion rewards:

Completion Requirement	Notable Rewards	Additional Notes
Starting the game (Part 1)	MC & Pikachu, Misty & Starmie, Brock & Onix	Choose Kanto Starter (Movesets HERE)
Starting the game (Part 2)	MC & BulbasauCharmandeSquirtle, Blue & Pidgeot (5★ Guaranteed Scout)	Kanto Starter Egg Hatches
Finish Champion Stadium: Kanto Challenge (Normal)	150 Gems	You can reuse the same Sync Pairs after each round
Special Completion Rewards: Champion Stadium (Normal)	500 Gems	Accessible in the Poké Center as an icon on the top-left corner
Finish Champion Stadium: Victory Road	5000 Gems, SS Red & Charizard/SS Blue & Blastoise/SS Leaf & Venusaur (5★ Guaranteed Ticket Scout)	Also scoutable in the Triple Featured Poké Fair banner (3 days)
Finish Chapter 1 (Normal)	90 Gems, Rosa & Snivy
Finish Chapter 2 (Normal)	200 Gems, Barry & Piplup, Professor Oak & Mew and Legendary Arena unlocked.	Professor Oak & Mew upgrade materials available in Bingo Rewards
Finish Chapter 3 (Normal)	150 Gems
Finish Chapter 4 (Normal)	170 Gems, Erika & Vileplume
Finish Chapter 5 (Normal)	160 Gems, Skyla & Swanna
Finish Chapter 6 (Normal)	200 Gems, Korrina & Lucario
Finish Chapter 7 (Normal)	250 Gems, Norman & Slaking
Finish Chapter 8 (Normal)	170 Gems, Pryce & Seel
Finish Chapter 9 (Normal)	240 Gems, Iris & Haxorus
Finish Chapter 10 (Normal)	280 Gems, Hapu & Mudsdale
Finish Interlude 1 (Normal)	60 Gems, SS Brock & Tyranitar
Finish Chapter 1 (Hard)	100 Gems
Finish Chapter 2 (Hard)	200 Gems
Finish Chapter 3 (Hard)	100 Gems
Finish Chapter 4 (Hard)	200 Gems
Finish Chapter 5 (Hard)	100 Gems
Finish Chapter 6 (Hard)	200 Gems
Finish Chapter 7 (Hard)	300 Gems
Finish Chapter 8 (Hard)	200 Gems
Finish Chapter 9 (Hard)	300 Gems
Finish Chapter 10 (Hard)	300 Gems
Finish Interlude 1 (Hard)	100 Gems
EX Plaza: Special Training Battle Techniques	60 Gems

These missions are completed progressively as you play the game, so they are not listed in numerical order.
These missions can be completed multiple times as the player reaches new checkpoints.

Checkpoint (Missions)	Notable Rewards per level
Mission 1: Log in to the game	10 Gems
Mission 21: Raise team strength	10 Gems
Mission 3: Obtain Pearl	10 Gems
Mission 4: Obtain Big Pearl	10 Gems
Mission 5: Obtain 1★ Level-Up Manual	10 Gems
Mission 6: Obtain 2★ Level-Up Manual	10 Gems
Mission 7: Obtain 3★ Level-Up Manual	10 Gems
Mission 62: Evolve a Pokemon	10 Gems
Mission 91: Obtain a Lucky Cookie	10 Gems
Mission 125: Raise your player rank	10 Gems
Mission 262: Have a number of interaction(s) in Trainer Lodge	100 Gems
Mission 263: Reach friendship level 100 with a number of guests	100 Gems
Mission 264: Reach a certain friendship level with any guest	100 Gems

These missions can only be completed once but give a high amount of gems.

Checkpoint (Missions)	Notable Rewards per level
Mission 82: Link to your Nintendo account	600 Gems
Mission 89: Participate in the Battle Villa	1000 Gems

If you are not satisfied with your pulls, click on the Poryphone at the right-bottom corner in the Pokémon Center -> Account -> Delete Save Data. Repeat the above steps until you pulled the Sync Pair you want.
Now that you're ready to go on an adventure, link your account through Poryphone Menu by tapping "Account", then "Link a Nintendo Account" to save your progress. After that, try to get any free Sync Pairs as you progress:

• Professor Oak & Mew: Complete his Sync Pair story and finish the bingo missions from Professor Oak & Mew Special Missions.
• Rosa & Serperior: Complete all bingo missions from "Rise to 6★ EX with Rosa!" and upgrade her to 6★ EX.
• Legendary Event Sync Pairs: Obtainable via Legendary Adventures. Reach the end of story to obtain the legendary Sync Pair, character-exclusive 5★ promotion tickets and event vouchers. Try to upgrade them to 5/5 20/20 as soon as possible and invest in their Sync Grids; they will be valuable assets for content clearing. Do note that exclusive materials such as Champion Spirit and Sync Grid expansion for these Sync Pair are only obtainable in event reruns, and hence event-limited.

​

EX Gear Type Chart

Note that these co-op stages only drop 2★ Gear as the highest rarity for their corresponding Gear Type. 3★ Gear is restricted to Type Gear Events and Pokémon Masters Day every month, and it can be obtained in the time-limited event shop and in the General tab in exchange for 3★ gear material co-op stage drops.

Stage	Gear Type
EX Brock	Grass/Steel/Rock
EX Misty	Flying/Fairy/Steel
EX Barry	Grass/Dragon/Water
EX Flannery	Bug/WateGhost
EX Erika	Fire/Poison/Ground
EX Skyla	Rock/Normal/Flying
EX Korrina	Fire/Fighting/Psychic
EX Pryce	Electric/Ice/Bug
EX Marshal	Psychic/Dark/Ice
EX Hau	Ground/Electric/Fairy
EX Clair	Dragon/Dark/Fighting
EX Janine	Poison/Normal/Ghost

​

In-Game FAQ

1. When is anniversary coming?

Half-year	28 February 6AM UTC
Full-year	28 August 6AM UTC

2 Why hasn't my Pokemon evolved? It's at Level [X]!
Evolution requires an evolution item available in the Training Area (Evolution Material Area). Upon earning the Evolution Materials, you need to go to the Sync Pair Stories to trigger the Evolution Story.
3. Should I save to do 11 multi-scouts instead of single scouts?
You can now get x11 units instead of 10, so yes, but we strongly recommend you to save gems for Poké Fair or Master Fair banners (which has a higher rate for 5★ characters).
4. How many gems are required to receive a Sync Pair of my choice?
36.600 non-paid gems (or 36.300 gems + 100 paid gems for a daily single pull), which is the equivalent of 400 scout points. Scout points do not carry over between banners.
5. What does [X]/5, [Y]/20, etc mean?
When you obtain a Sync Pair, they're at 1/5 Sync Move level. Rolling a dupe of that Sync Pair, or using a Move Candy will increase it by 1 level. 3/5 is the minimum for most sync pairs to complete their full Sync Grid, but some Poké Fairs have grid expansions that require their Sync Move to be completely maxed out at 5/5 for their full Sync Grid.
At the same time, Sync Pairs are at 0/20 Potential when they're just obtained. Giving Sync Pairs Powerups will raise their Potential and stats. When a Sync Pair is given 20 powerups, their star level will be increased. Getting a unit to 5★ 20/20 is mandatory for it to further upgrade to 6★ EX (if it has one).
6. How do I Unlock The Level cap of my units?
Training Area (Cap Unlock Area), (Cap Unlock Area 2), Exchange in the shop, Events.
7. Where do I get the manuals to level up my sync pairs?
Training Area (Level up Area), Exchange in the shop, Events, random drops in Trainer Lodge.
8. How do I get Sync orbs?
Training Area (Sync orb Area), Exchange in the shop, Events, Champion Stadium Master Mode (6K & 7.5K), random drops in Trainer Lodge.
9. What are Theme Skill and how do I get items to power them up?
Theme Skill is a new ability that raises the stats of your Sync Pairs if any of them has a common position, type, region, trainer group, or other features with another pair (or pairs) in the same team. Skill Spheres, which can be obtained in Theme Skill area and Champion Stadium Master Mode, are required to upgrade them.
10. What Lucky Skill should I roll for [X]? How do I get Lucky Cookies and Scrolls to unlock a Sync Pair's Lucky Skill?
Refer to Sync Grid Builds & Lucky Skills (by u/MomoSpark) for more details.
In general, the choices of Lucky Skills follow the roles of Sync Pairs:

• Strike:
  • Critical Strike 2 (3★ Crunchy)
  • Weathered Warrior 3 (3★ Deluxe) if used exclusively in weather
    • Boosts the damage of attack moves and sync moves but not max moves
• Support:
  • Vigilance (3★ Creamy), unless the Sync Pair already has Vigilance in their kit
  • Head Start 1 or Adrenaline 1 (both 3★ Deluxe) for -3 sync countdown acceleration
• Tech:
  • Refer to Strike if the Sync Pair's kit is Strike-based (e.g. Marnie & Morpeko, May & Swampert, P Serena & Whimsicott, etc.)
  • Refer to Support if the Sync Pair's kit is a tanker and/or a healer (e.g. Prof Oak & Mew, SS Leaf & Venusaur, etc.)
  • Head Start 1 or Adrenaline 1 (both 3★ Deluxe) for -3 sync countdown acceleration
• Sprint:
  • Head Start 1 or Adrenaline 1 (both 3★ Deluxe) for -3 sync countdown acceleration
  • Refer to Strike if the Sync Pair's kit is Strike-based (e.g. Nemona & Pawmot, Paulo & Lycanroc Dusk, etc.)
• Field:
  • Refer to Strike if the Sync Pair's kit is Strike-based (e.g. Victor & Spectrier, Variety Giovanni & Rhydon, etc.)

There are exceptions to some Sync Pairs. For example,

• Iris & Haxorous favours Lessen Confusion 9 (2★ Crispy) to increase DPS under confusion with Confusion Boon 5 in grid.
• Serena & Delphox and most other sleep-inducing units favour Troublemaker 1 (3★ Crunchy) to increase the accuracy of sleep-inducing status moves.
• Zinnia & Rayquaza can go for either Dauntless (3★ Creamy) to mitigate SP ATK debuffs after each use of Draco Meteor, or Weathered Warrior 3 (3★ Deluxe) to stack with her weather-based multipliers.

Lucky Cookies and Lucky Scrolls can all be obtained in Battle Villa (Single Player & Co-op), Blissful Bonanza, and Legendary Gauntlet. Legendary Gauntlet can provide unlimited 3★ Lucky Cookies as well as Deluxe Cookies exclusive to that mode after each successful stage clear, and their drop chance increases with longer win streaks.
11. What are the Sync Move effects of 6★ EX Sync Pairs of different roles? Who should I promote to 6★ EX first?
Each role gives different effects to Sync Moves when upgraded to 6★ EX.

• Strike: Sync Move becomes AoE. (Its power is not reduced against multiple targets.)
• Support: Sync Move raises sync buff by +2 instead of +1 when it is used for the first time. (Each sync buff increases damage output by 50%.)
• Tech: Sync Move power x1.5
• Sprint: Sync Move reduces the user's sync move countdown by 3.
• Field: Sync Move applies a field effect before dealing damage and extends its duration by 50%.

Support is usually prioritized for promotion to 6★ EX because its EX effect effectively doubles the damage of all allied sync pairs after first sync and is more widely applicable across most game modes, and the increased stats from raising the support's Potential greatly enhances its bulk to tank stages.
For Strike, if its kit has a very high DPS (e.g. SS Red & Charizard, Diantha & Gardevoir, etc.), or includes a powerful Sync multiplier (e.g. Steven & Metagross's Haymaker, Barry & Empoleon's Inertia, etc.), you are highly recommended to upgrade it to 6★ EX to apply the damage to all opponents. This applies to Tech as well, but only if the unit is a Sync nuker (e.g. Marnie & Morpeko, May & Swampert, etc.).
Since Field applies a field effect that can boost its own damage and potentially that of its allies as well, upgrading it to 6★ EX is also recommended. Sprint enables faster sync buffs and usually come with innate Sync Move multipliers like Tech, but its EX effect does not improve damage as directly as the other roles.
Promoting Support-type units to 6★ EX is not a must, but it's always an added bonus, especially if their Sync Move can provide any additional effects via passive or grid skills.
Always remember to upgrade Rosa to 6★ EX because the materials are obtainable for free.
12. Which Sync Pair should I use my candy on?
Refer to Which Sync Pair Should You Give Your Candy To? (Infographic) (by u/MuddyDummy) for more details.
Always save your candies unless the Sync Pair is exclusive to Seasonals, Poké Fairs or Master Fairs. Most Sync Pairs are usable at 1/5. You can always "accidentally" pull the unit you've been looking for from the normal pool, but you never know when limited Sync Pairs will rerun again. This may not apply to Sync Pairs that are your favorite.
​

Common Technical Questions/Errors

Below lists all common technical errors you may encounter during the game, as well as how you can fix it. You are strongly encouraged to contact DeNA with any problems at [support@pokemonmasters-game.com](mailto:support@pokemonmasters-game.com) if any of these advice do not help.

1. Error 20103 — Please check your connection and try again: Usually caused due to lack of connection or sudden disconnection. Try playing the game in a place with more stable connection.
2. Error 10102 — An error has occurred. Restarting the game: This error is often triggered because it detects your phone is rooted, or that you are using external applications which allows opening multiple accounts on the same device. For rooted phone users, make sure you hide your rooted status.
3. Game crashed mid-battle: Restart the app and clear your cache. This option is available in the bottom-left corner of the title screen.
4. Does Pokémon Masters work on emulators? No. As of now, PM is not compatible with any of the emulators (including Bluestacks, Nox, etc.) However, playing two accounts on the same device is possible on Android by cloning with Island.

​

Tools

• Events Countdown Timer (created by u/antocs, updated by Thunder#4694)
• PoMaTools (u/stdk12)

​

Guides

• A Beginner’s Guide for Building Teams and Training Pokémon (u/Stitch426)
• Pokémon Masters: Tier List & Resources (PokemonMasters Guide Writer Team, Gamepress)
• Pokémon Masters EX: Datamine Analysis (PokemonMasters Guide Writer Team)
• Sync Grid Builds & Lucky Skills (u/MomoSpark)
• Eggmon Compendium (u/Zinfogel)
• Pokémon Masters Damage Formula (u/stdk12)
• More guides can be found HERE.

​
Reminders

• To receive quicker response from other fellow users, it is strongly recommended to enlist your roster, Lucky Skills, Sync Grid builds and other information deemed necessary, such that you can be provided a strategic team with higher chance of success when battling.
• If you would like to provide images and videos, you may use external websites such as Imgur, Gyazo and Streamable to embed links.
• Do not force your own playstyle onto others as it is completely subjective. Different kinds of players, veterans and novices, casual and hardcore, may all share different opinions and playstyles. It is fine to give suggestions, but forcing your ideas and way of playing onto others is not something to be condoned here. No one's way of playing is completely right.

Profile Pensions are on a mission to make Britain better off by giving everyone the right pension plan based on their individual circumstances.
A better pension for a brighter financial future. Combine your old pensions into a personalised plan and they'll make sure your money works as hard as you do.
___________________________________________________________________
Their current Promotion gives new users a £50 Amazon voucher when they:
· Join using a referral link
· Transfer a pension worth at least £1,000 over to Profile Pensions. OR:
· Just open a pension with them worth min. of £1,000 - I did this option
Proof here.
___________________________________________________________________
Use the Profile Pensions referral link to sign up which gives a free £50 Amazon voucher each.
* Won't take more than a few minutes, but have your NINO ready.
* The more you contribute, the more tax relief you get from HMRC.
* Sometimes there may be issues with referral. IF you haven't got the bonus, please let me know and we can chase. Support are really helpful and will always honour the bonuses.
* Once you've got the Amazon voucher, you can cancel the regular payment. Or, you can transfer the pension out to another provider.
___________________________________________________________________
Note:
· You can always then transfer your Profile Pension elsewhere but do it after you have got the bonus. All usual pension benefits and regulations apply similarly to other providers
· If you need any help or use my referral and they need any details, just send me a chat!
· They have no fees apart for 0.83% or 0.87% annual fee they charge depending on the fund/plan you choose
· The bonus is typically credited 30 days after they complete your transfer
Terms
___________________________________________________________________
non-ref - no bonus

Full List of Australian Crypto, Banking and Stock Exchange Bonuses
Full list of Australian referrals
Bit of free money to spice up youday 💰💰
Happy to pay extra for Virgo, Block Earner, We Bull, ING and revolut. Dm with any questions!
————————————————————————
Cryptocurrency 🪙
———————————————————————— (AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE) Luno 🌗 Earn 35$ when you sign up and invest 199$.

1. Sign up with my invite link
2. Deposit and buy $199 in any crypto (Luno exchange not included)
3. We both get $35.00 free BTC

Luno Link: You're invited!

1. Sign up with my invite link
2. Deposit and buy $199 in any crypto (Luno exchange not included)
3. We both get $35.00 free BTC

https://www.luno.com/invite/FUC8SB
————————————————————————
Virgo ♍️ Earn 5$ for signing up plus an extra 15$ when you make a deposit of 100$

1. Signup and complete your kyc.
   
2. Deposit 100$ and the 20$ will be credited to your account at midnight the following night
   
3. Withdraw straight back out into your bank account
   

Virgo Link: https://virgo.co/au/register?code=aB5TYNQD
I will also PAY id you 5 dollars!
————————————————————————
Crypto.com
Referral code. Make 50 from following the instructions app steps!
qbr8nwnzg4
————————————————————————
Swyftx 💰 Free 10$ when you signup and make a trade of any amount

1. Signup using my link
   
2. make a investment into a stock (minimum 1$ i think)
   
3. you’ll be credited 10$ in btc which you can sell and withdraw
   

https://trade.swyftx.com/registe?promoRef=rf_Jwdt3DWd9JfFCCM1Ft5bkv
————————————————————————
Block earner🪙
Deposit 260, buy 250 worth of crypto and instantly receive 25 extra in cash. Can withdraw 48 hours later!
https://blockearner.com.au/referral/?kid=1RVLYO
————————————————————————
Coinspot
Receive 10$ btc when you complete your first trade

1. Signup using my link
   
2. make a investment into a stock
   
3. you’ll be credited 10$ in btc which you can sell and withdraw
   

I’m unable to post this link on reddit for some reason so just give me a pm and we can sort it out if your interested
————————————————————————
Banking account 🏦
———————————————————————— ING REFERRAL
Do your thing more with a $75 bonus for every friend you refer ING Australia is celebrating 25 years of helping customers do their thing. So what better way to celebrate than by giving you a $75 bonus for every friend you refer who completes the required steps by 30 June 2024! Plus we'll give them a $75 bonus too. Simply share your unique promo code with your friends, then it's over to them to do their part. Your unique promo code is: JOR784
(I will pay you and extra $25 for doing this too!)
Blossom
Deposit 20 and receive 10
https://ref.blossomapp.com/registeTdSaiN2wPW8GMuhK8
Revolut
Join Revolut and I’ll half my $60 pay out with you. You’ll also make an easy 15 dollars in free crypto from their crypto learning!
Join me and over 40 million users who love Revolut. Sign up with my link below: https://revolut.com/referral/?referral-code=michaejtca!MAY1-24-AR-AU-L1
U Bank Simply sign up and you’ll receive 10 after making 5 transactions within 30 days. Can be as small as 0.1 cents each.
53MHY5K
————————————————————————
Stock Exchanges 📈📊
————————————————————————
Moomoo Make a $100 AUD plus deposit and receive $50 AUD in bonuses. I’m happy to pay you an extra 10 AUD after you’ve done this!
https://j.au.moomoo.com/00XLBA
WeBull Make an ititial deposit of $200 AUD and receive 100 in trading vouchers. I will also pay you $25 AUD via PayID once rewards are received and we confirm your referral
https://www.webull.com.au/s/Q2cauH40gZdxIrXVWv
Spaceship 🚀 Free 20$ when you invest 10$
Hey. Start investing with Spaceship Voyager today! Get $20 in your account when you enter this code S81R0A98H5 within 14 days of signing up and invest at least $10 in your chosen portfolio within 90 days of signing up. T&Cs apply. Spaceship Voyager issued by Spaceship Capital Ltd AFSL 501605. General advice only. Consider the PDS on our website before making a decision to invest with Spaceship Voyager. https://link.spaceship.com.au/g6AEzxkKg4B6PHQN9

1. signup using this code above and complete kyc
   
2. deposit 10$ into your chosen portfolio and your bonuses will be added over the next couple business days
   
3. withdraw your 30$ and enjoy your money
   

————————————————————————
Sharesies 🍍 Sharesies just upped there program to a Free 10$ instead of 5$ until the 30th of June for signing up and completing kyc

1. Signup and complete kyc
   
2. you’ll receive a free 5$ to invest in a stock
   
3. buy and sell a stock of your choice and then your able to withdraw into your bank
   

Sharesies Link: https://sharesies.com/7Q87XW
————————————————————————
Stake Asx Free Nike, Dropbox or Gopro stock

1. Signup using the link below
   
2. complete kyc and deposit 50$ to fund your account
   
3. withdraw your deposit and your free stock and enjoy your money
   

Stake Link: https://hellostake.com/michaelm627?name=Michael

Sharing our absolute nightmare experience with Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.
1: Billing Nightmare - We booked directly on the Secrets website, and paid extra for a feature called "Price Guarantee" that said we could get a one-time price adjustment if our exact package was offered at a lower price.
When we noticed our package was available for $800+ less a few weeks later, we attempted to use the feature we'd paid for.
Customer service told us: the feature didn't exist (we had it in writing on our reservation confirmation email), we hadn't paid for it (we had a receipt), it was serviced by a third party (both companies they sent us two routed us back to Secrets), the feature did exist but using it would cancel our trip insurance that we'd paid $260 for, we could use the feature but would need to pay an additional $175 fee to do so, etc. Every single time we talked to someone it was a different story, and the reps ranged from unhelpful to aggressively rude.
I ended up emailing dozens of corporate contacts asking for help: regional directors, resort managers, customer service VPs, Hyatt corporate VPs, literally anyone and everyone whose contact info I could find.
Finally a World of Hyatt director of reservations contacted me, confirmed we did actually qualify for a Price Guarantee without any extra fees, and we eventually got our refund, but the whole process took nearly 6 weeks of calling and emailing, and no one at Secrets or Hyatt ever apologized for the mess.
2: Broken Lock - This is relatively minor, but halfway through our stay, the electronic lock on our door broke and we were locked out of our room for around 3 hours during dinner. We couldn't eat at any of the restaurants because we were still in swimsuits and couldn't get into the room to showechange. Beach and pool service had already ended, too. We ended up just sitting on pool chairs for hours in the dark, just waiting for maintenance to fix the lock so we could get back into our room. Our concierge did apologize verbally for this, but nothing else.
3: The Room Disaster - A few days after the lock incident, I was showering when I heard a giant CRASH in the room. I came out to discover one of the very large decorative wall panels had fallen off the wall, shattering a lamp on its way down. There was broken glass and wood splinters all over the entire room.
I mean, all over EVERYTHING. The bed, the floor, the couch, the bedside tables, my suitcase, our shoes, everything. A huge piece of glass had sliced through a phone charging cord -- if a person has been near the panel when it fell, they would have been severely injured and needed stitches.
At first, the resort's solution was to send maintenance, who removed the panel and swept the floor... and nothing else.
There was still broken glass all over the bedding!
I asked if we could be moved to a room not covered in broken glass, but resort management refused. I asked if we could at least get housekeeping to change all the linens, which they agreed to... except there was still broken glass in the room after their first cleaning, so I had to have them come back a second time.
Their "compensation" for this whole mess was to offer us... a free bottle of champagne. We were on the club plan and could already get unlimited champagne by the glass!
I asked if we could get something a little more considering all the time we'd lost dealing with the issue and the fact that we still kept finding slivers of glass in the room (we had to wear shoes in the room for the entire rest of the stay), and the answer was a firm no. Spa treatment? No. Time on a Bali bed? No. Voucher towards an activity? No. They weren't willing to do anything at all other than the aforementioned bottle of champagne.
It wasn't until I went to the front desk and started very loudly explaining the issue -- making sure the long line of guests waiting to check in could hear about all the broken glass that we were still finding in our room -- that we suddenly qualified for a slightly better compensation (a free massage at the spa).
Throughout this whole saga, I reached out to World of Hyatt corporate several times. Their reps always promised to follow up, but never actually did.
Absolute worst experience I've ever had at a resort, and we will never book with any Hyatt property ever again.

Hello All Would like to know more about the difference between LFCS and LFCT PS: I got a free voucher for either, so please dont suggest rhcsa
my end goal is cloud/devops...i dont have any other linux certs , i have only virtualization certs
i will start a new job as azure support
and my linux knowledge is basic
Linux foundation certified sys admin linux foundation cloud technician

EDIT: SORRY IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY SAW/WERE READING ANOTHER VERSION OF THIS - I ACCIDENTALLY PUT THE WRONG DATE AND COULDN'T CHANGE IT, SO HERE'S THE UPDATED VERSION!
Hi everyone, I'm back again for another round of the daily!
So, exciting news today - we got a guzzlord on wave 34! Exciting news indeed!
As we've previously found, reloading the browser makes changes to the rng, so now I have notes when the browser has been reloaded so you can reload it too :). As per usual, sorry about the reloads - it'd be much easier if there weren't any, but I had some issues and instead of being able to restart I had to reload. Also there's at least one place where I've said to quit to menu and continue - I don't think this is the same as a reload, so maybe don't reload and just quit to menu instead?
One thing is that I've got a test run happening in the background - I've tested this guide up to 15 to make sure I haven't missed any notes, but that's as far as I've gone so far, so from stage 16 onwards there might be some reloads missing. If so, let me know and I can update it, or if I get time to do more testing I'll update this note as I go.
ALSO: thanks to everyone who told me what browser they were using yesterday. If you guys don't mind, I'd like to gather a bit more data to try and figure out why some things work for some and not others, so if you do have any feedback (either that the guide worked or that there was an issue), would you be able to mention your browser again today? For reference I'm on firefox but yesterday we had people with both firefox AND chrome who had the guide work perfectly, and also had people on firefox AND chrome who had an issue on a particular bit... doesn't quite make sense yet, but hopefully more data will help!
ALSO ALSO: we're still trying to figure out exactly what the relationship with reloading is. For now, if when you need to reload, reload once you've chosen your pokemon for the battle, as, on average, that's when I would reload. I don't know if it'll make a difference, but it can't hurt to try and see what happens :)
As per the others, I'm still learning about all this, so sorry for any mistakes I've made - I probably missed at least a couple of reloads, but hopefully I got the majority of them.
A couple of things of note: firstly, guzzlord! We get it on wave 34 and catch it with a nice master ball :). This is my first time seeing and using a master ball, and seeing a legendary in a run, so this was all around very exciting! Also in this run there's a few max IV pokemon. I'll put them in a table here (and as a note on the wave) with the pokemon, the stage number and the IV, so you can try get it if you need it, and while I don't know about any other max IV pokemon, if people do manage to find others I can update this table - just let me know :)
Also, I found an ability charm on WAVE 49!! By then it was too late to figure out what to do with it, but if you want to try and rng it earlier, feel free to! Let me know if you find any HA pokemons with it!

Pokemon	Max stat (31)	Wave
Wooloo	Def	2
Cutiefly	HP	8
Flaffy	Atk	9
Raticate	HP AND Sp. Atk	21

I think I actually did kinda well today - I think I might have missed a few pokemon but then caught them later in the run, so I think I got all the unique pokemon at least, even if I didn't catch every pokemon. I could be wrong though
With the below steps, if I haven't said to take a move when one is offered, that means to not learn it. For the table, there's two columns relating to moves - one for moves to take and one for moves to replace. For example, if the "Move(s) to take..." column has Headbutt and the corresponding row in the "... by replacing move(s)" column has Wrap, it would mean you need to replace wrap with headbutt at this stage when it's offered - and if during that stage a different move is offered, don't take it if it's not on the list. Also if there's multiple moves to be offered, the moves offered in the table are listed from top to bottom of the order you get them - so if you have something like the below, it means that Crunch will be offered before Headbutt will, which will be before Firethrower (and their associated replacements):

Move(s) to take...	... by replacing move(s)
Crunch	Vine whip
Heatbutt	Astonish
Firethrower	Water gun

Also, if there are multiple waves back to back that have the same pokemon (or are within a few waves of each other), I'll label them as 1 and 2 - i.e. Linoone 1 and Linoone 2. This is to help avoid confusion if you're looking back and forth and trying to figure out where you're at
Lastly, with the steps below, if I don't say to switch out to a pokemon, that means you use the pokemon that's come out automatically.
With that, here's the guide:

Stage 1

Wave 1: Wooloo
Steps:

1. Baby doll eyes
2. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Great balls
Wave 2: Wooloo
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: This wooloo has a max (31) def stat
Steps:

1. Baby doll eyes
2. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Ultra balls
Wave 3: Cutiefly and Blitzle
Steps:

1. Shadow sneak and fury swipes cutiefly
2. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Headbutt	Defence curl

Reward: Ultra balls
Wave 4: Eldegoss
Steps:

1. Great ball
2. Replace level 20 wooloo with eldegoss

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Brick break on mienfoo - replace reversal
Wave 5: Trainer Rateis
Steps:

1. Switch to mienfoo
2. Brick break
3. Switch to wooloo
4. Switch to linoone
5. Slash x 6

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Spark	Tail whip
Leaf tornado	Sweet scent
Force palm	Pound

Reward: Potion linoone
Wave 6: Floette
Steps:

1. Switch to blitzle
2. Spark x 2
3. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion blitzle
Wave 7: Blitzle
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Switch to mienfoo
2. Fake out
3. Brick break

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 8: Cutiefly
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: This cutiefly has a max (31) HP
Steps:

1. Fake out
2. Switch to mimikyu
3. Shadow sneak
4. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Super potion linoone
Wave 9: Flaffy
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: This flaffy has a max (31) Atk
Steps:

1. Pokeball x 2

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion Mimikyu
Wave 10: Ribombee
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Shadow sneak x 3
2. Baby doll eyes
3. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Stage end

Stage 2

Wave 11: Mightyena
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: If you kill mightyena in 2 force palms instead of taking it low and paralizing it, exit to the menu and continue the game. You don't need to reload, but you do need to exit to menu and then hit continue
Steps:

1. Switch to Meinfoo
2. Force palm x 2
3. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
U turn	Fury swipes

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 12: Bibarel 1
Steps:

1. Switch to linoone
2. Slash x 2
3. Pokeball
4. Replace linoone with bibarel

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Crunch	Yawn

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 13: Bibarel 2
Steps:

1. Switch to meinfoo
2. Brick break

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion bibarel
Wave 14: Golbat and Bibarel
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Switch meinfoo for dubwool and mimikyu for eldegoss
2. Double kick and leaf tornado bibarel
3. Great ball
4. Swap dubwool for golbat

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Super potion eldegoss
Wave 15: Trainer Jay and Veronica
Steps:

1. Switch minefoo for eldegoss and mimikyu for zebstrika
2. Brick break on linoone, shadow sneak on kadabra
3. Switch eldegoss for mienfoo and mimikyu with zebstrika
4. Leaf tornado clauncher, spark psyduck
5. Leaf tornado and spark clobbopus

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Super potion zebstrika
Wave 16: Bibarel
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Leaf tornado x 2

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Hyper voice	Round
Drain punch	Force palm

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 17: Persian
Steps:

1. Switch to mienfoo
2. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Slash	Double team

Reward: Great balls
Wave 18: Pikachu and Linoone
Steps:

1. Drain punch and quick attack linoone
2. Fake out and spark pikachu x 2
3. Great ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Bite	Quick guard

Reward: Miracle seed eldegoss
Wave 19: Talonflame
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Switch to bibarel
2. Rollout x 2
3. Use pokeball
4. Replace golbat with talonflame
5. Bibarel will die from the burn damage
6. It will ask you to bring someone out to replace bibarel - choose talonflame; at this point the battle will be over

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion talonflame
Wave 20: Trainer Cress
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I think by choosing talonflame in the previous battle something weird happened because we just got talonflame to our party or something - I'm not too sure. Either way, I had a weird bug here where all the icons and sprites and everything had disappeared? I exited to the menu and continued the fight as per the steps, but I didn't reload. If you also have this bug, exit to the main menu and continue the fight
Steps:

1. Switch to eldegoss
2. Leaf tornado x 2
3. Switch to zebstrika
4. Switch to eldegoss
5. Leaf tornado
6. Switch to mimikyu
7. Wood hammer

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Aerial ace	Flail

Reward: Stage end

Stage 3

Wave 21: Raticate 1
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: This raticate has a max (31) HP AND a max (31) Sp. Atk
Steps:

1. Switch to meinfoo
2. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 22: Indeedee
Steps:

1. Switch to mimikyu
2. Pokeball x 2

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 23: Raticate 2
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Switch to meinfoo
2. Brick break
3. Drain punch

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Shadow claw	Baby doll eyes

Reward: Super lure
Wave 24: Watchog
Steps:

1. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Reroll the rewards, then pick the Master ball (it'll come in handy later!)
Wave 25: Trainer Axel
Steps:

1. Switch to talonflame
2. Acrobatics x 2

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Reroll, then pick the Super lure
Wave 26: Raticate 3
Steps:

1. Switch to mienfoo
2. Drain punch

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 27: Purugly and Raticate
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Switch zebstrika out with mimikyu
2. Drain punch and slash raticate
3. Uturn and slash purugly (bring out bibarel for uturn)
4. Headbutt and slash purugly
5. Ultra ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Reroll, then pick the Super lure
Wave 28: Purugly and Linoone
Steps:

1. Switch babarel out for mienfoo
2. Drain punch and slash purugly
3. Drain punch and slash linoone

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Pokeballs
Wave 29: Raticate and Purugly
Steps:

1. Drain punch and slash purugly
2. Drain punch and slash raticate

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Leaf storm	Razor leaf

Reward: Super potion Mienshao
Wave 30: Trainer Larry
Steps:

1. Brick break
2. Switch to zebstrika
3. Quick attack (zebstrika dies here)
4. Bring out mienshao
5. Fake out
6. Switch to bibarel (bibarel immediately dies)
7. Bring out mienshao
8. Fake out
9. Brick break
10. U turn (bring out mimikyu)
11. Slash x 5

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Stage end

Stage 4

Wave 31: Wormadam and Garbodor
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Swap mimikyu for talonflame and mienshao for zebstrika
2. Acrobatics and spark on garbodor
3. Quick attack and aerial ace wormadam
4. Pokeball x 3

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Lure
Wave 32: Muk and Skuntank
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I couldn't find a way to catch either, but I think we do catch them later on in the run
Steps:

1. Swap zebstrika with mienshao
2. Acrobatics and brick break skunktank
3. Acrobatics muk and swap mienshao out with bibarel
4. Bibarel immediate dies - swap with mienshao
5. Acrobatics and drain punch (kills muk)

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Lure
Wave 33: Raticate and Wormadam
Steps:

1. Flame charge wormadam and drain punch raticate

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Play rough	Wood hammer

Reward: Lure
Wave 34: Wormadam and GUZZLORD!
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: Yay guzzlord :)
Steps:

1. Flame charge wormadam and fake out guzzlord
2. Master ball :)
3. Replace bibarel with GUZZLORD

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Steel wing	Ember

Reward: Great balls
Wave 35: Trainer Koji
Steps:

1. Acrobatics x 4

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion talonflame
Wave 36: Wormadam and Skunktank
Steps:

1. Flame charge and brick break wormadam
2. Great ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Sitrus berry talonflame
Wave 37: Skunktank
Steps:

1. Acrobatics x 2

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion talonflame
Wave 38: Raticate
Steps:

1. Switch to mienshao
2. Brick break

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Lum berry mimikyu
Wave 39: Wormadam
Steps:

1. Switch to talonflame
2. Flame charge

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
Dragon rush	Gsatro acid

Reward: Potion talonflame
Wave 40: Trainer Piers
Steps:

1. Switch to mimikyu
2. Play rough x 4
3. Bring out mienshao
4. U turn
5. Bring out mimikyu
6. Play rough x 3

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Stage end

Stage 5

Wave 41: Conkeldurr
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Pokeball
2. Great ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion Mimikyu
Wave 42: Gurdurr
Steps:

1. Slash x 2
2. Pokeball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Spell tag mimikyu
Wave 43: Conkeldurr
Steps:

1. Ultra ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Reroll twice, then Hyper potion mimikyu
Wave 44: Scrafty
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Pokeball
2. Ultra ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: X Sp. Def
Wave 45: Trainer Bobby
Steps:

1. Play rough x 2

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
High jump kick	Brick break

Reward: Sitrus berry mimikyu
Wave 46: Excadrill 1
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Pokeball x 4

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Rare candy guzzlord
Wave 47: Muk
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: I reloaded my browser here; make sure to reload during the fight once it's started, and not too late
Steps:

1. Swap to zebstrika
2. Pokeball
3. Ultra ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion zebstrika
Wave 48: Rhydon
Steps:

1. Switch to mienshao
2. Drain punch
3. Ultra ball

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Potion mienshao
Wave 49: Excadrill 2
NOTE FOR THIS WAVE: Ability charm rolls here - obviously not much we can do with it now, but if you want to try rng it to an earlier time, you can try and get some HA mons! Let me know if you do!
Steps:

1. Drain punch

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: Reroll, then Sitrus berry mimikyu
Wave 50: Marshadow
Steps:

1. Switch to mimikyu
2. Play rough x 2
3. DAILY DONE!

Move(s) to take	... by replacing move(s)
None	None

Reward: DAILY DONE!
With that, that should be it! Good luck with it all, and hopefully it works nicely! I'll be taking a break for the weekend, but will be back next weekish to keep going with this, but I just wanted to thank everyone for all their support and help and understanding with these guides, it's been so much fun to make them for everyone to use!
As usual, let me know how it all goes, and good luck with your guzzlord and egg vouchers!

I made a 613 while passing score is 675
It took a hit at my confidence,but I’m definitely going to try again
I in a trade school for IT so I get free vouchers I get 2 more after this
Does anyone have any tips for the second go around ?

My mom called me about twenty minutes ago excitedly asking me if I could drive her somewhere. She then tells me that she got a free car “from the government” and that she’s been texting someone who is bringing the car. They wanted to bring it to her home, but she insisted they meet outside the sheriff’s department.
She’s never talked to anyone on the phone and claims to have filled out a lot of paperwork online, but that she never gave her SSN. She also doesn’t remember the name of the website she went to, only that she googled “free car from the government” a while back and has been working to get one ever since.
Y’all, this seems sketchy as all heck to me, so I told her to tell the guy to wait a day or two so I could research. There ARE government vouchers for free cars, but I’m not even sure my mom would qualify for one, and as she can’t remember the name of the website I’m even more concerned.
Anyone know of any scams like this? Full disclosure: my mom used to fall for the green dot card scams and other super easy to avoid things…she’s always looking for a new way to get money fast or get free things from “the government” and I just don’t trust her to make wise decisions.