Random News Part 1: 6 New AMEX Offers, Evolve Money Dislikes Discover Card, Tabbed Out Promo, and Winners of Amenity Kits and Amazon Gift Cards

Good morning everyone, here is part 1 of my Random News (part 2 will be out shortly with lots of news on credit card rewards, statement credits, retention bonuses, etc.).  For now, here are 6 new AMEX offers that came out yesterday:

A few weeks ago, Evolve Money sent out the following email alerting all of its users that Discover Card payments could no longer be used to pay mortgages, car payments, 529 savings plans, retail store credit cards, and student loans.

I wanted to see if Evolve Money made the switch and it looks like they did.  I tried to pay my bill on January 1, but got this message that says I already maxed out the number of credit card payments I could do to this biller.  Boo!

I talked about Tabbed Out a few times last year, here is another promo.  I have yet to use this service since I haven’t found any restaurants or bars that are participating.  I will keep looking!

Last but not least, here are the winners of my amenity kit contest (link).  I had so many responses, it was very hard to narrow the list down to just 6, so I sent out $5 Amazon eGift Cards to the 6 runners up.

Tiggywinkle22 (Delta Airlines Amenity Kit)

I am looking forward to my first real vacation in two years – going to Italy. I have been so busy with work, but when my father recently passed, I realized that life was very short and I need to live life from my heart right now and not waste another minute. So I took those miles that have been accumulating and booked a two week trip! Thank you for all of the info I’ve gleened from your great site and the chance to win the amenity kits for your readers. :-) (the Delta kit would be my choice)

TWG – I’m sorry to hear about your dad passing away, but I am glad you will finally get get to visit Italy.  I hope you have a great time!

Josh (American Airlines Amenity Kit)

I am excited for my 11 day trip courtesy of Etihad that will take me to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Cairo, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. I would love the AA or Delta kit!

TWG – I have yet to go to any of these places, so I definitely have some catching up to do.

Keith S (United Airlines Amenity Kit)

Just before the end of the year the company I’ve worked for 13 years announced they will be closing the office.I will officially be unemployed this march. so unless I can find a job, i’ll have plenty of time to travel to SE Asia and also travel up to Beijing to walk the Great Wall. That Delta Tumi bag would come in handy. Thanks

TWG – Keith, now is the time to take that trip to Southeast Asia that you have always wanted to go on.  Everything happens for a reason.

Judy Jones (United Airlines Amenity Kit)

Trying to plan to take three friends to Peru for 10 days from all my MS, it is like herding cats! Would love the United one!

TWG – I know how difficult it can be to get everyone to agree on one time, don’t give up Judy!

Laarni (United Airlines Amenity Kit)

We’re using miles to go on a 2-week vacation in London and Paris. It will be my family’s first time in Europe! :)

TWG – My first trip to Europe was to London and Paris with my parents and younger brother.  It’s kind of sad that my first time to Europe was in June 2008 :/

flyingcturtle (United Airlines Amenity Kit)

Looking forward to taking my mother to Rome, London, and Paris. She has never left the US and she only knows we are going to London. So hopefully it will be a huge surprise.

Brian J ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

My friend and I are doing Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, and Madrid in February. Most of it is funded with points/miles! We can’t wait. Thanks for all the knowledge you’ve shared. Would love the Delta kit as a first choice but any would do! Thanks for doing this. Happy New Year!

coptermedic ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

Traveling to Antarctica and setting foot on my seventh continent

CeCe lassiter ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

I am looking forward to my baby girl graduating from High School and taking her to Germany for graduation!

Renee ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

I am most looking forward to a trip I have planned for my family (12 of us) to France. While it will drain over a million miles from my account, I am looking forward to spending time with my entire family and have them experience flying business class most for the first time.

Matthew R ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

I’m looking forward to using my miles for a good cause this fall when myself and some coworkers head to Haiti for a week of service.

Michael ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

I am most looking forward to going to Korea in a couple of weeks to finalize the adoption of our son and bring him home.

Kelly S ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

Been saving up points to take some family to hawaii this year! Normally we go every year on points but this year we are taking the parents in law! They have never been and it is going to be awesome!

Raul ($5 Amazon eGift Card)

The thing that I am looking forward to the most in 2015 is my wedding in Maui. 6days and 5 nights in paradise all thanks to Grants posts and his readers comments. Free airfare free car rental and free lodging including one room where my new wife will be able to literally walk a few step and be on the beach. I look forward to giving my fiance a dream wedding and honey moon all thanks to everyone here at travelwithgrant.com

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest.  It was great reading what you were most looking forward to in 2015.  Have a great 2015 everyone!  If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.  Have a great day everyone!