Dollar Coins In The Wild : Planet Money We talk to travelers who use frequent-flier-mile credit cards to buy dollar coins and pile up miles. And we hear how the U.S. Mint is cracking down.
Dollar Coins In The Wild
Thanks to Planet Money listeners for submitting these photos. Jess Jiang/NPR hide caption
On today's Planet Money: More on the mountain of dollar coins sitting unused in government vaults.
We talk to self-described 'travel hackers' who use frequent-flier mile credit cards to buy dollar coins and pile up miles.
And we learn that the U.S. Mint — just today! — said it would stop letting people use credit cards to buy the coins.
Money quote from the mint:
The Mint has determined that this policy change is prudent due to ongoing activity by individuals purchasing $1 coins with credit cards, accumulating frequent flyer miles, and then returning coins to local banks.
Also on the show: Why Ecuador loves U.S. dollar coins.
Teacher Rebecca Kayes shows off the dollar coins she uses in Quito, Ecuador. Rebecca Kayes hide caption
Teacher Rebecca Kayes shows off the dollar coins she uses in Quito, Ecuador.
Rebecca KayesSubscribe to the podcast. Music: Cut Copy's "Light & Music" Find us: Twitter/ Facebook.
Planet Money's Wall-To-Wall Dollar Coin Coverage:
How Frequent Fliers Exploit A Government Program To Get Free Trips
Dollar Coin Loophole Closes For Frequent Fliers
Bill Would Kill Dollar Coin Program