Category Archives: Credit Cards

a close-up of a credit card

How to Book Annual Flex Night Award from Chase IHG Personal & Business Premier Credit Cards

Posted on by . 6 Replies

Good afternoon everyone.  I just read about the new IHG One Rewards program and decided to try to book a free night certificate Annual Flex Night Award for an IHG hotel than cost more than 40,000 IHG Points per night.  Every year when you pay the annual fee on your Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card or Chase IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you get an Annual Flex Night Award.  The Annual Flex Night Award can be used at any IHG property that costs up to 40,000 IHG Points or can be used in conjunction with IHG Points to book an IHG property that costs more than 40,000 IHG Points.  Even though I didn’t actually book the award, I went through the entire booking process and the process was quick and easy.  To get started, sign into your IHG account and click on the 1 Free Night link.

a screenshot of a website

Continue reading →

a credit card with a picture of a man

My Experience with AMEX Expand Your Membership with American Express Business Gold Card & Instant Card Number

Posted on by . 2 Replies

Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well.  A few weeks ago, Laura and I moved into a new home and we are in the process of getting custom closets installed in the bedrooms.  With that large purchase on the horizon, I wanted to get a new credit card to pick up another sign up bonus.  I saw that I was targeted by American Express to expand my membership by getting another business card.  I decided to get the American Express Business Gold Card.  I will share the application process and welcome letter below, but first, here are the front and back of the new card:

Continue reading →

a blue sky with clouds and black text

Travel with Grant has Moved… into a New Home & Quick Trip Report of our Maui Vacation

Posted on by . 12 Replies

Good morning everyone, happy Friday! Laura and I just finished selling our old home, buying a new home, doing a few small home improvement projects around the new home (painting rooms, changing lights, etc.) and unpacking boxes. I haven’t had much free time to write blog posts over the last few weeks, but now that the dust has settled, I have more free time now.

A few weeks ago (in the middle of packing and moving), Laura and I went to Maui for her Spring Break (she is a teacher). We flew Alaska Airlines roundtrip from San Francisco (SFO) to Maui (OGG) using my Alaska Airlines Companion Fare. Since we both have Alaska Airlines MVP Elite Status, we were upgraded to first class on our return flight. In my experience, I have had good luck getting upgraded when flying on less popular routes and on less popular days (like weekdays).

We used AutoSlash to help get us a good deal on a Hertz rental car. The new Maui airport rental car facility is very nice – I wish all airports had a rental car facility and tram system like the one at the Maui airport. We stayed on the South Shore in Kihei in a Vacasa Vacation Rental. The rental cost 13,500 Wyndham Rewards Points per night and I used a combination of points from my Barclays Wyndham Rewards Business Earner Credit Card and transferred Capital One Points to Wyndham Rewards to top off for an award.  Here is the view from our Vacasa Vacation Rental:

Continue reading →

a logo for a university

Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, April 9 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership

Posted on by . Leave a reply

Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well.  If you have no plans this Saturday, April 9, I highly recommend attending the FTU Virtual Seminar (tickets available for $25) or free if you have the FTU Online Annual Membership.  The seminar starts on Saturday, April 9 at 8am PT / 11am ET.  I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last year and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining – and I am sure this seminar will be no exception!  Here is the schedule and lineup of speakers:

a group of men in suits

Continue reading →

a logo for a university

Last Call to Register for Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Signature Dallas (April 2-3)

Posted on by . Leave a reply

Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well.  In addition to the Frequent Traveler University (FTU) virtual seminars I have written about over the last year, FTU has another in-person event this weekend.  If you have the FTU Online Annual Membership, please remember to use your $49 discount coupon when purchasing a ticket.  These events partner with the Travel & Adventure Show, so you have free access to the show along with your FTU ticket.

FTU Signature Dallas – April 2-3, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Market Center (close to Dallas Love Field).  Tickets are $249 for non-members and $200 for members (when you use the $49 coupon).  Everything is bigger in Texas and there will be a complimentary Texas BBQ dinner on Saturday night, along with a light breakfast, and lunch both days.  You can see the current lineup of speakers and the schedule here.

a screenshot of a website

Continue reading →