Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Travel with Grant

Transforming your Frequent Flyer Miles into Free Trips around the World

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [How to Apply $200 Promotional Card to your AT&T Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/10/04/how-to-apply-200-promotional-card-to-your-att-account/) - If you have an old iPhone or smartphone, check with your cell phone carrier to see if they offer a similar trade-in program.
- [How to Redeem Marriott Bonvoy 50K Point Free Night Certificates (Some Issues, Then Success)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/06/how-to-redeem-marriott-bonvoy-50k-point-free-night-certificates/) - Learn how to effortlessly redeem Marriott Bonvoy 50K Point Free Night Certificates and navigate through common booking challenges with success. Discover step-by-step guidance and tips to maximize your travel rewards for unforgettable stays at top destinations. Perfect for savvy travelers looking to get the most out of their Marriott rewards.
- [How to Load PayPal My Cash Cards to your PayPal Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/02/10/how-to-load-paypal-my-cash-cards-to-your-paypal-account/) - These cards can be found at CVS, grocery stores, gas stations, and other stores. They have a similar look and feel to the Vanilla Reload Cards, but these can only be loaded to your PayPal account.
- [Have you Read my Most Popular Posts of 2021?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/31/have-you-read-my-most-popular-posts-of-2021/) - Discover the top blog posts of 2021 that captured readers' attention! From Wells Fargo's policy changes to savvy travel tips, explore the most-read articles that kept everyone informed and engaged. Dive into the year's highlights and see why these posts resonated with so many!
- [Many Small Wins with Cash App Debit Card (Up to 20% Off Select Stores)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/14/many-small-wins-with-cash-app-debit-card-up-to-20-off-select-stores/) - Discover the benefits of the Cash App debit card, offering up to 20% off at select stores. Learn how to maximize savings with boosted deals and explore the customizable features of your Cash App card. Sign up with my referral link for a $10 bonus and start enjoying "small wins" on everyday purchases.
- [Changes to Wells Fargo Everyday Checking $10 Monthly Fee Waiver Requirements (Effective October 8)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/21/changes-to-wells-fargo-everyday-checking-10-monthly-fee-waiver-requirements-effective-october-8-2020/) - The option to avoid the $10 monthly service fee with 10 or more posted debit card transactions will no longer be available, and the minimum daily balance option will be lowered to $500.
- [Ask Me Anything (AMA) about Vacasa Vacation Rentals or Booking with Wyndham Rewards Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/22/ask-me-anything-ama-about-vacasa-vacation-rentals-or-booking-with-wyndham-rewards-points/) - Discover insider tips on booking Vacasa Vacation Rentals using Wyndham Rewards Points. Learn about the pros and cons of Vacasa stays, from stunning views and free amenities to quirky surprises. Maximize your points for affordable, memorable vacations. Join the AMA to get all your questions answered!
- [How to Profit from 2 Timeshare Presentations in Hawaii](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/10/21/how-to-profit-from-2-timeshare-presentations-in-hawaii/) - I received 6 days / 5 nights in a villa studio, 5,000 SPG points, and a 6 day Avis car rental for $798. I value 5,000 SPG points at $100, the Avis car rental at $150, so that means the stay in the studio villa cost about ~$550 for 5 nights in Maui.
- [How to Add Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card to Existing Online Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/04/09/how-to-add-wells-fargo-business-platinum-credit-card-to-existing-online-account/) - My new credit card arrived along with several letters, convenience checks, a pamphlet, and my PIN. I activated the credit card and added it to my online account.
- [Why I Converted my 3 Citi AT&T Access More Credit Cards to 3 Citi Custom Cash Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/13/why-i-converted-my-3-citi-att-access-more-credit-cards-to-3-citi-custom-cash-cards/) - Discover why I transitioned my 3 Citi AT&T Access More Credit Cards to Citi Custom Cash Cards. Explore the benefits and reasons behind the switch, including the impact on rewards, annual fees, and flexibility in earning 5% cash back on various spending categories. Find out how the Citi Custom Cash Cards could enhance your financial strategy.
- [Unboxing Chase IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Letter, Brochure & Online Activation Process](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/12/unboxing-chase-ihg-rewards-premier-business-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letter-brochure-online-activation-process/) - Discover the Chase IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Explore its sleek design, exclusive welcome perks, comprehensive brochure, and step-by-step online activation. Unlock 140,000 IHG Rewards Points and elite benefits like Platinum Elite Status and the 4th Night Free offer. Perfect for business travelers seeking exceptional rewards!
- [Strange Things About my New Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/18/strange-things-about-my-new-barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card/) - Discover the unexpected quirks of the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. From identity verification challenges to managing separate online accounts, learn about the unusual aspects of this card and how to navigate them smoothly. Explore tips on adjusting credit limits between personal and business cards and more insights in this detailed review.
- [Unboxing Citi Premier Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Documents & Active with Citi Mobile App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/07/25/unboxing-citi-premier-credit-card-card-art-welcome-documents-active-with-citi-mobile-app/) - In this post, I will show you the card art, the welcome documents and show you how to activate the credit card on the Citi Mobile App. Here is the front and back
- [Uline Purchases Do No Code as 5x Office Supply Stores with Chase Ink Plus (Codes as Shipping Supplies / Catalog Merchant)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/17/uline-purchases-do-no-code-as-5x-office-supply-stores-with-chase-ink-plus-codes-as-shipping-supplies-catalog-merchant/) - Discover why Uline purchases don't qualify for 5x points with Chase Ink Plus despite being a major office and shipping supply retailer. Learn how their transactions are categorized and what this means for your rewards strategy.
- [My Search for the Best Credit Card for Peloton Bike Rental Monthly Subscriptions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/07/my-search-for-the-best-credit-card-for-peloton-bike-rental-monthly-subscriptions/) - Discover the best credit card for Peloton bike rental subscriptions. Explore options, cash back, and bonus points for your $96.56 monthly fee. Find out which cards truly benefit your fitness investment.
- [My Negative Experience Moving / Reallocating Credit Limits / Prepaying Bill with Capital One Spark Business Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/01/my-negative-experience-moving-reallocating-credit-limits-prepaying-bill-with-capital-one-spark-business-credit-card/) - Discover the challenges of managing a Capital One Spark Business Credit Card. From denied credit limit increases to frustrating prepayment issues, learn from my experience to avoid similar pitfalls. Find out how I eventually overcame these hurdles and secured my $500 sign-up bonus.
- [My Experience Booking Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham Rewards Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/04/14/my-experience-booking-vacasa-vacation-rentals-with-wyndham-rewards-points/) - Unlock the secrets of booking dream vacations with Wyndham Rewards Points! Discover my firsthand experience navigating the process to reserve stunning Vacasa vacation rentals on the beautiful island of Kauai. Learn step-by-step how to maximize your points for unforgettable stays, including tips on selecting properties, contacting Wyndham, and ensuring a smooth reservation. Whether you're planning a getaway to Princeville or beyond, transform your points into paradise with these valuable insights.
- [How to Add Redemption Nominee to Singapore Airlines Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/01/12/how-to-add-redemption-nominee-to-singapore-airlines-account/) - I will show you how I easily booked an award ticket for another person using Singapore Airlines miles and how adding him as a redemption nominee was very simple.
- [Unboxing my JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Visa Infinite Credit Card: Cart Art & Welcome Packet](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/17/unboxing-the-new-jpmorgan-chase-ritz-carlton-visa-infinite-credit-card-lots-of-pics/) - If you have the old card and want the new card, just call the number on the back of your card and request a new Visa Infinite credit card be sent to you.
- [How to Redeem Southwest Airlines Gesture of Goodwill 25,000 Point Award Codes to your SWA Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/04/how-to-redeem-southwest-airlines-gesture-of-goodwill-25000-point-award-codes-to-your-swa-account/) - Redeem your 25,000 Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Points with ease! Learn step-by-step how to claim your goodwill gesture points or convert them into gift cards before they expire. Discover tips for maximizing your points for future travel with Southwest Airlines.
- [How to Reload your Bay Area BART Clipper Card at Whole Foods Market](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/21/how-to-reload-your-bay-area-bart-clipper-card-at-whole-foods-market/) - He told me that I could reload my Clipper Card (card used for public transportation around the Bay Area and to/from SFO and OAK airports) at Whole Foods.
- [Unboxing Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card: Card Art, Slow Approval Process, Add to ApplePay, & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/03/16/unboxing-wells-fargo-business-platinum-credit-card-card/) - Discover the Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card with a $300 cash back bonus. Learn about the slow approval process, adding the card to ApplePay before it arrives, and explore the welcome letter and brochure. Plan ahead as approval might take up to 2 months!
- [Last Day! Buy a $69 Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Online Annual Membership & Attend All 2022 Virtual Seminars for Free](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/31/last-day-buy-a-69-frequent-traveler-university-ftu-online-annual-membership-attend-all-2022-virtual-seminars-for-free/) - Unlock exclusive access to all 2022 Frequent Traveler University virtual seminars with a $69 annual membership! Now extended until January 14, 2022, use promo code 60_OFF_FTU_ONLINE to save $60 on your membership. Enjoy free virtual seminars, discounts on in-person events, and a vibrant community. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to enhance your travel experiences!
- [PSA: Don't Buy US Bank Visa Gift Cards from Ralphs / Kroger](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/13/psa-dont-buy-us-bank-visa-gift-cards-from-ralphs-kroger/) - Shortly after purchasing the gift card (like 5 minutes later), I took the gift card out of the packaging and called the number on the back of the gift card to set the PIN. After entering the 16 digit gift card number and the 3 digit security code, the voice on the phone said I was being transferred to a customer service rep.
- [InKind Restaurant Payment App Introduces Rewards Program (Targeted Challenges = Credit Back)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/07/inkind-restaurant-payment-app-introduces-rewards-program-targeted-challenges-credit-back/) - Discover the new InKind Rewards program offering exciting challenges for credit back at your favorite restaurants. Learn how to maximize savings with targeted challenges like visiting multiple times or trying new spots, and get $25 free when you spend $50 using the InKind app. Join the dining revolution now!
- [Unboxing Wells Fargo Propel World Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Documents & Benefits Guide](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/07/23/unboxing-wells-fargo-propel-world-credit-card-card-art-welcome-documents-benefits-guide/) - The Wells Fargo Propel World Credit Card offers 40,000 GoFar Rewards Points (worth $400) after spending $3,000 in 3 months and also a $100 airline incidentals reimbursement. 
- [Capital One Spark Miles Business Credit Card Application Process & Welcome Documents](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/16/capital-one-spark-miles-business-credit-card-application-process-welcome-documents/) - Apply for the Capital One Spark Miles Business Credit Card and enjoy a seamless application experience with instant approval. Discover the benefits of improved 1:1 transfer ratios to airline partners and a generous welcome bonus of 50,000 miles. Learn about the quick digital card access through ApplePay, timely card delivery, and the simple PIN setup process. Perfect for business owners aiming to maximize rewards and streamline their travel plans. Explore the full journey from application to card activation and start earning miles today.
- [Unboxing my Upgraded JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Visa Infinite Credit Card: Card Art & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/11/15/unboxing-my-upgraded-jpmorgan-chase-ritz-carlton-visa-infinite-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letter/) - This credit card came in a small black box inside a UPS Next Day Air package. Inside the box, was the welcome letter, card benefits, and the credit card.
- [Hilton Timeshare Vacation Package Deals: $299 for 4 Night Stay + 150,000 HH Points (7 Destinations Available) [Expires January 10]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/05/hilton-timeshare-vacation-package-deals-299-for-4-night-stay-150000-hh-points/) - Discover a fantastic Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare package: 4-night stay for just $299 plus 150,000 Hilton Honors Points, valued at $750. Choose from 7 amazing destinations like Orlando and Las Vegas. Offer ends January 10, 2023. Experience luxury while attending a brief sales presentation. Book now!
- [My Positive Experience Moving / Reallocating Credit Limits / Prepaying Bill with Bank of America Business Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/01/my-positive-experience-moving-reallocating-credit-limits-prepaying-bill-with-bank-of-america-business-credit-card/) - Discover how I successfully increased my Bank of America Business Credit Card limit to $10,000 by reallocating credit and prepaying bills. Learn firsthand tips on maximizing your card benefits and securing a $500 cash back bonus. Read my detailed experience for seamless credit management strategies.
- [Goodbye Better Balance Rewards, Hello Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards MasterCard and Visa Credit Cards (Card Art Images)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/13/goodbye-better-balance-rewards-hello-bank-of-america-unlimited-cash-rewards-mastercard-and-visa-credit-cards-card-art-images/) - Discover the transition from Bank of America's Better Balance Rewards to the Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Cards. Learn about the $200 bonus offer, card benefits, and how much cash back users have earned. Explore the card art and compare the new Visa and MasterCard options. Join the discussion on maximizing rewards with these new credit card offerings.
- [How to Activate Free Grubhub+ Membership using Lyft Pink Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/06/how-to-activate-free-grubhub-plus-membership-using-lyft-pink-membership/) - It was very quick and easy to activate my free Grubhub+ membership by using my existing Lyft Pink membership. I look forward to using Grubhub+ this month.
- [Citi Credit Card Payments Not Showing Online & in Citi App (YMMV)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/06/citi-credit-card-payments-not-showing-online-in-citi-app-ymmv/) - Discover how to navigate a potential bug affecting Citi credit card payments on the Citi website and app. Learn how to verify that your payments have posted even when they're not showing in the Transactions section. Ensure your financial peace of mind by following our step-by-step guide to access the Payment Activity page and confirm your payment history. Stay informed and manage your Citi credit cards with confidence.
- [Zelle's Parent Company (Early Warning Services) Launching New Paze Digital Wallet Service](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/06/zelles-parent-company-early-warning-services-launching-new-paze-digital-wallet-service/) - Discover the new Paze digital wallet service from Early Warning Services, the parent company of Zelle. Learn how Paze enhances online transactions with secure tokenization for your debit and credit cards, and explore its collaboration with major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo. Dive into the details of this innovative payment solution launching in late 2023, and find out how it could revolutionize your online shopping experience.
- [Chase Saved Account Manager: Track Where your Credit Cards are Stored Online & in Mobile Wallets](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/29/chase-saved-account-manager-track-where-your-credit-cards-are-stored-online-in-mobile-wallets/) - Discover Chase's Saved Account Manager: Effortlessly track where your credit cards are stored online and in mobile wallets like ApplePay and Google Pay. This handy tool helps you manage and update your card info seamlessly, especially when cards expire, are lost, or stolen. Explore how to access this feature and ensure your financial data is always up-to-date.
- [Citi Costco Anywhere Credit Card Extended Warranty Benefit Ending on January 22, 2023](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/04/citi-costco-anywhere-credit-card-extended-warranty-benefit-ending-on-january-22-2023/) - Discover the latest changes to your Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Credit Card benefits. Starting January 22, 2023, the extended warranty coverage will be discontinued. Learn how this change might impact your purchases and explore alternative credit card protections. Stay informed and find the best options for your needs.
- [Unboxing my US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Credit Card: Card Art, Brochure & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/03/29/unboxing-my-us-bank-altitude-reserve-visa-infinite-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letter-booklet/) - I got my new credit card today and took several photos as I was unboxing the card. I will go through all the items inside the folio. I hope you enjoy the post!
- [How to Find Hidden eBay Gift Cards in your PayPal Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/14/how-to-find-hidden-ebay-gift-cards-in-your-paypal-account/) - With Frequent Miler's recent post regarding Ebay Gift Cards and Doctor of Credit's recent post about Ebay shopping portals, I thought it would be a good idea to show you where to find your unused Ebay gift cards. I will show you where to look when you log into your PayPal account from a desktop computer and from the Ebay app on your smartphone.
- [My 2 Unsuccessful Retention Offer Calls for Chase Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business & AMEX Gold](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/09/my-2-unsuccessful-retention-offer-calls-for-chase-marriott-bonvoy-premier-plus-business-amex-gold/) - Explore my recent experiences with retention calls for Chase Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business and AMEX Gold cards. Discover why I decided to keep one card despite no retention offers and why I closed the other due to high fees. Learn about my point earning strategy, balancing AMEX MR Points and Citi ThankYou Points, and tips for maximizing credit card benefits.
- [I Received Southwest Airlines Travel Reimbursement Payment via Hyperwallet (2 Months Later)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/06/i-received-southwest-airlines-travel-reimbursement-payment-via-hyperwallet-2-months-later/) - Discover how I secured a Southwest Airlines travel reimbursement via Hyperwallet after a two-month wait. Learn about the process, tips for claiming your payment, and the importance of follow-ups for timely resolutions. Get your full reimbursement with these insights!
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday June 26 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/21/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-june-26-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Join the FTU Virtual Seminar on June 26 for an enriching experience in travel education! Secure your spot for just $25 or enjoy complimentary access with the FTU Online Annual Membership. The seminar kicks off at 8am PT / 11am ET, featuring insightful presentations you can revisit anytime with exclusive recordings. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance your travel knowledge. Sign up now!
- [How to Book Holiday Inn Club Vacations Properties with IHG Points & Free Night Certificates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/28/how-to-book-holiday-inn-club-vacations-properties-with-ihg-points-free-night-certificates/) - Discover how to effortlessly book Holiday Inn Club Vacations using IHG points and free night certificates. Unlock insider tips and step-by-step guidance to secure your dream getaway. Learn how to navigate the booking process online or by phone, ensuring a seamless experience. Explore our comprehensive list of 28 amazing properties and find out how to maximize your IHG rewards for vacations.
- [Convert Choice Hotels Points to Cash with Bakkt App (32K Points = $100)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/02/02/convert-choice-hotels-points-to-cash-with-bakkt-app-32k-points-100/) - Unlock the value of your Choice Hotels Points by converting them to cash using the Bakkt app. With the partnership between Choice Hotels and Bakkt, you can easily transform 32,000 points into $100. If you're not planning on using your points for award stays, this is a convenient option to consider. Download the Bakkt app today, link your Choice Hotels account, and start converting your points into cash now!
- [AutoSlash Saved Me Another $500 on 2 Rental Car Reservations](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/21/autoslash-saved-me-another-500-on-2-rental-car-reservations/) - Discover how AutoSlash saved me an extra $536 on Hawaii car rentals. From Enterprise to Alamo to Hertz, track my journey of slashing rental costs and learn how you can too. Maximize your savings and get the best deals with AutoSlash's effortless tracking. Read more for tips on booking cheaper car rentals!
- [15K Referral Points Posting for Referring Friends to 75K Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/06/15k-referral-points-posting-for-referring-friends-to-75k-barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-plus-credit-card/) - Earn 15K points by referring friends to the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Credit Card with a 75K sign-up bonus. Discover how referral points can post faster than expected as seen in my May statement. Learn more about maximizing rewards and potential yearly caps. Join the discussion and share your referral links!
- [How to Easily Convert a Discover Credit Card Online](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/02/28/how-to-easily-convert-a-discover-credit-card-online/) - To convert your existing Discover credit card online, click here and sign into your Discover online account. I converted a Discover It Miles to a Discover It.
- [Unboxing Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Letter & Benefits Booklets](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/26/unboxing-chase-ink-business-unlimited-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letter-benefits-booklets/) - Discover the features of the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card with our detailed unboxing. Explore the sleek card design, learn about the welcome letter, benefits booklet, and activation process. Understand how to optimize your credit limits between business cards to maximize the 75,000 points sign-up bonus. Perfect for those with upcoming large expenses, this guide simplifies your business credit card experience.
- [Wells Fargo Changes: New Statement Ending Dates, TTY/TDD Numbers Retired & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/19/wells-fargo-changes-new-statement-ending-dates-tty-tdd-numbers-retired-more/) - Discover the latest Wells Fargo updates, including the retirement of TTY/TDD numbers, changes in ATM fees, and new statement ending dates. Find out how these changes may impact you and learn about alternative communication options for the hearing impaired. Stay informed about Wells Fargo's evolving services and fee adjustments to better manage your banking experience.
- [How to Convert Gift Cards into Cash with Coinstar Exchange Kiosks](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/11/how-to-convert-gift-cards-into-cash-with-coinstar-exchange-kiosks/) - Good afternoon everyone, if you bought groceries lately, you may have seen a tall yellow machine next to the familiar green Coinstar kiosk. The tall yellow machine is a Coinstar Exchange kiosk where you can convert gift cards to cash in a few minutes. Let me show you how it works...
- [American Express Platinum Card Now Includes Hertz President's Circle Elite Status in Car Rental Benefit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/03/american-express-platinum-card-now-includes-hertz-presidents-circle-elite-status-in-car-rental-benefit/) - Unlock exclusive perks with the American Express Platinum Card! Now enjoy Hertz President's Circle Elite Status, offering benefits like skipping the counter, free additional drivers, expedited returns, and a 4-hour grace period. Enroll today and elevate your car rental experience!
- [Missing American Express Credit Card Statements Online? Check AMEX App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/10/10/missing-american-express-credit-card-statements-online-check-amex-app/) - If you cannot view your American Express credit card statements online, check on the AMEX App. You can view and email statements from the app to your email.
- [Unboxing my Discover It Miles Credit Card: Card Art & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/04/26/unboxing-my-new-discover-it-miles-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letters/) - In today's post, I am going to unbox my new Discover It Miles Credit Card, show you the card art, and welcome letters. Without further ado, here is the nice brown package/box that came to my home last week.
- [Unboxing Citi Custom Cash Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Letter, Directory of Services & Terms and Conditions Booklets](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/24/unboxing-citi-custom-cash-credit-card-welcome-letter-directory-of-services-terms-and-conditions-booklets/) - Discover the sleek design and comprehensive features of the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card. Explore detailed images of the card's art, welcome letter, and service guides, including the terms and conditions for maximizing your rewards. Learn about the easy activation process and how to make the most of your card benefits.
- [Did Caesars Rewards Says No $100 Dining Credit for You? Check with the Participating Restaurants](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/27/did-caesars-rewards-says-no-100-dining-credit-for-you-check-with-the-participating-restaurants/) - Unlock the secrets to using your Caesars Rewards $100 dining credit even after a status match! Discover how to confirm your eligibility and enjoy a lavish meal at participating restaurants without the hassle. Learn the steps to ensure your dining perk is applied seamlessly. Read more to make the most of your Caesars Rewards Diamond Elite Status benefits.
- [Hyatt Free Night Certificate Posted 2 Months After Annual Fee Posted (YMMV?)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/04/08/hyatt-free-night-certificate-posted-2-months-after-annual-fee-posted-ymmv/) - Discover the timing discrepancies with Hyatt's free night certificates after annual fee payment. Explore two real-life scenarios: one posting early, the other delayed. Understand new terms and share your experience to help decode this mystery.
- [Unboxing American Express Delta Platinum Business Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Letter & Benefit Inserts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/02/unboxing-american-express-delta-platinum-business-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letter-benefit-inserts/) - Unbox the American Express Delta Platinum Business Credit Card with us Discover the sleek card design, a detailed welcome letter, and benefit inserts that highlight perks like the TakeOff 15 Benefit and Companion Certificate. Learn about earning 3x Delta SkyMiles, free checked bags, and more. Perfect for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
- [Unboxing Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card: Card Art, Sign Up Bonus & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/13/unboxing-bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-credit-card-card-art-sign-up-bonus-welcome-letter/) - Discover the sleek design and generous perks of the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card. Learn about its card art, a 60,000-mile sign-up bonus, and exclusive welcome benefits. Perfect for frequent flyers and Alaska Airlines enthusiasts, this card offers valuable rewards, including a companion fare and statement credit. Explore more about this travel-friendly credit card today!
- [How to Permanently Block eBay Buyers from your Auctions & Buy It Now Listings](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/02/23/how-to-permanently-block-ebay-buyers-from-your-auctions-buy-it-now-listings/) - Ok, it happens, even to the best of us. You sold an item on Ebay, you did everything right, but now the buyer or high bidder does not pay.
- [How to Add (MOST) Chase Credit Cards to ApplePay Wallet Directly from Chase App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/02/07/how-to-add-most-chase-credit-cards-to-applepay-wallet-directly-from-chase-app/) - Easily add most Chase credit cards to your ApplePay Wallet directly from the Chase app, whether you manage personal or business accounts. Follow our step-by-step guide to streamline your digital payments and never miss out on convenience again. Learn which cards are compatible and how to get started today!
- [Targeted Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card Referral Offer: 50K Miles + Companion Pass with $3K Spend](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/12/targeted-bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-credit-card-referral-offer-50k-miles-companion-pass-with-3k-spend/) - Unlock 50,000 Alaska Airlines Miles and a Companion Pass with this exclusive Bank of America offer! Just spend $3,000 in 3 months. Plus, earn 15,000 bonus miles for each successful referral. Discover how to maximize your travel rewards today!
- [How to Redeem US Bank FlexPoints for Airlines Tickets](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/07/22/how-to-redeem-us-bank-flexpoints-for-airlines-tickets/) - Unlock the secrets to maximizing your US Bank FlexPoints for airline tickets with our step-by-step guide. Discover how to turn your everyday spending into valuable travel rewards, including tips on getting the most out of your points and booking flights effortlessly. Start your journey towards free travel with US Bank FlexPerks today!
- [Wells Fargo May Close Accounts with Zero Balance or Charge Monthly Service Fee (Effective August 9)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/20/wells-fargo-may-close-accounts-with-zero-balance-or-charge-monthly-service-fee-effective-august-9/) - Discover the latest changes to Wells Fargo's account policies effective August 9. Learn how zero balance accounts may incur monthly fees or face closure without prior notice. Find out the steps to manage or close your account to avoid unexpected charges. Stay informed to protect your finances.
- [What is "5 X TLS" American Express Membership Reward Points?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/05/18/what-is-5-x-tls-american-express-membership-reward-points/) - TLS stands for "Travel & Lifestyle Services" and is related to booking paid flights and hotels through AMEXTravel.com with an American Express Business Platinum Charge Card.
- [Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card Application & Reconsideration Process](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/14/barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card-application-reconsideration-process/) - In today's post, I will write about the credit card, my application process, and the hoops I had to jump through to get approved via the reconsideration process.
- [Transfer Times from Citi ThankYou Points to American Airlines: Miles Posted 12-13 Hours Later](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/19/transfer-times-from-citi-thankyou-points-to-american-airlines-miles-posted-12-13-hours-later/) - Discover how to transfer Citi ThankYou Points to American Airlines miles with our detailed guide. Learn about the 12-13 hour transfer time and how to monitor your account using AwardWallet's "Balance Watch" feature. Maximize your rewards efficiently with this step-by-step process.
- [Get 1 Year UPS My Choice Premium Membership for $10 (Code UPSMyChoice10) (Targeted?)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/05/get-1-year-ups-my-choice-premium-membership-for-10-code-upsmychoice10-targeted/) - Unlock a year of UPS My Choice Premium Membership for just $10 with promo code UPSMyChoice10. Enjoy free package upgrades, reroutes, and more. This limited-time offer is targeted for select members, celebrating 10 years of UPS My Choice. Act fast and check your eligibility today!
- [PSA: Track Existing Marriott Reservations & Rebook When Points Price Drops (or Switch to a Free Night Certificate)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/28/psa-track-existing-marriott-reservations-rebook-when-points-price-drops-or-switch-to-a-free-night-certificate/) - Discover how to track and rebook Marriott reservations when points prices drop. Learn to save points by switching to a Free Night Certificate and maximize your Marriott rewards. Stay savvy and keep more points in your pocket for future stays!
- [2 Hawaii Timeshare Vacation Package Deals: Hilton Grand Vacations Honolulu (Oahu) or Waikoloa (Big Island) & Westin Vacation Club Kaanapali (Maui)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/26/2-hawaii-timeshare-vacation-package-deals-hilton-grand-vacations-honolulu-oahu-or-waikoloa-big-island-westin-vacation-club-kaanapali-maui/) - Discover unbeatable Hawaii timeshare vacation deals at top resorts! Choose from Hilton Grand Vacations in Honolulu or Waikoloa, or Westin Vacation Club in Kaanapali, Maui. Enjoy luxurious stays with exclusive packages including bonus points and more. Book now to secure your dream getaway in paradise!
- [How to Add a Companion to an Existing Southwest Airlines Reservation](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/12/19/how-to-add-a-companion-to-an-existing-southwest-airlines-reservation/) - In this post, I will show you how to add your Southwest Airlines Companion to an existing Southwest Airlines reservation. It's easy and can be done online.
- [Unboxing my American Express Gold Card: Card Art & Welcome Documents](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/04/01/unboxing-my-american-express-gold-card-card-art-welcome-documents/) - The front of the card is a much darker gold than the back of the card. American Express also wants you to use Contactless Payment (tap & pay feature).
- [My Frustrating Experience Buying Hilton Points (14-24 Hour Turnaround Time)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/25/my-frustrating-experience-buying-hilton-points-14-24-hour-turnaround-time/) - Discover the frustration behind buying Hilton Points with a 14-24 hour delay. Learn from my experience booking a 5-night stay and how unexpected delays can affect your travel plans and budget. Find out how to navigate Hilton's loyalty program and ensure a smoother future booking process.
- [Are you Missing American Express AMEX Offers? Try this Trick](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/06/16/are-you-missing-american-express-amex-offers-try-this-trick/) - In today's post, I will show you what to do when AMEX Offers are hiding/missing from your online account. Luckily, there is a very simple solution to see your AMEX Offers.
- [New USPS Informed Delivery Feature: Electronic Signature Online (eSOL) & Set Up Guide](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/22/new-usps-informed-delivery-feature-electronic-signature-online-esol-set-up-guide/) - Discover USPS's new Electronic Signature Online (SOL) feature with our comprehensive setup guide. Streamline your mail delivery by digitally signing for packages that require a signature, ensuring they're conveniently left at your mailbox. Learn how to enroll in eSOL today!
- [Unboxing Capital One Venture X Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Letter, Brochure & Online Activation Process](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/11/unboxing-capital-one-venture-x-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letter-brochure-online-activation-process/) - Unbox the Capital One Venture X Credit Card with us and explore its sleek card art, detailed welcome package, and a comprehensive guide to the online activation process. Discover the impressive benefits including a 75,000 miles welcome bonus and a $300 annual travel credit. Learn how to easily activate your card and make the most of its rewards. Perfect for frequent travelers aiming to maximize their credit card perks!
- [Wells Fargo Discontinues Instant Issue Debit Cards (Effective November 30)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/22/wells-fargo-discontinues-instant-issue-debit-cards-effective-november-30/) - Discover the latest changes at Wells Fargo as they discontinue Instant Issue Debit Cards effective November 30. Learn how this impacts you, especially if your card is lost or stolen, and find out alternative solutions for accessing funds. Stay informed with our detailed guide.
- [PSA: ApplePay **DOES NOT WORK** with Chase IHG Rewards Select, Premier, or Business Credit Cards [Partially Resolved]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/02/06/psa-applepay-does-not-work-with-chase-ihg-rewards-select-premier-or-business-credit-cards/) - Discover the latest update on ApplePay compatibility issues with Chase IHG Rewards Credit Cards. Learn which cards are now partially supported and find troubleshooting tips to navigate this ongoing issue with Chase, IHG, and ApplePay. Stay informed and see if your card is affected.
- [My Experience Product Changing / Converting / Downgrading to the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/24/my-experience-product-changing-converting-downgrading-to-the-citi-custom-cash-credit-card/) - Discover the ins and outs of switching to the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card. Dive into my firsthand experience of converting from the Citi AT&T Access More Card, including navigating prorated annual fee refunds, handling expiring ThankYou Points, and ensuring a smooth transition in your Citi online account. Learn how to maximize your rewards with strategic category spending and avoid common pitfalls during the card change process.
- [My CLEAR Experience: Reactivating Membership, Adding Family Member, & Airport Biometric Process](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/11/my-clear-experience-reactivating-membership-adding-family-member-airport-biometric-process/) - Discover the ins and outs of reactivating your CLEAR membership and adding a family member, all while navigating the airport biometric process. Learn how to maximize your AMEX Platinum benefits and get exclusive discounts for Delta and United members. Read on for tips, challenges, and a step-by-step guide to streamline your travel security experience.
- [[Targeted] Westin Princeville, Kauai Timeshare Vacation Package: $799 for 5 Nights + 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/06/targeted-westin-princeville-kauai-timeshare-vacation-package-799-for-5-nights-15000-marriott-bonvoy-points/) - Discover an exclusive timeshare vacation package at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas in Kauai for just $799. Enjoy a 5-night stay earn 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points or choose a $75 resort credit. Experience a luxurious getaway on Hawaii's breathtaking north shore while attending a brief timeshare presentation. Don't miss this limited offer—check your eligibility now!
- [Wells Fargo Discontinues Temporary Debit Cards & ATM Access Code Feature (Effective April 1)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/22/wells-fargo-discontinues-temporary-debit-cards-atm-access-code-feature-effective-april-1/) - Discover important updates from Wells Fargo as they discontinue temporary debit cards and the ATM Access Code feature effective April 1, 2021. Learn how these changes impact your banking experience and find alternative solutions to access your funds. Stay informed and prepared with our detailed guide.
- [My Experience Using the InKind App at 3 Restaurants in Seattle](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/04/06/my-experience-using-the-inkind-app-at-3-restaurants-in-seattle/) - Discover the best dining experiences in Seattle using the InKind app. Read about my visits to Bourbon Steak, Tavolata, and The Victor Tavern, and learn how to maximize your InKind credits, including a $24 March Madness bonus. Explore the challenges of splitting bills and tips for earning AMEX rewards. Uncover top restaurant recommendations and insights into using InKind seamlessly.
- [Westin Denver Airport Review: Go from Gate to Hotel Room in 25 Minutes (or Less)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/08/03/westin-denver-airport-review-go-from-gate-to-hotel-room-in-25-minutes-or-less/) - We recently stayed at the Westin hotel attached to main terminal of Denver International Airport (DEN). We got from our gate to our hotel room in 25 minutes!
- [How to Fix a Rejected Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status Enrollment (AMEX Platinum Card Benefit)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/06/how-to-fix-a-rejected-hilton-honors-gold-elite-status-enrollment-amex-platinum-card-benefit/) - Learn how to resolve a rejected Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status enrollment using your AMEX Platinum Card benefit. Discover step-by-step solutions to common issues like incorrect Hilton Honors numbers or status mismatches, ensuring a smooth upgrade process.
- [How to Redeem Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card $200 Bonus for Statement Credit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/09/how-to-redeem-bank-of-america-unlimited-cash-rewards-credit-card-200-bonus-for-statement-credit/) - Learn how to redeem your Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card's $200 bonus as a statement credit. Follow our step-by-step guide to easily meet the spending requirement and enjoy your rewards. Discover tips for maximizing your cash back and explore alternative credit card options for better returns.
- [Forgot Card? Access American Express Centurion Lounges & Capital One Lounges with Phone](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/02/08/forgot-card-access-american-express-centurion-lounges-capital-one-lounges-with-phone/) - Discover how to access American Express Centurion and Capital One Lounges without your card using just your phone. Learn the steps to generate a QR code via American Express or Capital One for hassle-free entry. Perfect for travelers on-the-go, this guide ensures you never miss the luxury of lounge access, even if you've forgotten your card.
- [Refer Friends to the 75K Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Credit Card & Earn 15K Points (45K Yearly Cap)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/04/05/refer-friends-to-the-75k-barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-plus-credit-card-earn-15k-points-45k-yearly-cap/) - Refer friends to the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Credit Card and earn 15,000 points per referral, up to 45,000 points yearly! Enjoy a generous 75,000 point sign-up bonus with the Earner Plus card. Act fast, as this offer is valid until June 30. Perfect for travel enthusiasts looking to maximize their rewards with Wyndham.
- [How to Add a PIN to a Visa or MasterCard Gift Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/07/23/how-to-add-a-pin-to-a-visa-or-mastercard-gift-card/) - In this step-by-step how-to guide, I will show you how to activate a gift card and create/add a PIN. Depending on your gift card, the steps might be different.
- [How to Use Home Depot Store Credit for Online Purchases](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/30/how-to-use-home-depot-store-credit-for-online-purchases/) - Discover how to navigate the complexities of using Home Depot store credit for online purchases. Learn step-by-step strategies to overcome restrictions, order your desired items, and successfully use your store credit through a simple in-store workaround. Maximize the value of your Home Depot store credit with our detailed guide today!
- [Choose a New Design for your Discover It Credit Card - 159 Colorful Options Available](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/02/choose-a-new-design-for-your-discover-it-credit-card-159-colorful-options-available/) - Explore 159 vibrant designs for your Discover It Credit Card and Discover It Miles Credit Card! From sports teams to pets, and city skylines to iridescent styles, there's a perfect match for everyone. Discover how easy it is to personalize your card without changing your credit card number or expiration date. Unleash your style today!
- [Watch Free Movie Screenings by Joining the Screening Exchange](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/10/16/watch-free-movie-screenings-by-joining-the-screening-exchange/) - Join The Screening Exchange to Watch Free Screening of New Movies
- [How to Order an American Express Bluebird Card Online](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/11/17/how-to-order-an-american-express-bluebird-card-online/) - To order your free Bluebird Card, please click here and then click the Register Now button.
- [Buy iPhone 5 / 5S / 6 / 6 Plus Lightning Cable Adapter for iHome Speaker](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/11/03/buy-iphone-5-5s-6-6-plus-lightning-cable-adapter-for-ihome-speaker/) - Most of the hotels I have stayed at lately have an iHome alarm / clock / radio / docking station near the bed. These were great when you had an iPhone 2G / 3G / 3GS / 4 / 4S since they all used the same 30 pin connector.
- [Apply for a New Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/01/apply-for-a-new-credit-card-here/) - Click here to view great credit options.
- [Holiday Inn Club Vacations Timeshare Presentation at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Florida](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/31/holiday-inn-club-vacations-timeshare-presentation-at-orange-lake-resort-in-orlando-florida/) - I received an email from Holiday Inn Club Vacations (the timeshare division of IHG) for an offer of 4 days / 3 nights at the Orange Lake Resort for $349 + tax.
- [Ebates Offering 14% Cash Back on April Fool's Day](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/03/31/ebates-offering-14-cash-back-on-april-fools-day/) - You can earn 14% cash back today only (April 1) for select merchants through Ebates.
- [How to Cancel Airline Tickets Booked with Citi ThankYou Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/05/16/how-to-cancel-airline-tickets-booked-with-citi-thankyou-points/) - In this post, I will explain the process of cancelling an airline reservation booked with Citi Thank You Points and getting your points redeposited.
- [Unboxing my American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card: Card Art & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/06/01/unboxing-my-new-american-express-blue-business-plus-credit-card-card-art/) - I will walk you through the approval process and "unbox" the new American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card and show you what the new credit card looks like.
- [Want to Track Hotel Reservations for Price Drops? Try Pruvo!](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/08/24/want-to-track-hotel-reservations-for-price-drops-try-pruvo-shelli/) - Here is my review of Pruvo, a hotel price tracking and rebooking service. Similar to AutoSlash, Pruvo tracks existing hotel reservations for price drops.
- [Unboxing My New Metal Citi Prestige Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/09/16/unboxing-my-new-metal-citi-prestige-credit-card-shelli/) - I received my new metal Citi Prestige Credit Card. Here are photos of the unboxing and marketing materials.
- [Why Did American Express Enroll Me in Cash Advance Program?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/01/26/why-did-american-express-enroll-me-in-cash-advance-program/) - A few weeks ago, American Express sent out emails with the subject line "Cash Advance Enrollment Update." Uh oh, "cash advance" are bad words to any travel hacker and credit card user.
- [Warning: Do Not Use Zelle or Venmo to Pay People on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/02/16/warning-do-not-use-zelle-or-venmo-to-pay-people-on-ebay-facebook-marketplace-or-craigslist/) - Protect yourself from being scammed - do not pay for products or services with Zelle or Venmo, there are no purchase protection policies in place to protect you from being scammed. Use PayPal and pay with a credit card instead, even if you incur a fee.
- [Capital One Money Market Account $200 Sign Up Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/03/14/capital-one-money-market-account-200-sign-up-bonus/) - The promo seemed simple enough, sign up for a money market account, using promo code SAVE200, and then deposit $10,000 before December 31, 2017. I even received the following email on November 27 confirming the details from DOC.
- [Wyndham Timeshare Presentation Vacation Packages for 6 Select Cities](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/04/05/wyndham-timeshare-presentation-vacation-packages-for-6-select-cities/) - Right now, you can book 1 of 6 timeshare presentation vacation packages for a 3 day / 2 night stay for as low as $149. You can book through the website or call the number in the email (877-393-8405).
- [Unboxing my American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card: Card Art & Welcome Documents](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/04/18/american-express-hilton-honors-aspire-credit-card-welcome-packet-welcome-letters-card-art/) - I am going to unbox the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card welcome packet, details from the welcome letters, and show you the front and back card art.
- [Unboxing my Chase Marriott Rewards Business Credit Card: Card Art, Brochure & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/04/23/my-new-chase-marriott-rewards-business-credit-card-arrived-card-art-welcome-letter/) - My new Chase Marriott Rewards Business Credit Card arrived in the mail. The credit card design doesn't look like the card that I approved for, so I will share my theory below. I also got the welcome letter that I will share below.
- [A Million Thanks to Million Mile Secrets](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/04/28/a-million-thanks-to-million-mile-secrets-shelli/) - This post is about expressing our appreciation to Daraius for all he has given to the points/miles community and wishing him well as his journey continues.
- [How to Downgrade to No Annual Fee Barclays Arrival Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/05/24/how-to-downgrade-to-no-annual-fee-barclays-arrival-credit-card/) - If you are not in love with your Barclays Arrival Plus Credit Card and want to keep your Barclays Arrival Miles alive, why not downgrade, get an extra 1,000 Barclays Arrival Miles, and keep your stash of Barclays Arrival Miles alive?
- [Use Uber in Athens, Greece to Request & Pay for Local Taxis](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/06/25/use-uber-in-athens-greece-to-request-pay-for-local-taxis/) - In today's post, I will explain how Uber works in Athens (the only part of Greece that has Uber). Technically, Uber doesn't exist in Greece, but you can request and pay for taxis with the Uber app (the taxi drivers use the Uber app like all other Uber drivers).
- [Unboxing American Express Hilton Honors Business Credit Card: Card Art & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/07/31/american-express-hilton-honors-business-credit-card-welcome-letter-card-art/) - Today, I will show you what the American Express Hilton Honors Business Credit Card looks like and the welcome letters that came with the new credit card.
- [[DEAD] Keep American Airlines Miles from Expiring with Magazine Subscription](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/09/07/dead-keep-american-airlines-miles-from-expiring-with-magazine-subscription/) - My brother's American Airlines miles were going to expire in 30 days, so I redeemed 300 AA miles for a magazine subscription to keep his miles alive.
- [Warning: Don't Try to Beat PFS Buyers Club's Price](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/09/04/warning-dont-try-to-beat-pfs-buyers-clubs-price/) - PFS Buyers Club has a new deal from the US Mint where you can make $50 profit and get $1,400 in credit card spending. 
- [Unboxing my CNB City National Crystal Visa Infinite Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Letter & Brochure](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/11/08/unboxing-my-cnb-city-national-crystal-visa-infinite-credit-card-card-art-welcome-letter-brochure/) - Here is the unboxing process, my welcome letter, the brochure, and where to sign up for online access and to start earning City Nation Rewards Points.
- [Travelling Internationally? Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) at AAA for $20](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/03/07/travelling-internationally-get-an-international-driving-permit-idp-at-aaa-for-20/) - According to the AAA website, "Your IDP is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information."
- [How to Temporarily Lift Credit Freezes for Credit Limit Increase & Mini App-O-Rama](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/03/28/how-to-temporarily-lift-credit-freezes-for-credit-limit-increase-mini-app-o-rama/) - In today's post, I will share my experience of temporarily lifting my credit freeze on my Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion credit reports. It was very easy!
- [How to Access Citi Flex Loan on Citi Credit Cards (Instant Cash Advance for 9.99% APR)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/05/02/how-to-access-citi-flex-loan-on-citi-credit-cards-instant-cash-advance-for-9-99-apr/) - Citi introduced a new feature called Citi Flex Loan (learn more here) where you can basically get a cash advance up to your available credit limit.
- [Sell Your eBay Items Faster! Send Offers to Buyers Watching your Items](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/05/06/sell-your-ebay-items-faster-send-offers-to-buyers-watching-your-items/) - eBay has introduced a new selling feature where you can send offers to buyers who are watching your eBay items. I haven't had great success with this feature.
- [My Recent American Express Hilton Aspire Credit Card Retention Offer](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/06/20/my-recent-american-express-hilton-aspire-credit-card-retention-offer/) - Earn 10,000 bonus Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in 3 months. 10,000 Hilton Honors points is worth about $50 to me.
- [Ebates Credit Card Rebranded to Rakuten Cash Back Visa Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/06/20/ebates-credit-card-rebranded-to-rakuten-cash-back-visa-credit-card/) - Starting in early July, the Ebates Cash Back Visa Credit Card is going to be rebranded to the Rakuten Cash Back Visa Credit Card.
- [Unboxing American Express Delta Platinum SkyMiles Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Documents & Benefits](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/07/20/unboxing-american-express-delta-platinum-skymiles-credit-card-card-art-welcome-documents-benefits/) - In this unboxing post, I will show you the card art, welcome documents, and card benefits. Here is the front and back of the American Express Delta Platinum.
- [Targeted Sign Up Bonus: 25,000 Thank You Points for Citi Rewards+ Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/07/19/targeted-sign-up-bonus-25000-thank-you-points-for-citi-rewards-credit-card/) - My fiance's target offer was for 25,000 Citi Thank You Points after spending $2,000 in 3 months. The standard public offer is only for 15,000 TYPs.
- [Unboxing Banco Popular Avianca Vuela Credit Card: Card Art, Welcome Documents & Rewards Details](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/07/24/unboxing-banco-popular-avianca-vuela-credit-card-card-art-welcome-documents-rewards-details/) - In this post, I will show you the Banco Popular Avianca Vuela Credit Card card art, the welcome documents and the rewards details. Here are the front and back:
- [Easy Conversion / Product Change from Citi Premier to Citi Rewards+ Credit Card (10% Rebate Feature Available Immediately)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/09/17/easy-conversion-product-change-from-citi-premier-to-citi-rewards-credit-card/) - Converting from my Citi Premier to my Citi Rewards+ Credit Card was easy. I did a test transfer to see if the 10% rebate worked right away. It did!
- [My Failed Experiment to Cut the Comcast Xfinity Cable Cord](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/10/16/my-failed-experiment-to-cut-the-comcast-xfinity-cable-cord/) - I tried to replace Comcast Xfinity cable TV with Sling TV, Hulu, and CBS All Access. My experiment did not go as smoothly as all 3 services disappointed me.
- [Prorated Annual Fee Refund Posted After Converting Citi Premier into Citi Rewards+](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/11/05/prorated-annual-fee-refund-posted-after-converting-citi-premier-into-citi-rewards/) - I received a prorated annual fee refund of $55.41 after I converted my Citi Premier Credit Card into a Citi Rewards+ Credit Card. Here is the math.
- [EverlyWell: At Home Blood Tests & Why I Love Their Food Sensitivity Test for Travel](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/11/14/everlywell-at-home-blood-tests-why-i-love-their-food-sensitivity-test-for-travel-caroline/) - Based in Austin, TX, EverlyWell is a health and wellness company that aims to provide a variety of accessible at-home health tests.
- [Stuck at Home? Listen to Grant on the Saverocity Observation Deck Podcast](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/03/17/stuck-at-home-listen-to-grant-on-the-saverocity-observation-deck-podcast/) - I was a guest on the Saverocity Observation Deck podcast. We talked about my Ireland trip (now cancelled), my British Airways / Match.com love story, and what's in my iPhone wallet.
- [Citi Rewards+: 2,500 Bonus ThankYou Points Posted to TYP Account, Not Credit Card Statement](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/05/06/citi-rewards-2500-bonus-thankyou-points-posted-to-typ-account-not-credit-card-statement/) - I didn't see the 2,500 TYPs on my recent credit card statement, but I did find the 2,500 TYPs directly on my TYP account.
- [Anatomy & Timeline of 2 Cancelled Air Canada Aeroplan Award Tickets](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/06/26/anatomy-and-timeline-of-2-cancelled-air-canada-aeroplan-award-tickets/) - I cancelled my award tickets on June 17, I received the miles back in my account on June 19, and received the refund of taxes/fees on June 20. Very easy process!
- [Anatomy & Timeline of a Cancelled American Airlines Award Ticket (LGA-DFW-SNA)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/06/02/anatomy-and-timeline-of-a-cancelled-american-airlines-award-ticket/) - This was my first time cancelling an American Airlines award ticket, so I didn't know what to expect in terms of refunds and redeposited miles. Here is the timeline.
- [PSA: Check Posting Date of Discover It Purchases Near End of Quarter (Don't Miss 5% Cash Back Transactions)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/07/07/psa-check-posting-date-of-discover-it-purchases-near-end-of-quarter-dont-miss-5-cash-back-transactions/) - After reviewing my transactions, I saw that my $400 Costco online purchase posted on July 2 (2 days after the end of Q2).
- [The Story of My Wife's New Chase Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/07/11/the-story-of-my-wifes-new-chase-credit-card/) - Laura applied for the Chase IHG Premier Credit Card. Her application was pending and then approved 2 days later after Chase moved some of her credit around.
- [My 1 Year Wedding Anniversary Trip to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/07/28/my-1-year-wedding-anniversary-trip-to-carmel-monterey-and-big-sur/) - We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, the InterContinental Clement Monterey, ate at the Wild Plum, Tarpy's, and Fandango. We drove down to Big Sur.
- [Changes to Wells Fargo Credit Card Go Far Rewards Terms (eGC, Forfeiture at Death, Misuse / Gaming & ATM Limits)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/05/changes-to-wells-fargo-credit-card-go-far-rewards-terms/) - There are 4 changes that affect electronic gift cards, forfeiture of points at death, misuse / gaming, and daily limits on cash redemptions.
- [Changes to American Express Credit Card Terms (Bye Ameriprise, Third Party Purchases, Foreign Currency & Cash Advances)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/06/changes-to-american-express-credit-card-terms-bye-ameriprise-third-party-purchases-foreign-currency-cash-advances/) - I did see some mentions of Ameriprise, third party purchases, paying in foreign currency, cash advances, and a few other things. 
- [Keep, Cancel or Convert? American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card ($250 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/10/keep-cancel-or-convert-american-express-platinum-delta-skymiles-credit-card-250-annual-fee/) - If I paid the $250 annual fee, American Express would give me 15,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles. I could also downgrade to the $99 Delta Gold or fee free Delta Blue.
- [Contact American Express via Chat Regarding Missing $10 Dining Credit on AMEX Gold Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/07/14/contact-american-express-via-chat-regarding-missing-10-dining-credit-on-amex-gold-card/) - After I contacted American Express via chat, I received a $10 goodwill credit to make up for missing the $10 dining credit in June.
- [Hyatt Credit Card 25% Awards Rebate: Points Posted 8 Days After Completing Stay](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/05/hyatt-credit-card-25-awards-rebate-points-posted-8-days-after-completing-stay/) - After ~8 days, the rebated points posted to her Hyatt account. The points came in 2 increments: 15% x 15,000 = 2,250 + 10% x 15,000 = 1,500
- [3 New Chase Offers: Alaska Airlines (10%), IHG Hotels (10%) & Gaylord Hotels (15%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/01/3-new-chase-offers-alaska-airlines-ihg-gaylord-hotels/) - Alaska Airlines: 10% cash back (minimum purchase of $50, maximum cash back of $31), IHG Hotels: 10% cash back (minimum purchase of $100, maximum cash back of $31)
- [How to Redeem Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards Points to Pay for Purchases](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/18/how-to-redeem-wells-fargo-go-far-rewards-points-to-pay-for-purchases/) - I had 365 Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards Points in my account and I was able to redeem the points for a $3.65 statement credit to pay for a $3.65 purchase.
- [JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Credit Card: Redeem $300 Travel Credit for Restaurants & Grocery Stores via Secure Message](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/09/25/jpmorgan-chase-ritz-carlton-credit-card-redeem-300-travel-credit-for-restaurants-grocery-stores-via-secure-message/) - I sent Chase a Secure Message asking that my $300 annual travel credit be applied toward recent grocery store and restaurant purchases.
- [My 12 Month Experiment to Open an Installment Loan to Increase my Credit Score](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/09/23/my-12-month-experiment-to-open-an-installment-loan-to-increase-my-credit-score/) - Long story short, I paid $585 over the course of 12 months in order to get a $545 payment and an installment loan added to my credit report.
- [Anatomy & Timeline of a Cancelled Delta Airlines Award Ticket (FCO-JFK)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/09/09/anatomy-timeline-of-a-cancelled-delta-airlines-award-ticket/) - The award ticket cost 80,000 Delta SkyMiles and 329.23 euros (~$388.06) in taxes/fees. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the flight was cancelled.
- [Great Timeshare Vacation Package Deal: 3 Days / 2 Nights for Only 7,500 Wyndham Rewards Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/09/08/great-timeshare-vacation-package-deal-3-days-2-nights-for-only-7500-wyndham-rewards-points/) - You must book through this special link by October 15, complete your stay by November 24, and attend a 2 hour timeshare presentation.
- [125K Chase IHG Premier Credit Card Sign Up Bonus Posts 2 Days After Other Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/08/11/125k-chase-ihg-premier-credit-card-sign-up-bonus-posts-2-days-after-other-points/) - 2 days after the other IHG Points posted to Laura's IHG account, the 125,000 IHG Points from the credit card sign up bonus posted to her account.
- [Listen to Grant on the Miles to Memories Podcast](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/09/24/listen-to-grant-on-the-miles-to-memories-podcast/) - Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of being a guest / co-host on the Miles to Memories Podcast. I spoke with Shawn Coomer (MtM Founder) and Mark Ostermann.
- [Work from Home Diary: 7 Months Later](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/01/work-from-home-diary-7-months-later/) - Here are my thoughts and feelings from working from home and staying home during the last 7 months. I enjoyed gardening and BBQing, but long to travel again.
- [Redeem Radisson Rewards Points for Gift Cards ($100 Visa GC for 67K Points) + 15% Rebate [Rebate Posted & VGCs Received]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/15/redeem-radisson-rewards-points-for-gift-cards/) - In this post, I will show you what kind of gift card deals are available and explain why I redeemed 268,000 Radisson Rewards Points for $400 in Visa Gift Cards.
- [How to Use Pay Yourself Back for Shipping Purchases with Chase Ink Plus Credit Card (1.25 CPP)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/02/pay-yourself-back-for-shipping-purchases-with-chase-ink-plus-credit-card/) - I love earning 5x points on shipping purchases, redeeming those points at 1.25 CPP. It's equivalent to getting 5 x 1.25 = 6.25% cash back / discount on shipping.
- [Changes to American Express Credit Card Terms (AMEX Send Account, Cash Advances, AU AF Refunds, Bye El Al & More)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/04/changes-to-american-express-credit-card-terms-amex-send-account-cash-advances-au-af-refunds-bye-el-al-more/) - I reviewed my recent AMEX credit card statements and spotted a few changes. I went through each change and provided my thoughts on what each change means.
- [Chase Sapphire Reserve Double Dip: $300 Annual Travel Credit + Pay Yourself Back](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/16/chase-sapphire-reserve-double-dip-300-annual-travel-credit-pay-yourself-back/) - I will show you how to double dip the same transactions that qualified for the $300 annual travel credit and are also eligible for Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature.
- [Chase Launches Rewards Dashboard for Southwest Airlines Credit Cards (Track Travel Credit & Upgraded Boarding Passes)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/04/chase-launches-rewards-dashboard-for-southwest-airlines-credit-cards-track-travel-credit-upgraded-boarding-passes/) - The Rewards Dashboard looks very clean and organized. As you can see, I used up my $75 annual travel credit and that will reset in January 2021.
- [My Experience Using Experian Boost to Increase my Credit Score (Mixed Results)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/23/my-experience-using-experian-boost-to-increase-my-credit-score-mixed-results/) - I will show you all the steps to link your financial institutions to Experian and have Experian Boost work their magic to increase your credit score.
- [Great Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Package Deal: 3 Days / 2 Nights for Only 7,500 Points (Book by Dec 26, Stay by Jan 2)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/07/great-wyndham-timeshare-vacation-package-deal-3-days-2-nights/) - Vacation package includes 3 days / 2 nights for only 7,500 Wyndham Points. You must book through this special link and attend a 2 hour timeshare presentation.
- [Several 1 Way RV Relocation Deals for $1 / Day + $100 Gas Allowance with TransferCar](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/20/several-1-way-rv-relocation-deals-for-1-day-100-gas-allowance-with-transfercar/) - As of today, there are 29 RV relocation deals from all over the country. All these RV deals are $1 / day with the ability to get extra days for $60 / day. 
- [Chase Checking Accounts: More Ways to Waive Monthly Service Fees & Debit Card Benefits Ending Nov 30](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/10/19/chase-checking-accounts-more-ways-to-waive-monthly-service-fees-debit-card-benefits-ending-nov-30/) - Effective September 13, you can now waive the $12 monthly fee by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment network, or (iii) third party services.
- [My October 2020 Credit Card App-O-Rama Results](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/11/my-october-2020-credit-card-app-o-rama-results-part-1/) - I was instantly approved for the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card. I called in about the American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Credit Card.
- [Buyers: Watch eBay Items to Get Discounted Offers (YMMV); Sellers: Send Discounted Offers to eBay Watchers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/24/buyers-watch-ebay-items-to-get-discounted-offers-ymmv-sellers-send-discounted-offers-to-ebay-watchers/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your Thanksgiving week is going well. I have been an eBay buyer and seller for 16+ years, so I thought I would share a tip for buyers and sellers. If you are an eBay buyer, you might be able to get a discount by watching items that you want to buy (more details to come on how this works). And for eBay sellers, you might be able to sell your items faster by sending discounted offers to interested buyers (who watch your items). These 2 tips are related and act as 2 sides of the same coin. There is no guarantee that this works 100% of the time, but it does work some of the time. Let's get started with eBay buyers first. Buyers: Watch eBay Items to Get Discounted Offers To get started, sign into your eBay account and go to your Watchlist. As you can see, I am not currently watching any items. It doesn't matter if you are watching any existing items or if old watched items have ended. Now, start browsing eBay for Buy It Now items you are interested in buying.
- [Anatomy & Timeline of Cancelling an Avianca LifeMiles Award Ticket](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/09/anatomy-timeline-of-cancelling-an-avianca-lifemiles-award-ticket/) - In this post, I will document the timeline of cancelling my award ticket, when my Avianca LifeMiles were redeposited and when my taxes/fees were refunded.
- [Great Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Package Deal: 3 Days / 2 Nights for Only 7,500 Points (Book by Dec 26, Stay by Jan 2)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/06/great-wyndham-timeshare-vacation-package-deal-3-days-2-nights-2/) - Book by December 26 and complete your stay by January 2, 2021. As a reminder, you can get a 3 day / 2 night vacation package for only 7,500 Wyndham Rewards Points.
- [Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Application Process & Reconsideration Phone Call](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/14/chase-marriott-bonvoy-boundless-credit-card-application-process-reconsideration-phone-call/) - In today's post, I will talk about my wife's application and approval process for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. She called the reconsideration department to get approved.
- [ExpressVPN Cyber Monday Deal: 49% Off + 3 Free Months (Expires December 13)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/29/expressvpn-cyber-monday-deal/) - Updated 11/29/20 at 8am PT: The Cyber Monday Deals are live through December 13. Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. ExpressVPN (the VPN service I have been using for years) is currently running their Cyber Monday deal where you can get 49% off a 12 month subscription + 3 free months. ExpressVPN works across many devices (desktop, laptop, browsers, tablet, phone, video game consoles, and more) and many different operating systems (Apple, Windows, Linux, Android, Chromebooks, and more). Plus, a single ExpressVPN subscription can be used simultaneously across 5 different devices, so the whole family can be protected online. Click here to review their plans and start protecting your online information.
- [Buy a $49 Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Online Annual Membership & Attend First Virtual Seminar December 12](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/16/buy-a-49-frequent-traveler-university-ftu-online-annual-membership-attend-first-virtual-seminar-december-12/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I just received an email from Frequent Traveler University (FTU) about their new online annual membership. I have attended many FTU events in previous years and "attended" the virtual Chicago Seminars organized by Stefan at Rapid Travel Chai a few weeks ago and had a great time. The cost for the FTU online annual membership is only $49 and comes with a variety of benefits and a private Facebook community. Read on to see everything that is included in the membership.
- [Last Call for Discounted FTU Online Membership & Reminder to Register for FTU Virtual Seminar (December 12)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/09/last-call-for-discounted-ftu-online-membership-reminder-to-register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-december-12/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. If you do not have any plans this weekend, I highly recommend attending the FTU Virtual Seminar this Saturday, December 12 from 11am to 3pm ET (8am to 12pm PT for those on the West Coast). Here is the full schedule of speakers and presentations.
- [Reader Feedback: How Should I Spend 84K Citi ThankYou Points Before December 31?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/08/reader-feedback-how-should-i-spend-84k-citi-thankyou-points-before-december-31/) - Good evening everyone, I need some help. First of all, this post could be classified as a "First World Problem" or a "Good Problem to Have", but I would still like to get some help on making my decision. Long story short, I have a Citi Rewards+ Credit Card and one of the benefits of the credit card is the ability to get 10% of your redeemed Citi ThankYou Points (TYPs) back, on the first 100,000 TYPs redeemed per calendar year (10K TYPs rebate max). Since there are only a few weeks left in the year and I have only redeemed a few thousand TYPs this year, I need to spend 84K TYPs by December 31 in order to max out the 10K TYP rebate. In this post, I will discuss how I calculated how many TYPs I need to spend and go through all the various redemption options and my thoughts on each option.
- [New PFS Buyers Club US Mint Coin Deal: Spend $407, Make $23 (Live 12/10 @ 12pm ET)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/09/new-pfs-buyers-club-us-mint-coin-deal-spend-407-make-23/) - Updated 12/9/20 at 9:40am PT: Deal is already full and PFS Buyers Club just sent out the following email: "Tomorrow's deal is completely subscribed. We have other members asking to join, but we do not have any open spots." If you missed this deal, I recommend signing up for an account so that you receive the
- [Intro to Venmo Rewards & How to Order Venmo Debit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/29/intro-to-venmo-rewards-how-to-order-venmo-debit-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your Thanksgiving weekend is going well. A few days ago, I ordered my Venmo debit card and I wanted to provide an introduction to the Venmo Rewards program and show the steps to order, activate, and use your Venmo debit card. The Venmo debit card has a clean design and is available in a few different colors. Here is the front and back of the card (it is a little strange that the front is vertical but the back is horizontal).
- [Last Chance: 49% Off ExpressVPN + 3 Free Months (Expires December 13)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/10/last-chance-49-off-expressvpn-3-free-months-expires-december-13/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. ExpressVPN (the VPN service I have been using for years) is currently running their extended Black Friday & Cyber Monday deal where you can get 49% off a 12 month subscription + 3 free months. ExpressVPN works across many devices (desktop, laptop, browsers, tablet, phone,
- [Citi ThankYou Points Cyber Monday Gift Card Sale (Redeem 20% Fewer TYPs on Nov 30)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/11/29/citi-thankyou-points-cyber-monday-gift-card-sale/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! I just received an email from Citi about their upcoming Cyber Monday Gift Card Sale. If you redeem Citi ThankYou Points (TYPs) on November 30 between 12:00am ET and 11:59pm ET, you will be able to redeem 20% fewer TYPs. For example, a $25 gift card normally costs 2,500 TYPs (1.0 cents per point), but during this promo, you will only need to redeem 2,000 TYPs (1.25 cents per point). The 1.25 CPP rate is the same value you would get if you redeemed TYPs for travel. You may be able to get more than 1.25 CPP if you transfer your TYPs to transfer partners, so keep that in mind.
- [My December Credit Card Retention Calls: 2 out of 4 Successes ($300 Statement Credits Total)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/07/my-december-credit-card-retention-calls-2-out-of-4-successes/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I called about retention offers on a few different credit cards today and wanted to share my results. Please make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post and read my tips on making retention calls. I took a page out of Frequent Miler's playbook (My $575 phone call (complete in 20 minutes)) and called about these 4 credit cards: Chase Hyatt Credit Card ($75 annual fee posted December 1) JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Visa Infinite Credit Card ($450 annual fee posted July 1) Chase Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business Credit Card ($99 annual fee posted May 1) American Express Business Platinum Charge Card ($595 annual fee posted December 2) Since the old Chase Hyatt Credit Card is product changing to the new Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card on January 11, 2021, I decided to call Chase and ask about a retention offer. This is a huge ask that I knew was never going to fly, but I tried anyways. I told the Chase rep that I was planning on closing my old Hyatt credit card and was going to apply for the new World of Hyatt credit card in a few weeks since I could earn up to 50,000 World of Hyatt Points with the new sign up bonus. Instead of going through the process of closing one card and applying for the other card, I asked if Chase could provide some bonus World of Hyatt Points to forgo the sign up bonus. Nope, that was not possible. At that point, I asked the rep to close that credit card and transfer the credit limit over to another Chase personal call. I am 0 for 1 at this point, onto the next call.
- [Citi 5% Cash Back on Online Purchases from 11/24 - 11/30 Statement Credits Posted](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/04/citi-5-cash-back-on-online-purchases-from-11-24-11-30-statement-credits-posted/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! Last week, Citi ran a promo where you could earn 5% cash back for making online purchases between November 24 and November 30 (Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday). My Citi AT&T Access More Credit Card statement just closed and the 5% cash back statement credit posted to my account. I made an online purchase on November 24 for $503.95 and the $25 Online Purchase Bonus posted on December 3. You may need to wait until your credit card statement closes to see the bonus.
- [Keep, Cancel or Convert? Old Chase Hyatt Credit Card ($75 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/02/keep-cancel-or-convert-old-chase-hyatt-credit-card-75-annual-fee/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was just checking my Chase credit card accounts and saw that the $75 annual fee posted on my old Chase Hyatt Credit Card. Effective January 11, 2021, Chase will convert all cardmembers who have the old Chase Hyatt Credit Card to the new $95 annual fee Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card. Since I have never had the new card, I am planning on closing the old card and then applying for the new card to get the sign up bonus. I decided to call Chase to see if they could waive the $75 annual fee anyway, but the rep said no. I told the rep that I would think about it and call back later if I decide to close the card. I plan on calling back in a few days to close the card and transfer my credit limit over to one of my other Chase cards.
- [How Many Transferrable Points Did I Earn & Spend with AMEX, Chase and Citi in 2020?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/29/how-many-transferrable-points-did-i-earn-spend-with-amex-chase-and-citi-in-2020/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I don't know about you, but 2020 was the year I earned a lot more transferrable points than I spent. I am hoping that in 2021, I will be able to spend a lot more points than I did in 2020. For this post, I looked at my 3 favorite transferrable points programs (American Express Membership Rewards Points, Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, and Citi ThankYou Points). I looked at my starting balances on January 1, the number of points I earned in 2020, miscellaneous point transfers in/out, the number of points I redeemed in 2020, and the ending balance on December 31 (I don't have any plans on redeeming any points in the next few days). For a quick calculation, I earned 350K points across the 3 programs and spent a total of 211K points (most were with Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature). American Express Membership Rewards Points Starting Balance on Jan 1: 240K Points Earned in 2020: 201K Points Redeemed in 2020: 4K Ending Balance on Dec 31: 438K With American Express, I earned 201K AMEX MRs with 3 cards (American Express Business Platinum Card, American Express Gold Card, and American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card). The Biz Plat had many pandemic bonus categories like wireless phones, shipping charges, and Dell purchases. The Gold Card had bonus categories for restaurants and grocery stores, along with high referral bonuses. And the Blue Biz Plus offered 2x everywhere and was my go to card when I wasn't working on meeting minimum spending requirements on new CCs. Across all 3 CCs, I received a total of 65K AMEX MRs from referral bonuses. To view your points summary, click here. To view your redemption history, click the View Redemption History link.
- [AMEX Delta SkyMiles Sign Up Bonus Missing from Statement, But Appear Next Day in Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/17/amex-delta-skymiles-sign-up-bonus-missing-from-statement-but-appear-next-day-in-account/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. 2 months ago, I applied for the American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card. At the time, the sign up bonus was for 60,000 Delta SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in 3 months. In the first month, I spent $1,580 and in the second month, I spent $1,425, for a total of $3,005. I expected to get the sign up bonus after the second credit card statement closed, but to my surprise, the sign up bonus was not shown on the credit card statement. I did some digging and found out that the sign up bonus did post to my Delta account, but it was not shown on my credit card statement. I thought that was really strange, so I wanted to share that in a blog post. Here is the order of events... On November 16, my first credit card statement closed and I received 1,580 Delta SkyMiles after spending $1,580 on my credit card.
- [10 Things I’m Thankful for in 2020](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/24/10-things-im-thankful-for-in-2020/) - Good morning everyone, Merry Christmas Eve! As 2020 winds to a close, I wanted to share 10 things I am thankful for this year. I hope you can relate to some of these things and have other things you are thankful for as well. If you want, please share what you are thankful for in the comments. Without further ado, here is what I am thankful for in 2020: Laura It goes without saying, but I am very thankful for my wife, Laura. She has been my constant stay at home companion and has made this year special. I don't know what I would do without her. I've enjoyed watching TV shows, Hallmark movies, BBQing and making dinner, baking cookies, going for walks around our neighborhood, helping me with puzzles, and much more. I am also very proud that she finished her Masters Degree this year. She is incredible and I love her so much.
- [Need a Last Minute Gift? Earn Rewards for Buying Virtual Gift Cards from Slide, Fluz & MileagePlusX](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/17/need-a-last-minute-gift-earn-rewards-for-buying-virtual-gift-cards-from-slide-fluz-mileageplusx/) - Good afternoon everyone. The holiday season is upon us and we are now in the home stretch. If you still have a few more gifts to give this year, there is still time to send your friends, family members, neighbors and teammates a gift card. Of course you can run out to your local grocery store, restaurant, pharmacy, or office supply store to pick up a physical gift card, but if you don't want to leave your house, you can buy a virtual gift card from the convenience of your phone (and earn rewards). Whenever I need to buy a gift card for myself or for someone else, there are 3 apps that I use: Slide, Fluz, and MileagePlusX. I will go into more detail on how to use each app, but there are 3 important things to know about these apps: your virtual gift card is ready to use right away; you can usually purchase the virtual gift card in an exact dollar amount; and you earn rewards in the form of cash back or United Airlines Miles. Without further ado, let's go through these 3 apps. Slide (Apple App Store / Google Play Store) Slide offers 4% cash back on all virtual gift card purchases (which may be higher or lower than the other 2 apps, depending on the store). If you are a new member, please use my Slide referral link and you will get a $5 credit towards your first 4 purchases ($20 off total). For comparison purposes, I bought Panera Bread virtual gift cards from all 3 apps to compare the process and show the various rewards. After you create your Slide account, type the store name into the search box. If the store is offered on Slide, you will see it in the search results. Click on the store name to purchase a virtual gift card.
- [Reviewing my Embarrassingly Wrong 2020 Travel Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/28/reviewing-my-embarrassingly-wrong-2020-travel-predictions/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend and a Merry Christmas (if you celebrated the holiday). Since 2020 is almost over (thank goodness!), let's review My Wildly Ambitious 2020 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions. To be honest, I totally forgot that I wrote this post and I haven't looked at it since it was published on December 30, 2019. Here is what I wrote last year for my predictions and my thoughts on each prediction (correct in green and wrong in red): My 2020 Airline Predictions Alaska, American, Delta, or United will introduce a “Cash and Miles” payment option for award tickets. Clarification: This is not to be confused with Delta’s “Pay with Points” option where you get 1 CPP for each Delta SkyMiles for paid flights. I’m thinking more along the lines of the way British Airways and Avianca do it for award tickets. No? I haven't booked any airline tickets in 9+ months, but I don't think this prediction came true. Allegiant Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country will announce a merger, but I’m not sure who will merge with who. No, there were no airline mergers in 2020 among these airlines, but I expect to see some mergers of domestic and international airlines next year.
- [How Much Money Did I Make from Bank Account Bonuses in 2020?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/31/how-much-money-did-i-make-from-bank-account-bonuses-in-2020/) - Good morning everyone, happy New Year's Eve! Doctor of Credit has a Best Bank Account Bonuses page that he keeps up to date with the best offers each month. In that master post, he links to individual bank account bonuses with helpful information regarding the bonus details, how to avoid monthly fees, when to close the account, how often you can open a new account, and much more. For the last 6 years, I have been opening new checking accounts for the new member bonuses. And at the end of each year, I share my results on the blog. Over the last 6 years, I have made $12,250 in bank account bonuses. You will receive 1099-INT tax forms every year, so you have to pay taxes on the bank account bonuses, but sometimes you can fund the opening deposit with a credit card and earn miles, points, or cash back. If you are lucky, you can meet a minimum spending requirement by funding a new checking account or reach a high spending target to earn more rewards. Here are my results from the last 6 years with links to corresponding blog post summaries: 2015: $1,175 (no post) 2016: $2,850 (summary) 2017: $3,700 (summary) 2018: $2,725 (summary) 2019: $1,000 (summary) 2020: $800 (this post) Drum roll please… Here are the 3 new checking accounts I opened in 2020:
- [Get 0.7% APY + $100 Bonus by Stacking 2 Marcus Savings Account Deals (Expires February 12)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/16/get-0-7-apy-100-bonus-by-stacking-2-marcus-savings-account-deals-expires-february-12/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your MLK Jr. Weekend is off to a great start. In my post How Much Money Did I Make from Bank Account Bonuses in 2020?, I made a measly $800 from bank account bonuses in 2020. I decided to hit the ground running in 2021 and have opened a few new savings, checking, and brokerage accounts in January (worth around $1,500). My interest was piqued yesterday when I read Doctor of Credit's post Marcus $100 Bonus for New & Existing Savings Customers with $10,000 Deposit (.50% APY). My brother, who is a big fan of bank account bonuses, told me to use his referral link to join Marcus first (I would get a 0.2% APY boost for the first 3 months) and then to enroll in the $100 Marcus savings account bonus which is available for new and existing customers. By stacking both deals, I will get 0.7% APY and the $100 bonus all at the same time. As you can see, my Marcus account shows 0.7% APY and has 2 active offers applied. Continue reading this post for step by step instructions on how to stack both of these deals.
- [Buy FTU Online Annual Membership for $49 & Get Free Access to FTU Virtual Seminar (February 20)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/22/buy-ftu-online-annual-membership-for-49-get-free-access-to-ftu-virtual-seminar-february-20/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I just received an email from Frequent Traveler University (FTU) that the $49 FTU Online Annual Membership price has been extended through January 31. Beginning February 1, the price will rise to $129. If you want to save $80 on an annual membership, you only have a few days left to act. With your annual membership, you will receive free access to the next FTU Virtual Seminar on February 20 (or buy a single ticket for $25). Here is the tentative schedule and lineup of speakers (seminars start Saturday at 11am ET / 8am PT). I really enjoyed attending the first FTU Virtual Seminar back on December 12 and I'm sure the next seminar will be just as entertaining and educational.
- [Turnaround Time for 5x Shipping AMEX Offer on American Express Business Platinum (Slow or Very Fast?)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/19/turnaround-time-for-5x-shipping-amex-offer-on-american-express-business-platinum-slow-or-very-fast/) - Good afternoon everyone. 2 weeks ago, American Express rolled out a bunch of new AMEX Offers on their American Express Business Platinum Card. Those AMEX Offers included earning 5x Membership Rewards Points on Wireless, Shipping, Advertising, Gas and Office Supply purchases. I added / activated those AMEX Offers and was especially excited about the 5x shipping AMEX Offer since I sell stuff on eBay and ship a few packages every month (mainly USPS and UPS). When my Chase Ink Plus Business Credit Card was offering 5x on shipping last year, I racked up a ton of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points. Since that deal ended a few months ago, I was excited to start using my AMEX Business Platinum to earn 5x Membership Rewards Points on shipping purchases. AMEX handles these AMEX Business Platinum AMEX Offers slightly differently where you earn the base rate (1x on shipping) and then earn the 4x bonus points later. According to the 5x shipping AMEX Offer terms, eligible purchases are "made in the U.S. for courier, postal, and freight shipping services" and the additional bonus points "will be credited to your Membership Rewards program account within 90 days after 6/30/2021." With that info in mind, I wanted to share the turnaround time for the 5x shipping AMEX Offer.
- [US Bank Cash+ Launching Real-Time Rewards for $10 Purchases & More News (Beginning February 19)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/15/us-bank-cash-launching-real-time-rewards-for-10-purchases-more-news-beginning-february-19/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I just received an email from US Bank regarding my US Bank Cash+ Credit Card. There are several changes that go into effect, beginning on February 19. The most exciting change is the introduction of Real-Time Rewards for the US Bank Cash+, which I have used a few times on my US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card. You will also be able to use your cash rewards through PayPal. There are also some negative changes to when cash rewards expires and redemption options. Read on to see all the details.
- [How Much Did I Pay in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2020?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/03/how-much-did-i-pay-in-credit-card-annual-fees-in-2020/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. In December 2019, I wrote I Paid $4,588 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2019 – Was it Worth it? In that post, I listed all of our credit cards that had annual fees and I attempted to justify why paying over $4,500 in annual fees was worth it. Unfortunately, 2020 made it very difficult to get a ton of value out of our travel reward credit cards, so in March 2020, I wrote Reconsideration Strategy for Credit Card Annual Fees During Coronavirus Pandemic. I decided to list all of our credit cards that have annual fees, sort them by when the annual fee posted / will post, and called for retention offers every time a new annual fee posted. At the beginning of 2020, we had 25 credit cards with annual fees and would pay $4,845 in annual fees if we made no changes or retention offer calls. In this post, I will share what retention offers we received, which credit cards we closed, and which credit cards we product changed.
- [Listen to Grant & Nick (from Frequent Miler) on the Risk of Ruin Podcast](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/19/listen-to-grant-nick-from-frequent-miler-on-the-risk-of-ruin-podcast/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had an enjoyable MLK Jr. Weekend. I am a big fan of miles & points podcasts and I recently had the pleasure to join Nick from Frequent Miler on the latest episode of the Risk of Ruin Podcast (hosted by John Reeder). John is a great story teller and expertly wove our experiences and stories together into a great podcast. I highly recommend listening to this podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.
- [Last Day to Buy FTU Online Annual Membership for $49 (Price Increases to $129 on February 1)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/31/last-day-to-buy-ftu-online-annual-membership-for-49-price-increases-to-129-on-february-1/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. I've written about the FTU Online Annual Membership a few times, but I wanted to remind you that today is the last day to buy your membership before prices rise tomorrow. Beginning February 1, the price will rise to $129. If you want to save $80 on an annual membership, today is your last day to act. With your annual membership, you will receive free access to the next FTU Virtual Seminar on February 20 (or buy a single ticket for $25). Here is the tentative schedule and lineup of speakers (seminars start Saturday at 11am ET / 8am PT). I really enjoyed attending the first FTU Virtual Seminar back on December 12 and I'm sure the next seminar will be just as entertaining and educational.
- [What is the Allstate Digital Footprint & How does it Work?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/05/what-is-the-allstate-digital-footprint-how-does-it-work/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! Last week, I wrote Chase Saved Account Manager: Track Where your Credit Cards are Stored Online & in Mobile Wallets. In that post, I showed you what the Chase Saved Account Manager was and how you can see which websites and apps have your Chase credit card information stored. In today's post, I will review a similar feature from Allstate. Laura and I use Allstate for our home and car insurance. I have the Allstate app on my phone and received a notification about a service called the Allstate Digital Footprint. Similar to the Chase Saved Account Manager, the Allstate Digital Footprint shows you which websites have your information saved, which types of information they have, and if any of those companies had a security breach that exposed your information. I will go through all the steps to set up your Allstate Digital Footprint in this blog post, but if you want to see a high level overview, check out this short YouTube video.
- [$10 Statement Credit Posted for $50 PayPal Purchase (US Bank December 2020 Promo)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/07/10-statement-credit-posted-for-50-paypal-purchase-us-bank-december-2020-promo/) - Good morning everyone, happy Super Bowl Sunday! 2 months ago, US Bank sent out a (targeted?) promo to US Bank credit card holders where you could earn a $10 statement credit for adding your credit card to PayPal and making $50 of PayPal purchases by December 31, 2020. This was an easy money maker for me, so I added my US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card to my PayPal account and made a $50 purchase. The $10 statement credit took a while to post to my account, but finally posted on February 5, 2021 (a day after my February credit card statement closed). If you participated and completed this promo, you should see the $10 statement credit right after your February 2021 statement closes.
- [Last Day to Register for Tomorrow's FTU Virtual Seminar (Saturday February 20)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/19/last-day-to-register-for-tomorrows-ftu-virtual-seminar-saturday-february-20/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! I just wanted to remind you that today is the last day to register for tomorrow's FTU Virtual Seminar. If you have no plans tomorrow (Saturday February 20), I highly recommend attending the FTU Virtual Seminar (tickets available for $25). The seminar starts on Saturday at 11am ET / 8am PT and will run for 3 hours with a virtual social mixer afterwards. I really enjoyed attending the first FTU Virtual Seminar back on December 12 and I'm sure this seminar will be just as entertaining and educational. If you have the FTU Online Annual Membership, you can attend the seminar for free. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you may have missed.
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on February 20 ($25) or Free with FTU Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/15/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-february-20-25-or-free-with-ftu-online-annual-membership/) - Good morning everyone, happy Presidents' Day and I hope you had a great Valentine's Day weekend too. If you have no plans this coming Saturday (February 20), I highly recommend attending the FTU Virtual Seminar (tickets available for $25). The seminar starts on Saturday at 11am ET / 8am PT. I really enjoyed attending the first FTU Virtual Seminar back on December 12 and I'm sure this seminar will be just as entertaining and educational. If you have the FTU Online Annual Membership, you can attend the seminar for free.
- [Happy Valentine's Day and My Miles & Points Love Story](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/14/happy-valentines-day-and-my-miles-points-love-story/) - Good morning everyone, happy Valentine's Day! I hope you are celebrating with your loved ones today. Laura and I are having a lazy Sunday after we made some delicious banana pancakes this morning. If you want to read a cute miles and points inspired love story (about yours truly), check out these 3 posts: Part 1: My Love / Hate Relationship with British Airways & Match.com (LONG STORY) Part 2: Quick Update Regarding the Old 150x British Airways Avios & Match.com Promo Part 3 : How I did on that British Airways / Match.com Deal from 2017 Happy Valentine's Day and have a great weekend everyone!
- [Category Bonus Points Not Posting Correctly for Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card [Fixed March 2021]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/18/category-bonus-points-not-posting-correctly-for-barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few months ago, I wrote about the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card Application & Reconsideration Process along with the Strange Things About my New Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. A few days ago, my friend Brian reached out to me about this credit card to ask if I had noticed an issue with category bonus points not posting or posting slowly to my Wyndham Rewards account: Hi Grant, Have you noticed a delay (or non-posting) of points greater than 1x in the bonus categories with your card? My first statement recently closed. On it, I had charges for 3 different utilities (water, gas, and electric). Two of the three even had the merchant category as utilities (water was from my municipality; so, merchant code was "government services"). However, none of my charges received the supposed 5x on utilities. I'm curious whether you've had similar experiences with your card for 8x on gas or 5x on marketing, advertising services, and utilities? As a reminder, this credit card earns 8x at Wyndham Hotels and at gas stations; 5x on marketing, advertising services, and utilities; and 1x on everything else. After digging into my credit card statements and searching on FlyerTalk, here is what I found out...
- [Redeem Wyndham Rewards Points Part 2: Transfer Times To/From Caesars Rewards & Extend Expiration Date](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/02/redeem-wyndham-rewards-points-part-2-transfer-times-to-from-caesars-rewards-extend-expiration-date/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you enjoyed reading yesterday's post: Redeem Wyndham Rewards Points Part 1: Transfer Points to Airline Miles & Timeshare Fees. For today's post, I will cover transferring points from Wyndham Rewards to Caesars Rewards (and vice versa), calculate the transfer times for each direction, and share a tip on how to extend your Wyndham Rewards Points expiration date. To get started, sign into your Wyndham Rewards account and then go to the Caesars Rewards page.
- [Redeem Wyndham Rewards Points Part 1: Transfer Points to Airline Miles & Timeshare Fees](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/01/redeem-wyndham-rewards-points-part-1-transfer-points-to-airline-miles-timeshare-fees/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. A few weeks ago, I noticed that some of my Wyndham Rewards Points were set to expire later this year, so I went down the rabbit hole and looked at various redemption options available for Wyndham Rewards Points. For part 1, I am going to cover transferring Wyndham Rewards Points to airline miles (which airlines are available, what are the transfer ratios, and what are the transfer times) and cover some of the timeshare fees (brief overview). In tomorrow's post, I will cover transferring Wyndham Rewards Points to Caesars Rewards Points (and transfers back) and a way to extend the expiration date of your Wyndham Rewards Points - so check back for tomorrow's post. To get started, I signed into my Wyndham Rewards account and went to the More Ways to Redeem page. From there, I clicked on Points Transfer Partners.
- [My Real Time Rewards Redemptions on US Bank Business Leverage Credit Card (Observations & Theories)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/27/my-real-time-rewards-redemptions-on-us-bank-business-leverage-credit-card-observations-theories/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is off to a great start. A few months ago, I applied for the US Bank Business Leverage Visa Credit Card. The credit card offers $750 cash back after spending $7,500 in 4 months. I had a large bill to pay via Plastiq and used this credit card to meet the minimum spending requirement. (FYI, there is also a US Bank Business Cash Rewards Mastercard Credit Card that offers $500 cash back after spending $3,000 in 3 months - I will probably get this business credit card next.) The sign up bonus posted on my first credit card statement and posted as US Bank Rewards Points (kind of like Altitude Reserve Points on the US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card, but these points are worth 1 cent each for all rewards). Instead of redeeming my points for cash back, I enrolled my new credit card in US Bank Real Time Rewards (RTR) and made 2 purchases to redeem the bulk of my US Bank Rewards Points. Here is what I learned about my new credit card and the RTR process.
- [Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card: Category Bonus Points Now Posting Correctly [Fixed March 2021]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/08/barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card-category-bonus-points-now-posting-correctly-fixed-march-2021/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Last month, I wrote Category Bonus Points Not Posting Correctly for Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. In that post, I wrote about a few examples where bonus categories were not earning bonus points on the new Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. I am happy to report that Barclays has fixed the issue. Here is the update I received from Brian today: My most recent Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card statement closed and I received both (a) 5x on new utilities charges for electric and gas charges (each of which received only 1x on the previous statement) and (b) an "adjustment" of points equal to the additional 4x on the electric and gas charges from the last statement about which I inquired via secure message via the card's website. So, hopefully, the issue is fixed now!
- [I Texted Alaska Airlines to Cancel My Reservation and it was Easy](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/22/i-texted-alaska-airlines-to-cancel-my-reservation-and-it-was-easy/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Long story short, I booked an Alaska Airlines flight using my Citi ThankYou Points (1.25 cents per TYP value until April 10). A few weeks later, I decided to cancel the flight. Since I didn't book the flight directly with Alaska Airlines, I wasn't able to cancel the flight online. When I called Alaska Airlines, the recording said that I could text Alaska Airlines instead. Alaska Airlines then sent me a text (820-08) and I responded directly to the text. The agent was very helpful and was able to cancel my flight and apply the travel funds to my Alaska Airlines wallet. The whole process took less than 10 minutes and couldn't have been easier. If you've never texted Alaska Airlines before, I recommend saving the text number (820-08) to your phone.
- [The Upside of Free Night Certificates over Hotel Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/18/the-upside-of-free-night-certificates-over-hotel-points/) - Good afternoon everyone. 2 years ago, I wrote Track Hotel Free Night Certificates & Credit Card Annual Fees with my Spreadsheet. In that post, I shared my strategy for keeping track of free night certificates. If you have several co-branded hotel credit cards (like the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card or Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card), you need to keep track of free night certificate expiration dates so you do not forget to use them before they expire or you run out of time to use them at a good property (the hotel is not going to remind you to use your free night certificate - they want you to pay the annual fee and forget to use your free night certificates). Here are the unused free night certificates I have, as of March 2021. I sorted the list by the expiration date of my free night certificates, so I know which free night certificates I need to focus on first.
- [Stay at this Cool College-Themed Hilton Hotel in San Luis Obispo](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/04/05/stay-at-this-cool-college-themed-hilton-hotel-in-san-luis-obispo/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great Easter and Passover. A few days ago, Laura and I did a roadtrip around California and stayed at The Kinney San Luis Obispo, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The Kinney is a few blocks from downtown San Luis Obispo (SLO) and a short drive / bike ride to the campus of Cal Poly SLO. Since the hotel is close to the university, the hotel has a college theme. Basic rooms are called Campus Rooms and the suites are called Grad Suite, Dean Suite, and Professor Suite (see all pics and room descriptions here). I used points to book a Campus Room and was upgraded (thanks to my Hilton Diamond Elite Status) to a Grad Suite. I enjoyed staying at this hotel and the location was great for exploring downtown SLO and the surrounding area. I would definitely stay here again the next time I visit SLO. Here are some pics of my room and of the hotel.
- [American Express Changes: $25 Account Reopening Fee, Forfeiting Points on Late Payments & Old Blue Cash Redemptions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/04/american-express-changes-25-account-reopening-fee-forfeiting-points-on-late-payments-old-blue-cash-redemptions/) - Good afternoon everyone. I was reviewing my recent American Express credit card statements and spotted a few changes that I wanted you to be aware of. The first 2 changes were shown on my American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card and the last change was specific to my AMEX Old Blue Cash Credit Card (no longer available). The first 2 changes affect small business credit and charge cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards Points. With that said, let's go through the first change. Effectively immediately, if your American Express card is closed (presumably by you), then you change your mind and want to reopen the card, you will now have to pay a $25 reopening fee. Before you close your card, call American Express to see if you can get a retention offer, see if you can convert that card to another card, and redeem any points tied to that card. If you do those steps, you should not need to reopen an account and incur the $25 reopening fee.
- [On My Mind: Using Chase Sapphire Reserve for Restaurants & Grocery Purchases Instead of AMEX Gold](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/16/on-my-mind-using-chase-sapphire-reserve-for-restaurants-grocery-purchases-instead-of-amex-gold/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few weeks ago, I started using my Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card as my go to restaurant and grocery store card. Both categories earn 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards Points on the CSR. That sounds pretty good until I explain that I could use my American Express Gold Card to earn 4x American Express Membership Rewards Points on those same categories. Why would I want to earn 3x instead of 4x? The answer is simple: Chase Ultimate Rewards Points are much easier for me to redeem. As you can see by these screenshots that I took today, I only have 1,235 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, compared to 364K Citi ThankYou Points and 479K American Express Membership Rewards Points. Let me dig a little deeper into the reasons why the points balances are so different.
- [US Bank Cash Plus Changes: $25 Minimum Redemption Amount, Postmates Benefit & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/03/05/us-bank-cash-plus-changes-25-minimum-redemption-amount-postmates-benefit-more/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! Yesterday, I wrote American Express Changes: $25 Account Reopening Fee, Forfeiting Points on Late Payments & Old Blue Cash Redemptions. In today's post, I will cover some recent changes that I saw in my US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card statement. "Effective June 1, 2021, the minimum redemption amount required to redeem cash back in the form of a statement credit or a deposit made to your U.S. Bank Savings, Checking or Money Market Account will be $25 (previously, it was $0.01)." This is bad news for credit card holders that earn less than $25.00 in cash back every month. I love when my statement closes and I can redeem $5.25, or $8.63, or $12.99 as a statement credit toward my credit card bill. Stating in June, I will have to accrue at least $25.00 in cash back before I can redeem for a statement credit. Let's go through the other changes and see what US Bank is up to.
- [Hilton & Wyndham Vacation Package Offers: 3 Nights + 15K Points for $149-$199](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/04/27/hilton-wyndham-vacation-package-offers-3-nights-15k-points-for-149-199/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. In the last 24 hours, I have received 2 vacation package offers that I wanted to share. The first is from Hilton Grand Vacations where you can get a 3 night stay in Orlando or Las Vegas + 15,000 Hilton Points for $149. The second offer is from Wyndham Vacation Resorts for a 3 night stay in Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Smoky Mountains, Las Vegas, San Antonio, or Destin + 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $199. Both of these vacation packages require attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I am Diamond Elite Status with both chains, and I have credit cards with both chains. Here is the email I received from Hilton Grand Vacations:
- [I Converted my Chase Sapphire Reserve to Freedom Flex - Here’s Why & What Happened Next](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/04/12/i-converted-my-chase-sapphire-reserve-to-freedom-flex-heres-why-what-happened-next/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I had a fun time watching the latest FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday (April 10) and am looking forward to attending the next FTU Virtual Seminar on May 22. In other news, I officially redeemed all my Chase Ultimate Rewards Points last week. Yes, you read that correctly, I now have 0 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points across all my Chase credit cards. Every month when our credit card statements would close, I would transfer the points from my Chase Ink Plus, Chase Ink Bold, and Laura's Chase Freedom to my Chase Sapphire Reserve. I would then redeem the points via Pay Yourself Back toward recent grocery and restaurant purchases. Since it has been more than 4 years since I last got a sign up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card, I plan on applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred soon to get the increased sign up bonus. Before I apply for the CSP, I redeemed all my points and converted my CSR to a Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card. In this post, I will show you what happened next.
- [Travel with Grant Turns 8 Years Old & My Top 8 Travel & Blogging Moments](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/01/travel-with-grant-turns-8-years-old-my-top-8-blogging-moments/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is off to a great start. 8 years ago today (back on May 1, 2013), Travel with Grant was born! Even though I am not a full time blogger and writing this post from a secluded beach, I'm still very happy and grateful to still be writing and sharing my thoughts with my readers. Every year (when I remember), I like to write a birthday / blogiversary post about TWG. If you want to reminisce through the years, check out these old posts: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, and I forgot about year 7 during the Coronavirus Pandemic (oops). Before I share my top 8 blogging moments, I wanted to share some advice I learned about blogging: I feel like the traditional advice and reason for starting a travel blog is to "help friends and family travel." That couldn't be further from the truth for me. I was tired of telling my friends and family about all the cool credit card sign up bonuses, cool airline alliances, cool sweet spots, and having them not care at all. I started my blog because I wanted to help people that actually wanted to travel! Blogging is not a get rich quick scheme either. Most of the time (at least for the first few years), you will be working for free or working for less than minimum wage. Don't start a blog for the money because you will run out of steam and enthusiasm very quickly. Anyone can start a blog, but keeping a blog going week after week, month after month, and year after year takes a lot of dedication. Which leads to my next point - write about the things that interest you. If you are not excited about a topic, chances are your writing will come off boring and your readers will be bored too. Without further ado, here are my top 8 travel & blogging moments (in chronological order): May 1, 2013 - Travel with Grant is born. I was between jobs at the time and thought that having a blog would help me get a job. A few months later, I started working at Panasonic Avionics (in-flight entertainment and global Wifi provider), so maybe my plan worked out. I had never started a blog, so I brainstormed blog names and chose Travel with Grant over Grant's Trips because when you type out the URL, it looked like www . grant strips . com and I didn't want people to be dissapointed when they clicked the link. Looking back at the first few months of blogging is like looking at your work from kindergarten now that you are in college. Thankfully, my writing, logo, and blog layout improved over time.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Tomorrow: Hyatt, American, Virgin, JetBlue & United](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/04/29/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-tomorrow-hyatt-american-virgin-jetblue-united/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end tomorrow (Friday, April 30, 2021). Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end tomorrow. Up first, Hyatt is offering a 25% discount, when you purchase at least 5,000 World of Hyatt Points. This offer expires on April 30.
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday April 10 ($25) or Free with FTU Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/04/07/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-april-10-25-or-free-with-ftu-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. If you have no plans this coming Saturday (April 10), I highly recommend attending the FTU Virtual Seminar (tickets available for $25). The seminar starts on Saturday at 11am ET / 8am PT. I really enjoyed attending the first FTU Virtual Seminar back on December 12 and I'm sure this seminar will be just as entertaining and educational. If you have the FTU Online Annual Membership, you can attend the seminar for free. If you registered for the seminar on Saturday, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday May 22 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/18/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-may-22-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. If you have no plans this coming Saturday (May 22), 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 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended a few FTU Virtual Seminars over the last several months and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! If you register for the seminar on Saturday, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Bad News: Citi ThankYou Points Cash Out Statement Credits Don't Earn Cash Back with Citi Double Cash](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/06/bad-news-citi-thankyou-points-cash-out-statement-credits-dont-earn-cash-back-with-citi-double-cash/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. On April 10, 2021, Citi reduced the value of Citi ThankYou Points (TYPs) when redeemed for travel from 1.25 cents per point (CPP) to 1.0 CPP. To make up for the devaluation of TYPs, Citi started allowing members with a Citi Premier Credit Card to cash out TYPs at 1 CPP in any amount, down to a single TYP (this redemption already existed on the Citi Prestige Credit Card). With that info in mind, I wanted to test out the cash out feature on my Citi Double Cash Credit Card. I made several small purchases and then several cash out redemptions. Unfortunately, the cash out statement credit redemptions do not count as eligible payments, therefore they do not earn cash back on the Citi Double Cash (I missed out the normal 1% cash back for paying off the credit card). As you can see by my recent statement, I made $88.99 in purchases, made a $5.01 payment, and $83.98 in cash out statement credits (which posted as credits instead of payments).
- [My Retention Offer on Chase Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/11/my-retention-offer-on-chase-marriott-bonvoy-premier-plus-business-credit-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Last week, the $99 annual fee posted to my legacy / grandfathered Chase Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business Credit Card (no longer available for new members). The only reason I keep this credit card is for the 35K Marriott Free Night Certificate, which I value slightly more than $99. I decided to call Chase to see if I was eligible for a retention offer. I explained to the Chase rep that I wasn't travelling much this year and asked if the annual fee could be waived. The Chase rep said I could get a $50 statement credit or product change to the no annual fee Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card. I gladly accepted the $50 statement credit and that credit posted to my account about a week later.
- [AutoSlash Already Saved Me $400 on 2 Rental Car Reservations](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/09/autoslash-already-saved-me-400-on-2-rental-car-reservations/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few weeks ago, I wrote PSA: Rental Car Rates are Sky High, Book ASAP where I talked about the crazy high rental car rates and how I use AutoSlash to find cheaper car rentals. On May 27, I booked 2 rental cars in Lihue and Kona, Hawaii and AutoSlash has already found me rates that are $400 cheaper (after only 2 weeks of searching). In this post, I will show you my rental car savings and share my best practices. For my first rental in Lihue, I booked with Enterprise and the rate was $1,018.59.
- [Pet Peeve: Airline Travel Bank Funds that are Difficult to Use](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/29/pet-peeve-airline-travel-bank-funds-that-are-difficult-to-use/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your Memorial Day Weekend is going well. While planning our upcoming trip to Hawaii (and dealing with expensive rental cars), I had to make some airline flight changes and rediscovered my pet peeve regarding airline travel bank funds. I have run into this issue with Alaska Airlines and JetBlue, but I'm sure the issue exists on other airlines too. Nick at Frequent Miler ran into a related issue with United Airlines yesterday. For our original Alaska Airlines flight home from Hawaii, we had a redeye flight from Lihue (LIH) to Los Angeles (LAX). I decided to use my $300 incidental travel credit from my JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Credit Card to pay for upgraded seats which includes 4 more inches of legroom, a free alcoholic beverage, and early boarding. The upgraded seats cost $133.99 each for a total of $267.98.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Southwest, Air France / KLM, American, Spirit, Avianca & Air Canada](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/27/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-southwest-air-france-klm-american-spirit-avianca-air-canada/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end soon. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, Southwest Airlines is offering up to a 75% bonus, depending on the number of Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - May 28.
- [My Surprisingly Simple Experience with AMEX Business Platinum 35% Membership Rewards Point Rebate](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/02/my-surprisingly-simple-experience-with-amex-business-platinum-35-membership-rewards-point-rebate/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. 2 years ago, I wrote My Disappointing Experience with AMEX Business Platinum 35% Membership Rewards Point Rebate. In that post, I shared my negative experience using the 35% Airline Bonus benefit that is available on the American Express Business Platinum Charge Card. Long story short, the automatic 35% rebate never showed up, so I contacted AMEX to resolve the issue and the AMEX rep gave me the wrong rebate amount (fewer points than I was supposed to receive). I then contacted AMEX via Twitter to resolve the issue. Since that negative experience, I did not trust / use the 35% Airline Bonus benefit until April 2021. Thankfully, I had a much better experience that was surprising simple and straightforward. If you have the AMEX Biz Plat and haven't used this benefit in a while, I think it is time to give it another shot. As a reminder, the 35% Airline Bonus benefit allows you to get a 35% rebate on the number of American Express Membership Rewards Points you redeem toward any flight on your selected airline or any business / first class flight on any airline. You can receive up to 500,000 rebated points per calendar year (maxed out when you redeem 1.43 million points).
- [20% Bonus Points on US Bank Altitude Reserve from June 1 to July 31 (Targeted Offer)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/26/20-bonus-points-on-us-bank-altitude-reserve-from-june-1-to-july-31-targeted-offer/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. Yesterday, I received a letter from US Bank regarding a targeted spending offer on my US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card. From June 1 to July 31, I can earn 20% bonus points on my purchases. This is a targeted offer with a unique promo code, so check your mail and email over the next few days for a similar offer on your US Bank credit card.
- [Rafting / Floating Down Rivers at Lake Tahoe, CA and Boise, ID](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/20/happy-fathers-day-rafting-floating-down-rivers-at-lake-tahoe-boise/) - Good morning everyone, happy Father's Day! Over the last few weeks, I spent time with my family in Lake Tahoe staying at the Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe (located in South Lake Tahoe right next to the Nevada state line) and at my parent's new home in Idaho, just outside Boise. On both trips, we spent time on the water rafting / floating down the rivers and I wanted to share some details of this fun family activity. In Lake Tahoe, there are 2 rafting companies that operate on the Truckee River (which is connected to Lake Tahoe). We used Truckee River Rafting (yellow paddles), but if that is full, you can also use the Truckee River Raft Company (orange paddles). Prices are $55-$60 per person, depending on which company you use. For Truckee River Rafting, you park at the top, raft / float down the river, and then you take their bus back to the top to get your car. The whole operation is very smooth. The river is a bit cold, but relaxing. There are barely any rapids, so the majority of the trip is just a relaxing float down the river and you can use the paddles to stay away from the edge of the river.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Choice Hotels (25%), Alaska Airlines (50%) & United Airlines (85%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/18/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-choice-hotels-alaska-airlines-united-airlines/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end soon. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Choice Hotels is offering a 25% discount, when you purchase at least 4,000 Choice Privileges Points. This offer expires on May 20.
- [7 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: JetBlue (30%), Alaska (50%), Choice (30%), Hyatt (30%), Frontier (125%), United (85%) & Wyndham (35%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/22/7-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-jetblue-alaska-choice-hyatt-frontier-united-wyndham/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 7 offers that end in June. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 7 offers that end soon. Up first, JetBlue is offering up to a 30% discount, depending on the number of JetBlue TrueBlue Points you purchase. This offer expires today - June 22.
- [American Express Business Platinum Card Changes: $179 CLEAR Credit & Centurion Lounge Guest Access Policy](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/04/american-express-business-platinum-card-changes-179-clear-credit-centurion-lounge-guest-access-policy/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your Fourth of July weekend is going well. I know there has been a lot of news this week about the American Express Platinum Cards, but I still wanted to share the details of the changes that were posted to my American Express Business Platinum Card. I don't have any other varieties or flavors of Platinum Cards, so I am not sure if these changes apply to all Platinum Cards or only to the Business Platinum Card. To start, American Express is revising / clarifying the language regarding additional card members and how refunds are handled if you cancel an authorized user / employee card. These changes mention the Cardmember Agreement which can be found here, then click on Small Business Cards, and then click on the Business Platinum Card.
- [Track Down Missing $200 Statement Credit on Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card (6 Month Saga)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/29/track-down-missing-200-statement-credit-on-bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-credit-card-6-month-saga/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. As part of my October 2020 App-O-Rama, I applied for the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card on October 25, 2020. At the time, the credit card was offering 40,000 Alaska Airlines Miles, a $99 Companion Fare, and a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in 3 months. Long story short, I completed the $2,000 minimum spend requirement on December 14, 2020, and received the 40,000 Alaska Airlines Miles and $99 Companion Fare on January 6, 2021, but the $200 statement credit was nowhere to be seen (or spent). I then spent the next 6 months waiting and following up with Bank of America regarding the $200 statement credit. This post documents the timeline of events. As part of my application process for any new credit card or bank account, I take screenshots of the offer and terms & conditions just in case I do not receive the bonus as promised. Here is the screenshot of the Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card that I applied for on October 25, 2020.
- [Venmo Announces New Fees for Receiving Payments of Goods and Services & Instant Transfer Withdrawals](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/23/venmo-announces-new-fees-for-receiving-payments-of-goods-and-services-instant-transfer-withdrawals/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Last night, I received an email regarding "New and upcoming changes to Venmo" - a pretty generic looking email with generic looking text that I skimmed through and almost deleted. Buried in the text were 2 changes about seller transaction fees and instant transfer fees. I decided to dig into these changes to see what they really meant for me and other Venmo users. Here are the 2 changes that I researched: 3) Effective July 20, 2021, users who receive payments that are identified by senders as for goods and services will be charged a seller transaction fee of 1.9% + $0.10. 4) Effective August 2, 2021, the fee for instant transfers will be 1.5% per instant transfer ($0.25 minimum fee, $15 maximum fee).
- [US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card Changes to Foreign Transaction Fees (Effective October 1, 2021)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/04/us-bank-cash-plus-credit-card-changes-to-foreign-transaction-fees-effective-october-1-2021/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your Fourth of July Weekend is going well. I was reviewing my recent statement from my US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card when I spotted this "IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT" about foreign transaction fees. The statement doesn't tell you anything about the change, so you need to look at the insert that comes with your paper statement or download the digital insert online to find out what is changing.
- [Last Day to Register! FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday June 26 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/06/25/last-day-to-register-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-june-26-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you have no plans tomorrow (Saturday, June 26), 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 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual
- [20% Off Lowe's Gift Cards with Citi ThankYou Points (1.25 CPP) (Promo Expires on 7/13)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/09/20-off-lowes-gift-cards-with-citi-thankyou-points-1-25-cpp-promo-expires-on-7-13/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday. I just received an email from Citi regarding my Citi Double Cash Credit Card, but the promo is really about getting 20% off Lowe's Gift Cards (both physical and digital). From today (Friday, July 9) through Tuesday, July 13, you can get Lowe's GCs for 20% off when you pay with Citi ThankYou Points. For example, a $100 Lowe's GC normally costs 10,000 Citi ThankYou Points, but during this promo, it only costs 8,000 Citi ThankYou Points. This comes out to a value of 1.25 cents per point (CPP) or 1.375 CPP if you have a Citi Rewards+ Credit Card.
- [How I Messed up the $20 Dining Credit on my AMEX Hilton Aspire](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/14/how-i-messed-up-the-20-dining-credit-on-my-amex-hilton-aspire/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. One of the current card benefits of the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card is the $20 monthly dining credit. Unfortunately I ran into an issue using this card benefit in April on 2 restaurant purchases (In N Out Burger and Panera Bread). As you can see, I never received the $20 dining credit for my April purchases, but I did receive the credit automatically in May, June, and July. Based on my transactions, the $20 dining credit posts ~3 days after the restaurant charge posts to your account. I contacted AMEX on May 1 and again on July 13 to check on the status of the dining credit and received conflicting answers. Here is what I was told and what I learned...
- [Barclays Wyndham Rewards Credit Cards: Business Earner CC Online Portal & Personal Earner Plus Upgrade Offer](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/04/barclays-wyndham-rewards-credit-cards-business-earner-cc-online-portal-personal-earner-plus-upgrade-offer/) - Good afternoon everyone. I just received this email from Barclays regarding my Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. Beginning on August 15, 2021, you will now be able to access your credit card on the Barclays App and on the BarclaysUS.com, along with all of your other Barclays credit cards. There are a few steps you might need to do first after August 15, so read on to find out. I also discovered that there is an upgrade offer from the old no annual fee Barclays Wyndham Rewards Visa Credit Card to the $75 annual fee Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Credit Card.
- [Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Packages: 3 Nights + 15K Points for $199 (Book by August 22)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/22/wyndham-timeshare-vacation-packages-3-nights-15k-points-for-199-book-by-august-22/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. Yesterday, I received an email from Wyndham Vacation Resorts for a 3 night stay in Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Smoky Mountains, Las Vegas, San Antonio, or Destin + 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $199. These vacation packages require attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Wyndham Rewards Diamond Elite Status and have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. You need to book your reservation by August 22 and you must complete your stay within 12 months. Here is the email I received from Wyndham Vacation Resorts.
- [My AMEX Offer, Chase Offer, and BofA BankAmeriDeals Loading Strategy & Thoughts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/14/my-amex-offer-chase-offer-and-bofa-bankamerideals-loading-strategy-thoughts/) - Good afternoon everyone. I'm a big fan of good AMEX Offers and Chase Offers, but I have received a ton of bad offers lately, so I wanted to share my loading strategy and thoughts. I will also briefly cover Bank of America BankAmeriDeals at the end of this post. Let's get started with AMEX Offers. I created this chart to divide up AMEX Offers into 4 separate buckets: Good offers on all cards Good offers on 1 card Bad offers on all cards Bad offers on 1 card Unfortunately, most of the recent AMEX Offers fall into the "Bad offers on all cards" and "Bad offers on 1 card" buckets. You will have to decide for yourself what you consider a good AMEX Offer vs. a bad AMEX Offer. A good AMEX Offer is an offer that I don't need to go out of my way to research or use. A bad AMEX Offer requires a lot of research to look up the store or service, see what they sell, and figure out if it is worth the price. I don't spend much time with bad AMEX Offers.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), JetBlue (60%), Hilton (100%), Air Canada (80%) & American (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/23/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-jetblue-hilton-air-canada-american/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that
- [I'm Back from Hawaii and a Preview of Upcoming Blog Posts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/04/im-back-from-hawaii-and-a-preview-of-upcoming-blog-posts/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. I just returned home from a relaxing trip to Hawaii with Laura for our 2 year wedding anniversary. We spent 4 nights on the Big Island in Kona at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa using 4 50K Free Night Certificates and then 6 nights on Kauai; 4 nights in Princeville and 2 nights in Poipu at 2 different Vacasa vacation rentals that cost 13,500 Wyndham Rewards Points per night (thanks to the 10% discount for Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card holders).
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), JetBlue (60%) & American (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/07/15/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-100-jetblue-60-american-60/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires on July 23.
- [Trim Slashes Bill Negotiation Fee to 15%, Free Premium Subscription Features & 4% Simple Savings Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/24/trim-slashes-bill-negotiation-fee-to-15-free-premium-subscription-features-4-simple-savings-account/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I just received this email from Trim announcing that the bill negotiation fee is being slashed from 33% down to 15%. As a reminder, Trim will reach out to your utility company (cable, TV, internet, and phone) on your behalf and negotiate a lower monthly cost or get you a 1 time courtesy credit. In exchange for negotiating a lower rate, Trim takes a cut of the savings. For more info, please read my most recent Trim post: Trim Saved Me Another $57 on My Comcast Xfinity Cable Bill ($167 Saved Lifetime). In addition to the lower bill negotiation fee, Trim is also making their premium subscription features free which include monitoring and cancelling subscriptions, spending and tracking alerts, and a goal-based savings account. I will show you how to set up a Simple Savings Account that offers a 4% interest rate on the first $2,000 deposited.
- [My Good & Bad Experience with 2 Vacasa Vacation Rentals in Hawaii (Booked with Wyndham Rewards Points)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/13/my-good-bad-experience-with-2-vacasa-vacation-rentals-in-hawaii-booked-with-wyndham-rewards-points/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! A few months ago, I booked 6 nights in Kauai (4 in Princeville and 2 in Poipu) with Wyndham Rewards Points for stays at 2 different Vacasa vacation rentals (read My Experience Booking Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham Rewards Points). Since I have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card, I get a 10% discount on all awards stays, so the cost per night was 13,500 Wyndham Rewards Points (or 81,000 points total for 6 nights). In this post, I will share the good and bad experience I had with these 2 Vacasa vacation rentals.
- [AutoSlash Saved Me $1300+ on 2 Hawaii Car Rentals (Final Results)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/12/autoslash-saved-me-1300-on-2-hawaii-car-rental-final-results/) - Good afternoon everyone. On May 27, I wrote PSA: Rental Car Rates are Sky High, Book ASAP. In that post, I shared my bewilderment at the sky high rental car rates, especially in Hawaii. I needed 2 small / economy rental cars for Lihue and Kona for a 9 day trip and the cheapest prices available were $1,967.98 total for both rentals. At that time, I had about 2 months before my Hawaii trip, so I put all my trust and faith in AutoSlash to find me cheaper rental cars. Less than 2 weeks later (June 9), I wrote AutoSlash Already Saved Me $400 on 2 Rental Car Reservations. Saving $400 in less than 2 weeks was a great start, but I hoped AutoSlash could continue to find me cheaper rental cars. 2 weeks after that (June 21), I wrote AutoSlash Saved Me Another $500 on 2 Rental Car Reservations. I had already saved $900 on my 2 rental cars in less than a month and almost cut the cost of the rental cars in half. Luckily, AutoSlash was not done working their magic. In this post, I will share my final results and show you how AutoSlash saved me more than $1,300 on my 2 rental cars. The last and best AutoSlash deal for Lihue came on June 20 from Hertz for $397.87.
- [Barclays Business Credit Cards Now Visible on App & Website (Along with Bugs and Earner Grow Card)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/16/barclays-business-credit-cards-now-visible-on-app-website-along-with-bugs-and-earner-grow-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. 2 weeks ago, I wrote Barclays Wyndham Rewards Credit Cards: Business Earner CC Online Portal & Personal Earner Plus Upgrade Offer. In that post, I said that beginning on August 15 (yesterday), Barclays business credit cards would now show up in the Barclays App and on BarclaysUS.com, along with all of your other Barclays credit cards. I kind of forgot the launch date but discovered the change when I signed into the Barclays app this afternoon. At the top of the screen was my Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card along with an Activate Now button (my card was activated in 2020 when I received the card). Maybe Barclays needed me to activate the card in the app in order for it to work properly. I'm not sure. I clicked the Activate Now button and then had to verify my identity by entering the last 4 digits of my social security number and the 3 digit security code. I then clicked the Activate button on the bottom of the screen.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Alaska (60%), Hyatt (25%), Wyndham (25%), Southwest (65%) & Etihad (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/20/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-alaska-hyatt-wyndham-southwest-etihad/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that are ending in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, August 28 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/20/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-august-28/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday. If you have no plans next Saturday (August 28), 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, August 28 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last several months 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. If you register for the seminar on Saturday, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (75%), Virgin Atlantic (70%), United (50%), & Alaska (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/13/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-virgin-atlantic-united-alaska/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that are ending soon. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 75% bonus, depending on the number of IHG Rewards Club Points you purchase. This offer expires today - August 13.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (75%), Virgin Atlantic (70%), & United Airlines (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/06/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-virgin-atlantic-united-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that are ending soon. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 75% bonus, depending on the number of IHG Rewards Club Points you purchase. This offer expires on August 13.
- [More Barclays Business Credit Cards Bugs & Finance Charge / Interest Fee Errors](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/09/more-barclays-business-credit-cards-bugs-finance-charge-interest-fee-errors/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few weeks ago, I wrote Barclays Business Credit Cards Now Visible on App & Website (Along with Bugs and Earner Grow Card). Since then, there have been other issues / errors with Barclays: PSA: Check Barclays Accounts For Erroneous Foreign Transaction Fees and Some Barclays Wyndham Earner Business Cardholders Being Charged $149 Annual Fee (Should Be $95). These seem to be growing pains for Barclays as they bring business credit cards onto their personal website and app platforms. Unfortunately, it looks like I can add one more issue to the list: finance charge / interest fee errors. Let me explain... I received the following email regarding my Barclays Wyndham Rewards Business Earner Credit Card statement. The amount was for $145.13 and payment was due on September 30.
- [Hilton Vacation Package Offer: 3 Nights + 25K Points for $149 in Orlando or Las Vegas](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/27/hilton-vacation-package-offer-3-nights-25k-points-for-149-in-orlando-or-las-vegas/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I just received an email from Hilton Grand Vacations where you can get a 3 night stay in Orlando or Las Vegas + 25,000 Hilton Points for $149. Part of the offer requires attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Hilton Diamond Elite Status, and I have an American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card. Here is the email I received from Hilton Grand Vacations:
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Avianca (135%), Etihad (60%), British Airways (50%), American (75%) & Choice (25%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/27/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-avianca-etihad-british-airways-american-choice/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that are ending this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Radisson Hotels Americas (100%), Southwest (40%), Marriott (50%) & Choice (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/10/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-radisson-hotels-americas-southwest-marriott-choice/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that are ending soon. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Radisson Hotels Americas is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Radisson Rewards Americas Points you purchase. This offer expires September 15.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Southwest (30%), Alaska (10%) & IHG (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/03/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-southwest-alaska-ihg/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that are ending in the next few days. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Southwest Airlines is offering a 30% discount, on any purchase of Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Points. This offer expires on September 5.
- [Last Day to Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, August 28 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/27/last-day-to-register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-august-28/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday. If you have no plans tomorrow (Saturday, August 28), 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, August 28 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last several months 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. If you register for the seminar on Saturday, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Alaska Airlines 2 for 1 Flight Vouchers @ San Francisco Giants Game on September 4](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/30/alaska-airlines-2-for-1-flight-vouchers-san-francisco-giants-game-on-september-4/) - Good afternoon everyone. If you live near the San Francisco Bay Area and want a discounted Alaska Airlines flight, listen up. On Saturday, September 4, the San Francisco Giants are giving out 2 for 1 flight vouchers on Alaska Airlines to the first 40,000 fans in attendance. Alaska Airlines (and previously Virgin America) are big
- [Tomorrow: Alaska Airlines 2 for 1 Flight Vouchers @ San Francisco Giants Game](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/03/tomorrow-alaska-airlines-2-for-1-flight-vouchers-san-francisco-giants-game/) - Good morning everyone, happy Labor Day Weekend. If you live near the San Francisco Bay Area and want a discounted Alaska Airlines flight, listen up. Tomorrow, Saturday, September 4, the San Francisco Giants are giving out 2 for 1 flight vouchers on Alaska Airlines to the first 40,000 fans in attendance. Alaska Airlines (and previously Virgin America) are big sponsors of the San Francisco Giants and do this giveaway every year - I wrote about this promo in 2017, 2018, and 2019. If you want to get cheap tickets to the game, check out StubHub, SeatGeek, or Gametime. If you cannot attend the game, I am sure you will be able to find these vouchers on eBay shortly after the game.
- [Victim of Recent T-Mobile Data Breach? Freeze your 3 Credit Reports Right Away](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/25/victim-of-recent-t-mobile-data-breach-freeze-your-3-credit-reports-right-away/) - Good afternoon everyone. If you are an existing, former, or potential future T-Mobile customer, you may have heard about the massive data breach affecting ~53 million customers. Depending on your current relationship with T-Mobile, your name, date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, telephone number, and mobile device information may have been stolen by hackers. After your data is stolen in a data breach, there is really nothing you can do to get that information back (it is out in the universe forever), but you can protect yourself and your finances by freezing your 3 credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion (read this post on steps to freeze your credit reports). The only thing T-Mobile has said so far is that "T-Mobile's response includes offering two years of free identity-theft protection software to customers whose data was compromised."
- [Changes Brewing for Peet's Coffee Peetnik Rewards Program on October 6 [Now Live]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/30/changes-brewing-for-peets-coffee-peetnik-rewards-program-on-october-6/) - Updated at 8:40am PT on 10/6/21: The new Peet's Coffee Peetnik Rewards program is now live. You get 125 points when you join, 1 point per dollar spent, and 25 points on your birthday. Continue reading to find out all the other changes to the Peetnik Rewards program.
- [Are Points Posting Slower from Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card? [Fixed Now]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/22/are-points-posting-slower-from-barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I've written a few posts about the new Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card over the last few months including this recent article: More Barclays Business Credit Cards Bugs & Finance Charge / Interest Fee Errors. I may have discovered another issue with Wyndham Rewards Points posting very slowly from Barclays to your Wyndham Rewards account. As you can see, I received 716 points on 9/21/21. Before September, my points would post between the 5th and 8th of every month, usually 1 day after my statement closes. The description also changed from "Barclays Earning" to "Barclays Marketing, Advertising, Utilities Earning".
- [Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Package: 3 Nights + 15K Points for $199 in Las Vegas, Orlando, Oceanside & Myrtle Beach](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/14/wyndham-timeshare-vacation-package-3-nights-15k-points-for-199/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. This morning, I received an email from Wyndham Vacation Resorts for a 3 night stay in Las Vegas, Orlando, Oceanside & Myrtle Beach + 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $199. These vacation packages require attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Wyndham Rewards Diamond Elite Status and have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. You need to book your reservation by October 31 and you must complete your stay within 12 months. Here is the email I received from Wyndham Vacation Resorts:
- [PSA: Price Match In-Store Items with Online Items from Staples and Office Depot & Stack with Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/01/psa-price-match-in-store-items-with-online-items-from-staples-and-office-depot-stack-with-rewards/) - Good evening everyone, happy Friday. A few weeks ago, my wife and I received emails regarding our Staples Rewards and Office Depot Rewards. Somehow, I had $29 in Staples Rewards and my wife had $8.59 in Office Depot Rewards. This afternoon, I printed out my $29 Staples Reward coupon and went to my local Staples Store to buy some ink for my printer. Strangely, the price for the ink was more expensive at the Staples Store than on Staples.com. When I went to check out, I asked the cashier if she would price match to the price on Staples.com and she said yes. It seemed like a fairly common request to the cashier. She looked at the price of the ink cartridge on Staples.com on my phone and matched the price. I was then able to use my Staples Rewards to pay for the item. In this post, I will show you more information regarding the price match process and show a similar process for Office Depot items.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air France / KLM (100%), Hilton (100%), American (75%), Frontier (100%), Southwest (30%) & JetBlue (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/29/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-france-klm-hilton-american-frontier-southwest-jetblue/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, Air France / KLM is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Air France / KLM Miles you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - September 30.
- [$179 CLEAR Credit Posts Quickly on American Express Business Platinum Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/23/179-clear-credit-posts-quickly-on-american-express-business-platinum-card/) - Good morning everyone. A few months ago, I wrote American Express Business Platinum Card Changes: $179 CLEAR Credit & Centurion Lounge Guest Access Policy when AMEX introduced the $179 CLEAR Credit on their personal and business Platinum Cards. Last month, I wrote My CLEAR Experience: Reactivating Membership, Adding Family Member, & Airport Biometric Process where I explained the issues regarding reactivating my old/dormant CLEAR membership and my wife's experience with the airport biometric process (it was pretty easy at the Seattle airport). CLEAR gave me a 2 month trial period in order to get our CLEAR accounts set up and my charge finally went through last week. I wanted to document the process and show how quickly the CLEAR credit posted on my American Express Business Platinum Card. The $179 CLEAR Credit shows up in the benefits section of your personal or business Platinum Card and does not require activation. The benefit says that the statement credit will appear 2-4 weeks after your CLEAR membership is charged to your card.
- [Hilton Vacation Package Offer: 3 Nights + 50K Points for $199 in Orlando or Las Vegas](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/27/hilton-vacation-package-offer-3-nights-50k-points-for-199/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. I just received an email from Hilton Grand Vacations where you can get a 3 night stay in Orlando or Las Vegas + 50,000 Hilton Points for $199. Part of the offer requires attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Hilton Diamond Elite Status, and I have an American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card. Here is the email I received from Hilton Grand Vacations:
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, October 2 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/09/27/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-october-2/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend. If you have no plans this Saturday (October 2), 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, October 2 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. If you register for the seminar on Saturday, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Last Day to Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, October 2 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/01/last-day-to-register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-october-2/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you have no plans tomorrow, Saturday, October 2, 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, October 2 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the
- [American Express Changes: No Cash Advance Fee for Precious Metal Coins, Bullion, and Digital Precious Metals Products](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/03/american-express-changes-no-cash-advance-fee-for-precious-metal-coins-bullion-and-digital-precious-metals-products/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. I was just reviewing my recent American Express statements and saw a few changes regarding cash advance fees, earning bonus points on meal-kit delivery services, losing points when you close an account, late payment fees and the Centurion Lounge Guest Access Policy. The most interesting change is regarding cash advance fees. Effective October 1, 2021 (aka now), "precious metal coins or bullion and digital precious metals products" are no longer considered as a cash advance, so those purchases should earn points, miles, and cash back. This is great news if you buy coins from the US Mint (to keep or resell). As you might remember, American Express added precious metal coins or bullion and digital precious metals products to their definition of cash advance effective January 15, 2021. It is good to see American Express changing their mind regarding precious metal coins and bullion.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (100%), Air Canada (80%), Radisson Hotels Americas (100%), Marriott (55%) & Avianca (140%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/08/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-air-canada-radisson-hotels-americas-marriott-avianca/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of IHG Rewards Club Points you purchase. This offer expires today - October 8.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hawaiian (100%), United (100%), Alaska (60%), Etihad (60%), American (35%) & Hyatt (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/22/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hawaiian-united-alaska-etihad-american-hyatt/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, Hawaiian Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Hawaiian Airlines Miles you purchase. This offer expires on October 24.
- [Should You Upgrade to the US Bank Altitude Go Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/12/should-you-upgrade-to-the-us-bank-altitude-go-credit-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I just received this email from US Bank letting me know that I could upgrade my US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card to the US Bank Altitude Go Credit Card. You might get a targeted email like the one below, but if you do not, you can always call the phone number on the back of your US Bank Cash Plus and ask to product change to the US Bank Altitude Go. Let's see if the upgrade makes sense.
- [PSA: Keep Checking IHG Award Prices for Price Drops, Then Rebook or use Free Night Certificates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/07/psa-keep-checking-ihg-award-prices-for-price-drops-then-rebook-or-use-free-night-certificates/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. I have an upcoming trip to New York City and have been planning my hotel stays for a few days. I really like the Kimpton brand that is part of IHG Rewards and there is a Kimpton Muse Hotel in New York City that is close to Broadway and Times Square. I have 3 IHG Free Night Certificates from my Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card and my old Chase IHG Rewards Plus Credit Card (no longer available) that are good for award redemptions up to 40,000 IHG Points. When I searched for award nights in November through January, I noticed point prices ranged from 31,000 IHG Points per night up to 73,000 IHG Points per night. I looked at the same few days over a week period and noticed that the point prices would change from day to day, based on the cash price of the hotel on that specific night. In this post, I will share the point prices and the cash prices I observed over the next 3 months and share my thoughts and findings. I will also show you how to use your IHG Free Night Certificates and use the fourth night free benefit.
- [US Bank Business Triple Cash Credit Card Application Process & Welcome Documents](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/19/us-bank-business-triple-cash-credit-card-application-process-welcome-documents/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. 2 days ago, I wrote Capital One Spark Miles Business Credit Card Application Process & Welcome Documents. 2 weeks ago, I also applied for the US Bank Business Triple Cash Credit Card. My application was not instantly approved, so I called the US Bank business credit card application status / reconsideration department and asked if I could move some credit from my existing US Bank business credit cards in order to be approved for my new credit card. The rep said that US Bank did not reallocate credit limits and when I called on October 7, the rep said the credit department was still working on applications from October 1, so 6 days behind. 6 days later, on October 13, my application was approved. Here is what the front and back of the credit card looks like. I am not a fan of the mixture of vertical and horizontal elements on the front of the card; and the back of the card looks to simple and a little boring. It also looks like there is something missing from the bottom left corner on the back. In this post, I will share details of the application process and the welcome documents I received from US Bank.
- [AMEX Chat Reps Cannot 100% Confirm Eligibility for New Credit Card Sign Up Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/18/amex-chat-reps-cannot-100-confirm-eligibility-for-new-credit-card-sign-up-bonus/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. A few weeks ago, I was planning on applying for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card. As of October 18, the current sign up bonus is 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points plus 2 Free Night Certificates (up to 50K Points / Night) after spending $5,000 in 3 months. I have never had this specific credit card before, so now seemed like a great time to pick up this credit card with an increased sign up bonus. Before I applied, I reached out to American Express via their online AMEX Chat feature to see if I was eligible. I will explain more below, but long story short, the AMEX Chat rep said I was eligible, but the AMEX popup said I was not eligible.
- [4 Chase Offer Flash Deals: 20% Cash Back at McDonald's, Walgreens, Exxon, and Bed Bath & Beyond](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/10/22/4-chase-offer-flash-deals-20-cash-back-at-mcdonalds-walgreens-exxon-and-bed-bath-beyond/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! I just checked my Chase app and saw 4 new Chase Offers. These are 2 day long Flash Deals that offer 20% cash back at McDonald's, Walgreens, Exxon, and Bed Bath & Beyond. I saw these same Chase Offers on most of my actively used Chase credit cards, so you should have all or some of these offers too. The Chase Offers are around for 6 days, but as soon as you load / activate each Chase Offer, you only have 2 days to use the offer before it expires. Scroll down to see more information about each Chase Offer.
- [Sign Up Bonus Posting Speeds for Capital One Spark Miles & US Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/12/sign-up-bonus-posting-speeds-for-capital-one-spark-miles-us-bank-triple-cash-rewards-business-credit-cards/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! I hope you had a great Veteran's Day Holiday yesterday. Last month, I applied for 2 business credit cards and I wanted to share the details of how quickly the sign up bonuses posted for each credit card. Up first, let's talk about the Capital One Spark Miles Business Credit Card, which is currently offering 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in 3 months. Up next, I will cover the US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Credit Card, which is currently offering $500 cash back after spending $4,500 in 5 months.
- [Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Package: 3 Nights + 15K Points for $149 in Las Vegas, Orlando, Oceanside & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/09/wyndham-timeshare-vacation-package-3-nights-15k-points-for-149-in-las-vegas-orlando-oceanside-more/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. This morning, I received an email from Wyndham Vacation Resorts for a 3 night stay in Las Vegas, Orlando, Oceanside and 6 other cities + 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $149. You have more destinations available and it's $50 cheaper than the Wyndham Vacations Resorts deal I wrote about in September. These vacation packages require attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). You may be able to get an even better deal if you call the Wyndham Vacation Resorts phone number (1-877-393-8405). The phone reps really want people to attend the timeshare presentation and have the power to give you more incentives, like more free points or a $100 Visa gift card. I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Wyndham Rewards Diamond Elite Status and I have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. You need to book your reservation by November 24 and you must complete your stay within 12 months. Here is the email I received from Wyndham Vacation Resorts:
- [Real-Time Rewards Not Working on my US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/15/real-time-rewards-not-working-on-my-us-bank-business-triple-cash-rewards-credit-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. This post will probably not help most people, but if you have the US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Credit Card, like I do, you might appreciate this post. Long story short, I earned the $500 Cash Rewards sign up bonus and wanted to redeem the sign up bonus. I am a big fan of Real-Time Rewards and have used it many times with my US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card. In the US Bank Rewards Portal, I enrolled in the Real-Time Rewards program, selected the $25 minimum purchase amount and checked the box to enroll all categories.
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, November 13 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/08/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-november-13-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend. If you have no plans this Saturday (November 13), 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, November 13 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.
- [Check November Citi AT&T Access More Credit Card Statement for Bonus Citi ThankYou Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/08/check-november-citi-att-access-more-credit-card-statement-for-bonus-citi-thankyou-points/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I was reviewing my recent Citi credit card statements and saw an adjustment on my Citi AT&T Access More Credit Card (no longer available). The Account Messages section said: Heads up: We're crediting your ThankYou account We noticed you didn't receive ThankYou Points for some eligible online purchases on your account. We're on it - we've credited your ThankYou account for the points, and you'll see the credit on your current statement. Citi identified that my credit card did not earn the correct 3x Citi ThankYou Points on all eligible purchases, so I received an adjustment of 14,140 Citi ThankYou Points, which implies that $7,070 of my purchases only earned 1x instead of the 3x rate for AT&T and online purchases. This was a nice surprise to see on my credit card statement.
- [My 4 Night IHG Award Reservation Dropped from 90K to 76K to 48K Points Total](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/14/my-4-night-ihg-award-reservation-dropped-from-90k-to-76k-to-48k-points-total/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. I had a great time attending yesterday's FTU Virtual Seminar and I enjoyed chatting with other attendees at the virtual mixer. Last week, I wrote PSA: Keep Checking IHG Award Prices for Price Drops, Then Rebook or use Free Night Certificates. In that post, I showed you how I kept checking award prices of the Kimpton Muse Hotel in NYC and used an IHG Free Night Certificate once the price dropped to 40,000 IHG Points and below. In today's post, I will show you how I rebooked a 4 night award stay twice and saved 42,000 IHG Points. Since I have the Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card, I took advantage of the fourth night free benefit where the fourth night is completely free. I have an upcoming Crowne Plaza Hotel stay that I originally booked on October 31 for 90,000 IHG Points total. As you can see, the first 3 nights are 30,000 IHG Points per night and the fourth night is free. 90,000 IHG Points for a 4 night stay is an average of 22,500 IHG Points per night which seemed like a good deal to me. Fortunately, the deal was about to get much better over the coming weeks.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (100%), Choice (30%), Wyndham (25%), & Southwest (75%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/07/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-choice-wyndham-southwest/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that are ending soon. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of IHG Rewards Club Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - November 8.
- [Last Day to Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, November 13 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/12/last-day-to-register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-november-13-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you have no plans tomorrow (Saturday, November 13), 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, November 13 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.
- [Targeted Referral Offer for Discover It: $100 Sign Up Bonus & $100 Referral Bonus ($500 Referral Max)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/16/targeted-referral-offer-for-discover-it-100-sign-up-bonus-100-referral-bonus-500-referral-max/) - Good afternoon everyone. This morning, I received an email from Discover regarding a targeted referral bonus on the Discover It Credit Card. If you received this email, you can create a special referral link that has a $100 sign up bonus after first purchase and you will also receive a $100 referral bonus. The standard offer is $50 for both the sign up bonus and referral bonus, so this is an increased offer that is good through December 31, 2021. The subject line is "Special offer: $100 for you, share Discover with a friend." If you didn't receive the email, you can see if you are targeted by signing in here and going to the referral page.
- [Reminder: Max Out 10% Citi ThankYou Points Rebate on Citi Rewards+ Credit Card (10K Annual Limit)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/09/reminder-max-out-10-citi-thankyou-points-rebate-on-citi-rewards-credit-card-10k-annual-limit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. One of my favorite sock drawer credit cards is the Citi Rewards+ Credit Card. This credit card has a pretty decent sign up bonus at the moment (20,000 Citi ThankYou Points after spending $1,500 in 3 months), but my favorite feature of this credit card is the 10% rebate on redeemed Citi ThankYou Points. You can receive up to 10,000 Citi ThankYou Points rebated each calendar year, you just need to redeem at least 100,000 Citi ThankYou Points in a calendar year. So why am I reminding you about this today? The 10% rebate posts to your Citi ThankYou Points account when your statement closes. If your statement closes on or after January 1, that will count toward your calendar year 2022 10,000 Citi ThankYou Point limit. Therefore, you probably only have 1 or 2 more statements between now and January 1, 2022. I will show you how to see how many rebated Citi ThankYou Points you have already received this year and suggest 2 good Citi ThankYou Point transfer partners to use.
- [3 Quick NYC Hotel Reviews: West 57th Street Hilton Club, Kimpton Muse & Conrad Midtown](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/01/3-quick-nyc-hotel-reviews-west-57th-street-hilton-club-kimpton-muse-conrad-midtown/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. Laura and I were in New York City last week for Thanksgiving and stayed at 3 different hotels. I wasn't planning on doing a full, in-depth review of each hotel, but I figured I could share quick reviews of each property. First up is the West 57th Street by Hilton Club. This property is part of the Hilton Grand Vacation Club timeshare group and we stayed there on a 2 night timeshare package that I bought a few years ago (before the pandemic). We both attended a 90 minute timeshare presentation, but we didn't buy anything. After the presentation, we were given 5,000 Hilton Points, a $100 Stay A Night On Us certificate, and $100 in dining vouchers for nearby restaurants. Our room was very nice, but the website photos don't really sell the property.
- [Booking Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham Rewards Points is Really Easy (Just Call)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/18/booking-vacasa-vacation-rentals-with-wyndham-rewards-points-is-really-easy-just-call/) - Good afternoon everyone. A few months ago in April 2021, I wrote about My Experience Booking Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham Rewards Points. The booking process has come a long way since April, so I wanted to provide an update and show how easy and quick it is to book a Vacasa Vacation Rental using your Wyndham Rewards Points. Here are the steps I recommend: Start your search here: https://www.vacasa.com/search?maxbeds=1&maxrate=350&place=/usa/ (this will show all properties that have 1 bedroom and cost less than $350 / night) Enter the city or state you are interested in Enter your check in and check out dates (this will only show properties that are available for the duration of your stay) Then look at all the properties that have ratings / reviews, focusing your attention on properties that have the best / most / recent ratings Then look at the photos and read the description (some properties charge a resort fee or parking) Once you have identified your top 1-3 properties, it is time to book the reservation For an upcoming trip to Maui, I settled on this Vacasa Vacation Rental: Hale Kai O Kihei 207 - Kihei, HI
- [Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Package: 4 Nights + 30K Points for $199 in Las Vegas, Orlando, Oceanside & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/08/wyndham-timeshare-vacation-package-4-nights-30k-points-for-199-in-las-vegas-orlando-oceanside-more/) - Good evening everyone. I just received an email from Club Wyndham for a 4 night stay in Las Vegas, Orlando, Oceanside and 7 other cities + 30,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $199. There are also some options for a 3 night stay + 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $149. These are some of the highest bonuses I have ever seen for Wyndham vacation packages. These vacation packages require attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). You may be able to get an even better deal if you call the Club Wyndham phone number (1-855-895-3640). The phone reps really want people to attend the timeshare presentation and have the power to give you more incentives, like more free points or a prepaid gift card. I also saw some offers that came with SeaWorld tickets, AMEX gift cards, Caesars Rewards gift cards, and more. I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Wyndham Rewards Diamond Elite Status and I have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. I didn't see a book by date on the email, so I am not sure how long this promotion will last. Here is the email I received from Club Wyndham:
- [Last Day to Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, December 4 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/03/last-day-to-register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-december-4-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! If you have no plans tomorrow (Saturday, December 4), 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, December 4 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:
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (30%), Spirit (60%), Radisson Americas (100%), Etihad (50%) & Hilton (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/30/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-spirit-radisson-americas-etihad-hilton/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 30% discount, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - November 30.
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, December 4 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/30/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-december-4-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. If you have no plans this Saturday (December 4), 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, December 4 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:
- [Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card 20% Rebate for In-Flight Purchases Works Great](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/09/bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-credit-card-20-rebate-for-in-flight-purchases-works-great/) - Good morning everyone. A few weeks ago, I flew Alaska Airlines from San Francisco to New York and took advantage of the 20% rebate for in-flight purchases for paying with my Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card (works on both the personal and business credit card). A 20% rebate is a great benefit and you actually earn 3x Alaska Airlines miles on the original price (before the rebate). I wanted to share my experience since I haven't seen this benefit written about extensively.
- [ExpressVPN Black Friday Deal: Get 3 Extra Months Free with 12 Month Plan](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/19/expressvpn-black-friday-deal-get-3-extra-months-free-with-12-month-plan/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! Black Friday is right around the corner and ExpressVPN wants to get the party started early. ExpressVPN normally offers a 1 month free trial when you become a member, but during this promotion, you can get 3 extra months free when you purchase a 12 month plan. I have been using ExpressVPN since November 2016 and I love their desktop, laptop, and mobile app. With data breaches occurring on a weekly basis, I think it is very important that we do our best to protect ourselves when we are online, whether that is at home or on the road.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (40%), American (30%), & Spirit (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/11/19/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-american-spirit/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that are ending this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 40% discount, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - November 19.
- [My 2021 Year in Review: PFS Buyers Club $15K in Spend & $1,200 in Profit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/08/my-2021-year-in-review-pfs-buyers-club-15k-in-spend-1200-in-profit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Since we are now in December, I wanted to review how I did this year in terms of bank account bonuses, credit card annual fees, yearly predictions, and coin reselling with PFS Buyers Club (my referral link). I will write separate blog posts about those first 3 topics later this month, but for today, I wanted to share how I did with coin reselling this year with PFS. This was my best year ever with PFS and I was able to participate in 10 different deals. Long story short, I had $15,128.55 in credit card spend and made $1,246.45 profit (8% return) in 2021.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: British Airways (50%), Virgin Atlantic (60%), Southwest (40%), Air France / KLM (100%), United (100%) & Alaska (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/17/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-british-airways-virgin-atlantic-southwest-air-france-klm-united-alaska/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, British Airways is offering up to a 50% bonus, depending on the number of British Airways Avios you purchase. This offer expires on December 19.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hyatt (30%), Hilton (100%), American (50%), United (50%) & Wyndham (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/29/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hyatt-hilton-american-united-wyndham/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Hyatt Hotels is offering up to a 30% discount, depending on the number of World of Hyatt Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - December 30.
- [Buy a $69 Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Online Annual Membership & Attend All 2022 Virtual Seminars for Free](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/28/buy-a-69-frequent-traveler-university-ftu-online-annual-membership-attend-all-2022-virtual-seminars-for-free/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you are having a great holiday season and looking forward to 2022. I have been a long time fan and attendee at Frequent Traveler University (FTU) and got a ton of value this year from my FTU online annual membership. My 2021 membership just ended, so it is time to buy my 2022 membership. If you sign up for an FTU online annual membership by December 31, 2021, and use promo code 60_OFF_FTU_ONLINE, you can get your membership for $69 for the whole year (regular price is $129).
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Avianca (175%), Frontier (150%) & Marriott (45%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/10/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-avianca-frontier-marriott/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that are ending in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Avianca Airlines is offering up to a 175% bonus, depending on the number of Avianca Airlines LifeMiles you purchase. This offer expires December 13.
- [Bilt Rewards: Earn 900 Points for Linking All 9 Airline & Hotel Accounts to the App [Updated]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/15/bilt-rewards-earn-300-points-for-linking-your-america-airlines-emirates-hawaiian-airlines-accounts-to-the-app/) - Good afternoon everyone. A few days ago, I signed up for the Bilt Rewards program (even though I do not have an apartment or pay rent). Bilt Rewards allows you to earn points for paying rent, but you can also earn points with the Bilt Rewards Credit Card (read Frequent Miler's review). If you are new to Bilt Rewards, you can sign up with Frequent Miler's code to skip the waitlist (FM4BILT). Once you sign up, download the Bilt Rewards app (iOS and Android). There is currently a promo where you can earn 300 points for linking your America Airlines, Emirates, and Hawaiian Airlines accounts to the app. The points post instantly, but you need a minimum of 1,000 points to transfer to an airline partner.
- [How Much Did I Pay in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2021?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/15/how-much-did-i-pay-in-credit-card-annual-fees-in-2021/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. Last year, I wrote How Much Did I Pay in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2020? I wanted to create a similar post for 2021, so I listed all of our credit cards that have annual fees and sorted them by when the annual fee posted. Whenever I see an annual fee post, I always call the credit card company to see if there are any retention offers available. At the bottom of this post, I will also share what retention offers I received this year, which credit cards I closed, and which credit cards I converted. As a starting point, if I kept every single credit card with an annual fee this year, I would have 26 credit cards and paid a total of $4,468 in annual fees. Here are our credit cards and annual fees (LT = Laura's cards):
- [How Right (or Wrong) were my 2021 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/29/how-right-or-wrong-were-my-2021-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. A year ago, I wrote My Rock Solid 2021 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions. It is now time to review my 2021 predictions and see how right (or wrong) I was. My original predictions are in black, I will comment in green if my prediction was right, and comment in red if my prediction was wrong. Let's see how I did... My 2021 Airline Predictions (1 for 3) Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines will make their "convert travel funds to airline miles" feature a permanent feature on their site. Wrong - sadly this was a temporary feature that each airline introduced in 2020 but they did not make this a permanent feature in 2021. American Airlines will finally become a Citi ThankYou Points airline transfer partner. Right - but only for a few months. I hope American Airlines comes back as a Citi ThankYou Point airline transfer partner in 2022. Delta Airlines or United Airlines will introduce a “Cash and Miles” payment option for award tickets (pay 10,000 miles or pay 8,000 miles + $40). Wrong - neither Delta nor United introduced a "Cash and Miles" payment option.
- [How Much Money Did I Make from Bank Account Bonuses in 2021?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/13/how-much-money-did-i-make-from-bank-account-bonuses-in-2021/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Doctor of Credit has a Best Bank Account Bonuses page that he keeps up to date with the best offers each month. In that master post, he links to individual bank account bonuses with helpful information regarding the bonus details, how to avoid monthly fees, when to close the account, how often you can open a new account, and much more. For the last 7 years, I have been opening new checking accounts, savings accounts, brokerage accounts, and cash management accounts for the new member bonuses. Tt the end of each year, I share my results on the blog. Over the last 7 years, I have made $15,850 in bank account bonuses. You will receive 1099-INT tax forms every year, so you have to pay taxes on the bank account bonuses, but sometimes you can fund the opening deposit with a credit card and earn miles, points, or cash back. If you are lucky, you can meet a minimum spending requirement by funding a new checking account or reach a high spending target to earn more rewards. Here are my results from the last 7 years with links to corresponding blog post summaries:
- [Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Package: 3 Nights + 15K Points for $199 in Anaheim, Orlando, Las Vegas & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/25/wyndham-timeshare-vacation-package-3-nights-15k-points-for-199-in-anaheim-orlando-las-vegas-more/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. Yesterday, I received an email from Wyndham Vacation Resorts for a 3 night stay in Anaheim, Orlando, Las Vegas and 7 other cities + 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $199. These vacation packages require attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). You may be able to get an even better deal if you call the Wyndham Vacation Resorts phone number (1-877-393-8405). The phone reps really want people to attend the timeshare presentation and have the power to give you more incentives, like more free points or a $100 Visa gift card. I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Wyndham Rewards Diamond Elite Status and I have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. You need to book your reservation by February 8 and you must complete your stay by December 31, 2022. Here is the email I received from Wyndham Vacation Resorts:
- [Last Day to Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, January 22 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/21/last-day-to-register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-january-22-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you have no plans tomorrow (Saturday, January 22), 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, January 22 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the
- [Attend FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, January 22 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/17/attend-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-january-22-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you are having a great MLK Jr. weekend. If you have no plans this Saturday (January 22), 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, January 22 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:
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: British Airways (50%), American (35%) & Spirit (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/18/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-british-airways-american-spirit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, British Airways is offering a 50% discount, depending on the number of British Airways Avios you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - January 19.
- [15K Anniversary Points Posted from my Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/07/15k-anniversary-points-posted-from-my-barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! I just wanted to share that my 15,000 anniversary points from my Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card just posted to my Wyndham Rewards account. I opened this credit card on October 25, 2020, so this is my first round of anniversary points. I would have assumed that the points would have posted closer to October or November 2021, but better late than never.
- [Receive 12 Free Gogo WiFi Passes with US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card (Activate by March 31, 2022)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/03/receive-12-free-gogo-wifi-passes-with-us-bank-altitude-reserve-credit-card-activate-by-march-31-2022/) - Good afternoon everyone. I was just reviewing my recent credit card statement from my US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card when I spotted this update in the Important Messages section. Firstly, "Google Inflight Wi-Fi benefit" is actually a typo, since it is Gogo, not Google. Secondly, the benefit of 12 free Gogo wifi passes every year is ending on April 1, 2022, so the last day to activate this benefit is March 31, 2022. I will walk you through the steps to activate this benefit and receive your 12 free Gogo wifi passes.
- [Upcoming In-Person FTU Events: Chicago (Feb 19-20), Los Angeles (Mar 12-13), New York (Mar 19-20) & Dallas (Apr 2-3)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/02/upcoming-in-person-ftu-events-chicago-los-angeles-new-york-dallas/) - 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 several upcoming in-person events in the coming months spread out across the country. 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. Here is the current lineup of in-person FTU events: FTU Advanced Chicago - February 19-20, 2022 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (close to Chicago O'Hare). Tickets are $129 for non-members and $80 for members (when you use the $49 coupon).
- [Chase IHG Rewards Cardholders: 20% Discount on Award Stays of 1-3 Nights (Targeted?)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/26/chase-ihg-rewards-cardholders-20-discount-on-award-stays-of-1-3-nights-targeted/) - Good morning everyone. I just received an email from IHG this morning about a promotion for Chase IHG Rewards Cardholders (this may be targeted, YMMV). You can get a 20% discount on award stays of 1-3 nights when you book your reservation by February 8 and complete your stay by March 13. I have the old $49 Chase IHG Rewards Select Credit Card, the $89 Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card, and I am also an IHG Spire Elite member. Here is the landing page for the offer, but I think the 20% discount will only show up if your account was targeted, there is no enrollment link. I decided to do a dummy 3 night stay and a dummy 4 night stay to see what the discount looks like and how it works.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (40%), American (35%), Air Canada (100%), Southwest ( 45%) & Choice Hotels (25%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/28/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-american-air-canada-southwest-choice-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 40% discount, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - January 28.
- [ExpressVPN Winter Olympics Promo: Get 3 Extra Months Free with 12 Month Plan](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/27/expressvpn-winter-olympics-promo-get-3-extra-months-free-with-12-month-plan/) - Good morning everyone. The Winter Olympics are right around the corner and ExpressVPN has just announced great promo for new members. There is no end date listed, so I expect the promo to run through February 22 when the Winter Olympics end. ExpressVPN normally offers a 1 month free trial when you become a member, but during this promotion, you can get 3 extra months free when you purchase a 12 month plan. I have been using ExpressVPN since November 2016 and I love their desktop, laptop, and mobile app. With data breaches occurring on a weekly basis, I think it is very important that we do our best to protect ourselves when we are online, whether that is at home or on the road.
- [ExpressVPN Winter Olympics Promo: Get 3 Months Free with 12 Month Plan](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/04/expressvpn-winter-olympics-promo-get-3-months-free-with-12-month-plan/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! Today marks the beginning of the Winter Olympics and ExpressVPN is running a great promo for new members. There is no end date listed, so I expect the promo to run through February 20 when the Winter Olympics end. ExpressVPN normally offers a 1 month free trial when you become a member, but during this promotion, you can get 3 months free when you purchase a 12 month plan. I have been using ExpressVPN since November 2016 and I love their desktop, laptop, and mobile app. With data breaches occurring on a weekly basis, I think it is very important that we do our best to protect ourselves when we are online, whether that is at home or on the road.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Choice Hotels (25%), American Airlines (35%) & Hilton (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/04/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-choice-hotels-american-airlines-hilton/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Choice Hotels is offering up to a 25% discount, depending on the number of Choice Hotels Privileges Points you purchase. This offer expires today - February 4.
- [The Era of Visa-Free Living in Mexico is Over](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/28/the-era-of-visa-free-living-in-mexico-is-over-tonei/) - Buenos días everyone, If you're thinking about spending a significant amount of time in Mexico or even making multiple trips over the course of a year, you should be aware of a change in practice by Mexican immigration authorities. For many years, it's been very easy for U.S. citizens (and certain other nationalities) to spend a virtually unlimited amount of time in Mexico. Visa-free entry with a tourist permit (the cost of which is automatically included in your plane ticket) is granted for up to 180 days (six months) and for years the standard practice has been to grant virtually everyone a 180 day entry permit regardless of their trip plans and travel history. (Land border crossings have different rules if you're staying in the border area.) As a result, it was common for foreigners living in Mexico to just travel to the US or Guatemala (or another nearby country) at least once every six months and live in Mexico indefinitely without a resident visa.
- [$25 Walmart eGC Retention Offer for Cancelling my Sam's Club Membership (AKA Disable Auto Renew)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/05/25-walmart-egc-retention-offer-for-cancelling-my-sams-club-membership-aka-disable-auto-renew/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. A few days ago, I got an email reminder from Sam's Club that my membership was auto renewing on March 5, 2022. I signed up for Sam's Club last year since there was a targeted offer on my Discover It Credit Card where you would get a $45 Sam's Club gift card when you signed up for a Sam's Club membership, which costs $45 (see Doctor of Credit's post). I went once to Sam's Club to activate my membership, get my membership card, and pick up my $45 Sam's Club gift card (which I used the same day shopping). I haven't been back to Sam's Club since because the closest location is 50+ miles away and I prefer the Costco location 2 miles away. Long story short, I needed to cancel (or disable the auto renew feature on) my membership so I would not be charged again. I called Sam's Club, explained the situation, and the rep sent me a $25 Sam's Club / Walmart eGC that could be used to offset the membership cost, if I decided to stay with Sam's Club. I will document the process below.
- [Upcoming In-Person FTU Events: Los Angeles (March 12-13), New York City (March 19-20) & Dallas (April 2-3)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/03/09/upcoming-in-person-ftu-events-los-angeles-new-york-city-dallas/) - 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 several upcoming in-person events in the coming month spread out across the country. 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. Here are the next 3 in-person FTU events: FTU Advanced Los Angeles - March 12-13, 2022 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (Hall GH) (about 15 miles from LAX). Tickets are $129 for non-members and $50 for members (no coupon needed).
- [Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, April 9 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/06/register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-april-9-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - 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:
- [Upcoming In-Person FTU Events: New York City (March 19-20) & Dallas (April 2-3)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/03/15/upcoming-in-person-ftu-events-new-york-city-dallas/) - 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 several upcoming in-person events in the coming weeks spread out across the country. 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. Here are the next 2 in-person FTU events: FTU @ T&A Show New York - March 19-20, 2022 at the Jacob K. Javits Center (in Manhattan close to the Lincoln Tunnel). Tickets are $20 for non-members and FREE for members (no coupon needed). You can buy the tickets directly and use promo code FTU2022 to save $6.
- [Last Call to Register for Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Signature Dallas (April 2-3)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/03/30/last-call-to-register-for-frequent-traveler-university-ftu-signature-dallas-april-2-3/) - 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.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Southwest (75%), JetBlue (60%) & Alaska (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/11/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-southwest-jetblue-alaska/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Southwest Airlines is offering up to a 75% bonus, depending on the number of Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires on February 15.
- [American Express Business Platinum Authorized User / Employee Cards Increasing to $350 Annual Fee (Effective June 1, 2022) & New Executive Business Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/03/03/american-express-business-platinum-authorized-user-employee-cards-increasing-to-350-annual-fee-effective-june-1-2022-new-executive-business-card/) - Good evening everyone, happy (almost) Friday. I was reviewing my recent American Express Business Platinum Card statement and saw this upcoming change. Effective June 1, 2022, if you have or add an authorized user / employee Platinum card, the cost will increase from $300 per card to $350 per card. I believe the only real benefit of having an authorized user / employee Platinum card is the ability to get into Centurion Lounges when they are travelling by themselves. Also, if you are a servicemember (thank you for your service), you will still be eligible for the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) which waives all annual fees on American Express credit cards.
- [Valentine's Day Giveaway: 10 AwardWallet Plus 1 Year Upgrade Codes [Winner's Selected]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/02/14/valentines-day-giveaway-10-awardwallet-plus-1-year-upgrade-codes/) - Good morning everyone, happy Valentine's Day! Since I love my Travel with Grant readers so much, I wanted to show my appreciation with a giveaway. I have 10 AwardWallet Plus 1 year upgrade codes available. If you are a free AwardWallet member, you can use this code to get a free 1 year upgrade to AwardWallet Plus or extend your current AwardWallet Plus membership by another year. If you are not an AwardWallet member, sign up here for a free AwardWallet account. To enter the giveaway, just answer this question: What do you love about travelling and / or travel hacking?
- [Travel with Grant has Moved… into a New Home & Quick Trip Report of our Maui Vacation](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/08/travel-with-grant-has-moved-into-a-new-home-quick-trip-report-of-our-maui-vacation/) - 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:
- [PSA: Register ASAP for Chase IHG Premier Personal & Business Credit Card $50 United Airlines TravelBank Credit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/15/psa-register-asap-for-chase-ihg-premier-personal-business-credit-card-50-united-airlines-travelbank-credit/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I hope you have exciting Easter or Passover plans this weekend. A few weeks ago, the Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card and Chase IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card started offering cardholders $50 United Airlines TravelBank Credit each calendar year. The TravelBank Credit is split into two $25 credits that appear in your United Airlines account twice a year. I recently booked a United Airlines flight and was excited to use one of the $25 credits to save a few bucks, but it didn't quite work out for me. Long story short, you need to register for the benefit first and then wait up to 2 weeks for the first $25 credit to post to your United Airlines account. Don't make the same mistake as me and wait until you are ready to book your next United Airlines flight to sign up for the credit. To get started, go to the IHG / United registration page and click the Sign In button. As you can see, it says "it may take up to 2 weeks for your registration to take effect."
- [How to Book Annual Flex Night Award from Chase IHG Personal & Business Premier Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/13/how-to-book-annual-flex-night-award-from-chase-ihg-personal-business-premier-credit-cards/) - 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.
- [Reminiscing About and my Plan for my US Bank Radisson Rewards Premier & Business Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/16/reminiscing-about-and-my-plan-for-my-us-bank-radisson-rewards-premier-business-credit-cards/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your Easter or Passover weekend is going well. Long ago, I got the US Bank Club Carlson Premier Rewards Credit Card in 2013. I then got the Club Carlson Business Rewards Credit Card in 2014 and I also had another no annual fee Club Carlson credit card for a while, but I closed that years ago (read 4 Flavors of Club Carlson Credit Cards (High, Medium, Low & Biz). I used to be a huge fan of Club Carlson when the credit cards debuted since the cards came with an 85,000 point sign up bonus, a 40,000 point anniversary bonus, and the awesome BOGO night deal. Sadly, the BOGO night deal ended in June 2015, which I still miss. Thankfully, I did get the chance to stay at several great Radisson Blu properties around Europe over the years: Amsterdam, Rome, London Edwardian Mercer Street, Nice, France, Royal Dublin, and Milatos, Crete. In 2018, Club Carlson rebranded as Radisson Rewards and the above cards changed to the US Bank Radisson Rewards Premier Credit Card and US Bank Radisson Rewards Business Credit Card, respectively. Fast forward to now when US Bank announced that beginning in June 2022, Radisson Rewards credit cards will no longer exist. My US Bank Radisson Rewards Premier Credit Card will become the US Bank Altitude Go Credit Card and my US Bank Radisson Rewards Business Credit Card will become the US Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Credit Card. I called US Bank yesterday and asked a lot of good questions about the conversion process, annual fee refunds, and product change options. I will share what I found out, but first, here is the letter I received about the US Bank Radisson Rewards Premier converting to the US Bank Altitude Go.
- [Stop Ignoring Vacasa Vacation Rentals! Get Awesome Condos for 13,500 Wyndham Rewards Points per Night](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/18/stop-ignoring-vacasa-vacation-rentals-get-awesome-condos-for-13500-wyndham-rewards-points-per-night/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. A few days ago, I booked 3 more Vacasa Vacation Rentals for an upcoming trip to Maui and Oahu. I am a huge fan of Vacasa (especially in Hawaii) and the booking process is pretty easy, you just need to call Wyndham Rewards. The price is right too at only 13,500 Wyndham Rewards Points per bedroom per night, if you have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner+ Credit Card or the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card (or 15,000 points per bedroom per night without the credit card). Here are the 6 Vacasa properties in Hawaii that I have booked and stayed at / will stay at. There are actually a few ways to earn Wyndham Rewards Points that I will show you later in the post. Let's get started.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Choice Hotels (40%), United Airlines (100%), Hilton (100%) & JetBlue (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/28/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-choice-hotels-united-airlines-hilton-jetblue/) - Good afternoon everyone. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Choice Hotels is offering up to a 40% bonus, depending on the number of Choice Hotels Privileges Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - April 29.
- [My Experience with AMEX Expand Your Membership with American Express Business Gold Card & Instant Card Number](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/12/my-experience-with-amex-expand-your-membership-with-american-express-business-gold-card-instant-card-number/) - 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:
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG Hotels (100%), Frontier Airlines (100%) & JetBlue (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/04/14/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-hotels-frontier-airlines-jetblue/) - Good afternoon everyone. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of IHG Rewards Club Points you purchase. This offer expires today - April 14.
- [$700 Trade-In Value for my Old iPhone XS Toward New iPhone 13 Pro (Current Promos with AT&T and Verizon)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/19/700-trade-in-value-for-my-old-iphone-xs-toward-new-iphone-13-pro-current-promos-with-att-and-verizon/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few weeks ago, I traded in my old iPhone XS from 2018 for $700 toward a new iPhone 13 Pro. My old iPhone was in pretty good shape but the battery wasn't holding a great charge. I heard about these trade-in deals with AT&T and Verizon so I did some research and found out how they worked. Now that I understand how these trade-in deals work, I thought I would write this post to explain the process. If you have an old iPhone or other smartphone, check with your current wireless carrier to see if they have any similar upgrade offers. Also, these deals change on a monthly basis, so check back often to see if new deals are live. First things first, I have AT&T, so the majority of this post talks about AT&T's trade-in program. Laura has Verizon, so I can confirm that the Verizon upgrade and trade-in process is very similar, which I will cover at the end of this post. Here are the newest iPhones available on the AT&T website and you will see the banner that says "Up to $700 w/ Trade". The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro are almost the same size as my old iPhone XS, so I wanted my new iPhone to be the same size. The iPhone 13 Pro has 3 cameras, a larger battery, and faster processor vs the iPhone 13 so I decided to purchase the iPhone 13 Pro.
- [What Should I Do with my Stash of 200K Radisson Hotels Americas Points?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/03/what-should-i-do-with-my-stash-of-200k-radisson-hotels-americas-points/) - Good afternoon everyone. A few weeks ago, I wrote Reminiscing About and my Plan for my US Bank Radisson Rewards Premier & Business Credit Cards. In that post, I covered the history of events from Club Carlton to Radisson Rewards to Radisson Hotels Americas and all the major changes in between. I also covered the upcoming credit card changes and ultimately decided to keep my current credit cards as is and let the product changes occur (to get the prorated annual fee refunds). But the next big question to answer is: What should I do with my stash of 200K Radisson Hotels Americas Points? I don't have an exact answer, but I will share some of the best options that are currently available. First off, I have both a personal and business Radisson Hotels Americas account with a combined point balance of around 200K points. Remember, you can easily move points between accounts, just call the customer service number (888-288-8889). The easiest option would be to redeem your points for an award stay within the Americas. Here is the award chart for all hotels in the Americas. Most of the best properties in the Americas are in the 60K - 75K range per night, so I should be able to get about 3 nights in a nice Radisson Blu property. If you are not interested in an award stay in the Americas, keep reading to find out what other options are available.
- [Barclays Sent Me a Letter About Missed $95 Annual Fee on my Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/15/barclays-sent-me-a-letter-about-missed-95-annual-fee-on-my-barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. A few days ago, I got this letter from Barclays regarding the $95 annual fee on Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. Apparently Barclays did not charge me the $95 annual fee when they should have in December 2021, so to correct this issue, they charged me the $95 annual fee in April 2022. So much for bank error in your favor (Monopoly reference). I'm not sure if this is a widespread issue or if it only happened to me. In this post, I will share the timeline of events.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air France / KLM (100%), Avianca (145%), Spirit (60%), Choice Hotels (25%), Air Canada (85%) & Southwest (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/13/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-france-klm-avianca-spirit-choice-hotels-air-canada-southwest/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, Air France / KLM is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Air France / KLM Flying Blue Miles you purchase. This offer expires on May 15.
- [Buy Points to Top-Up your Drop Account to Redeem Points for Gift Card (Then Close Account)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/16/buy-points-to-top-up-your-drop-account-to-redeem-points-for-gift-card-then-close-account/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. One of my travel hacking / miles and points goals this year is to simplify my life and use less card-linked / reward apps that track all my purchases. I have "used" Drop for several years. And by "used" I mean I created an account, linked all my cards to it, and waited for the rewards to roll in. Over the years, I seem to earn less and less points with Drop and now my points are barely trickling into my account. Drop introduced Drop Premium which gives you 1,000 points per month just for being a member and claiming the points. I'm convinced this is a tactic used by Drop to keep members active. If you want to redeem your Drop points for a gift card, you need to have a minimum of 25,000 points. I believe it used to be 10,000 points for a $10 gift card, but Drop got rid of that redemption option (to increase orphaned points in the accounts and reduce gift card expenses). Long story short, I was about 7,000 points short of my 25,000 point goal to redeem my points for a $25 gift card. Conveniently, Drop introduced a Top-Up feature where you can buy points. I decided to buy 7,000 points for $9 in order to redeem my 25,000 points for a $25 gift card. That seemed like a decent deal to me. I will show you some of the roadblocks I went through and how I closed my Drop account at the end of this post. I didn't take screenshots before I bought the points, but this is what my account looked like after I used the Top-Up feature. I have had that 20,000 point referral bonus sitting there for months, so I doubt those points will ever come (this might be another tactic Drop uses to keep members around). In the Points History section, you can see I bought 7,000 points on May 7 and received 1,000 points each month I opened the app and claimed the points. It looks like I forgot to open the app between January 10 and April 6 since I didn't get any points during that period.
- [Last Call for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, May 14 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/13/last-call-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-may-14-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you are not busy tomorrow, Saturday May 14, 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, May 14 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Here is the full schedule and lineup of speakers:
- [Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, May 14 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/10/register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-may-14-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great Mother's Day Weekend. If you are not busy this Saturday, May 14, 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, May 14 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Here is the full schedule and lineup of speakers:
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (85%), Hyatt (30%), Radisson Hotels (25%) & Etihad (45%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/27/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-hyatt-radisson-hotels-etihad/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to an 85% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - May 27.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air Canada (85%), Southwest (40%), Alaska (60%) & United (85%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/20/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-canada-southwest-alaska-united/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Air Canada is offering up to an 85% bonus, depending on the number of Air Canada Aeroplan Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - May 20.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hilton (100%), JetBlue (60%) & Radisson Hotels Americas (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/06/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hilton-100-jetblue-60-radisson-hotels-americas-100/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Hilton Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Hilton Honors Points you purchase. This offer expires today - May 6.
- [7 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Alaska (50%), Air France / KLM (120%), United (90%), Spirit (80%), JetBlue (60%), Etihad (50%) & Wyndham Hotels (25%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/24/7-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-alaska-air-france-klm-united-spirit-jetblue-etihad-wyndham-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 7 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 7 offers that end soon. Up first, Alaska Airlines is offering up to a 50% bonus, depending on the number of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - June 25.
- [Use US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card or Altitude Go to Pay for Streaming Services?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/20/use-us-bank-cash-plus-credit-card-or-altitude-go-to-pay-for-streaming-services/) - Good afternoon everyone. Earlier today, I wrote Goodbye Old US Bank Radisson Rewards Credit Cards, Hello New Altitude Go & Business Triple Cash Rewards. After writing that post, I decided to dig into the $15 streaming credit on the US Bank Altitude Go Credit Card and compare it to the US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card, which offers 5% cash back on streaming services (among other 5% cash back category options). As you can see, the US Bank Cash Plus offers "5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose." Let's check out those bonus categories.
- [Last Call for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, June 11 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/10/last-call-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-june-11-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you are not busy tomorrow, Saturday, June 11, 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, June 11 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Click here to view the complete 3-4 hour schedule and lineup of speakers. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, June 11 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/06/register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-june-11-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. If you are not busy this Saturday, June 11, 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, June 11 at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Click here to view the complete 3-4 hour schedule and lineup of speakers. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Goodbye Old US Bank Radisson Rewards Credit Cards, Hello New Altitude Go & Business Triple Cash Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/20/goodbye-old-us-bank-radisson-rewards-credit-cards-hello-new-altitude-go-business-triple-cash-rewards/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great Father's Day Weekend. 2 months ago, US Bank sent out letters to cardholders who had personal and business Radisson Rewards credit cards alerting them that their credit cards were going to be changing in June. A few days ago, we learned that Choice Hotels will acquire Radisson Americas for $675 million, which explains why US Bank is changing the credit cards. My US Bank Radisson Rewards Premier Credit Card became the US Bank Altitude Go Credit Card and my US Bank Radisson Rewards Business Credit Card became the US Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Credit Card. The new credit cards arrived over the weekend, so I wanted to share the card art, welcome letters, brochures, and activation process for both credit cards. First, a moment of silence for the retired personal and business Radisson Rewards credit cards...
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Spirit (100%), IHG (80%) & Avianca (150%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/08/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-spirit-100-ihg-80-avianca-150/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Spirit Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - June 8.
- [AutoSlash Saved Me $425 on 2 Hawaii Car Rentals (Final Results)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/06/21/autoslash-saved-me-425-on-2-hawaii-car-rentals-final-results/) - Good evening everyone, I hope the first day of Summer is treating you well. A few weeks ago, Laura and I went to Hawaii for vacation. We needed to rent a car on Maui (OGG) for 3 days and another car on Oahu (HNL) for 4 days. Naturally, I turned to AutoSlash to help find the cheapest car rentals for my vacation. Last August, I wrote AutoSlash Saved Me $1300+ on 2 Hawaii Car Rentals (Final Results). Rental cars were crazy expensive in 2021, so I didn't expect huge savings in 2022, but AutoSlash did a great job and saved me $425 on 2 rental cars. In this post, I will show you the final results and how many times I rebooked each reservation. To get started, my original 3 day car rental on Maui was $360 and my original 4 day car rental on Oahu was $463. I booked these reservations on April 9 and the car rentals were for June 7 and June 10.
- [Use Southwest Airlines Points to Book International Flights on Other Airlines (or into Travel Credit) at 0.98 CPP](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/02/use-southwest-airlines-points-to-book-international-flights-on-other-airlines-or-into-travel-credit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. My wife and I have been sitting on a lot of Southwest Airlines Points thanks to a combination of unused points from a Chase Southwest Airlines Priority Credit Card sign up bonus, referral bonus points, and diverting most of our travel to Alaska Airlines to reach MVP Elite Status. If you are also sitting on a stash of SWA points, this post might be useful to you. Did you know that you can use SWA points to pay for flights on other airlines? The only catch is that it has to be an international route that cannot be booked on www.southwest.com. To get started, sign into your SWA account, click the Rapid Rewards link, and then click Redeem Points for Gift Cards & More.
- [How to Top Off Marriott Free Night Certificate with up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/27/how-to-top-off-marriott-free-night-certificate-with-up-to-15000-marriott-bonvoy-points/) - Good afternoon everyone. A few months ago, Marriott introduced an improvement to their Free Night Certificates where you could combine a Free Night Certificate with up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points to book a hotel room that cost more points that your Free Night Certificate is worth. To learn more about the process, read Marriott's Free Night Award Top Off page. I finally had a chance to use this feature yesterday for an upcoming stay in Seattle. In this post, I will show you the booking process. Sign into your Marriott Bonvoy account and go to the Activity tab to see your Free Night Certificates listed under the Earned Awards section. I had a 35K Free Night Certificate available from my Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card that expires later this year. I clicked on the How To Use Your Certificate link to get started.
- [American Express Removed $25 Minimum Redemption Amount for AMEX Old Blue Cash Credit Card (OBC) on July 14](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/05/american-express-removed-25-minimum-redemption-amount-for-amex-old-blue-cash-credit-card/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! In news that probably only matters to me, there is a positive change on the American Express Old Blue Cash Credit Card (OBC). I was reviewing my recent credit card statement and saw that American Express removed the $25 minimum redemption amount, effective July 14, 2022. As far as I remember, this credit card has had the $25 redemption threshold since I initially got this credit card back in 2014. I decided to check it out and redeem my entire balance... all $15.07 of it :)
- [New Discover Credit Card Benefit: Online Privacy Protection (Removes Personal Info from People-Search Websites)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/26/new-discover-credit-card-benefit-online-privacy-protection-removes-personal-info-from-people-search-websites/) - Good afternoon everyone. I received an interesting email from Discover yesterday about a new credit card benefit called Online Privacy Protection. I know online privacy is not super sexy, but I decided to check it out and see if it was something useful. With all the data breaches and hacks / leaks out there, I know it's impossible to get all of my personal info back, but if I can make it harder for hackers and scammers to get my info, I'm all for it. Long story short, Discover uses a third party service that scans the 10 most popular "people-search" websites for your personal info, based on the personal info that Discover has on file for you. If you have ever searched a person's name on Google, you will usually see 4-5 "people-search" websites at the top of the search results. These websites aggregate data and show your name, age, address, email address, and relatives. They make money by selling your data to marketers and data brokers. With Discover's Online Privacy Protection service, you can request to have the service reach out to these websites and remove your personal info. I'll share the FAQs with you and show you what it found for me.
- [Radisson Hotels Americas Officially Joins Choice Hotels Family: My Plan for My Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/11/radisson-hotels-americas-officially-joins-choice-hotels-family-my-plan-for-my-points/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Earlier today, Radisson Hotels Americas sent out emails to all their members informing them that they are officially joining the Choice Hotels family. The email also said that combining the programs would take some time, so in the short term, the programs would continue separately and we would be informed when the combing process becomes closer. At this point, you may be wondering what to do with your Radisson Hotels Americas points. A few months ago, I wrote What Should I Do with my Stash of 200K Radisson Hotels Americas Points? In that post, I highlighted all the possible options. In this post, I will share what I did with my points.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (100%), Marriott (45%), Hilton (100%) & Air Canada (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/15/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-marriott-hilton-air-canada/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of IHG One Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires today - July 15.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Avianca (145%), United (85%) & Hyatt (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/25/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-avianca-united-hyatt/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Avianca Airlines is offering up to a 145% bonus, depending on the number of Avianca Airlines LifeMiles you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - July 26.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Frontier (75%), Hilton (100%), United (100%), Alaska (50%), Southwest (45%) & Choice (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/16/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-frontier-hilton-united-alaska-southwest-choice/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, Frontier Airlines is offering up to a 75% bonus, depending on the number of Frontier Airlines Early Returns Miles you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - September 17.
- [Wyndham Timeshare Vacation Package: 3 Nights + 15K Points for $199 in Anaheim, Orlando, Las Vegas, NYC & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/12/wyndham-timeshare-vacation-package-3-nights-15k-points-for-199-in-anaheim-orlando-las-vegas-nyc-more/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. This morning, I received an email from Wyndham Vacation Resorts for a 3 night stay in 11 different cities (including Anaheim, Orlando, Las Vegas and New York City) + 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points for $199. These vacation packages require attending a 2 hour timeshare presentation (please see the terms and conditions before booking). You may be able to get an even better deal if you call the Wyndham Vacation Resorts phone number (1-877-393-8405). The phone reps really want people to attend the timeshare presentation and have the power to give you more incentives, like more free points or a $100 Visa gift card. I'm not sure if this matters, but I am in California, I have Wyndham Rewards Diamond Elite Status and I have the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card. You need to book your reservation by September 26 and you have 12 months to complete your stay. Here is the email I received from Wyndham Vacation Resorts:
- [Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, September 17 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/12/register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-september-17-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. If you are not busy this Saturday, September 17, 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, September 17, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Click here to view the complete 3-4 hour schedule and lineup of speakers. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Product Change US Bank Credit Card to Redeem Rewards Below Minimum Redemption Threshold (Altitude Go to Cash Plus)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/01/product-change-us-bank-credit-card-to-redeem-rewards-below-minimum-redemption-threshold-altitude-go-to-cash-plus/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Labor Day Weekend! This post may not be very exciting, but the principles behind this post are useful. Let me explain... When US Bank converted my US Bank Radisson Rewards Credit Card into the US Bank Altitude Go Credit Card, I used it for a few weeks before deciding that I wanted to product change to another US Bank Cash+ Credit Card (for the 5% cash back categories). At the time, I had 31 points on my Altitude Go, so if I had decided to close my credit card instead, I would have lost those 31 points (worth 31 cents). But instead, by product changing from one card to another, US Bank converted my unredeemed rewards into statement credit (31 points = 31 cents). This is noteworthy because of the minimum redemption threshold normally required for the Altitude Go: "U.S. Bank points are worth a penny each when redeemed for options like cash back, travel, gift cards or merchandise, although minimum redemption requirements apply. (You need at least 2,500 points for cash back or gift cards; 1,000 points for travel or merchandise.)" US Bank has a similar minimum redemption threshold on the Cash Plus that went into effect on June 1, 2021.
- [Plusgrade Purchased Points.com for $385M and Points Loyalty Wallet Ending on September 6, 2022](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/22/plusgrade-purchased-points-com-for-385m-and-points-loyalty-wallet-ending-on-september-6-2022/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Yesterday, I went to the Points.com website and noticed a banner message at the top of the page that read, "Please note that the Points Loyalty Wallet is being retired on September 6, 2022." I also noticed a new logo that said Points, a Plusgrade company. Have I been living under a rock not knowing that Points was acquired and closing their loyalty wallet in a few weeks? I did some digging and this is what I found out.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air Canada (85%), Avianca (140%) & IHG (75%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/01/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-canada-85-avianca-140-ihg-75/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your Labor Day Weekend is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Air Canada is offering up to an 85% bonus, depending on the number of Air Canada Aeroplan Miles you purchase. This offer expires on September 3.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air France / KLM (100%), Choice Hotels (25%) & JetBlue (80%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/25/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-france-klm-choice-hotels-jetblue/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Air France / KLM is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Air France / KLM Flying Blue Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - August 25.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), Southwest (35%) & Alaska (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/08/17/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-southwest-alaska/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - August 17.
- [Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, October 29 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/24/register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-october-29-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I had an awesome time at the Chicago Seminars and loved seeing many familiar faces and meeting new people - I can't wait to return next year. If you are not busy this Saturday, October 29, 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, October 29, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Here is the complete schedule and lineup of speakers. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Last Call for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, September 17 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/16/last-call-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-september-17-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you are not busy tomorrow (September 17), 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, September 17, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Click here to view the complete 3-4 hour schedule and lineup of speakers. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (100%), Wyndham (25%), Avianca (120%), Southwest (45%) & United (95%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/20/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-wyndham-avianca-southwest-united/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Thursday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of IHG One Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - October 21.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air Canada (85%), Choice (35%), United (100%), Marriott (50%) & Radisson Hotels Americas (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/07/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-canada-choice-united-marriott-radisson-hotels-americas/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Air Canada is offering up to an 85% bonus, depending on the number of Air Canada Aeroplan Miles you purchase. This offer expires on October 9.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Radisson Hotels Americas (50%), Spirit (60%) & IHG (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/14/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-radisson-hotels-americas-spirit-ihg/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Radisson Hotels Americas is offering up to a 50% bonus, depending on the number of Radisson Rewards Americas Points you purchase. This offer expires today - October 14.
- [Synchrony Premier Credit Card 2% Cash Back + $100 Statement Credit Posted Quickly and Automatically](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/04/synchrony-premier-credit-card-2-cash-back-100-statement-credit-posted-quickly-and-automatically/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Last week, I received my new Synchrony Premier Credit Card in the mail. This credit card used to be the Rakuten Visa Credit Card, but was automatically converted to the Synchrony Premier Credit Card. Usually, when a credit card is converted / product changed, there is no sign up bonus or new member bonus, but Synchrony was offering cardholders a $100 statement credit after spending $1,000 in 3 months. In this post, I will share the email, welcome letter, and sign up bonus posting details. Here is the front and back of the credit card.
- [Buy Tickets to the Chicago Seminars (Oct 21-23), FTU Virtual (Oct 29), Orange County FTU (Nov 12-13) & FTU Virtual (Dec 3)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/30/buy-tickets-to-the-chicago-seminars-orange-county-ftu/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! There are lots of fun miles & points events coming up in the next few months, so check your schedule and see if you can attend any of these events. I will be presenting on Vacasa Vacation Rentals and How to Cancel & Rebook Hotels, Airlines & Rental Cars, so if you are interested in those topics, I recommend attending the in-person or virtual events. Here are details for these 4 events: Chicago Seminars Date / Time: October 21-23 (4pm - 8:30pm on Friday, 8am - 8pm on Saturday, 8am - 4pm on Sunday) Location: Holiday Inn Chicago-Elk Grove (next to Chicago O'Hare Airport with free airport shuttle) Price: $135 Info: FlyerTalk thread Purchase: Eventbrite booking link Grant's Presentations: Vacasa Vacation Rentals and How to Cancel & Rebook Hotels, Airlines & Rental Cars - date and time TBD
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hyatt (30%), Radisson Hotels (40%) & Air Canada (85%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/30/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hyatt-radisson-hotels-air-canada/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Hyatt is offering up to a 30% discount, depending on the number of World of Hyatt Points you purchase. This offer expires today - September 30.
- [Last Call to Buy Tickets to the Chicago Seminars (Oct 21-23) & See Me Present](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/14/last-call-to-buy-tickets-to-the-chicago-seminars-oct-21-23-see-me-present/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! Next Friday is the Chicago Seminars! I am so excited for this event and it is my favorite miles & points event / conference of the year. If you are free next weekend and especially if you live close to Chicago, I highly recommend attending. I will be presenting on Vacasa Vacation Rentals and How to Cancel & Rebook Hotels, Airlines & Rental Cars, so if you are interested in those topics, I recommend attending.
- [A Letter to my Younger Travel Hacker Self](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/09/21/a-letter-to-my-younger-travel-hacker-self/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Last night, my wife and I were watching Lifetime's Married at First Sight. On that episode, the contestant wrote letters to their younger selves, so I thought it would be fun to write a letter to my younger travel hacker self. Here goes...
- [How to Book a Flight with Capital One Venture X Credit Card $300 Travel Credit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/03/how-to-book-a-flight-with-capital-one-venture-x-credit-card-300-travel-credit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few months ago, I applied for the Capital One Venture X Credit Card because it offered a sign up bonus of 75,000 Capital One Miles (which I plan to transfer to Wyndham Rewards to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals) and a $300 travel credit for travel purchased through the Capital One Travel portal. I recently purchased a flight through the Capital One Travel portal, so I wanted to write about the booking process and timeline from booking to receiving the $300 travel credit.
- [See your Bank of America "More Rewards Day" Extra 2% Cash Back Online](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/09/see-your-bank-of-america-more-rewards-day-extra-2-cash-back-online/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Last Saturday, Bank of America celebrated More Rewards Day by offering cardmembers an extra 2% cash back (or an extra 2x miles) on all purchases made on November 5. Doctor of Credit has more details about the promo. I recently applied for the Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card that was offering $500 cash back after spending $5,000 in 3 months. I had to make some tax payments in November, so I waited until November 5 to make the payment and complete the $5,000 minimum spending requirement. In this post, I will show you how to see your extra cash back from More Rewards Day.
- [Last Call for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, October 29 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/28/last-call-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-october-29-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you are not busy tomorrow (October 29), 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, October 29, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Here is the complete schedule and lineup of speakers. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Yearly Reminder: Max Out 10% Citi ThankYou Points Rebate on Citi Rewards+ Credit Card (10K Annual Limit)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/07/yearly-reminder-max-out-10-citi-thankyou-points-rebate-on-citi-rewards-credit-card-10k-annual-limit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I wrote a similar post in 2021 and thought I should publish a similar reminder post for 2022. One of my favorite sock drawer credit cards is the Citi Rewards+ Credit Card. This credit card has a pretty decent sign up bonus at the moment (20,000 Citi ThankYou Points after spending $1,500 in 3 months), but my favorite feature of this credit card is the 10% rebate on redeemed Citi ThankYou Points. You can receive up to 10,000 Citi ThankYou Points rebated each calendar year, you just need to redeem at least 100,000 Citi ThankYou Points in a calendar year. So why am I reminding you about this today? The 10% rebate posts to your Citi ThankYou Points account when your statement closes. If your statement closes on or after January 1, that will count toward your calendar year 2023 10,000 Citi ThankYou Point limit. Therefore, you probably only have 1 or 2 more statements between now and December 31, 2022. I will show you how to calculate how many rebated Citi ThankYou Points you have already received this year.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air France / KLM (100%), Choice Hotels (30%), Frontier Airlines (150%) & Virgin Atlantic (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/04/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-france-klm-choice-hotels-frontier-airlines-virgin-atlantic/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next 2 weeks. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Air France / KLM is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Air France / KLM Flying Blue Miles you purchase. This offer expires on November 6.
- [PNC Cash Rewards Business Credit Card Offering $400 Bonus After Spending $3,000 in 3 Months](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/31/pnc-cash-rewards-business-credit-card-offering-400-bonus-after-spending-3000-in-3-months/) - Good morning everyone, happy Halloween! A few days ago, I opened a PNC Business Checking Account (read Doctor of Credit's post) and during the approval process, the business banker mentioned business credit cards and told me about the PNC Cash Rewards Business Credit Card. This credit card usually has a $200 bonus, but as of now, the bonus is $400 after spending $3,000 in 3 months. I checked Frequent Miler's Best Business Card Offers and Doctor of Credit's Best Current Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses and didn't see this credit card listed, so I thought it was worth sharing. This credit card has no annual fee and earns 1.5% cash back everywhere, so it is not a great everyday credit card, but the sign up bonus is pretty good.
- [Last Call for Tickets to the FTU Signature Orange County Travel Conference (November 12-13)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/04/last-call-for-tickets-to-the-ftu-signature-orange-county-travel-conference-november-12-13/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! There is 1 week to go before the FTU Signature Orange County event begins in Irvine, CA. I will be at the event all weekend and I will present on Vacasa Vacation Rentals (9:45am - 10:45am on Saturday) and How to Cancel & Rebook Hotels, Airlines & Rental Cars (2:45pm - 3:45pm on Saturday). You can see the entire schedule here. Here are the details: Date / Time: November 12-13 (9am - 5pm on Saturday, 9am - 5pm on Sunday) Location: Back Bay Conference Center in Irvine (next to Boomers and near John Wayne Airport)
- [Discover's Online Privacy Protection Service Found 10 More Data Records About Me](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/10/25/discovers-online-privacy-protection-service-found-10-more-data-records-about-me/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few months ago, I wrote New Discover Credit Card Benefit: Online Privacy Protection (Removes Personal Info from People-Search Websites). In that post, I talked about Discover's Online Privacy Protection service and how it works. Fast forward to a few days ago, Discover sent me an email that they had found 10 more data records and automatically submitted opt-out requests on by behalf. After I received the email, I signed into the Discover app and clicked on the Online Privacy Protection button.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Virgin Atlantic (60%), United (100%), British Airways (50%), Hilton (80%), Southwest (50%) & JetBlue (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/18/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-virgin-atlantic-united-british-airways-hilton-southwest-jetblue/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, Virgin Atlantic is offering up to a 60% bonus, depending on the number of Virgin Atlantic Points you purchase. This offer expires today - November 18.
- [ExpressVPN Black Friday Deal: Get 3 Extra Months Free with 12 Month Plan](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/23/expressvpn-black-friday-deal-get-3-extra-months-free-with-12-month-plan-2/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your Thanksgiving week is going well. Black Friday is right around the corner and ExpressVPN wants to get the party started early. ExpressVPN normally offers a 1 month free trial when you become a member, but during this promotion, you can get 3 extra months free when you purchase a 12 month plan. I have been using ExpressVPN since November 2016 and I love their desktop, laptop, and mobile app. With data breaches occurring frequently, I think it is very important that we do our best to protect ourselves when we are online, whether that is at home or on the road.
- [PSA: Check Existing Travel Reservations for Cyber Monday Price Drops (Southwest 10K, IHG 8K & Marriott 6K Points Savings)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/28/psa-check-existing-travel-reservations-for-cyber-monday-price-drops/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend and your Cyber Monday is going well too. Since everything seems to be on sale today (including travel), I checked all my existing airline and hotel reservations and found a few price drops with Southwest Airlines, IHG Hotels, and Marriott Hotels. I'm sure other travel providers have discounts too, so check your existing travel reservations. First up, a Southwest Airlines flight dropped 5,173 points per passenger for my wife and I to travel after Christmas.
- [ExpressVPN Cyber Monday Deal: Get 3 Extra Months Free with 12 Month Plan (Expires November 30)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/27/expressvpn-cyber-monday-deal-get-3-extra-months-free-with-12-month-plan-expires-november-30/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Cyber Monday is right around the corner and ExpressVPN wants to get the party started early. ExpressVPN normally offers a 1 month free trial when you become a member, but during this promotion, you can get 3 extra months free when you purchase a 12 month plan (this offer expires on November 30). I have been using ExpressVPN since November 2016 and I love their desktop, laptop, and mobile app. With data breaches occurring frequently, I think it is very important that we do our best to protect ourselves when we are online, whether that is at home or on the road.
- [Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, December 3 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/29/register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-december-3-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great Cyber Monday! If you are not busy this Saturday, December 3, 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, December 3, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! I will be presenting about Vacasa Vacation Rentals and here is the rest of the schedule. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Avianca (160%), Spirit (30%) & Choice Hotels (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/02/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-avianca-spirit-choice-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Avianca Airlines is offering up to a 160% bonus, depending on the number of Avianca Airlines LifeMiles you purchase. This offer expires today - December 2.
- [Participate in FTU's 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Giveaway: Win Starbucks / Amazon / Southwest / Hyatt Gift Cards & Model Planes](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/01/participate-in-ftus-12-days-of-christmas-holiday-giveaway/) - Good afternoon everyone. Frequent Traveler University (FTU) is currently running their 12 Days of Christmas holiday giveaway from December 1-12. The giveaway is open to anyone, but if you are an FTU online annual member, you get 5 bonus entries. Here are the daily prizes for the giveaway. I am not into model planes, but I am interested in the $20 Starbucks gift cards, $20 Amazon gift cards, $50 Southwest gift card, and $75 Hyatt gift card.
- [PSA: Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In is **NOT THE SAME** as Upgraded Boarding to Trigger Priority Credit Card Benefit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/14/psa-southwest-airlines-earlybird-check-in-is-not-the-same-as-upgraded-boarding-to-trigger-priority-credit-card-benefit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. If you have the Chase Southwest Airlines Priority Credit Card, please read this post so you do not make the same mistake as me. Aside from the sign up bonus, this credit card has some pretty cool benefits: $75 Southwest Airlines travel credit (can be used with Southwest Airlines egift cards), 4 Upgraded Boardings, and 7,500 Southwest Airlines points every year you pay the $149 annual fee. Because the $75 Southwest Airlines travel credit and 7,500 Southwest Airlines points is worth at least $150 to me, I keep the credit card open each year, even though I only flew Southwest Airlines twice this year. In this post, I will show you everything you need to know about the Upgraded Boardings and share my mistake in purchasing EarlyBird Check-In.
- [8 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Choice Hotels (25%), British Airways (50%), Marriott (25%), Air France / KLM (120%), United (80%), Southwest (50%), Etihad (45%) & Alaska (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/16/8-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-choice-hotels-british-airways-marriott-air-france-klm-united-southwest-etihad-alaska/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 8 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 8 offers that end soon. Up first, Choice Hotels is offering up to a 25% discount, depending on the number of Choice Hotels Privileges Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - December 17.
- [Last Call for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, December 3 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/02/last-call-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-december-3-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you are not busy tomorrow (Saturday, December 3), 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, December 3, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2 years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! I will be presenting about Vacasa Vacation Rentals and here is the rest of the schedule. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [How Much Money Did I Make from Bank Account Bonuses in 2022?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/31/how-much-money-did-i-make-from-bank-account-bonuses-in-2022/) - Good evening everyone, happy New Year's Eve! Doctor of Credit has a Best Bank Account Bonuses page that he keeps up to date with the best offers each month. In that master post, he links to individual bank account bonuses with helpful information regarding the bonus details, how to avoid monthly fees, when to close the account, how often you can open a new account, and much more. For the last 8 years, I have been opening new checking accounts, savings accounts, brokerage accounts, and cash management accounts for the new member bonuses. At the end of each year, I share my results on the blog. Over the last 8 years, I have made over $20,000 in bank account bonuses. You will receive 1099-INT tax forms every year, so you have to pay taxes on the bank account bonuses, but sometimes you can fund the opening deposit with a credit card and earn miles, points, or cash back. If you are lucky, you can meet a minimum spending requirement by funding a new checking account or reach a high spending target to earn more rewards. Here are my results from the last 8 years with links to corresponding yearly summaries:
- [My Wild & Crazy 2023 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/02/my-wild-crazy-2023-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great New Year's Eve and New Year's Day! One of my yearly traditions is to write my predictions for the coming year and you can check out how I did in 2022 here: Let’s Review my 2022 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions. I plan on doing a mid-year review in July to see if I am on track, but without further ado, here are my predictions for 2023... My 2023 Airline Predictions American Airlines or Alaska Airlines will be added as a transfer partner from a transferable points currency. British Airways will change their award chart to calculate the number of Avios needed on a combined distance flown, not on a segment by segment basis. Delta Airlines or United Airlines will introduce a “Miles and Cash” payment option for award tickets (pay 10,000 miles or pay 8,000 miles + $40). Southwest Airlines will work very hard to make up for their December 2022 travel nightmare by offering a transfer bonus from Chase and spending offers on their credit cards in January 2023.
- [Let's Review my 2022 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/31/lets-review-my-2022-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy New Year's Eve! Since today is the last day of the year, I wanted to review My Wild and Crazy 2022 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions. 6 months ago, I wrote My 2022 Midyear Review of Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions where I shared my 4 out of 26 correct predictions. Hopefully I was able to pick up a few more correct predictions in the second half of the year. Without further ado, here are my predictions and the results...
- [Have you Read my Most Popular Posts of 2022?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/04/have-you-read-my-most-popular-posts-of-2022/) - Good afternoon, from rainy Northern California. Every year, I like to check out my stats from Google Analytics to see which blog posts were the most popular. I created 2 lists by looking at all blog posts written in 2022 and then I looked at which posts were read the most in 2022, but written in previous years (#stayingpower). I will list the blog posts from top to bottom based on pageviews, share the original published date, and provide my thoughts or a short summary of each blog post. If you are curious, here were the most popular posts from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. 2022’s Most Read Posts (Written in 2022) Choose a New Design for your Discover It Credit Card – 159 Colorful Options Available (2/2/2022) - If you are tired of the standard Discover It Credit Card design, pick a new card design from 150+ options. This also helps if you have multiple Discover It cards so you can easily tell them apart. The Era of Visa-Free Living in Mexico is Over (1/28/2022) - Tonei wrote this post and they covered the Visa changes that came to Mexico early last year.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Spirit (80%), British Airways (40%), Avianca (160%), Air Canada (100%) & United (90%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/20/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-spirit-british-airways-avianca-air-canada-united/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Spirit Airlines is offering up to an 80% bonus, depending on the number of Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - January 20.
- [Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card Upcoming Changes March 2023 (New 2x Earning Categories + 10% Relationship Bonus)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/09/bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-business-credit-card-upcoming-changes-march-2023/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Doctor of Credit covered the recently announced changes to the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card, but I haven't seen an update to the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card yet. Luckily, I just got this letter in the mail that covers the upcoming changes to business credit card. "Effective March 2023, the Annual Fee on your company account will increase to $70 on your next company account anniversary date, and the annual fee per card will be $25, assessed on the anniversary of each card." The "company account" used to be $50, so the combined annual fee will increase from $75 to $95 in a few months. Effective immediately, card holders will get an earlier boarding position (probably boarding group C, since elite members are boarding groups A + B). You can also get a $100 discount off the $650 Alaska Lounge+ Membership if you pay with this credit card. Lastly, you and any authorized users who pay for Alaska flights with this credit card will get priority boarding and first checked bag free. Effective March 2023, this card will earn 2x at gas stations, local transit / rideshare, and shipping. The 3x for Alaska flights and 1x everywhere else will not change. Lastly, if you have an "eligible Bank of America small business account," you will get a 10% reward bonus. See the backside of this letter for more details about all of these changes. Effective immediately, card holders will get an earlier boarding position (probably boarding group C, since elite members are boarding group A + B). You can also get a $100 discount off the $650 Alaska Lounge+ Membership if you pay with this credit card. Lastly, you and any authorized users who pay for Alaska flights with the credit card get priority boarding and first checked bag free. Effective March 2023, this card will earn 2x at gas stations, local transit / rideshare, and shipping. The 3x for Alaska flights and 1x everywhere else will not change. Lastly, if you have an "eligible Bank of America small business account," you will get a 10% reward bonus. See the backside of this letter for more details on all these changes.
- [Wild Prediction: Chase Freedom Unlimited will Change to 2X Everywhere](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/19/wild-prediction-chase-freedom-unlimited-will-change-to-2x-everywhere/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. As you know, I like to make Wild & Crazy Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions. Today's prediction missed the official 2023 deadline, but it just came to me, so I thought it was worth sharing. As I reminder, I am 100% correct 1% correct on my predictions, so take this with a grain of salt. As a reminder, the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card currently earns 1.5% cash back everywhere (1.5X Chase Ultimate Rewards per dollar). That used to be great until the likes of the Citi Double Cash Credit Card (2% cash back everyone / 2x Citi ThankYou Points), American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card (2X Membership Rewards Points everywhere), Capital One Venture X Credit Card (2X Capital One Miles everywhere), and the handful of other 2% cash back cards came onto the scene.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Frontier (125%), Hyatt (25%) & Spirit (80%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/01/13/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-frontier-hyatt-spirit/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Frontier Airlines is offering up to a 125% bonus, depending on the number of Frontier Airlines Early Returns Miles you purchase. This offer expires on January 15.
- [2 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Choice Hotels (25%) & Wyndham Hotels (25%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/02/03/2-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-choice-hotels-wyndham-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 2 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 2 offers that end soon. Up first, Choice Hotels is offering up to a 25% discount, depending on the number of Choice Hotels Privileges Points you purchase. This offer expires today - February 3.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hyatt (25%), United (95%), Etihad (20%), Avianca (155%), Air Canada (80%) & Virgin Atlantic (70%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/24/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hyatt-united-etihad-avianca-air-canada-virgin-atlantic/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 6 offers that end soon. Up first, Hyatt Hotels is offering up to a 25% bonus, depending on the number of World of Hyatt Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - March 25.
- [Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card 10% Relationship Bonus Miles Now Posting](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/27/bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-credit-card-10-relationship-bonus-miles-now-posting/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. My Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card statement just closed and I noticed that the 10% relationship bonus miles are now posting to my Alaska Airlines account. I wanted to share the news in case you were wondering when the relationship bonus miles would post. A few months ago, Bank of America announced the following changes to the Alaska Airlines credit card. The most exciting news to me was regarding the "10% rewards bonus" if you have an eligible Bank of America account. I have a personal Bank of America checking account, so I was excited for this change.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Virgin Atlantic (70%), Marriott (40%), Frontier (75%), Southwest (50%) & Choice Hotels (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/30/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-virgin-atlantic-marriott-frontier-southwest-choice-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Thursday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Virgin Atlantic is offering up to a 70% bonus, depending on the number of Virgin Atlantic Points you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - March 31.
- [Last Call for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, March 11 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/10/last-call-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-march-11-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! If you are not busy tomorrow (Saturday, March 11), 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, March 11, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2+ years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Here is the schedule for the event. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [Register for FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, March 11 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/06/register-for-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-march-11-25-or-free-with-online-annual-membership/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. If you are not busy this Saturday, March 11, 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, March 11, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2+ years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Here is the schedule for the event. If you register for the seminar, but are unable to watch the live stream, you can access the recording of the seminar and watch later on. This is also a great way to re-watch your favorite presentations and catch any details that you originally missed.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: JetBlue (60%), Air France / KLM (100%), United (100%) & Air Canada (20%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/02/24/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-jetblue-air-france-klm-united-air-canada/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 4 offers that end soon. Up first, JetBlue is offering up to an 60% bonus, depending on the number of JetBlue TrueBlue Points you purchase. This offer expires today - February 24.
- [My Recent Retention Offers for AMEX Blue Business Plus & US Bank Altitude Reserve](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/03/08/my-recent-retention-offers-for-amex-blue-business-plus-us-bank-altitude-reserve/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. Over the last few weeks, I made retention calls on 2 credit cards and I wanted to share my data points. I started with the American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card. Even though this credit card doesn't have an annual fee, I had heard others had success getting retention offers, so I decided to call and see if there were any offers. I started with the AMEX Chat, but the chat rep said I needed to call a specific department to talk about retention offers. On the phone, I explained to the rep that I have been using my American Express Business Platinum Card and American Express Business Gold Card a lot recently and haven't been using my AMEX Blue Business Plus very much lately and I was considering closing the card. The rep checked the offers and said they could offer me a $50 statement credit with no spend. I asked if there were any other offers, but there were no better offers available, so I gladly accepted the offer. The $50 statement credit posted to my account a few days later.
- [See My Presentation at FTU Virtual Seminar on Saturday, April 29 ($25) or Free with Online Annual Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/04/23/see-my-presentation-at-ftu-virtual-seminar-on-saturday-april-29/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. If you are not busy this Saturday, April 29, 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 29, at 8am PT / 11am ET. I have attended all of the FTU Virtual Seminars over the last 2+ years and they are always well done, educational, and entertaining - and I am sure this seminar will be no exception! Here is the schedule for the event. If you need one more reason to attend, I will be presenting on "Credit Cards 201: Before, During, and After Application Tips" where I will share my more advanced credit card application tips.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: JetBlue (50%), Wyndham (40%), Avianca (150%), United (100%) & Choice Hotels (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/04/21/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-jetblue-wyndham-avianca-united-choice-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, JetBlue is offering up to a 50% bonus, depending on the number of JetBlue TrueBlue Points you purchase. This offer expires today - April 21.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (100%), Marriott (40%), JetBlue (50%) & Wyndham (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/04/07/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-marriott-jetblue-wyndham/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next 2 weeks. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of IHG One Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires on April 11.
- [Travel with Grant Turns 10 Years Old + 10 x $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/02/travel-with-grant-turns-10-years-old-10-x-10-amazon-gift-card-giveaway/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Travel with Grant just turned 10 years old! Yup, I started this blog on May 1, 2013 and I can't believe I've had a travel blog for 10 years (I really can't believe I have done anything for 10 years, let alone blogging). To celebrate this special occasion, I wanted to give away 10 x $10 Amazon Gift Cards to my readers. To enter the giveaway... Leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PT on May 3 telling me about your favorite article / topic covered on Travel with Grant. I will select 10 winners by Friday, May 5 and email them a $10 Amazon Gift Card.
- [TWG 10 Year Anniversary Amazon Gift Card Winners + 2 Bonus Winners](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/05/twg-10-year-anniversary-amazon-gift-card-winners-2-bonus-winners/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday, and happy Cinco De Mayo! I am very touched by all the compliments and nice words that you all shared in my 10 year anniversary post (Travel with Grant Turns 10 Years Old + 10 x $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway). I had such a hard time selecting just 10 winners, so I decided to add 2 bonus winners to the list. Here are the 12 winners sorted by posting time. By the time you read this post, you should have received your $10 Amazon Gift Card via email. Thanks again to everyone who left a comment and for all the love and support over the last 10 years. Here's to many more years to come!
- [Delta TakeOff 15 Benefit (15% Award Travel Discount) Available within 24 Hours of New Credit Card, But Cannot Use on Existing Award Ticket Reservations](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/18/delta-takeoff-15-benefit-available-within-24-hours/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. On Tuesday, I applied for the American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card through a targeted Delta mailer and was instantly approved. The reason I applied for this credit card is because it comes with the new Delta TakeOff 15 card member benefit that provides a 15% discount on Delta award travel and I haven't received the sign up bonus on this credit card before. I have an upcoming Delta flight from San Francisco to Atlanta to Jacksonville (SFO-ATL-JAX) for an upcoming "free" Carnival Cruise and I wanted to save some miles on that award ticket (and future Delta award tickets I will book).
- [Stacking Carnival Cruise Line Fun Match "Free" Cruise with 2x $35 Off $100 Chase Offer & BankAmeriDeal](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/10/stacking-carnival-cruise-line-fun-match-free-cruise-with-2x-35-off-100-chase-offer-bankamerideal/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few weeks ago, I followed Nick's advice from Frequent Miler and got a "free" cruise from Carnival Cruise Line. Nick also got me a "free" Holland America Cruise, so if I ever see Nick on the High Seas, I will be sure to buy him a refreshing drink (or two). Technically, these "free" cruises aren't really free, I still had to pay a few hundred dollars in taxes, fees, port expenses, and gratuities, but I'm excited to go on my first cruise since my 2002 cruise to Alaska (scroll to the bottom to see some old school photos). With the Carnival Fun Match promo, I received an offer for a "free" room (up to a balcony room), $50 in FunPlay credit, free drinks in the casino, and $100 OnBoard Credit per person. To reduce the cost, I split the $200 deposit and paid with 2 credit cards to trigger 2x $35 statement credits.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Southwest (50%), Alaska (40%), Air Canada (110%), Wyndham (25%) & Frontier (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/19/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-southwest-alaska-air-canada-wyndham-frontier/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hyatt (25%), IHG (80%), Spirit (60%) & Air France / KLM (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/02/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hyatt-ihg-spirit-air-france-klm/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Hyatt Hotels is offering up to a 25% discount, depending on the number of World of Hyatt Points you purchase. This offer expires today - June 2.
- [How to Book Hotel with Citi Premier Credit Card $100 Hotel Credit & Citi ThankYou Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/21/how-to-book-hotel-with-citi-premier-credit-card-100-hotel-credit-citi-thankyou-points/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. 3 weeks ago, my wife and I decided to book a last minute trip to Europe this summer with stops in Prague (PRG), Copenhagen (CPH), and Amsterdam (AMS). When I was researching hotels in Prague, I heard many good things about Old Town Prague and wanted to stay there. There were several chain and independent hotels to choose from, so I checked TripAdvisor to see which hotels were highly rated. That is how I stumbled onto the Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Hotel Collection. It has great reviews, is in a great location, comes with free breakfast and wifi, and the price was right.
- [2 Viator Citi Merchant Offers Available: $20 Off $150 and $35 Off $300 + Stack with 10% Cash Back](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/20/2-viator-citi-merchant-offers-available-20-off-150-and-35-off-300-stack-with-10-cash-back/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great Father's Day Weekend. 3 weeks ago, my wife and I decided to book a last minute trip to Europe this summer with stops in Prague (PRG), Copenhagen (CPH), and Amsterdam (AMS). I am also a big fan of Viator, so I was researching some activities and food walking tours for our trip. I then remembered that I saw a few Viator Citi Merchant Offers recently, so I enrolled my eligible Citi credit cards in the offers and made my Viator purchases. In this post, I will show you how to enroll / activate your Viator offers and show how quickly the statement credit posts. I checked all 6 of my Citi credit cards and found 2 different versions of the Viator Citi Merchant Offers: $20 Off $150 and $35 Off $300. These offers do not appear on the same credit cards and you must make a single purchase to trigger the offers.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Spirit (60%), Air France / KLM (100%), Air Canada (50%), Choice Hotels (30%) & Southwest (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/09/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-spirit-air-france-klm-air-canada-choice-hotels-southwest/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Spirit Airlines is offering up to a 60% bonus, depending on the number of Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Miles you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - June 10.
- [Hyatt Vacation Club Timeshare Package at Sirena Del Mar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: $349 for 3 Nights + 7,500 Points (Targeted)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/12/hyatt-vacation-club-timeshare-package-at-sirena-del-mar-in-cabo-san-lucas-mexico-349-for-3-nights-7500-points-targeted/) - Good evening everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I just received a targeted Hyatt Vacation Club timeshare vacation package in the mail for the Sirena Del Mar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This property is part of World of Hyatt and is a Category 5, which costs 20,000 points per night for standard availability. The offer is $349 + 7,500 World of Hyatt Points (or a $100 resort credit) for a 4 day / 3 night stay in a one bedroom villa at this property. As part of the offer, you need to attend a 90-120 timeshare presentation. I don't think this offer is available to the public, but you can try calling the Hyatt Vacation Club department at 858-299-7452 to see if you are eligible for the offer. Scroll down to the see the terms of the offer and view the marketing brochure.
- [How to Book Virgin Atlantic Partner Awards for KLM Flights - Error Online? Call VA to Book](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/14/how-to-book-virgin-atlantic-partner-awards-for-klm-flights-error-online-call-va-to-book/) - Good afternoon everyone. 2 weeks ago, my wife and I decided to book a last minute trip to Europe this summer with stops in Prague (PRG), Copenhagen (CPH), and Amsterdam (AMS). This morning, I wrote Some KLM Business Class Awards (Booked with Virgin Atlantic) are Cheaper than Economy Awards for Flights Within Europe. After you find the perfect KLM business class award that is bookable with Virgin Atlantic Miles, you might run into issues purchasing the award ticket online. In this post, I will show you how to book the Virgin Atlantic award tickets over the phone and select your seats on the KLM website. For our 11:30am KLM flight from Copenhagen to Amsterdam (CPH-AMS), Virgin Atlantic had a total cost of 18,000 Virgin Atlantic Miles + $47.80. I signed into my Virgin Atlantic account, went through the booking process, entered my credit card info, pressed submit, and got this error message: "Sorry, things change so quickly around here and that fare isn't available anymore. Please search again to see what's available. #100503." I tried a few different times from different browsers and on my phone, but always got the same error message. I decided to call Virgin Atlantic for help.
- [Some KLM Business Class Awards (Booked with Virgin Atlantic) are Cheaper than Economy Awards for Flights Within Europe](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/14/some-klm-business-class-awards-booked-with-virgin-atlantic-are-cheaper-than-economy-awards-for-flights-within-europe/) - Good afternoon everyone. 2 weeks ago, my wife and I decided to book a last minute trip to Europe this summer with stops in Prague (PRG), Copenhagen (CPH), and Amsterdam (AMS). When I searched for flights from Copenhagen to Amsterdam (CPH-AMS), I found 2 morning flights on KLM that would work perfectly for our schedule. Unfortunately, the prices ($243-$285) were a little higher than we wanted to pay for the 1.5 hour flight. I used Point.me to search for these flights to see if they were bookable with miles. Strangely, the award prices were lower in business class than in economy. Let me show you what I found and how I booked the award ticket.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air Canada (50%), United Airlines (50%), Choice Hotels (30%) & Southwest (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/17/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-canada-united-airlines-choice-hotels-southwest/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your Father's Day Weekend is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Air Canada is offering up to a 50% discount, depending on the number of Air Canada Aeroplan Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - June 17.
- [Reminder: Condor Airlines has Flights to/from Europe for 25K-45K (Economy) & 55K (Business) using Alaska Miles](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/06/13/reminder-condor-airlines-has-flights-to-from-europe-for-25k-45k-economy-55k-business-using-alaska-miles/) - Good afternoon everyone. 2 weeks ago, my wife and I decided to book a last minute trip to Europe this summer with stops in Prague (PRG), Copenhagen (CPH), and Amsterdam (AMS). Researching award flights can be a combination of excitement, frustration, and extreme outside the box thinking. I love using Point.me to search for award space and was able to find Air France business class saver space for San Francisco to Paris to Prague (SFO-CDG-PRG) for 65,000 miles + $242 in taxes/fees per person. Point.me pro tip: run multiple searches at the same time in different tabs to maximize your searching and minimize your time. For our return trip, I had a much harder time finding saver award space back home. Luckily, Point.me found Condor Airlines business class flights that were bookable with Alaska Airlines miles. If you want to see what Condor Airlines business class looks like, check out this One Mile at a Time review. In this post, I will show you the 15 routes that Condor Airlines flies from Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) to the United States and Canada. I will also sort them in a table based on arrival city (alphabetical) and duration (shortest to longest). The dates shown in these images were the first available business class flights I found, but award space is constantly changing, so you may find more or less award space if you look today. Economy prices range from 25K to 45K miles, depending on availability and the route; business class is fixed at 55K miles for all routes.
- [Targeted: $200 Bonus for Bank of America Better Balance Rewards Credit Cards Converting to Unlimited Cash Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/05/19/targeted-200-bonus-for-bank-of-america-better-balance-rewards-credit-cards-converting-to-unlimited-cash-rewards/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! Doctor of Credit is reporting that some members who have a Bank of America Better Balance Rewards Credit Card are seeing a targeted offer for a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in 4 months once their card converts to the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card. I currently have 2 BBR CCs and saw this offer when I signed into my Bank of America app this morning. I took screenshots to remind myself of this promo since I haven't received an email about this offer or see it mentioned anywhere else in the app. If you have a BBR, sign into the app and see if you are targeted for this bonus.
- [I Paid $4,043 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2022 – Was it Worth it?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/12/21/i-paid-4043-in-credit-card-annual-fees-in-2022-was-it-worth-it/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your week is going well. With the end of the year right around the corner, I decided to publish my 2022 version of credit card annual fees I paid this year. For comparison, here are my previous credit card annual fee posts: I Paid $4,588 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2019 – Was it Worth it? I Paid $3,820 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2020 – Was it Worth it? I Paid $3,009 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2021 – Was it Worth it? For this year's post, I decided to break up the list of credit cards into 5 sections: Annual fees paid on new credit cards with sign up bonuses Annual fees paid on credit cards that received retention offers Annual fees on credit cards that have been upgraded / downgraded / product changed Annual fees on credit cards that I closed All other credit cards
- [My 2022 Midyear Review of Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/07/11/my-2022-midyear-review-of-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Much like the corporate world with midyear reviews, I thought it would be fun / embarrassing to do a midyear review of My Wild and Crazy 2022 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions. I copied the list from the previous post and will see how many predictions I got correct and how many were dead wrong. But remember, there is still 6 months left in the year for the remaining predictions to come true... My 2022 Airline Predictions (1 / 7) Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines will bring back their "convert travel funds to airline miles" feature. - I still cannot believe this feature exists but Alaska and Southwest are not using it. American Airlines will return as a Citi ThankYou Points airline transfer partner. - I still cannot believe that Citi can't get American Airlines to come back to the ThankYou Points portal. Avianca will give Turkish Airlines a run for their money for domestic Star Alliance awards. British Airways will let you use Avios to pay the taxes, fees, and fuel surcharge portion of award tickets. Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines will introduce a “Miles and Cash” payment option for award tickets (pay 10,000 miles or pay 8,000 miles + $40). JetBlue will partner with another US airline for award bookings. - Yes, you can book JetBlue flights using American Airlines miles. United Airlines will be a transfer partner with Brex, Citi, or American Express.
- [Travel with Grant Turns 9 Years Old & My 9 Favorite Posts from the Last Year](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/05/02/travel-with-grant-turns-9-years-old-my-9-favorite-posts-from-the-last-year/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend. 9 years ago today (back on May 1, 2013), Travel with Grant was born! Even though I am not a full time blogger and writing this post from a tropical beach, I’m still very happy and grateful to still be writing and sharing my thoughts with my readers. Every year (when I remember), I like to write a birthday / blogiversary post about TWG. If you want to reminisce through the years, check out these old posts: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, no Year 7 (I forgot about it during the pandemic), and Year 8. I cover a wide variety of travel topics and don't tend to follow the travel blogging crowd (I think of myself as Dory from Finding Nemo, just swimming around doing my own thing). Some of these posts were very popular and got lots of pageviews, but others didn't get as much love as I thought they would. But without further ado, here are my 9 favorite posts from the last year (May 2021 - April 2022) in chronological order.
- [Brainstorming New Credit Card Ideas for Citi - Check Out the Citi Adulting is Hard Rewards Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/01/29/brainstorming-new-credit-card-ideas-for-citi/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. I don't know about you, but sometimes I dream about credit cards and travelling. I also recently product changed from an old Citi AT&T Access More to a Citi Custom Cash (read My Experience Product Changing / Converting / Downgrading to the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card), so I had the Citi Custom Cash on the brain. As you probably know, Citi has several "cash back" credit cards that earn Citi ThankYou Points and each credit card has it's niche. I decided to brainstorm some ideas for new Citi credit cards, so let me know what you think. For starters, let's go through the existing Citi credit card lineup to see what areas are already covered to identify possible opportunities. Citi Premier Credit Card - 3x at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airlines, and hotels; 1x everywhere else Citi AT&T Access More Credit Card (no longer available) - 3x for AT&T purchases and online purchases; 1x everywhere else Citi Rewards+ Credit Card - 2x at supermarkets and gas stations; 1x everywhere else; round up to the nearest 10 points; 10% rebate on redeemed points, up to 10,000 points Citi Custom Cash Credit Card - 5% cash back on your highest spend category, on the first $500 spent in that category each month; 1% cash back everywhere else Citi Double Cash Credit Card - 1% cash back for purchases and 1% cash back for paying off those purchases (aka 2% cash back everywhere) Citi Dividend Credit Card (no longer available) - 5% cash back in rotating categories every quarter
- [My Wild and Crazy 2022 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/30/my-wild-and-crazy-2022-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good morning everyone, happy New Year's Eve Eve (emphasis on the extra Eve). Yesterday, I wrote about my dismal prediction performance (I didn't predict I would do so poorly - another wrong prediction of mine) in my post How Right (or Wrong) were my 2021 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions? My new crystal ball just arrived from Amazon, so I am going to put it to the ultimate test and I'll provide my 2022 airline, hotel, and credit card predictions. I'm guaranteed to get between 0% and 100% correct, but only time will tell... My 2021 Airline Predictions Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines will bring back their "convert travel funds to airline miles" feature. American Airlines will return as a Citi ThankYou Points airline transfer partner. Avianca will give Turkish Airlines a run for their money for domestic Star Alliance awards. British Airways will let you use Avios to pay the taxes, fees, and fuel surcharge portion of award tickets. Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines will introduce a “Miles and Cash” payment option for award tickets (pay 10,000 miles or pay 8,000 miles + $40). JetBlue will partner with another US airline for award bookings. United Airlines will be a transfer partner with Brex, Citi, or American Express.
- [I Paid $3,009 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2021 – Was it Worth it?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/12/16/i-paid-3009-in-credit-card-annual-fees-in-2021-was-it-worth-it/) - Good morning everyone. If you haven't already, please read my post from yesterday (How Much Did I Pay in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2021?). In today's post, I will share how much value I received from each credit card in 2021. Today’s post is also a sequel to my 2020 post (I Paid $3,820 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2020 – Was it Worth it?) and my 2019 post (I Paid $4,588 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2019 – Was it Worth it?). These 26 credit cards were opened before January 1, 2021, with the exception of my Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card which I opened in July 2021. For simplicity, I did not include the value of miles or points earned from credit card spend, since that is somewhat subjective. I counted all credits, reimbursements, retention offers, and referral bonuses at dollar face value (with airline miles and hotel points at conservative values between 0.5 CPP and 1 CPP). For hotel free night certificates, I used a standard value of $100, with the exception of the Marriott 50K Free Night Certificate which I valued at $200.
- [Quick & Easy Credit Limit Increases with the Citi App (No Hard Pull or Credit Check)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/08/05/quick-easy-credit-limit-increases-with-the-citi-app-no-hard-pull-or-credit-check/) - Good morning everyone. I wrote a similar post in 2019 but I thought it was worth a refresher (Easily Request a Credit Limit Increase (No Hard Pull) via the Citi App). If you have a Citi credit card and use the Citi App, you can quickly and easily request a credit limit increase through the Citi App. I will walk you through the steps and share the results of my 4 Citi credit limit increase requests. Having larger credit limits help with your credit utilization ratio and there are no hard pulls or credit checks (all 3 of my credit reports are currently frozen and I didn't receive any credit monitoring alerts after making the credit limit increase requests). I will go through the steps on my Citi Rewards+ Credit Card, but the steps are the same for any Citi credit card. To get started, sign into the Citi App and click on the credit card you want to do a credit limit increase on. Then click the View Credit Limit, APR & More link. Then click the Request an Increase link.
- [PSA: Rental Car Rates are Sky High, Book ASAP](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/05/27/psa-rental-car-rates-are-sky-high-book-asap/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I have a few trips coming up in the next 2-3 months and needed to make 3 rental car reservations. I always start with AutoSlash and see what deals they can find for me. As you may know, there is a rental car shortage around the country and I expected rates to be higher than average, but I was not prepared for the sky high rental car rates (rental car rates are more expensive than airline tickets). Generally, booking rental cars is the last thing I do when I plan a trip (after booking flights and hotels). Since rental car rates are much higher than normal, I recommend booking rental cars as soon as possible to lock in the cheapest price. Learn from my mistakes and save hundreds of dollars on your next rental car reservation.
- [Flying to the United States? You'll Need Proof of a COVID Test (Starting January 26)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/13/flying-to-the-us-youll-need-proof-of-a-covid-test-starting-january-26-tonei/) - Starting January 26, all passengers traveling to the United States will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or antigen) dated within 3 days prior to departure, unless they have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months.
- [On My Mind: Which Credit Card Do You Use When You Don't Know The Bonus Category?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/02/08/one-my-mind-which-credit-card-do-you-use-when-you-dont-know-the-bonus-category/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you all had a great Super Bowl Weekend. A few days ago, when I was reviewing my recent credit card statements and I spotted a few purchases that did not earn bonus points. I assumed the purchases would code as a restaurant, so I used my American Express Gold Card, but to my surprise, the purchases did not code as a restaurant (and I only earned 1x on the purchases). This led me down a rabbit hole where I pondered similar situations like: A restaurant located inside a hotel (would it code as a restaurant or hotel purchase?) A restaurant that was located on a golf course (would it code as a restaurant or golf course purchase?) A café located inside a bookstore (would it code as a restaurant or a bookstore?) And so on and so on... To me, there are 2 possible ways to answer these questions: Gamble or Play It Safe.
- [Ask Me (Almost) Anything Friday](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/15/ask-me-almost-anything-friday/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! I am looking forward to my MLK Jr. 3 day weekend and hope you are too. Travel with Grant has always been about writing blog posts that interest me and I write blog posts that I would want to read (hopefully readers want to read those posts too). My inspiration to write comes from first hand experiences with travel and rewards credit cards, in addition to reading other miles & points blogs and listening to miles & points podcasts. I don't have any blog posts at the forefront of my mind right now, so I am looking to my readers for some inspiration. What are you interested in right now? Do you have any questions about traveling, miles and points, or credit card rewards?
- [I Paid $3,820 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2020 – Was it Worth it?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/08/i-paid-3820-in-credit-card-annual-fees-in-2020-was-it-worth-it/) - Good morning everyone, happy Friday! After I published How Much Did I Pay in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2020?, several readers asked if I could share how much value I received from each credit card in 2020. Today's post is also a sequel to my 2019 post (I Paid $4,588 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2019 – Was it Worth it?). All 24 of these credit cards were opened before January 1, 2020, and no sign up bonus is included. For simplicity, I did not include the value of miles or points earned from credit card spend, since that is somewhat subjective (and most of the miles and points were not spent in 2020). I counted all credits, reimbursements, retention offers, and referral bonuses at dollar face value. For hotel free night certificates, I have several from 2020 that expire in 2021 and 2022, so I am using a standard value of $100 for each hotel free night certificate. I went through all of my credit card statements and online accounts to see which Credit Card Benefits I used in 2020 and those values are summed up in the CCB $ column. If I received a retention offer, that is listed in the RO $ column. I listed the credit card annual fee in the AF $ column. Lastly, I used this formula to calculate the Profit or Loss (P / L column) for each credit card: CCB $ + RO $ - AF $ = P / L I sorted the credit cards alphabetically and split them up into 3 smaller groups. Here are some thoughts from the first group: The first 3 AMEX cards were big money makers due to the standard card benefit credits and the temporary pandemic benefits. It will be hard to beat these numbers in 2021. I never planned on keeping the American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card long term and only signed up for the 70,000 Delta SkyMiles sign up bonus in 2019. In most years, we are easily able to use the $99 Alaska Airlines Companion Fare, but due to the pandemic and very cheap Alaska Airlines flight, we did not use the Companion Fare in 2020. I am hoping to use the Companion Fare this year. I'm glad Laura (LT) was able to get a $59 retention offer on her Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and a $100 referral bonus.
- [My Best Practices for Closing a Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2021/01/02/my-best-practices-for-closing-a-credit-card/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great New Year's Day! A few weeks ago, I wrote My Best Practices for New Credit Cards and Sign Up Bonuses. In that post, I shared a variety of tips and tricks to stay organized and squeeze out the most value from your new credit cards. In today's post, I will talk about the other side of the coin - best practices for closing credit cards. There are many things you need to do before you call to close your credit card. Here are some tips and tricks to follow: Is the Credit Card Worth the Annual Fee? Whenever a credit card has an annual fee, you need to ask yourself, "Does the value you receive from the credit card benefits meet or exceed the cost of the annual fee?" Most credit card benefits are intangible (you cannot touch them), but you must assign a value to them. For example, if your credit card offers these benefits, how much are the benefits worth to you? Airline Elite Status - you must fly in order to use your status. Free Checked Bags - you must check bags on flights. More Award Seats / Better Award Availability / Lower Pricing - you must search and book award tickets using miles and points. Hotel Elite Status - you must stay at the hotel chain (or match to another hotel elite status). Free Night Certificate - you must find participating hotels and award availability to use your free night certificates. Rebated Points - you must have enough points to redeem for an award in order to get rebated points. Statement Credits - you must spend money (hopefully on something you want / need) in order to get the statement credits. Airline Travel / Incidental Reimbursement Credits - you must find qualifying charges to make in order to trigger the credits. Refer a Friend Bonuses - you must have friends, family, or blog readers who will apply for new credit cards with your referral links. If you are interested, check out my Keep, Cancel, or Convert? Series to see how I decide which credit cards are worth keeping and paying the annual fees.
- [My Best Practices for New Credit Cards and Sign Up Bonuses](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/17/my-best-practices-for-new-credit-cards-and-sign-up-bonuses/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I recently completed the minimum spending requirement for 4 different credit cards (My October 2020 Credit Card App-O-Rama Results) and wanted to share my best practices for new credit cards and sign up bonuses. I currently have 32 credit and charge cards open and have had 90 other cards since I started travel hacking in 2011. To the best of my knowledge, I have never missed a credit card sign up bonus by not completing the minimum spending requirement. Feel free to use all, some, or none of my best practices with your next credit card. For this post, I am going to use a fictitious credit card as an example to illustrate some of the pitfalls to avoid. ABC Credit Card has a sign up bonus of 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months with a $95 annual fee. You apply for the credit card on January 1 and your application is pending. Your application gets approved on January 5 and your new credit card arrives on January 15. You activate your new credit card on January 18. Credit Card Tidying and Organization When your new credit card arrives, I recommend activating it immediately. Then set up online access to view and track your purchases. If you get paid monthly, you may want to change the bill due date to a date that is more convenient for you (unfortunately, this may not be possible until after the first statement closes). For simplicity, I like to have all my credit card statements close around the same date, so that I do not need to remember several different credit card due dates or statement closing dates. If you are concerned about accidentally making a cash advance purchase, call the credit card company and ask to lower your cash advance limit to $0. If you were approved with a small credit limit and have other credit cards from the same credit card company, ask if they can transfer some of your credit limit over to your new credit card. If you want to receive your statements electronically, sign up for electronic statements (I will explain why below).
- [My Top 10 Most Read Blog Posts of 2020](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/30/my-top-10-most-read-blog-posts-of-2020/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Every year, I like to check out my stats from Google Analytics to see which blog posts were the most popular. I created 2 lists by looking at all blog posts written in 2020 and then I looked at which posts were read the most in 2020, but written in a previous year (#stayingpower). I will list the blog posts from top to bottom based on pageviews, share the original published date, and provide a short summary of each blog post. If you are curious, here were the most popular posts from 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. 2020’s Most Read Posts (Written in 2020) Overpaid Chase Credit Card? Receive Credit Balance Refund via ACH Bank Transfer Instead of Check (7/8/20) - If you have a credit balance on a Chase credit card, you can contact Chase and ask for them to send you back the money. You can receive your funds back via an ACH bank transfer which is much faster than waiting for a check in the mail. I have done this a few times over the last few months and I wish all other banks had a similar process.
- [My Rock Solid 2021 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/12/29/my-rock-solid-2021-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you got a good laugh out of my post from yesterday: Reviewing my Embarrassingly Wrong 2020 Travel Predictions. Long story short, my 2020 predictions were terrible (I had 3 correct and 12 wrong predictions). I am hoping to redeem myself today with my super-solid, 100% guaranteed-to-happen predictions for 2021. My crystal ball just got back from the crystal ball repair store and here are my airline, hotel, and credit card predictions for 2021. My 2021 Airline Predictions Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines will make their "convert travel funds to airline miles" feature a permanent feature on their site. American Airlines will finally become a Citi ThankYou Points airline transfer partner. Delta Airlines or United Airlines will introduce a “Cash and Miles” payment option for award tickets (pay 10,000 miles or pay 8,000 miles + $40).
- [Unboxing my US Bank Radisson Rewards Business & Premier Visa Signature Credit Cards: Card Art & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/05/08/new-us-bank-radisson-rewards-business-premier-visa-signature-credit-cards-arrived-card-art-welcome-letter/) - My old US Bank Club Carlson credit cards were expiring soon, so US Bank sent me new US Bank Radisson Rewards credit cards. In this post, I will show you the card art and welcome letters for my US Bank Radisson Rewards Business Credit Card and US Bank Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature Credit Card.
- [Unboxing my Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card: Card Art, Brochure & Welcome Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/08/05/chase-ihg-rewards-premier-credit-card-welcome-letter-brochure-card-art/) - My new Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card arrived and I will show you the welcome letter, information brochure & card art.
- [Keep, Cancel, or Convert: Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card ($450 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/09/29/keep-cancel-or-convert-chase-sapphire-reserve-credit-card-tonei/) - After reviewing the benefits of my CSR, I decided to close my CSR. I will apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card in the next few weeks.
- [2 Podcast Picks: Abroaders (Travel Hackers) & How I Built This (SWA Founder Herb Kelleher Interview)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/01/2-podcast-picks-abroaders-travel-hackers-how-i-built-this-swa-founder-herb-kelleher-interview/) - But NPR's most recent How I Built This podcast was about Southwest Airlines' founder, Herb Kelleher. Abroaders Travel Podcast is great for travel hackers.
- [My Latest Obsession: Listening to BoardingArea Bloggers on NowBoarding Podcast](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/11/27/my-latest-obsession-listening-to-boardingarea-bloggers-on-nowboarding-podcast/) - Listen to your favorite BoardingArea bloggers on the weekly podcast NowBoarding. Learn about travel, mistakes, memories, and much more in the podcast.
- [Listen to Travel with Grant on Today's NowBoarding Podcast! [Plus Feedback from my Parents]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/12/04/listen-to-travel-with-grant-on-todays-nowboarding-podcast/) - I will make this post prettier later today, but you can now listen to my NowBoarding podcast. Thanks for listening and let me know if you have any questions.
- [AMEX Offers for Staples, VitaCost, Paperless Post & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/09/09/amex-offers-for-staples-vitacost-paperless-post-more/) - Good evening, this is just a quick post before I walk over to Subway to get a flatbread sandwich and a free cookie (free cookies every Tuesday if you buy a sandwich or salad).
- [AMEX Offers for Amazon, Uber, Toys R Us, Burberry & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/11/16/amex-offers-for-amazon-uber-toys-r-us-burberry-more/) - Good morning everyone, I have quite a few new AMEX Offers to share with you this morning. The best offer (in my opinion) is $15 off $60 at Amazon. Who doesn't love Amazon?
- [AMEX Offers for Godiva, Reebok, Lucky Strike Bowling & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/18/amex-offers-for-godiva-reebok-lucky-strike-bowling-more/) - Every Friday/Saturday, I like to post the latest AMEX Offers for You list. Here are some of the other recent posts with offers that may/may not still be around.
- [AMEX Offers for Estee Lauder, Jet.com, Levi's, ModCloth & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/26/amex-offers-for-estee-lauder-jet-com-levis-modcloth-more/) - I just looked through all my American Express charge and credit cards and found a total of 32 new AMEX Offers that I have not seen before.
- [American Express Uses Level 3 Purchase Data on Staples Orders](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/17/american-express-uses-level-3-purchase-data-on-staples-orders/) - It looks like Staples.com (maybe Staples too) is sending level 3 data to American Express (possibly other credit card companies as well). How do I know Staples.com is sending level 3 data to American Express? Looking at my last 2 purchases at Staples.com, I can click on the details of the transaction and see "VISA 200 GIFT CARD" as the note.
- [American Express Serve Card Bulk Account Shutdowns / Terminations](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/08/american-express-serve-card-bulk-account-shutdowns-terminations/) - AMEX Serve sent out mass account closure emails with the subject line "Termination Of Funds Loading Capabilities on Your Serve® Account." My account was flagged due to "observed unusual usage patterns."
- [PSA: Don't Redeem Chase Ultimate Reward Points for Gift Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/06/25/psa-dont-redeem-chase-ultimate-reward-points-for-gift-cards/) - Don't Redeem your Chase Ultimate Reward Points for Gift Cards! There are several better redemptions offers out there than redeeming for gift cards.
- [AMEX Offers for Macy's, J.Crew, REEDS Jewelers & Balsam Hill](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/11/23/amex-offers-for-macys-j-crew-reeds-jewelers-balsam-hill/) - The Macy's offer is $20 off $120, which I'm sure will come in handy for their upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. J.Crew also has an offer for $25 off $125.
- [AMEX Offers for Dropbox, Adobe, Sleepys, Timberland & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/17/amex-offers-for-dropbox-adobe-sleepys-timberland-more/) - New AMEX Offers to share, including Dropbox, Adobe, Sleepys, Timberland, 1800Flowers.com, Vital Choice Seafood and Organic Food, Puritan's Pride, and Oak Hall.
- [New AMEX Offers for Newegg, Airbnb, Il Fornaio & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/11/04/new-amex-offers-for-newegg-airbnb-il-fornaio-more/) - Miles to Memories is my hero for reporting that you can still view the "Classic AMEX Offers" by clicking this link (bookmark it too!). The old layout was much simpler.
- [AMEX Offers for Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Diapers.com, Rejuvenation & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/03/amex-offers-for-williams-sonoma-pottery-barn-diapers-com-rejuvenation-more/) - American Express has been very busy this weekend and released a ton of new AMEX Offers. There are no amazing offers today (unless you shop at Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, or Diapers.com often).
- [How to Activate Staples $200 Visa Gift Cards Without Activation Codes](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/05/12/how-to-activate-staples-200-visa-gift-cards-without-activation-codes/) - This post falls in the "I want to activate my gift cards but I don't want to wait for the activation code letter to arrive in the mail" category. 
- [How to Get Free Amazon Prime Membership for “Family Members”](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/11/17/how-to-get-free-amazon-prime-membership-for-family-members/) - Free Amazon Prime Membership for "Family Members"
- [How to Cancel British Airways Avios Award Tickets Online](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/05/23/how-to-cancel-british-airways-avios-award-tickets-online/) - (Previous Post: How to Book British Airways Avios Award Tickets) In this how-to guide, I will show you how to cancel or refund a British Airways Avios award ticket. In my demo, I will cancel an American Airlines flight, but the steps below will work with US Airways, British Airways, and most OneWorld Alliance airlines. Most Avios
- [How to Cancel Southwest Airlines Tickets & View Travel Funds Online](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/12/09/how-to-cancel-southwest-airlines-tickets-view-travel-funds-online/) - How to cancel a Southwest Airlines reservation (both a paid reservation and a reservation booked with points), along with showing you how to view your travel funds.
- [How to Redeem the Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards 25K Global Companion Award (Step-by-Step Guide)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/07/13/how-to-redeem-the-alaska-airlines-atmos-rewards-25k-global-companion-award/) - One of the newest benefits of the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card is the 25K Global Companion Award, but there aren't many guides showing exactly how it works. I recently redeemed my first award and documented the entire process with screenshots, from locating the award in my account to booking the flight and confirming the correct number of points were deducted. If you've earned a 25K Global Companion Award (or plan to soon), this step-by-step guide will show you exactly what to expect.
- [One Year Later: An Update to Our Simplified Wallet Strategy for 2026](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/07/12/one-year-later-an-update-to-our-simplified-wallet-strategy-for-2026/) - Last year, Laura and I set out to simplify our wallets before Madison was born by cutting unnecessary annual fees and eliminating credit cards that required too much effort to justify keeping. One year later, I'm taking a look at how closely we stuck to that plan, which cards we closed, downgraded, and opened, and whether our strategy actually worked. Along the way, we earned 360,000 welcome bonus points and miles while building a wallet that's easier to manage and still delivers excellent value.
- [2026 Travel Predictions Midyear Review: Which Predictions Came True?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/06/27/2026-travel-predictions-midyear-review-which-predictions-came-true/) - I've reached the halfway point of 2026, so it's time to see how my predictions are holding up. Some have already come true, while others are still waiting to happen—and a few are looking less likely by the day. Check out my midyear review to see which predictions hit the mark and which ones have missed so far!
- [How to Find Out When All of Your Wyndham Rewards Points Expire](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/06/25/how-to-find-out-when-all-of-your-wyndham-rewards-points-expire/) - Wyndham Rewards only tells you when your next batch of points will expire, but what about the rest of your points? I discovered that Wyndham can provide a detailed expiration report showing exactly when every point in your account is scheduled to expire, and I'll show you how to request it.
- [Success! I Used My $325 Altitude Reserve Travel Credit Through the US Bank Travel Center](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/06/22/success-i-used-my-325-altitude-reserve-travel-credit-through-the-us-bank-travel-center/) - Success! I finally used my $325 US Bank Altitude Reserve travel credit through the US Bank Travel Center. Read on to see how the process worked, how long it took for the credit to post, and what rewards I earned from the hotel booking.
- [My Online Passport Renewal Only Took 2 Weeks (Full Timeline & Process)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/06/21/my-online-passport-renewal-only-took-2-weeks-full-timeline-process/) - I recently renewed my U.S. passport online and was surprised by how fast and simple the process was. From application to delivery, it only took about 2 weeks with no paperwork or mailing required. I’ve shared the full timeline, what I needed to prepare, and one unexpected issue I ran into with Global Entry.
- [Why I Haven't Had a Hyatt Credit Card (or Hyatt Elite Status) for Nearly 6 Years](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/06/15/why-i-havent-had-a-hyatt-credit-card-or-hyatt-elite-status-for-nearly-6-years/) - It may come as a surprise, but I haven't had a Hyatt credit card or Hyatt elite status in nearly six years. As Chase prepares to reduce transfers to Hyatt, I'm facing a decision: should I move up to 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt now, or keep my points flexible?
- [Major Wells Fargo Rewards Program Changes: No More Combined Rewards Accounts, Gifting Rewards, or Automatic Redemptions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/06/07/major-wells-fargo-rewards-program-changes-no-more-combined-rewards-accounts-gifting-rewards-or-automatic-redemptions/) - Wells Fargo is making several significant changes to its rewards program, including ending combined rewards accounts, eliminating reward gifting, and discontinuing automatic redemptions. While many cardholders may never have used these features, anyone with multiple Wells Fargo cards or plans to transfer points to another cardmember should take notice before the changes take effect.
- [Travel with Grant is Officially a Teenager & Other Life Updates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/05/05/travel-with-grant-is-officially-a-teenager-other-life-updates/) - Thirteen years after launching Travel with Grant, I’m reflecting on how much life and travel have changed over the years. Between becoming a parent, taking more family road trips, and adapting my miles-and-points strategy for this season of life, it has been a very different — but rewarding — year.
- [No Upcoming Hilton Stay? Turn Your Credit Into a $50 Snack Shopping Spree](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/03/15/no-upcoming-hilton-stay-turn-your-credit-into-a-50-snack-shopping-spree/) - Discover a creative way to use your Hilton credits without booking a stay. Learn how to turn them into snack shopping sprees at lobby markets that still qualify for the $50 Hilton credit.
- [Maximize Instacart Savings with $10 / $20 Chase Credits & Discounted Gift Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/03/07/maximize-instacart-savings-with-10-20-chase-credits-discounted-gift-cards/) - Discover how to save on Instacart orders with Chase credit card credits and discounted gift cards. Learn the steps to maximize your savings and enjoy convenient grocery delivery without breaking the bank.
- [Redeeming Wells Fargo Rewards Points: My Plan of Attack](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/03/06/redeeming-wells-fargo-rewards-points-my-plan-of-attack/) - Explore how I'm strategizing to maximize the value of my 62,320 Wells Fargo Rewards Points, focusing on the ideal transfer partners and unique features that can enhance their redemption potential. Discover the best ways to leverage these points for travel and more.
- [Breaking Up with My AMEX Coupon Book: No More Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual, or Yearly Credits](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/03/04/breaking-up-with-my-amex-coupon-book-no-more-monthly-quarterly-semi-annual-or-yearly-credits/) - Simplifying my American Express credit card lineup has freed me from the burden of managing numerous credits and annual fees. With less travel and a growing family, the allure of these perks has diminished, making this change a perfect fit.
- [A Tale of Two Citi Strata Elite Credit Card Applications](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/03/03/a-tale-of-two-citi-strata-elite-credit-card-applications/) - Laura and I applied for the Citi Strata Elite Credit Card hoping for triple benefits, but faced mixed results: I was denied instantly, while Laura’s application was approved after some delays. Curious about the approval process and benefits? Read on!
- [Don’t Let your Hilton Free Night Certificate Expire: Call to get a 2 Week Extension](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/02/27/dont-let-your-hilton-free-night-certificate-expire-call-to-get-a-2-week-extension/) - Don't let your valuable Hilton Free Night Certificate expire; call Hilton to request a two-week extension. This simple step can provide extra time to plan a perfect hotel stay without losing your certificate's worth.
- [My Favorite Underrated Wells Fargo Autograph / Journey Credit Card Feature: Transfers Starting at 1 Point](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/02/06/my-favorite-underrated-wells-fargo-autograph-journey-credit-card-feature-transfers-starting-at-1-point/) - Discover the hidden gem of the Wells Fargo Autograph Credit Card: the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners with no minimums required, making it perfect for topping off accounts without leaving orphaned points. This underrated feature offers flexibility that frequent travelers will appreciate.
- [How Fast Does the Citi Strata Elite $200 Splurge Credit Post for Best Buy Purchases?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/01/08/how-fast-does-the-citi-strata-elite-200-splurge-credit-post-for-best-buy-purchases/) - Discover how quickly the Citi Strata Elite $200 Splurge Credit posts for Best Buy purchases. Learn from Laura's experience and see why the credit appeared automatically just two days after her transactions.
- [By the Numbers: How Much I Earned from Bank Account Bonuses in 2025](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/01/07/by-the-numbers-how-much-i-earned-from-bank-account-bonuses-in-2025/) - Discover how I earned $3,475 from bank account bonuses in 2025, along with $2,304 in interest. Learn about the nine accounts I opened, the strategies I used, and how you can potentially maximize your own earnings.
- [By the Numbers: My 10 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2025 (Plus 10 All-Time Favorites)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/01/02/by-the-numbers-my-10-most-popular-blog-posts-of-2025-plus-10-all-time-favorites/) - Discover the 10 most popular blog posts from 2025 alongside timeless classics that continue to engage readers. Explore insights on maximizing Hilton credits, navigating airline miles, and uncovering the latest credit card strategies that have captivated audiences this year.
- [My Overly Ambitious (and Probably Wrong) 2026 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2026/01/01/my-overly-ambitious-and-probably-wrong-2026-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - The 2026 travel landscape promises intriguing changes, from airlines introducing new debit cards to hotels adjusting loyalty rewards. Will these bold predictions shape the future, or are they just wishful thinking? Dive in to explore what the year might hold.
- [Reviewing My 2025 Travel Predictions: 7 Wins & Plenty of Misses](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/12/30/reviewing-my-2025-travel-predictions-7-wins-plenty-of-misses/) - Reflecting on my bold 2025 travel predictions reveals both successes and misses, with 7 wins overall. Whether airline changes, hotel policies, or credit card tweaks, some predictions hit the mark while others missed entirely.
- [Alaska Airlines / Atmos Rewards Summit Cardholders: How to Share Points with up to 10 Accounts for Free](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/10/14/alaska-airlines-atmos-rewards-summit-cardholders-how-to-share-points-with-up-to-10-accounts-for-free/) - Discover how Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders can share points with up to 10 accounts for free. This convenient feature, previously exclusive to another card, is now available, making it easier than ever to maximize your rewards.
- [Barclays vs. Bank of America: Which Offers the Best Atmos Rewards Companion Fare or Discount Code?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/10/20/barclays-vs-bank-of-america-which-offers-the-best-atmos-rewards-companion-fare-or-discount-code/) - Explore how Barclays and Bank of America stack up in offering Atmos Rewards companion fares and discount codes. Discover which option provides the greatest savings and the restrictions on using wallet funds during booking.
- [How to Use MCC Codes to Find Which US Bank Smartly Purchases Don’t Earn 4% Cash Back](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/10/17/how-to-use-mcc-codes-to-find-which-us-bank-smartly-purchases-dont-earn-4-cash-back/) - Discover the recent changes to the US Bank Smartly Credit Card's cashback policy and learn how to identify which transactions may not earn the 4% cash back. Join me as I explore the steps to ensure you're maximizing your rewards.
- ["Reflecting" on My New Mirrored AMEX Business Platinum Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/10/17/reflecting-on-my-new-mirrored-amex-business-platinum-card/) - American Express has introduced a new mirrored-finish Platinum Card, and as a card enthusiast, I eagerly added it to my collection. Discover the process of ordering a replacement card, its delivery timeline, and how to activate and add it to your Apple Wallet.
- [Maybe the Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card is a Keeper - Here’s Why](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/10/10/maybe-the-barclays-hawaiian-airlines-credit-card-is-a-keeper-heres-why/) - The decision to keep the Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card was swayed by a waived $99 annual fee and improved companion discounts now usable with Alaska Airlines. These changes turned a likely cancellation into a definite keeper, highlighting the benefits of patience and negotiation.
- [RIP to my Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card (Closed Due to Inactivity)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/10/01/rip-to-my-bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-business-credit-card-closed-due-to-inactivity/) - My Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card was unexpectedly closed due to inactivity, without any prior warning. This experience underscores the importance of making occasional small purchases to keep credit accounts active and avoid sudden closures.
- [Should I Keep or Cancel the Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/09/16/should-i-keep-or-cancel-the-barclays-hawaiian-airlines-credit-card/) - Laura is considering canceling her Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card due to the $99 annual fee and lack of use. With no immediate travel plans to Hawaii, she's seeking reader input on whether to keep the card.
- [Stack Your Savings: $50 InKind Referral + Costco Gift Card Deal](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/09/16/stack-your-savings-50-inkind-referral-costco-gift-card-deal/) - Discover how you can double your savings with a $50 InKind referral bonus and a $100 eGift Card for just $74.99 if you’re a Costco member. Don't miss this opportunity to stack your savings before the offer ends!
- [California Newborns: Claim Your $175 College Savings Boost with CalKIDS + ScholarShare 529](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/09/14/california-newborns-claim-your-175-college-savings-boost-with-calkids-scholarshare-529/) - Discover how California newborns can benefit from the CalKIDS program, offering up to $175 in free college savings. Learn about eligibility and how to claim this boost through ScholarShare 529 in our latest post.
- [Oh Baby! Alaska Airlines / Atmos Rewards Gives New Parents Elite Status Extension for 1 Year](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/09/13/oh-baby-alaska-airlines-atmos-rewards-gives-new-parents-elite-status-extension-for-1-year/) - Alaska Airlines and Atmos Rewards offer an exciting perk for new parents: elite status extension for a year if you're expecting or on parental leave. Discover how to easily apply and enjoy your status benefits longer.
- [Triple Play: $500 BofA Checking Bonus, 105K Atmos Rewards Points & 50K AA Miles](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/09/11/triple-play-500-bofa-checking-bonus-105k-atmos-rewards-points-50k-aa-miles/) - Unlock the potential of lucrative rewards with a $500 Bank of America checking bonus,105,000 Atmos Rewards Points, and 50,000 American Airlines Miles. Discover how strategic account openings can turn inquiries into valuable travel points.
- [Attention Passengers: Madison has Joined the Travel with Grant Family](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/09/09/attention-passengers-madison-has-joined-the-travel-with-grant-family/) - Laura and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our baby girl, Madison, who has already turned fatherhood into an adventurous journey. From late-night diaper changes to maximizing travel rewards, life has become an exciting new game.
- [When Should You Add or Upgrade to a Premium Citi ThankYou Point Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/08/02/when-should-you-add-or-upgrade-to-a-premium-citi-thankyou-point-credit-card/) - Explore the benefits of upgrading to a premium Citi ThankYou Point credit card and discover the optimal point transfer strategy. Find out when the upgrade makes financial sense to maximize your travel rewards.
- [My 2025 Plans for US Bank Smartly & Altitude Reserve Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/07/30/my-2025-plans-for-us-bank-smartly-altitude-reserve-credit-cards/) - Exciting and not-so-exciting changes are coming to the US Bank Smartly and Altitude Reserve Credit Cards in 2025. Discover how these updates will impact rewards, spending caps, and potential transfer partners, and see how I plan to adapt my credit card strategy.
- [5 Credit Cards, $1,000 in Annual Fees: Which Retention Offers Did I Receive?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/07/18/5-credit-cards-1000-in-annual-fees-which-retention-offers-did-i-receive/) - In the first week of July, I faced over $1,000 in credit card annual fees and called each company to inquire about retention offers. Discover the outcomes of my calls and which cards I decided to keep or close.
- [Goodbye Citi Rewards+, Hello Citi Custom Cash #4](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/07/15/goodbye-citi-rewards-hello-citi-custom-cash-4/) - The Citi Rewards+ Credit Card is set to become the new Citi Strata Credit Card, but changes have led me to convert to a fourth Citi Custom Cash instead. Discover why this switch may be beneficial before the July 20,2025 deadline.
- [Check Barclays Account for 2,500 Hawaiian Airlines Miles Offer (Targeted)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/07/14/check-barclays-account-for-2500-hawaiian-airlines-miles-offer-targeted/) - If you have a Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card, check your account to see if you're targeted for an offer to earn 2,500 bonus Hawaiian Airlines Miles by making five purchases of $50 or more. The offer is valid until July 31,2025, and requires enrollment.
- [Cutting $2,000 in Credit Card Annual Fees: Our Simplified Wallet Strategy for 2025](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/06/22/cutting-2000-in-credit-card-annual-fees-our-simplified-wallet-strategy-for-2025/) - Discover how we plan to save up to $2,000 on credit card annual fees in 2025 by strategically closing and downgrading cards. With a baby on the way, simplifying our financial commitments is more important than ever; find out which cards made the cut.
- [My 2025 Travel Predictions Midyear Review: Hits, Misses & Lots of Wild Guesses](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/06/21/my-2025-travel-predictions-midyear-review-hits-misses-lots-of-wild-guesses/) - Explore my midyear review of 2025 travel predictions where I assess which forecasts for airlines, hotels, and credit cards were hits or misses. Discover the unexpected outcomes and intriguing developments that have unfolded so far.
- [Hey Citi! Make the New Strata Elite like the Old Chase Sapphire Reserve](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/06/21/hey-citi-make-the-new-strata-elite-like-the-old-chase-sapphire-reserve/) - Could the new Citi Strata Elite fill the void left by the Chase Sapphire Reserve's changes? Imagine a card with a $450 annual fee,100K sign-up bonus, and generous travel rewards—would you make the switch?
- [Survey Says... US Bank Considering Travel Credit Card with Transferable Points to Airlines & Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/06/19/survey-says-us-bank-considering-travel-credit-card-with-transferable-points-to-airlines-hotels/) - US Bank may be considering revamping the Altitude Reserve Credit Card or introducing a new travel credit card with transferable points to airlines and hotels. The survey hints at potential features, sparking curiosity about future partnerships and card benefits.
- [Predicting Citi ThankYou Point Transfer Bonuses to Max Out Citi Rewards+ 10% Rebate](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/06/04/predicting-citi-thankyou-point-transfer-bonuses-to-max-out-citi-rewards-10-rebate/) - Citi is converting the Rewards+ Credit Card to Citi Strata, leading to the loss of its best features. Discover strategies to maximize your Citi ThankYou Points rebate and predictions for upcoming transfer bonuses before the July 20 deadline.
- [Should I Transfer All My AMEX Points to Hawaiian Airlines?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/05/19/should-i-transfer-all-my-amex-points-to-hawaiian-airlines/) - Contemplating whether to transfer all my AMEX Points to Hawaiian Airlines before the transfer option ends in June 2025. With 481K AMEX MR Points at stake, I'd love to hear your opinions on this move!
- [How to Transfer, Combine, or Move Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Miles (with Direct Links)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/05/18/how-to-transfer-combine-or-move-alaska-airlines-and-hawaiian-airlines-miles-with-direct-links/) - Discover how to seamlessly combine your Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines miles into a single account for simplified award bookings. Learn step-by-step how to transfer miles efficiently and instantly, making the most of your airline loyalty programs. Perfect for travelers looking to consolidate their miles for hassle-free travel rewards!
- [Discover It Credit Card $20 Statement Credit for Using Virtual Card on Google Chrome (Targeted Offer)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/05/12/discover-it-credit-card-20-statement-credit-for-using-virtual-card-on-google-chrome-targeted-offer/) - Discover It Credit Card users may receive a $20 statement credit for making a $200 virtual card purchase on Google Chrome, as per an email subject line: "Congrats, Grant: You have a $20 cash back offer". Check your email to see if you're eligible.
- [InKind $50 Referral Bonus + 25% Discount on Gift Cards at Costco](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/05/11/inkind-50-referral-bonus-25-discount-on-gift-cards-at-costco/) - Discover the latest InKind promotion offering a doubled referral bonus of $50 and a 25% discount on gift cards at Costco. Act quickly to enjoy these savings and take advantage of this limited-time offer before it ends on June 30,2025.
- [Buy eGift Cards on DoorDash & Stack with 10% DashPass Discount](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/28/buy-egift-cards-on-doordash-stack-with-10-dashpass-discount/) - Unlock savings with DoorDash by purchasing eGift Cards and stacking them with a 10% DashPass discount. Discover how to maximize your DashPass membership benefits and save up to $200 before 5/31/25. Perfect for savvy shoppers looking to stretch their budget with discounted gift cards from top brands like Amazon and Chipotle. Learn more in our detailed guide!
- [Instant Access to Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card After Approval with Apple Pay & Google Pay](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/23/instant-access-to-chase-sapphire-preferred-credit-card-after-approval-with-apple-pay-google-pay/) - Get immediate access to your Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card upon approval and start spending the same day Apple Pay and Google. Discover how to add your new to your digital wallet enjoy the convenience of instant purchasing power. Learn more about the process and benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card today!
- [Decreased Expedia OneKeyCash Earnings on VRBO Stays for Blue & Silver Tier Members Starting May 22](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/22/decreased-expedia-onekeycash-earnings-on-vrbo-stays-for-blue-silver-tier-members-starting-may-22/) - Discover how changes to the Expedia OneKey loyalty program, effective May 22, 2025, will impact your OneKeyCash earnings on VRBO stays. Learn how your tier status—Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Blue—affects your rewards, and find out what counts as a Trip Element to maintain or upgrade your tier. Stay informed to maximize your travel benefits!
- [US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earning Cash Back & Redeeming Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/22/us-bank-business-triple-cash-rewards-credit-card-earning-cash-back-redeeming-rewards/) - Unlock $750 cash back with the US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Credit Card! Discover how to maximize rewards, redeem efficiently, and earn up to 12.5% back on your first $6,000 spend—all with no annual fee. Learn tips for reapplying and maximizing benefits.
- [Miles & Points Mantra #2: "Book Flights Now, Then Set Up Google Flights & Points Path Alerts"](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/21/miles-points-mantra-2-book-flights-now-then-set-up-google-flights-points-path-alerts/) - Unlock the secrets of savvy travel with Miles & Points Mantra #2! Discover how to book flights smartly and leverage Google Flights and Points Path alerts to snag the best deals. Whether you're a beginner or a travel hacking pro, learn why booking now and tracking later can save you money and miles. Dive into the details of this strategy and transform your travel game.
- [Miles & Points Mantra #1: "Use Hotel Free Night Certificates ASAP"](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/15/miles-points-mantra-1-use-hotel-free-night-certificates-asap/) - Discover the top travel hack in our new series: "Miles & Points Mantra." Learn how to efficiently manage and redeem your hotel Free Night Certificates before they expire. Whether you're a travel newbie or a seasoned points pro, find strategies to maximize your rewards and elevate your travel game. Don't out on this essential guide to smarter travel planning!
- [When Does the Free Night Certificate from the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card Post and Expire?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/14/when-does-the-free-night-certificate-from-the-chase-world-of-hyatt-credit-card-post-and-expire/) - Discover when your Free Night Certificate from the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card posts and expires. Learn how to track your certificate, calculate its posting date, and understand its 12-month validity. Perfect for anyone looking to maximize their Hyatt stays and ensure they get the best deals. Find out more now.
- [PSA: Finnair Avios Refund Took 6-7 Weeks After Award Ticket Cancellation](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/04/08/psa-finnair-avios-refund-took-6-7-weeks-after-award-ticket-cancellation/) - Discover the real timeline for getting a Finnair Avios refund after canceling an award ticket. Our detailed experience reveals a 6-7 week wait, surpassing the promised 1-3 weeks. Learn about the refund process, associated fees, and tips to manage your Avios effectively. Plan your next trip with a clearer understanding of Finnair's cancellation and refund policies.
- [PSA: IHG Points Sharing / Transferring Between Accounts IS NOT Instant (Mine Took 2 Days)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/03/28/psa-ihg-points-sharing-transferring-between-accounts-is-not-instant-mine-took-2-days/) - Discover the truth about IHG Points transfers: they are not instantaneous! Learn from a real experience as points sharing took 2 days instead of instantly, affecting last-minute travel plans. Understand the timeline, potential delays, and tips for managing IHG Points efficiently. Ideal for IHG Business Rewards members looking to avoid surprises.
- [Easy $50 Retention Offer on Bank of America Business Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/03/19/easy-50-retention-offer-on-bank-of-america-business-credit-card/) - Unlock an easy $50 retention offer with the Bank of America Business Credit Card. Discover how you can keep your card open without any spending requirements and redeem your bonus for a statement credit or a personal check. Learn the step-by-step process to maximize your card benefits today!
- [Wells Fargo Updates: Fraud-Induced Electronic Fund Transfers, Declined Transfers & More (Effective May 22)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/03/12/wells-fargo-updates-fraud-induced-electronic-fund-transfers-declined-transfers-more-effective-may-22/) - Stay informed with the latest Wells Fargo updates effective May 22: Understand key changes regarding fraud-induced electronic fund transfers, declined or delayed transactions, and more. Discover how these updates affect your banking experience, including the discontinuation of certain services and the requirements for activating your Paze wallet. Learn what these changes mean for your financial security and account management.
- [US Bank Smartly Checking Monthly Fee Increasing from $6.95 to $12 & Credit Card Waiver Eliminated (Effective May 19)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/03/11/us-bank-smartly-checking-monthly-fee-increasing-from-6-95-to-12-credit-card-waiver-eliminated-effective-may-19/) - Discover the latest changes to US Bank Smartly Checking accounts, effective May 19. Monthly fees are increasing from $6.95 to $12, and credit card waivers are being eliminated. Learn how to avoid fees with new waiver criteria, including higher direct deposit requirements and maintaining a $1,500 balance. Stay informed and explore your options to manage these updates efficiently.
- [I Earned 15,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards by Paying Allstate Insurance with 2 Chase Freedom Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/03/07/i-earned-15000-chase-ultimate-rewards-by-paying-allstate-insurance-with-2-chase-freedom-credit-cards/) - Maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards by strategically using Chase Freedom credit cards for insurance payments. Discover how I earned 15,000 points by splitting Allstate Insurance payments across two cards, taking advantage of bonus categories. Learn how you can easily boost your rewards too!
- [After 12 Years, I Finally Earned My First Hyatt Brand Explorer Award!](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/02/24/after-12-years-i-finally-earned-my-first-hyatt-brand-explorer-award/) - Discover how I finally earned my first Hyatt Brand Explorer Award after 12 years of exploring diverse Hyatt brands! Learn how you can achieve this rewarding milestone and take advantage of free night certificates across Hyatt's 32 unique brands. Join me on this journey and unlock the secrets to maximizing your Hyatt stays.
- [Access Your Chase Credit Card Referral Links in One Convenient "Combined Referral Page" (Desktop & App)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/02/23/access-your-chase-credit-card-referral-links-in-one-convenient-combined-referral-page-desktop-app/) - Effortlessly manage and share your Chase credit card referral links with the new "Combined Referral Page" available on both desktop and app. Simplify your referral process by accessing all your Chase cards in one place, making it easier to refer friends and earn rewards. Discover how to streamline your referrals today!
- [To Reduce Scams, Chase Will Limit Zelle Transactions with Social Media Contacts (Effective March 23)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/02/23/to-reduce-scams-chase-will-limit-zelle-transactions-with-social-media-contacts-effective-march-23/) - Discover how Chase is taking a stand against social media scams by limiting Zelle transactions. Starting March 23, protect yourself with new safeguards and learn how these changes can impact your online payments. Stay informed and secure your finances with Chase's proactive measures.
- [Canadian Immigration Installs New Self-Service Kiosks & Releases CanBorder eDeclaration Smartphone App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/03/19/canadian-immigration-installs-new-self-service-kiosks-releases-canborder-edeclaration-smartphone-app-tonei/) - Starting March 20, 2017, Canada is rolling out automated "Primary Inspection Kiosks", similar to the Global Entry (GE) kiosks used in US airports.
- [My Wife’s Super Easy Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Retention Call](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/07/09/my-wifes-super-easy-capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card-retention-call/) - Laura called Capital One to waive the $59 annual fee on her Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and received a $59 annual fee waiver.
- [Keep, Cancel or Convert? Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card ($95 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/09/06/keep-cancel-or-convert-chase-marriott-bonvoy-boundless-credit-card-95-annual-fee/) - I decided to keep my credit card open and not downgrade to the no annual fee Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card.
- [Keep, Cancel or Convert? Chase Sapphire Reserve ($450 Annual Fee) & JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton ($450 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/10/18/should-i-keep-both-chase-sapphire-reserve-jpmorgan-chase-ritz-carlton-credit-cards/) - I need to decide if I should keep both my Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card and JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Credit Card. Both credit cards have $450 annual fees.
- [Success! Airbnb WORKS with US Bank FlexPerks Real-Time Rewards (Special Circumstance?)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/05/28/success-airbnb-works-with-us-bank-flexperks-real-time-rewards-special-circumstance/) - I paid the second half of my Airbnb payment with my US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card and triggered the Real-Time Rewards. I responded REDEEM to redeem FlexPoints.
- [Chase Credit Card Cardholders Now Earn 10% Back in Groupon Bucks ($50 Monthly Limit)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/02/27/chase-credit-card-cardholders-now-earn-10-back-in-groupon-bucks-50-monthly-limit/) - Chase credit card holders can now earn 10% back in Groupon Bucks for your Groupon purchases, up to a $50 monthly limit. Just opt into the partnership.
- [Travel with Grant Turned 11 Years Old Today!](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/01/travel-with-grant-turned-11-years-old-today/) - Celebrate 11 years of travel adventures with "Travel with Grant"! Join us in reminiscing about incredible memories, friendships, and insights from the miles and points community. Dive into our journey from 2013 and discover past blogiversary highlights. Thank you for being part of our story—here's to 11 more years of exploration and discovery!
- [How to Add a Bank Account to Serve](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/05/add-a-bank-account-to-serve/) - Learn how to seamlessly add and verify a bank account to your Serve account with our step-by-step guide. From linking your bank to confirming micro deposits, we cover everything you need to start transferring funds effortlessly. Perfect for those looking to manage their finances with ease!
- [Keep, Cancel or Convert? Chase IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card ($89 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/08/09/keep-cancel-or-convert-chase-ihg-rewards-premier-credit-card-89-annual-fee/) - This card is a keeper for me, but I decided to call Chase and see if they had any retention offers available. Unfortunately, there were no retention offers available.
- [Andaz Papagayo Resort Part 3: The Food is Expensive, but Delicious](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/02/07/andaz-papagayo-resort-part-3-the-food-is-expensive-but-delicious/) - Here is part 3 of my Andaz Papagayo Resort review. I covered my breakfast and lunch meals for the 2 days I was there. The food is very good, but expensive. Watch out for monkeys who like to steal tortillas!
- [When do the 10K Anniversary Points Post & $300 Travel Credit Reset for Capital One Venture X Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/07/25/when-do-the-10k-anniversary-points-post-300-travel-credit-reset-for-capital-one-venture-x-credit-card/) - Discover when your 10,000 anniversary points post and the $300 travel credit resets for the Capital One Venture X Credit Card. Learn about the timeline from annual fee payment to reward activation and how to maximize your card benefits in this detailed guide.
- [How Fast do the $50 Hilton Credits Post on the American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/11/15/how-fast-do-the-50-hilton-credits-post-on-the-american-express-hilton-honors-surpass-credit-card/) - Discover how quickly the $50 Hilton credits are applied with the American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card. Learn about the $200 annual Hilton Credit benefit, how to maximize your savings, and read a firsthand experience on receiving these credits. Explore tips for utilizing your credit effectively, even when using Hilton Points or Free Night Certificates. Find out how you can break even with just three Hilton stays a year!
- [Hilton Grand Vacations (Timeshare) Package Extended Expiration Date & Free Change to Other US Resorts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/05/14/hilton-grand-vacations-timeshare-package-extended-expiration-date-free-change-to-other-us-resorts/) - After cancelling my NYC timeshare package, I learned about the extended expiration date and the ability to change to another Hilton resort in the US for free.
- [I Paid $4,807 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2023 – Was it Worth it?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/20/i-paid-4807-in-credit-card-annual-fees-in-2023-was-it-worth-it/) - Explore whether the $4,807 spent on credit card annual fees in 2023 was justified. Discover insights on maximizing value through sign-up bonuses, retention offers, upgrades, and strategic card closures. Learn how these strategies resulted in a net profit of $16,618, showcasing how annual fees can be turned into lucrative benefits. Uncover detailed breakdowns and tips for getting the most out of your credit cards.
- [PSA: Be Careful When Modifying Existing IHG Hotel Bookings](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/09/25/psa-be-careful-when-modifying-existing-ihg-hotel-bookings-caroline/) - If you make a change to an existing IHG hotel reservation, make sure the change is sent to the hotel, otherwise, you could be overcharged when you check in.
- [Keep, Cancel or Convert? Barclays JetBlue Plus Credit Card ($99 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/01/30/keep-cancel-or-convert-barclays-jetblue-plus-credit-card-99-annual-fee/) - My $99 annual fee just posted, so i called Barclays to ask about retention offers. I received a $49.50 statement credit and spending offer for 5,000 bonus points.
- [Access Priority Pass Lounges without your Card (Use Priority Pass App & Apple Wallet)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/24/access-priority-pass-lounges-without-your-card-use-priority-pass-app-apple-wallet/) - With the updated Priority Pass app (iOS or Android), you can now access most Priority Pass lounges with the app, no physical card required.
- [Battle of the Pens: Which Hotel Pen Wins?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/02/08/battle-of-the-pens-which-hotel-pen-wins-shelli/) - Turns out, I’m a pen snob! Thank you to Grant for pointing this out to me in a very weird way. Grant said in his comments, "Fancy hotel pens are the best. I just have 2 cheap pens from who knows where.” I know I may be weird, but I couldn’t believe this. Cheap pens from who knows where... NO WAY.
- [Welcome Back TWG Subscribers - I Fixed My Newsletter!](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/01/30/welcome-back-twg-subscribers-i-fixed-my-newsletter/) - Stay updated with the latest travel tips and credit card insights from Travel with Grant! After resolving a technical glitch, newsletters are now back on track, scheduled daily at 5pm PT. Catch up on missed posts and re-subscribe if needed. Explore topics like credit card rewards, travel predictions, and money-saving strategies. Subscribe today to never miss an update again!
- [Freezing your ARS and SageStream Credit Reports](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/11/16/freezing-your-ars-and-ida-credit-reports/) - Freezing your ARS and IDA Credit Reports
- [Trip Report: ANA 787 Business Class MEX-NRT](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/09/21/trip-report-ana-business-class-mex-nrt-tonei/) - I had a work trip to Hong Kong in June, and I asked the people booking my ticket to put me on the new ANA nonstop from Mexico City to Tokyo-Narita.
- [Peets Coffee & Tea $10 Off $25 AMEX Offer (Gift Card Balance Reloads Worked)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/02/peets-coffee-tea-10-off-25-amex-offer-gift-card-balance-reloads-worked/) - Unlock savings at Peets Coffee & Tea with the new AMEX Offer: Get $10 off a $25 purchase, including gift card reloads. This offer can be redeemed up to three times, totaling $30 in statement credits. Learn how to easily add funds via the Peets app and maximize your rewards. Perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking to save on their next caffeine fix. Enjoy your favorite brews while the offer lasts!
- [My Journey to Redeem Orphaned Caesars Reward Credits with Caesars Racebook App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/28/my-journey-to-redeem-orphaned-caesars-reward-credits-with-caesars-racebook-app/) - Discover how I redeemed 1,816 Caesars Reward Credits using the Caesars Racebook app without visiting Las Vegas. Learn the step-by-step process, tips for extending expiring credits, and how to maximize your casino rewards efficiently. Dive into my journey and turn orphaned credits into valuable gains.
- [500 Email Newsletter Subscribers Celebration! 5 x $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway [Winners Selected]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/19/500-email-newsletter-subscribers-celebration-5-x-10-amazon-gift-card-giveaway/) - Celebrate with us as we reach 500 email newsletter subscribers! Discover the 5 lucky winners of our $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. Dive into their favorite blog posts, from travel tips to retention bonuses. Join our community for more exciting content and future giveaways!
- [Amtrak Coast Starlight Trip – Part 4: Bedrooms at Night, Showers, Parlour Car, and Movie Theater](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/10/15/amtrak-coast-starlight-trip-part-4-bedrooms-showers-parlour-car-and-movie-theater/) - Experience the magic of overnight train travel with Amtrak's Coast Starlight! Discover cozy bedrooms in "sleep mode," refreshing shower options, and the exclusive Parlour Car with WiFi and a movie theater. Join us for a memorable journey filled with unique amenities and vibrant stories from fellow travelers.
- [My Hotel Pet Peeve: Bathrooms with no Towel Hooks/Racks (and my Simple Solution)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/05/09/my-hotel-pet-peeve-bathrooms-with-no-towel-hooks-racks-and-my-simple-solution-shelli/) - Why don’t they give us towel hooks in the bathrooms? Maybe even towel racks? Am I asking for too much here? What are they thinking I should do with my towels?
- [British Airways Business Class Meal Review (LHR-LAS)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/01/18/british-airways-business-class-meal-review-lhr-las-shelli/) - Thanks to TWG readers, I selected the Braised British Beef on my British Airways long-haul flight in business class. The meal service was great, thank you!
- [Discover It Credit Card $100 Referral Offer, Earn up to $500 / Year (Referral Links Needed)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/24/discover-it-credit-card-100-referral-offer-earn-up-to-500-year-referral-links-needed/) - Earn $100 per referral with the Discover It Credit Card, plus up to 5% cash back at Grocery Stores and Walmart. Maximize your rewards by generating and sharing your referral link to earn up to $500 annually. Discover colorful card designs and more. Join now and start earning!
- [I Downgraded my JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton to Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ($450 AF to $95 AF)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/03/19/i-downgraded-my-jpmorgan-chase-ritz-carlton-to-chase-marriott-bonvoy-boundless/) - I called the JPMorgan Chase customer service number to see if they could waive the annual fee (not possible), so I suggested downgrading to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card.
- [$500 One Vanilla Gift Cards from CVS or $200 Visa Gift Cards from Staples?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/14/500-one-vanilla-gift-cards-from-cvs-or-200-visa-gift-cards-from-staples/) - Explore the ultimate guide to maximizing rewards with $500 One Vanilla Gift Cards from CVS and $200 Visa Gift Cards from Staples. Discover which option best suits your credit card strategy for manufactured spending and learn insider tips on leveraging rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Visa Savings Edge, and Shopkick. Unlock the secrets of earning points and cash back effectively, and find out how to optimize your purchases for maximum savings.
- [How to Redeem Bank of America WorldPoints Travel Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/12/14/how-to-redeem-bank-of-america-worldpoints-travel-rewards/) - There are 4 redemption options for your WorldPoints: Redeem for Travel, Redeem with a Travel Credit, Redeem for Gift Cards, and Redeem for Cash. Best option?
- [How to Share / Transfer / Gift your Existing InKind Balance to Another InKind Member](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/09/15/how-to-share-transfer-gift-your-existing-inkind-balance-to-another-inkind-member/) - Discover how to easily share, transfer, or gift your InKind balance to another member with our step-by-step guide. Learn to navigate the InKind app, explore gifting options, and spread the love with your InKind Pass balance today!
- [How to Choose US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card 5% Bonus Categories in the App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/20/how-to-choose-us-bank-cash-plus-credit-card-5-bonus-categories-in-the-app/) - Discover how to maximize your rewards with the US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card by selecting your own 5% bonus categories each quarter. Learn step-by-step how to choose and activate your categories via the app, ensuring you get the most cash back on your purchases. Explore your options now and tailor your rewards to your spending habits.
- [AMEX Offer InKind Pass Annual Subscription, Terms & Conditions, and Enrollment Process](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/09/18/amex-offer-inkind-pass-annual-subscription-terms-conditions-and-enrollment-process/) - Unlock a free year of InKind dining with the AMEX Offer! Get $100 back on your InKind Pass Annual Subscription and enjoy exclusive dining credits. Discover the enrollment process, terms, and potential savings with your American Express card. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to enhance your dining experiences.
- [Confession: I Used the Wrong IHG Free Night Certificate (Just Issued vs. Almost Expired), But IHG Helped Me Out](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/07/31/confession-i-used-the-wrong-ihg-free-night-certificate-just-issued-vs-almost-expired-but-ihg-helped-me-out/) - Discover how IHG's customer service saved the day after I mistakenly used the wrong free night certificate. Learn how to manage your IHG rewards and make the most of your travel perks without letting them expire. A must-read for frequent travelers juggling multiple hotel loyalty programs!
- [Reminder: Use Your 4 Free Upgraded Boardings with the Chase Southwest Airlines Priority Credit Card (Earn 3x Points & Trigger Chase Offers)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/08/reminder-use-your-4-free-upgraded-boardings-with-the-chase-southwest-airlines-priority-credit-card-earn-3x-points-trigger-chase-offers/) - Maximize your travel perks with the Chase Southwest Airlines Priority Credit Card! Enjoy 4 free Upgraded Boardings, earn 3x points on purchases, and take advantage of Chase Offers. Learn how these benefits can cover your annual fee and enhance your Southwest Airlines experience.
- [Midyear Review: My 2024 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/12/midyear-review-my-2024-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Explore my midyear review of 2024 airline, hotel, and credit card predictions. Discover which bold forecasts hit the mark and which ones missed. Dive into the details as I assess industry trends and speculate on future travel and finance developments. Will there be surprises in the next six months? Read on to find out!
- [InKind National Best Friend Day $50 Referral Promo + Stack with $15 Off $100 Citi Merchant Offer](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/06/08/inkind-national-best-friend-day-50-referral-promo-stack-with-15-off-100-citi-merchant-offer/) - Celebrate National Best Friend Day with InKind's $50 referral bonus! Double your rewards when your friend spends $50 by 6/30/24. Stack this with a $15 off $100 Citi Merchant Offer for added savings. Discover how to earn and save with InKind today!
- [American Express No Longer Accepted on eBay (You Can Still Pay with AMEX via PayPal & Venmo)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/17/american-express-no-longer-accepted-on-ebay-you-can-still-pay-with-amex-via-paypal-venmo/) - American Express cards are no longer accepted directly on eBay as of August 17, 2024. Discover how to continue using your AMEX for eBay purchases via PayPal and Venmo. Stay informed about alternative payment options and ensure a seamless checkout experience. Read more for detailed guidance and updates.
- [2 Venmo Promos: $5 Cash Back with $25 Starbucks Reload & $5 Cash Back after Sending $50 Gift Card [Both Bonuses Posted]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/22/2-venmo-promos-5-cash-back-with-25-starbucks-reload-5-cash-back-after-sending-50-gift-card/) - Unlock $10 in cash back with Venmo promotions! Get $5 back when you reload $25 on your Starbucks app or send a $50 gift card via Venmo, with rewards posting quickly. Jump on these easy deals today and enjoy extra savings! Limited redemptions available.
- [My Wife Merged 2 Alaska Airlines Accounts (Combined Miles & Discount Codes)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/11/25/my-wife-merged-2-alaska-airlines-accounts-combined-miles-discount-codes/) - Laura was able to combine her original Alaska Airlines account with her new account that Bank of America created by calling Alaska Airlines Customer Service.
- [ExpressVPN Cyber Monday Deal: Get 6 Extra Months Free with 24 Month Plan](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/01/expressvpn-cyber-monday-deal-get-6-extra-months-free-with-24-month-plan/) - Secure your online experience with ExpressVPN's Cyber Monday deal: enjoy 6 extra months free when you commit to a 24-month plan! Protect your data on public Wi-Fi, access US streaming services abroad, and more. This limited-time offer includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows you to secure multiple devices under one subscription. Don't miss out on privacy and unbeatable savings—join ExpressVPN today!
- [Check the Citi Merchant Offer Redeemed Section to Verify You've Used an Offer Successfully](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/23/check-the-citi-merchant-offer-redeemed-section-to-verify-youve-used-an-offer-successfully/) - Unlock the full potential of your Citi Merchant Offers by learning how to verify successful redemptions within the Citi app. Discover step-by-step guidance to check your redeemed offers and ensure you receive your statement credits. Stay informed and maximize your savings today!
- [Too Many Cardboard Boxes? Get ZipSnip Handheld Cordless Electric Cardboard Box Cutter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/21/too-many-cardboard-boxes-get-zipsnip-handheld-cordless-electric-cardboard-box-cutter/) - Effortlessly tackle your cardboard clutter with the ZipSnip Handheld Cordless Electric Box Cutter. Perfect for online shopping enthusiasts, this lightweight tool slices through boxes with ease, eliminating back pain and safety concerns. Discover how this powerful gadget makes recycling simpler and more enjoyable. Available now on Amazon!
- [My Las Vegas Weekend: Linq Hotel, Caesar’s Diamond $100 Celebration Dinner & 2 InKind Restaurants](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/08/my-las-vegas-weekend-linq-hotel-caesars-diamond-100-celebration-dinner-2-inkind-restaurants/) - Discover the ultimate weekend getaway in Las Vegas with a stay at the Linq Hotel, exclusive Caesar’s Diamond perks, and indulgent dining at Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar. Explore InKind restaurants like Cafe Hollywood and Citizens Kitchen and, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Linq High Roller observation wheel. From thrilling sports events to comedy shows and TopGolf, experience the best of Las Vegas with seamless travel tips and insider deals.
- [Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection Ending July 1, 2024](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/06/barclays-wyndham-rewards-earner-business-credit-card-cellular-wireless-telephone-protection-ending-july-1-2024/) - Discover the latest update on the Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Credit Card: Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection is ending July 1, 2024. Learn about the benefit's coverage limits and what this change means for cardholders. Stay informed and find out how this might affect you if you rely on this protection for your mobile device. Visit our website for detailed insights and community discussions.
- [Gift Card Warning: Check Packaging for Signs of Tampering](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/08/gift-card-warning-check-packaging-for-signs-of-tampering/) - Good afternoon everyone, a friend of mine from Irvine (Southern California) sent me the following email about gift card fraud and how the scammers were able to access the gift card information by tampering with the gift card packaging. Here is his story.
- [InKind $50 Referral Bonus + 40% Discount on Gift Cards at Costco (Deal Expires 12/25)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/20/inkind-50-referral-bonus-40-discount-on-gift-cards-at-costco/) - Unlock incredible savings this holiday season with InKind's $50 referral bonus and a 40% discount on gift cards at Costco, valid until December 25th. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to enjoy dining experiences at over 1,000 restaurants nationwide. Discover how to maximize your savings and enhance your dining adventures with InKind before the deal expires!
- [Hotel Review: Bellagio Fountain View Room Upgrade & Fountain Music Channel](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/01/09/hotel-review-bellagio-fountain-view-room-upgrade-fountain-music-channel/) - In this post, I will show you how to get the most out of your Bellagio Fountain View room in 5 easy steps. Step 1: Rearrange the furniture in the hotel room.
- [Calling All Readers, Help Me Reach 500 Email Newsletter Subscribers!](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/06/08/calling-all-readers-help-me-reach-500-email-newsletter-subscribers/) - Join the journey to 500 newsletter subscribers! Receive exclusive updates 2-3 times a week. Currently at 476 subscribers, your support can help us hit our goal. Subscribe now for engaging content delivered straight to your inbox at 4pm PT. Let's grow together!
- [Need to Expedite a New AMEX Card? Add Yourself as an Authorized User / Employee](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/12/need-to-expedite-a-new-amex-card-add-yourself-as-an-authorized-user-employee/) - I was approved for the AMEX Business Platinum Card on Tuesday morning and I needed to make a large purchase by today (December 12), so I needed my new card to come right away.
- [Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Day Trip and my Confusion with Orange County Metrolink and San Diego Coaster](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/11/20/amtrak-pacific-surfliner-day-trip-and-my-confusion-with-orange-county-metrolink-and-san-diego-coaster/) - Explore the scenic Amtrak Pacific Surfliner day trip from Irvine to Carlsbad Village and navigate the complexities of train travel in Southern California. Learn from my journey, including the confusion with Orange County's Metrolink and the San Diego Coaster schedules, to plan your perfect rail adventure. Discover tips for using Amtrak Points, enjoying picturesque stops, and making the most of public transportation in the area. Happy travels!
- [Quirky US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card Rewards Activity (Different Amounts Before & After Statement Closes)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/06/quirky-us-bank-cash-plus-credit-card-rewards-activity-different-amounts-before-after-statement-closes/) - Discover the curious quirks of the US Bank Cash+ Credit Card's rewards system with our in-depth look at its unexpected cash back recalculations before and after statement closures. Learn how to maximize your 5% cash back categories and uncover potential strategies to optimize your rewards. Dive into the full story and share your thoughts on this unique credit card feature!
- [Targeted Spending Offer: Uncapped 4.5% Cash Back on Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/06/12/targeted-spending-offer-uncapped-4-5-cash-back-on-bank-of-america-business-advantage-unlimited-cash-rewards-credit-card/) - Unlock unlimited 4.5% cash back with a targeted offer from Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card! Discover how you can maximize rewards on every purchase without spending limits. Act fast, as this exclusive deal is available from July 1 to September 30 and requires a unique registration code. Ideal for those looking to revive their card usage after a hiatus. Don't miss out on this lucrative opportunity to boost your cash back earnings this summer!
- [Around the World in 24 Days: Day Two](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/14/around-the-world-in-24-days-day-two-tonei/) - Embark on an exhilarating journey in "Around the World in 24 Days: Day Two" as I tackle the most intense travel day yet, with four flights across Europe! From navigating tight layovers to experiencing diverse airline services, join me for a whirlwind adventure that seamlessly connects London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, and Copenhagen. Discover the highs and lows of international travel, unexpected surprises, and the quest to earn EuroBonus points. Perfect for travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers looking for tips and insights.
- [My Frustrating Experience with Etihad Guest Customer Service and the Virtual Visa Reward Card App #rant](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/10/my-frustrating-experience-with-etihad-guest-customer-service-and-the-virtual-visa-reward-card-app-rant/) - Discover the challenges faced with Etihad Guest customer service and the Virtual Visa Reward Card app in this detailed rant. Learn how 2,500 Etihad Miles expired while my account was suspended and the frustrating process of redeeming miles on a $5 Amazon gift card. Dive into the full story for insights and tips on managing your Etihad Miles effectively.
- [How Quickly Does Hilton Diamond Elite Status Appear After Getting Approved for AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/04/16/how-quickly-does-hilton-diamond-elite-status-appear-after-getting-approved-for-amex-hilton-honors-aspire-credit-card/) - I am not sure what time on Friday my status changed, but I would say ~24 hours after getting the "you've been upgraded" email, my elite status was upgraded. I look forward to my next Hilton stay.
- [Citi Custom Cash vs. Wells Fargo Attune: All Bonus Categories Listed & Overlapping Categories](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/11/citi-custom-cash-vs-wells-fargo-attune-all-bonus-categories-listed-overlapping-categories/) - Discover the ultimate credit card showdown: Citi Custom Cash vs. Wells Fargo Attune. Compare all bonus categories and find out where they overlap. Get insights into which card maximizes your cashback with categories like dining, travel, and entertainment. Explore how the 5% capped bonuses of Citi stack up against the 4% uncapped offers from Wells Fargo. Perfect for savvy spenders looking to optimize their rewards.
- [Caesars Rewards Diamond Elite Members can Status Match to National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Elite Status](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/09/20/caesars-rewards-diamond-elite-members-can-status-match-to-national-car-rental-emerald-club-executive-elite-status/) - Unlock exclusive travel perks by matching your Caesars Rewards Diamond Elite status to National Car Rental's Emerald Club Executive Elite. Enjoy top-tier benefits without the extensive rental history. Earn 1 Reward Credit per dollar spent on qualifying rentals. Discover the simple process to elevate your car rental experience today!
- [Gift Cards Trigger $75 Annual Travel Credit for Chase Southwest Airlines Priority Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/01/10/gift-cards-trigger-75-annual-travel-credit-for-chase-southwest-airlines-priority-credit-card/) - Purchasing a $75 egift card with the Chase Southwest Airlines Priority Credit Card will trigger the $ 75 annual travel credit!
- [How to Book Flights & Pay with Capital One Venture Rewards "Miles"](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/03/06/how-to-book-flights-pay-with-capital-one-venture-rewards-miles/) - In today's post, I will show you how to book flights and pay with your Capital One Venture Rewards "miles." To get started, log into your Capital One account and click your "miles" balance. This process is very similar to booking paid tickets using Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, Citi Thank You Points, and AMEX MRs.
- [Earn 4x Bonus Citi ThankYou Points at Restaurants with Citi Double Cash Credit Card (Targeted Email Offer)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/15/earn-4x-bonus-citi-thankyou-points-at-restaurants-with-citi-double-cash-credit-card-targeted-email-offer/) - Unlock 6x Citi ThankYou Points at Restaurants with Your Citi Double Cash Card! Check your email for this exclusive offer to earn bonus points on dining, surpassing rewards from other popular cards. Don't miss out on maximizing your dining rewards through 07/31/2024!
- [Get Replacement Account Number if Chase Checking Account Compromised, Debit Card Still Works (Effective November 19)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/10/08/get-replacement-account-number-if-chase-checking-account-compromised-debit-card-still-works-effective-november-19/) - Beginning on November 19, 2019, if your Chase checking account is compromised, Chase will provide a replacement checking account number.
- [Keep, Cancel or Convert? Laura's American Express Gold Card ($325 Annual Fee)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/02/06/keep-cancel-or-convert-lauras-american-express-gold-card-325-annual-fee/) - Deciding whether to keep, cancel, or convert Laura's American Express Gold Card with a $325 annual fee? Discover the pros and cons, card benefits, and alternative strategies that influenced her decision. Learn how maximizing statement credits and strategic point transfers played a role, and find out why closing the card was ultimately the best choice. Don't miss tips on avoiding missed credits and optimizing your credit card strategy.
- [Why Can't I Remove Closed Barclays Credit Card from my Online Account?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/09/25/why-cant-i-remove-closed-barclays-credit-card-from-my-online-account/) - You cannot remove closed Barclays credit cards from your online account. They will remain in your online account for an extra 6 months and then automatically disappear.
- [How to Cancel 1 Passenger on a Multi-Passenger Southwest Airlines Reservation](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/12/16/how-to-cancel-1-passenger-on-a-multi-passenger-southwest-airlines-reservation/) - Southwest Airlines’ website will only let you cancel the entire reservation, but I will show you how to cancel 1 passenger on a multi-passenger reservation.
- [My Experience Matching Alaska Airlines MVP Elite Status to JetBlue Mosaic 1 Elite Status](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/23/my-experience-matching-alaska-airlines-mvp-elite-status-to-jetblue-mosaic-1-elite-status/) - Discover how I matched my Alaska Airlines MVP Elite Status to JetBlue Mosaic 1 Elite Status. Learn about the application process, perks like bonus points and free checked bags, and tips for a smooth status match experience. Perfect for frequent flyers looking to maximize their benefits!
- [My TD Bank Connect Card Shutdown Letter & 1 Month Grace Period](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/01/15/my-td-bank-connect-card-shutdown-letter-1-month-grace-period/) - I have had a TD Bank Connect Card for several months. In early December, I received a letter that said my card was going to be closed in early January. Boo!
- [Around the World in 24 Days: Rolling with the Punches](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/09/around-the-world-in-24-days-rolling-with-the-punches-tonei/) - Join me on a 24-day global adventure as I navigate unexpected flight changes, visa challenges, and travel mishaps in my quest to become a SAS EuroBonus Millionaire. Discover how I adapt plans on the fly, from rescheduling hotels in Bangkok and Guangzhou to tackling Saudi Arabia's tricky visa process. Stay tuned for travel tips and updates as I continue this whirlwind journey around the world!
- [How to Book British Airways Avios Award Tickets](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/05/22/book-british-airways-award/) - Learn how to effortlessly book British Airways Avios award tickets with our step-by-step guide. Discover how to secure flights on American Airlines and OneWorld Alliance partners while maximizing your Avios points. Avoid common pitfalls and save on fees to make the most of your travel rewards.
- [California Zephyr Part 3: Amtrak Lounge Car, Snack Bar & Stunning Views](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/02/22/california-zephyr-part-3-amtrak-lounge-car-snack-bar-stunning-views/) - In this post, I will show you pictures of the lounge car, the snack bar, and some stunning views of Mother Nature from the train.
- [Contact AMEX if Alaska Airlines Seat Assignment / Upgrade Purchases Do Not Trigger Airline Fee Reimbursement Credit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/15/contact-amex-if-alaska-airlines-seat-assignment-upgrade-purchases-do-not-trigger-airline-fee-reimbursement-credit/) - If your Alaska Airlines seat upgrade hasn't triggered your AMEX $200 Airline Fee Reimbursement Credit, you're not alone. Learn how to get those credits manually processed through American Express support, ensuring you don't miss out. Discover the steps to take if your credits haven't appeared after a few weeks.
- [Overpaid Chase Credit Card? Receive Credit Balance Refund via ACH Bank Transfer Instead of Check](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/07/08/receive-credit-balance-refund-via-ach-bank-transfer-instead-of-check/) - Receive a bank transfer from Chase after you set up your Chase Payments account and add your checking account information. The process is very quick and easy.
- [AMEX Offer: $25 Statement Credit on $50 Smart & Final Purchase (Pics of Gift Card Rack)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/15/amex-offer-25-statement-credit-on-50-smart-final-purchase-pics-of-gift-card-rack/) - There is a Smart & Final offer where you can get a $25 statement credit after spending $50+. You can get the offer 3 times per enrolled AMEX card!
- [Original Peloton Bike Monitor Screen Attachment Allows Adjustment / Rotation of 360 Degrees (No Bike+ Needed)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/09/27/original-peloton-bike-monitor-screen-attachment-allows-adjustment-rotation-of-360-degrees-no-bike-needed/) - Upgrade your original Peloton Bike with a 360-degree rotating monitor attachment. No need to invest in the Bike+—enhance your workout experience with easy installation and versatile screen adjustments. Discover how this simple addition can transform your fitness routine.
- [How to Send Money to Friends (or Other Bank Accounts) Instantly with Zelle](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/07/11/how-to-send-money-to-friends-or-other-bank-accounts-instantly-with-zelle/) - Here are instructions for sending money from one account to another, or from one person to another with Zelle. Zelle replaces Chase QuickPay / clearXchange.
- [Amtrak Coast Starlight Trip Summary and my Train Traveling Thoughts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/10/16/amtrak-coast-starlight-trip-summary-and-my-train-traveling-thoughts/) - Discover the scenic beauty and unique experiences of train travel with my detailed summary of the Amtrak Coast Starlight journey. From practical advice for first-time Amtrak travelers to insights on onboard dining and accommodations, this guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable rail adventure from Seattle to Los Angeles. Explore the pros and cons of bedrooms versus roomettes, learn tips for making the most of your trip, and find out why train travel might just become your new travel addiction.
- [California Zephyr Amtrak Train Menu: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/02/16/california-zephyr-amtrak-train-menu-breakfast-lunch-dinner-dessert/) - If you are traveling in a Superliner Roomette, Superliner Bedroom, or Family Bedroom, all of your meals are included with your ticket.
- [How to Redeem your Hilton Grand Vacations $200 "Spend A Night On Us" Rebate](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/03/18/how-to-redeem-your-hilton-grand-vacations-200-spend-a-night-on-us-rebate/) - Learn the step-by-step process to redeem your Hilton Grand Vacations $200 "Spend A Night On Us" rebate. Discover how to maximize your rewards from a timeshare presentation and enjoy a free night at any US-based Hilton Hotel. Act quickly to ensure you don't miss out on this exclusive offer!
- [How to Cancel BJ's Wholesale Club Easy Renewal (Cancel Membership)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2020/03/02/how-to-cancel-bjs-wholesale-club-easy-renewal-cancel-membership/) - On the phone, I called 800-257-2582, then pressed 1, then 3, then entered my BJ's Wholesale Club membership number.
- [How to Use 2 American Express Business Platinum Cards to Split CLEAR Plus + 1 Family Member into 2 Charges](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/09/05/how-to-use-2-american-express-business-platinum-cards-to-split-clear-plus-1-family-member-into-2-charges/) - Discover how to maximize your American Express Business Platinum Cards by splitting your CLEAR Plus membership fee, including a family member, into two charges. Learn the step-by-step process to efficiently use your card benefits and save on membership costs. Perfect for savvy travelers looking to optimize their credit card perks.
- [My 2 Ascend Hotel Collection Stays in Helsinki and Stockholm using Choice Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/31/my-2-ascend-hotel-collection-stays-in-helsinki-and-stockholm-using-choice-points/) - Explore my unforgettable stays at the Ascend Hotel Collection in Helsinki and Stockholm, all booked with Choice Points. Discover top-rated hotels, prime locations, and tips on maximizing your points for an incredible European getaway!
- [How to Renew your Global Entry Card & Membership Online ($100 Fee Every 5 Years)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/07/11/how-to-renew-your-global-entry-card-membership-online-100-fee-every-5-years/) - My Global Entry renewal process was very easy. It only took me 5 days from submitting the application to getting approved.
- [Last 2 Weeks Summary: Barclays Denials, Carmel / Monterey, Hilton GC Issue & New to Aligned Incentives](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/09/11/last-2-weeks-summary-barclays-denials-carmel-monterey-hilton-gc-issue-new-to-aligned-incentives/) - Stay updated with the latest travel and finance insights! Discover the hurdles of Barclays credit card denials amidst the Hawaiian Airlines merger, explore the charm of Carmel and Monterey over Labor Day, and learn about issues with Hilton gift cards. Plus, dive into the world of gift card reselling with Aligned Incentives. Engage with our roundup of the past two weeks' noteworthy events and tips.
- [USPS Informed Delivery - A Step By Step Guide](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/05/09/usps-informed-delivery-how-to-set-it-up-tactical/) - An easy to follow step by step guide on how to setup USPS Informed Delivery
- [Around the World in 24 Days: Day One](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/13/around-the-world-in-24-days-day-one-tonei/) - Embark on an exhilarating adventure with "Around the World in 24 Days: Day One." Join Tonei as they kick off their global journey to become a SAS EuroBonus Millionaire. From navigating flight hiccups and a transit fail in New York to a mad dash for essentials, discover the unexpected challenges and triumphs of the first 24 hours. Follow along for travel tips, credit card hacks, and a peek into the vibrant world of international travel. Get ready for an unforgettable ride around the globe!
- [Starbucks 15% Off Chase Offer (Gift Card Balance Reloads Worked)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/05/starbucks-15-off-chase-offer-gift-card-balance-reloads-worked/) - Unlock a 15% cash back deal on Starbucks purchases with the Chase Offer! Reload your Starbucks gift card balance using your eligible Chase credit card and earn up to $4.50 back on a $30 purchase. Follow our step-by-step guide to maximize savings across multiple cards. Don't miss out on this caffeine boost for your wallet!
- [How to Submit Primary Rental Car CDW Insurance Claim with eClaimsLine / Card Benefit Services (US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/01/how-to-submit-primary-rental-car-cdw-insurance-claim-with-eclaimsline-card-benefit-services-us-bank-altitude-reserve-credit-card/) - Learn how to efficiently submit a primary rental car CDW insurance claim using eClaimsLine with your US Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card. Follow this comprehensive guide based on a real-life experience, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and insights to ensure a smooth claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Discover how to navigate the insurance claim journey from start to finish, and ensure your rental car mishap is resolved with ease.
- [Around the World in 24 Days: Quick Update](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/25/around-the-world-in-24-days-quick-update-tonei/) - Embark on a whirlwind adventure with "Around the World in 24 Days: Quick Update." Discover the highs and lows of a globetrotter's quest for a million SAS EuroBonus miles, featuring 14 flights across 10 SkyTeam airlines. From stunning ceilings in Garuda's 787 cabin to the chaotic lines at Ho Chi Minh City's airport, get a taste of the best and worst flight and lounge experiences. Explore vibrant cities like Bangkok, Jeddah, and Bucharest, savoring local delights and cultural gems. Stay tuned for more detailed travel insights from this epic journey!
- [My Cardless FOMO](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/22/my-cardless-fomo/) - Explore the dilemma of "Cardless FOMO" and the impact of Cardless' "1 Card Rule" on savvy travelers. Discover why this rule creates a Catch-22 for those eager to snag the latest and greatest credit card offerings from Avianca Airlines and Qatar Airways, and how it affects your future card choices. Dive into the discussion and share your thoughts on whether to play the waiting game or secure your card now.
- [Payment Posts Instantly when you Pay Bilt Credit Card via Wells Fargo Checking Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/21/payment-posts-instantly-when-you-pay-bilt-credit-card-via-wells-fargo-checking-account/) - Effortlessly manage your Bilt Credit Card payments with Wells Fargo! Discover how paying through a Wells Fargo checking account ensures your payment posts instantly, freeing up your credit limit for more spending flexibility. Learn more about maximizing your Bilt Credit Card benefits with this seamless payment method.
- [What is Global Entry and How Does it Work?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/05/04/what-is-global-entry-and-how-does-it-work/) - Unlock faster customs clearance with Global Entry! Learn how this US Customs and Border Patrol program helps you breeze through airport security and customs with ease. For just $100—reimbursed if you're an American Express Platinum cardholder—you can enjoy five years of expedited entry and complimentary TSA PreCheck. Discover how to apply, the interview process, and how to activate your Global Entry ID card for seamless travel.
- [Deep Dive into Citi Strata Premier Credit Card Earning Categories & Travel Protections (Rental Car, Trip Interruptions & Lost Luggage)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/19/deep-dive-into-citi-strata-premier-credit-card-earning-categories-travel-protections-rental-car-trip-interruptions-lost-luggage/) - Explore the comprehensive benefits of the Citi Strata Premier Credit Card, from earning 10X points on hotels and car rentals to robust travel protections like rental car coverage, trip interruption, and lost luggage insurance. Discover how to maximize your travel rewards and safeguard your journeys with this detailed guide.
- [How to Request New AMEX Gold Card Design: White Gold, Rose Gold or Plastic (Website & App) [Card Art & First Impressions]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/30/how-to-request-new-amex-gold-card-design-white-gold-rose-gold-or-plastic-website-app/) - Discover how to easily request a new design for your AMEX Gold Card—choose from White Gold, Rose Gold, or an eco-friendly Plastic option. Our guide walks you through the simple steps on both the website and app, ensuring a seamless transition to a stylish new look. Plus, learn about card art, first impressions, and additional perks like the $100 Resy Credit and $84 Dunkin Credit. Upgrade your card today!
- [Track IHG Nightly Award Rates & Rebook When Prices Drop (My Recent NYC Example)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/04/track-ihg-nightly-award-rates-rebook-when-prices-drop-my-recent-nyc-example/) - Discover how to maximize your IHG Rewards by tracking nightly award rates and strategically rebooking when prices drop. Learn from my recent NYC experience at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, where I saved points by monitoring and adjusting my reservations. Follow my tips for booking smarter and saving more on your next hotel stay.
- [What Should I do with 85K Expiring Citi ThankYou Points? [TYP Transfers Completed 8/15]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/15/what-should-i-do-with-85k-expiring-citi-thankyou-points/) - Discover smart ways to maximize your 85K expiring Citi ThankYou Points before they vanish! Explore transfer bonuses to Air France/KLM and Wyndham Rewards, plus tips on how to stretch your points for memorable travel experiences. Learn how to share points, find expiration dates, and make the most of your rewards today!
- [New InKind Promo: $25 on Us (Spend $50 by 3/31/24)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/16/new-inkind-promo-25-on-us-spend-50-by-3-31-24/) - Unlock $25 savings with InKind's latest promo! Spend $50 by March 31, 2024, and enjoy a $25 discount on your next meal. Check your InKind app to find the "Reward" section and claim this limited-time offer effortlessly. Perfect for dining plans this Presidents' Day Weekend! New to InKind? Use our referral link for an extra bonus. Don't miss out!
- [How to Count / See your Priority Pass Restaurant & Non-Lounge Visits](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/23/how-to-count-see-your-priority-pass-restaurant-non-lounge-visits/) - Discover how to easily track your Priority Pass restaurant and non-lounge visits, ensuring you maximize your benefits. Learn to navigate your online account to see visit counts, update credit card details, and understand visit history. Perfect for US Bank Altitude Reserve and Business Altitude Connect cardholders looking to make the most of their 8 or 4 annual visits. Enjoy better dining experiences with Priority Pass and never miss out on your entitlements again.
- [Discounted Cirque du Soleil Tickets in Las Vegas, InKind & Resy Credits, and Redeeming 60K Caesars Rewards Points Toward Paid Hotel Stay](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/28/discounted-cirque-du-soleil-tickets-in-las-vegas-inkind-resy-credits-and-redeeming-60k-caesars-rewards-points-toward-paid-hotel-stay/) - Explore the best of Las Vegas with 20% off Cirque du Soleil tickets, InKind and Resy dining credits, and how to maximize your Caesars Rewards Points for a free hotel stay. Discover insider tips on using the Las Vegas Monorail, finding exclusive discounts, and making the most of your Vegas trip.
- [My 2 Favorite Restaurant & Food Apps for New York City: InKind & Too Good To Go](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/10/my-2-favorite-restaurant-food-apps-for-new-york-city-inkind-too-good-to-go/) - Discover the best dining deals in New York City with the InKind and Too Good To Go apps. Enjoy fine dining experiences at discounted prices with InKind's exclusive promotions and save money while reducing food waste with Too Good To Go by purchasing delicious surplus food. Explore hundreds of participating restaurants and cafés in NYC and elevate your culinary adventures today!
- [Recent Timeshare Vacation Package Offers: Hyatt Lake Tahoe Northstar Lodge for $349, Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas for $699 & Hilton 3 Night Stay for $149](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/09/20/recent-timeshare-vacation-package-offers-hyatt-lake-tahoe-northstar-lodge-for-349-sheraton-kauai-resort-villas-for-699-hilton-3-night-stay-for-149/) - Explore unbeatable timeshare vacation deals with offers like 3 nights at Hyatt Lake Tahoe Northstar Lodge for just $349, 5 nights at Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas for $699, and a Hilton 3-night stay plus 50,000 Hilton Honors Points for only $149. Discover how you can enjoy luxurious getaways at a fraction of the cost, while learning about timeshare opportunities. Don't miss out on these limited-time offers!
- [How to Transfer IHG Points for Free to Other Accounts (Only for Diamond Elite & Business Rewards Members)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/14/how-to-transfer-ihg-points-for-free-to-other-accounts-only-for-diamond-elite-business-rewards-members/) - Unlock the secret to transferring IHG points for free with our step-by-step guide for Diamond Elite and Business Rewards. Discover how to seamlessly share points with other accounts and enjoy the of IHG's exclusive program. Learn about the process, timelines, and tips for maximizing your points today!
- [Your Priority Pass App Experience Varies by Membership (Restaurants Shown or Hidden in Search Results)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/25/your-priority-pass-app-experience-varies-by-membership-restaurants-shown-or-hidden-in-search-results/) - Discover how your Priority Pass app experience can differ based on your membership type, with some showing restaurant options in search results while others hide them. Learn tips on managing your visits, tracking your entitlements, and maximizing your membership benefits based on your credit card provider. Stay informed and avoid extra charges with our comprehensive guide on navigating the Priority Pass app and website.
- [Skip TKTS: Get Broadway Show Tickets at the Box Office (No Service Fee) or through Telecharge Lottery / Rush Offers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/08/skip-tkts-get-broadway-show-tickets-at-the-box-office-no-service-fee-or-through-telecharge-lottery-rush-offers/) - Discover the best ways to snag Broadway show tickets without hefty service fees! Skip the TKTS booth and buy directly from the box office or take advantage of Telecharge's Lottery and Rush offers for significant savings. Whether you're in NYC or another city, learn how to enjoy top performances like "Suffs," "Water For Elephants," and the Radio City Rockettes at unbeatable prices. Get insider tips on securing great seats and maximizing your theater experience.
- [Timeline of Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Credit Card 75,000 American Airlines Miles Sign Up Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/11/14/timeline-of-barclays-aadvantage-aviator-red-credit-card-75000-american-airlines-miles-sign-up-bonus/) - Unlock 75,000 American Airlines Miles with the Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Credit Card! Discover a detailed timeline of how to earn this lucrative sign-up bonus, from application to miles landing in your account. Perfect for avid travelers looking to boost their rewards effortlessly. Learn more about the process and maximize your travel potential today!
- [My Scandinavian Summer: Helsinki & Stockholm Recommendations Needed](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/05/my-scandinavian-summer-helsinki-stockholm-recommendations-needed/) - Explore the best of Scandinavia this summer with our guide to Helsinki and Stockholm! Discover top recommendations for canal tours, food tastings, historic sites, and more. Share your own tips and help us uncover hidden gems in these vibrant cities. Join the conversation today!
- [Viator Launches Viator Rewards; Earn 10% Rebate on Activities & Redeem Rewards for Future Activities within 6 Months](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/07/28/viator-launches-viator-rewards-earn-10-rebate-on-activities-redeem-rewards-for-future-activities-within-6-months/) - Unlock the benefits of Viator Rewards! Earn a 10% rebate on your activities and redeem rewards within 6 months for future adventures. Discover how to maximize your travel experiences with Viator's loyalty program today.
- [PSA: Email Capital One Shopping if $200 Referral & Sign Up Bonus are Missing (Bonus Received Within 3-4 Hours)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/01/16/psa-email-capital-one-shopping-if-200-referral-sign-up-bonus-are-missing-bonus-received-within-3-4-hours/) - Missing your $200 Capital One Shopping referral or sign-up bonus? Email help@capitaloneshopping.com to resolve it quickly. Bonuses typically arrive within 3-4 hours after contacting support. Don't miss out on easy rewards!
- [2 Recent Credit Card Retention Offers: $150 Statement Credit & 4,000 Customer Appreciation Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/06/2-recent-credit-card-retention-offers-150-statement-credit-4000-customer-appreciation-points/) - Discover valuable credit card retention offers with ease! Learn how a quick call can earn you a $150 statement credit or 4,000 customer appreciation points. Maximize your card benefits today.
- [My Dilemma: Buy 97K Choice Hotels Points from Daily Getaways for $505 or Transfer 49K Citi ThankYou Points to Choice?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/15/my-dilemma-buy-97k-choice-hotels-points-from-daily-getaways-for-505-or-transfer-49k-citi-thankyou-points-to-choice/) - Discover the best strategy for maximizing value when acquiring Choice Hotels Points! Should you spend $505 to buy 97K points through Daily Getaways or transfer 49K Citi ThankYou Points instead? Dive into this detailed analysis to help make the smartest decision for your summer Scandinavian adventure.
- [Citi Will No Longer Accept Cash Payments for Credit Cards at Branches](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/06/07/citi-will-no-longer-accept-cash-payments-for-credit-cards-at-branches/) - According to my statement, "Beginning July 21, 2018, cash payments to your credit card will no longer be accepted by bank employees at Citibank branches." If you do have cash that you want to use to pay off your Citi credit card, "proprietary Citibank ATMs will accept cash payments up to $3,000"
- [My Underwhelming Experience with MaxMyPoint, Awayz & StayWithPoints Hotel Award Alerts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/13/my-underwhelming-experience-with-maxmypoint-awayz-staywithpoints-hotel-award-alerts/) - Discover the ups and downs of using hotel award alert services like MaxMyPoint, Awayz, and StayWithPoints. Find out why these tools might not meet expectations and learn which service comes out on top for securing your dream hotel stay. Explore the journey of booking award nights and the surprising results of manual versus automated searches. Share your own experiences and insights in the comments!
- [Around the World in 24 Days: Preparing for Takeoff](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/08/around-the-world-in-24-days-preparing-for-takeoff-tonei/) - Embark on an unforgettable 24-day journey around the world, planned to perfection for the SAS EuroBonus Millionaire promotion. Discover insider tips on hotel bookings, packing essentials, and travel hacks to make your global adventure seamless and exciting. From London to Taipei, explore diverse cultures and climates with ease. Ready for takeoff? Join the adventure!
- [Comparing Alaska Airlines, British Airways & Qatar Airways Award Prices for 2 Finnair Flights (DUB-HEL & HEL-ARN)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/03/comparing-alaska-airlines-british-airways-qatar-airways-award-prices-for-2-finnair-flights-dub-hel-hel-arn/) - Discover how to maximize your miles with a detailed comparison of Alaska Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways award prices for Finnair flights from Dublin to Helsinki and Helsinki to Stockholm. Learn which airline offers the best value for your points in both economy and business class, and find out the winning strategies to book your summer travel efficiently. Perfect for frequent travelers looking to save on their next European adventure!
- [Which Gift Cards are Sold at Home Depot & Whole Foods? (Photos of Gift Card Racks)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/19/which-gift-cards-are-sold-at-home-depot-whole-foods-photos-of-gift-card-racks/) - I knew Home Depot sold third party gift cards, but I wasn't sure about the others. Last night after work, I went hunting for gift cards at Home Depot.
- [Theory: Expedia One Key Program Changes Coming in February 2025](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/26/theory-expedia-one-key-program-changes-coming-in-february-2025/) - Discover potential changes to Expedia's One Key Program coming in February 2025. This theory explores updates to terms and conditions, including what a "reasonable notice" period might mean for members. Stay informed on possible adjustments to elite tiers, rewards, and benefits.
- [I Product Changed to US Bank Altitude Connect Credit Card for 4 Free Priority Pass Restaurant Visits & Other Free Benefits](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/09/30/i-product-changed-to-us-bank-altitude-connect-credit-card-for-4-free-priority-pass-restaurant-visits-other-free-benefits/) - Discover the perks of the US Bank Altitude Connect Credit Card, now with no annual fee. Enjoy 4 free Priority Pass restaurant visits, $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, and more travel benefits. Learn how to maximize these rewards and elevate your travel experience.
- [How to Print USPS & UPS Shipping Labels from your PayPal Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/08/10/how-to-print-usps-ups-shipping-labels-from-your-paypal-account/) - In this how-to guide, I show you how to print USPS and UPS shipping labels from your PayPal account. Use your PayPal balance or credit card to pay.
- [Use AMEX Business Platinum $360 Indeed Credit on Resume Help, Career Coaching, Pay Negotiation & Interview Prep ($35 - $95)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/01/23/use-amex-business-platinum-360-indeed-credit-on-resume-help-career-coaching-pay-negotiation-interview-prep-35-95/) - Unlock career growth with the AMEX Business Platinum $360 Indeed Credit. Use it for Resume Help, Career Coaching, Pay Negotiation & Interview Prep, ranging from $35 to $95. Ideal for professionals looking to enhance their career skills, this credit can cover up to two services per quarter. Learn how to maximize your AMEX benefits today!
- [American Express Gold Card Introduces $50K Limit on Restaurant Spending for 4X Rewards (Starting 1/1/25)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/04/american-express-gold-card-introduces-50k-limit-on-restaurant-spending-for-4x-rewards-starting-1-1-25/) - Discover the new changes to the American Express Gold Card starting January 1, 2025. Learn about the $50K annual cap on restaurant spending to earn 4X Membership Rewards points and how it impacts cardmembers. Explore strategies to maximize your benefits and navigate these updates effectively.
- [Midyear Review: My Credit Card Retention Offer Thought Process & Results](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/13/midyear-review-my-credit-card-retention-offer-thought-process-results/) - Unlock the secrets to maximizing your credit card benefits with my midyear review! Discover my step-by-step thought process for securing lucrative credit card retention offers, including real results and practical tips. Whether you're aiming to save on annual fees or earn bonus points, this guide will empower you to make the most of your credit cards. Learn how a simple phone call could earn you $150 or more! Explore my strategies and start optimizing your credit card perks today.
- [Southwest Airlines Gift Card Balance Checker Broken - Here is the Fix](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/14/southwest-airlines-gift-card-balance-checker-broken-here-is-the-fix/) - Navigate to the Manage Reservation link, then View Travel Funds, then Check Southwest Gift Card. Enter CAPTCHA code to view gift card balance.
- [Create Login.gov Account to Log into Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Dashboard](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/10/10/create-login-gov-account-to-log-into-global-entry-tsa-precheck-dashboard/) - In the last few weeks, the Global Entry website required you to create a Login.gov account to log into your Global Entry account.
- [I Still Prefer the US Bank Altitude Reserve vs. New-ish Citi Strata Premier for Earning, Redeeming & Travel Protection](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/20/i-still-prefer-the-us-bank-altitude-reserve-vs-new-ish-citi-strata-premier-for-earning-redeeming-travel-protection/) - Discover why the US Bank Altitude Reserve remains a top choice over the newer Citi Strata Premier for earning rewards, redeeming points, and superior travel protection. Dive into a detailed comparison of earning categories, travel benefits, and redemption options to see which card truly delivers the best value for frequent travelers. Ideal for those seeking maximum travel perks and protection, this analysis helps you make an informed decision on your next credit card choice.
- [Preferred Hotels & Resorts Devaluation: Top Rate Hits 87K Choice Hotels Points / Night (Previously 55K)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/06/05/preferred-hotels-resorts-devaluation-top-rate-hits-87k-choice-hotels-points-night-previously-55k/) - Discover the latest devaluation in Preferred Hotels & Resorts as top rates soar from 55K to 87K Choice Hotels Points per night—a 58% hike! Explore how this change impacts your travel plans and learn which properties are affected. Stay informed and plan your next getaway wisely.
- [My Easy 2 Day & $100 Global Entry Renewal Process](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/28/my-easy-2-day-100-global-entry-renewal-process/) - Discover how I renewed my Global Entry in just 2 days for $100! Learn the step-step process, tips on updating your travel history, and how to maximize credit card benefits for fee reimbursement. Don't let your Global Entry expire without a plan—read my easy renewal guide and secure your membership today!
- [Switching Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card from Chase to American Express Paid Off with 5 Marriott 50K Free Night Certificates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/09/switching-marriott-bonvoy-business-credit-card-from-chase-to-american-express-paid-off-with-5-marriott-50k-free-night-certificates/) - Discover how switching from the Chase to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card unlocked 5 Marriott 50K Free Night Certificates. Dive into the journey of closing a beloved Chase card, navigating eligibility rules, and ultimately reaping incredible travel rewards. Learn the strategic steps taken to maximize card benefits and find out how you can also take advantage of valuable sign-up bonuses. Read on for tips and insights on making the most of your Marriott Bonvoy experience.
- [2024 Airline & Hotel Buy Miles/Points Promos: Insights & Trends Uncovered with ChatGPT](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/29/2024-airline-hotel-buy-miles-points-promos-insights-trends-uncovered-with-chatgpt/) - Discover the top airline and hotel promotions for 2024 with insights from ChatGPT. Uncover trends and strategies to maximize your miles and points with discounts and bonuses from major airlines and hotels. Learn when to buy for the best deals and how seasonal trends affect your travel plans. Dive into detailed analysis and find out which brands offer the most value throughout the year.
- [The 7 Miles & Points Tools / Services that I Pay For](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/17/the-7-miles-points-tools-services-that-i-pay-for/) - Explore the 7 essential miles and points tools that are worth every penny to elevate your travel rewards and save big on your adventures. From AwardWallet's comprehensive tracking to Points Path's award insights, discover how these powerful services can enhance your travel planning. Plus, learn about top travel extras like ExpressVPN and Solis Global Wifi Hotspot to stay connected and secure while on the go. Upgrade your travel strategy and experience smarter, more rewarding journeys today!
- [YTD How I Earned & Redeemed My Citi ThankYou Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/14/ytd-how-i-earned-redeemed-my-citi-thankyou-points/) - Discover how I strategically earned and redeemed 44,150 Citi ThankYou Points in 2024! Learn my tips using Citi Double Cash, Custom Cash, and Rewards+ cards to maximize rewards and get the best value from your points, including effective transfer techniques and redemption strategies.
- [My 2 Retention Offers on Citi Strata Premier Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/07/my-2-retention-offers-on-citi-strata-premier-credit-card/) - Discover the two surprising retention offers I received for the Citi Strata Premier Credit Card and why I might skip them for a better deal. Weighing $105 in rewards against a 75,000-point sign-up bonus—find out which option could maximize your Citi ThankYou Points and benefit your wallet. Join the discussion and share your thoughts!
- [$65 InKind Credit for $27 (Stack $25 Citi Merchant Offer, $13 InKind Bonus & Maybe 160 JetBlue Points)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/01/09/65-inkind-credit-for-27-stack-25-citi-merchant-offer-13-inkind-bonus-maybe-160-jetblue-points/) - Unlock $65 InKind credit for just $27 by stacking the $25 Citi Merchant Offer, a $13 InKind bonus, and potentially earning 160 JetBlue points. Discover how to maximize your savings with this step-by-step guide and make the most out of your Citi credit cards and InKind offers before February 29. Don’t miss out on this incredible deal for a 240% return on your spend!
- [The Fastest Way from San Francisco to the SFO Centurion Lounge](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/08/10/the-fastest-way-from-san-francisco-to-the-sfo-centurion-lounge/) - Here is how to get to the SFO Centurion Lounge like a pro. I fly out of SFO often and try to swing by the SFO Centurion Lounge as often as I can.
- [Transfer Limits & Times for Wyndham Rewards to Caesars Rewards; No Taxes on Hotels Booked with Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/07/transfer-limits-no-taxes-on-hotels-booked-with-points/) - Discover how to maximize your travel rewards with our guide on transferring Wyndham Rewards to Caesars Rewards. Learn about transfer limits, times, and how to book hotels with points to avoid taxes. Perfect for planning a Las Vegas getaway with Caesars Diamond Elite perks.
- [My United Airlines Account & MileagePlus X App were Hacked, My Journey to Restore Access](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/07/my-united-airlines-account-mileageplus-x-app-were-hacked-my-journey-to-restore-access/) - Discover the gripping story of how my United Airlines and MileagePlus X accounts were hacked during a vacation to Lake Tahoe. Learn about the immediate actions I took to protect my account, the challenges I faced in restoring access, and the crucial steps to safeguard your own accounts from such breaches. Join me in this journey to regain control and ensure your travel plans remain secure.
- [My Experience Cancelling 2 International Business Class Awards: Avianca LifeMiles & Singapore Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/27/my-experience-cancelling-2-international-business-class-awards-avianca-lifemiles-singapore-airlines/) - Navigating the cancellation of two international business class award tickets can be tricky. Discover my firsthand experience with Avianca LifeMiles and Singapore Airlines, including cancellation fees, timelines, and refund processes. Learn what to expect and how to manage your travel plans effectively.
- [Buyer Beware! Klook Travel OTA Offers Misleading Saver / Basic Economy Flights](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/08/buyer-beware-klook-travel-ota-offers-misleading-saver-basic-economy-flights/) - Discover the hidden pitfalls of booking flights through Klook Travel OTA. This detailed account exposes how Saver/Basic Economy flights are sold without clear notifications, leading to frustrating cancellation experiences. Learn from this cautionary tale to avoid unexpected costs and booking headaches. Stay informed and protect your travel investments.
- [My Experience Cancelling 3 International Business Class Awards: Delta, Korean Air & Air France / KLM](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/21/my-experience-cancelling-3-international-business-class-awards-delta-korean-air-air-france-klm/) - Discover the ins and outs of cancelling international business class award tickets with Delta, Korean Air, and Air France/KLM. Learn about the cancellation processes, timelines, and fees involved, and get tips on managing your miles and refunds effectively. Whether you're planning a trip or facing a schedule change, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of award cancellations with ease.
- [US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card Adds Ground Transportation (Including Uber & Lyft) to Q2 5% Cash Back Categories](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/03/03/us-bank-cash-plus-credit-card-adds-ground-transportation-including-uber-lyft-to-q2-5-cash-back-categories/) - You can now select your Q2 bonus categories for the US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card. I did this yesterday and noticed the new 5% ground transportation category.
- [How to Enroll US Bank Altitude Reserve & Business Altitude Connect Credit Cards in Free Priority Pass Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/02/how-to-enroll-us-bank-altitude-reserve-business-altitude-connect-credit-cards-in-free-priority-pass-membership/) - Unlock exclusive airport lounge access by enrolling your US Bank Altitude Reserve or Business Altitude Connect credit cards in a free Priority Pass membership. Learn how to activate your complimentary membership, which offers up to 8 free visits annually, and enjoy over 1,500 lounges worldwide. Follow our step-by-step guide and start your premium travel experience today!
- [Barclays Announces AAdvantage Aviator Red Credit Card Referral Offer, Earn up to 50K American Airlines Miles [Referral Miles Posted]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/08/barclays-announces-aadvantage-aviator-red-credit-card-referral-offer-earn-up-to-50k-american-airlines-miles/) - Discover how to earn up to 50,000 American Airlines with Barclays' AAdvantage Aviator Red Credit Card referral offer! Check your eligibility and start today to maximize your rewards. Perfect for frequent flyers looking to boost their miles effortlessly. Learn more and share your referral link for a chance to earn big.
- [How to Request Mexico Tourism Tax Refunds for Mexican Citizens, Residents & Transiting Visitors [UPDATED September 2017]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/09/21/how-to-request-mexico-tourism-tax-refunds-for-mexican-citizens-residents-transiting-visitors-tonei/) - If you or someone you know has a Mexican passport or resident card, they might be leaving money on the table when they buy plane tickets.
- [My IHG Hotel Strategy: Points, Free Night Certificates & Multiple Rebookings](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/04/my-ihg-hotel-strategy-points-free-night-certificates-multiple-rebookings/) - Discover how to maximize your IHG hotel stays with strategic use of points, free night certificates, and savvy booking practices. Learn how to navigate the booking process, take advantage of IHG's 4th Night Free Benefit, and optimize your rewards for a memorable stay in prime locations like New York City. Unlock tips on multiple rebookings to ensure the best deals and enjoy elite benefits that enhance your travel experience.
- [Test Driving MaxRewards App: Load Same AMEX Offer to Multiple AMEX Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/01/17/test-driving-maxrewards-app-load-same-amex-offer-to-multiple-amex-cards/) - Discover how the MaxRewards app revolutionizes your AMEX experience by enabling you to effortlessly load the same AMEX Offer onto multiple cards. Explore its seamless synchronization of AMEX, Chase, Citi, and BankAmeriDeals offers, and unlock a host of features that optimize your credit card benefits. Learn more and try MaxRewards for a month with a free trial using our referral link. Maximize your rewards today!
- [Confusing Changes to Dell Rewards Program: New Point System & Conversion Rate to Dell Dollars, but 3% Rebate on Dell Purchases Remain](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/07/29/confusing-changes-to-dell-rewards-program-new-point-system-conversion-rate-to-dell-dollars-but-3-rebate-on-dell-purchases-remain/) - Discover the latest updates to the Dell Rewards Program, featuring a new point system and conversion rate to Dell Dollars. While the 3% rebate on Dell purchases remains, learn how these changes impact your rewards strategy and find out tips to maximize your Dell Dollars. Stay informed on earning points, special promotions, and the conversion process. Explore how to make the most out of your Dell purchases today!
- [Where to Eat Kangaroo Meat in Sydney, Australia? Check Out These 6 Restaurants](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/06/05/where-to-eat-kangaroo-meat-in-sydney-australia-check-out-these-6-restaurants-jeff/) - Have you tried a Kangaroo burger, pizza, filet, or jerky while traveling in Sydney, Australia? If not, check out Jeff's restaurant and meal recommendations.
- [How to Update Passport & Driver's License Info with Global Entry](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/11/21/how-to-update-passport-drivers-license-info-with-global-entry/) - You can change / update your driver's license and passport information online, but you might be required to go in person to a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
- [Sortable Table of Eligible Properties for $200 Semi Annual Hilton Resort Credit (40 More Properties Added)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/21/sortable-table-of-eligible-properties-for-200-semi-annual-hilton-resort-credit/) - Explore the updated list of 294 eligible properties for the $200 semi-annual Hilton Resort Credit, now with 40 new additions. Discover sortable and searchable options across various cities and countries, including the Curio Collection and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Perfect for planning your next getaway with the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card.
- [My 2024 Travel Recap: Elite Statuses, Flights & Hotel Nights](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/15/my-2024-travel-recap-elite-statuses-flights-hotel-nights/) - Discover my 2024 travel adventures, including elite airline and hotel statuses, 30 flights, and 33 hotel nights. From earning Alaska Airlines MVP Elite Status to utilizing Hilton's Friends & Family plan, explore how I navigated the skies and luxury stays without Hyatt Globalist Elite Status. Join me as I recount my globetrotting year filled with strategic loyalty program benefits and unforgettable experiences.
- [My 2024 Peloton Bike Rental Year End Review (Total Cost of Ownership & Workout Class Stats)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/09/my-2024-peloton-bike-rental-year-end-review-total-cost-of-ownership-workout-class-stats/) - Discover the real cost and benefits of renting a Peloton Bike in 2024. Dive into my detailed year-end review, exploring the total cost of ownership, workout class stats, and tips for maximizing your Peloton experience. Whether you're deciding between renting and buying or looking to enhance your fitness journey, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Plus, learn how to save on your rental with insider tips and a fitness reimbursement program.
- [New American Express App Feature: Get Your AMEX Pass to Access 25 Venues + 10% Cash Back on Qualifying Concessions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/08/new-american-express-app-feature-get-your-amex-pass-to-access-25-venues-10-cash-back-on-qualifying-concessions/) - Discover the new AMEX Pass feature on the American Express app, offering exclusive access to 25 venues and 10% cash back on qualifying concessions. Learn how to set up your AMEX Pass and explore participating venues across North America, Europe, and Australia. Unlock more benefits and enjoy seamless entry with your AMEX card today!
- [3 Upcoming American Express Endings: Redeeming Membership Rewards Points at Newegg & Staples, ShopRunner Benefit & AMEX Auto Purchasing Program](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/06/3-upcoming-american-express-endings-redeeming-membership-rewards-points-at-newegg-staples-shoprunner-benefit-amex-auto-purchasing-program/) - Discover the latest changes to American Express benefits, including the end of Membership Rewards redemptions at Newegg and Staples, the discontinuation of the ShopRunner benefit, and the closure of the AMEX Auto Purchasing Program. Learn how these updates, effective by April 2025, might impact your card usage and explore alternative strategies before these perks phase out. Stay informed and maximize your card benefits today.
- [Marriott Vacation Club Shadow Ridge Timeshare Vacation Package: $249 for 4 Nights + 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points (Targeted)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/04/marriott-vacation-club-shadow-ridge-timeshare-vacation-package-249-for-4-nights-15000-marriott-bonvoy-points/) - Discover an exclusive offer for a luxurious getaway with Marriott Vacation Club at Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, CA. For just $249, enjoy 4 nights and receive 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points or a $75 Marriott gift card. While a 90-minute timeshare presentation is required, this targeted deal offers incredible value for your vacation. Explore scenic Palm Springs and indulge in premium accommodations. Call 888-402-2145 to check eligibility and book your stay. Terms and conditions apply.
- [Upcoming Changes to Charitable Matches, Gift Card Redemptions, and Rewards Expirations for US Bank Altitude Go, Altitude Connect, Cash+ & Shopper Cash Credit Cards (Effective April 14)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2025/01/03/upcoming-changes-to-us-bank-altitude-go-altitude-connect-cash-shopper-cash-credit-cards/) - Stay informed about the upcoming changes to the US Bank Altitude Go, Altitude Connect, Cash+, and Shopper Cash credit cards effective April 14, 2025. Discover updates on charitable matches, gift card discounts, rewards earning, and expiration policies. Learn how these changes may impact your card benefits and maximize your rewards strategy.
- [Chase 5/24 Rule Is Overrated: 6 Credit Cards & Bonuses I Scored After I Stopped Worrying](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/07/chase-5-24-rule-is-overrated-6-credit-cards-bonuses-i-scored-after-i-stopped-worrying/) - Discover why the Chase 5/24 Rule might be holding you back. Explore how I unlocked significant rewards with 6 different credit cards after letting go of the 5/24 worry. Learn about the lucrative bonuses and strategies to maximize your credit card benefits beyond Chase.
- [My Easy Experience with the $10 Resy Credit on my American Express Delta Platinum Business Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/08/my-easy-experience-with-the-10-resy-credit-on-my-american-express-delta-platinum-business-card/) - Unlock the ease of using the $10 Resy Credit with your American Express Delta Platinum Business Card. Discover step-by-step enrollment, restaurant tips, and maximize your $120 yearly benefit seamlessly. Perfect for dining enthusiasts looking to make the most of their card perks.
- [How to Trigger $7 Dunkin Credit with $7 Gift Card Reload in Dunkin App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/05/how-to-trigger-7-dunkin-credit-with-7-gift-card-reload-in-dunkin-app/) - Discover how to effortlessly activate your $7 monthly Dunkin credit using the Dunkin app with a simple $7 gift card reload. Follow our step-by-step guide to maximize your American Express Gold Card benefits, even if you're starting from scratch. Don't let your Dunkin rewards go to waste; learn how to "gift yourself" and increase your Dunkin balance today!
- [Why Are My Walmart Orders Instantly Cancelled? Use Walmart's Online Chat to Fix](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/07/26/why-are-my-walmart-orders-instantly-cancelled-use-walmarts-online-chat-to-fix/) - After having my Walmart.com orders instantly cancelled, I went through Walmart's Help Center to create an online chat with a Walmart customer service agent.
- [Around the World in 24 Days: Becoming a SAS EuroBonus Millionaire](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/23/around-the-world-in-24-days-tonei/) - Embark on a global adventure with Scandinavian Airlines' (SAS) EuroBonus promotion! Travel the world from October 8 to December 31, 2023, and earn up to 1,000,000 bonus miles by flying with SAS and select SkyTeam partners. Discover the intricacies of planning a whirlwind journey across Europe, Asia, and beyond in just 24 days, while navigating flight bookings, visa requirements, and maximizing your travel rewards. Follow along for tips, insights, and the ultimate guide to becoming a EuroBonus Millionaire. Join the journey today!
- [My Las Vegas Casino Status Matches: Caesars Diamond > Wynn Platinum > Fontainebleau Gold > MGM Gold > Unity by Hard Rock Icon](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/27/my-las-vegas-casino-status-matches-caesars-diamond-wynn-platinum-fontainebleau-gold-mgm-gold-unity-by-hard-rock-icon/) - Unlock exclusive perks on your next Vegas trip with my strategic casino status matches! Discover how I elevated my rewards from Caesars Diamond to Unity by Hard Rock Icon, enjoying benefits like dining credits, spa treatments, and free tickets. Join me for tips on maximizing your casino experience with seamless upgrades and unforgettable adventures.
- [Quick & Easy Status Match to Sonesta Travel Pass Platinum Status](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/08/quick-easy-status-match-to-sonesta-travel-pass-platinum-status/) - Discover how to quickly elevate your hotel loyalty status with a Sonesta Travel Pass Platinum Status match. Learn the simple steps to upgrade using elite statuses like Hyatt Globalist, IHG Diamond, or Wyndham Diamond. Unlock exclusive benefits and enhance your travel experiences effortlessly!
- [Costco In-Store: 10% Off Alaska Airlines Gift Cards ($500 GC for $449.99) (YMMV)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/17/costco-in-store-10-off-alaska-airlines-gift-cards-500-449/) - Get 10% off $500 Alaska Airlines gift cards at select Costco locations! Discover how to check availability and add funds to your Alaska Wallet for future travel savings. Visit your local Costco to grab this deal before it's gone!
- [Barclays Announces JetBlue Plus Credit Card Referral Offer, Earn up to 50K Points [Referral Points Posted]](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/08/barclays-announces-jetblue-plus-credit-card-referral-offer-earn-up-to-50k-points/) - Discover the latest Barclays JetBlue Plus Credit Card referral offer and earn up to 50,000 TrueBlue Points per calendar year! Check your eligibility and start earning 10,000 points for each successful referral. Find out how to maximize your rewards and share your referral link with others. Don't miss out—log in to your Barclays account today!
- [How to Remove / Unlink a Citi Credit Card from your Online Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2018/01/16/how-to-remove-unlink-a-citi-credit-card-from-your-online-account/) - In this post, I will show you how to remove / unlink a Citi credit card from your online account. You need to check a box that says remove this account from User ID.
- [I Finally Got A Bilt Credit Card (Application Process, Earning & Redeeming Strategy, and Unboxing)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/10/i-finally-got-a-bilt-credit-card-application-process-earning-redeeming-strategy-and-unboxing/) - Discover the Bilt Credit Card with our in-depth review! Learn about the seamless application process, explore rewarding earning and redeeming strategies, and enjoy our exclusive unboxing experience. Find out how you can maximize your benefits even without paying rent. Join us as we delve into how this no-annual-fee card offers premium perks, elite status tiers, and exciting Rent Day bonuses. Plus, grab our referral link for extra points on approval. Unlock the potential of the Bilt Credit Card today!
- [My Preparation to Close American Express Business Platinum Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/20/my-preparation-to-close-american-express-business-platinum-card/) - Thinking of canceling your American Express Business Platinum Card? Discover my strategy to maximize benefits and secure a refund before closure. Learn how I navigated the $695 annual fee, earned credits, and processed my refund smoothly. Make informed decisions about your card's future with insider tips.
- [American Express Sends Out Checks for "Technical Error" Regarding Annual Fee Refund](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2019/06/18/american-express-sends-out-checks-for-technical-error-regarding-annual-fee-refund/) - I received a letter and check from American Express regarding a "technical error" that caused an annual fee to be charged but not refunded when I closed an American Express credit card.
- [Attention Coinstar Users: Not All Kiosks Offer Amazon eGift Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/01/19/attention-coinstar-users-not-all-kiosks-offer-amazon-egift-cards/) - Discover the surprising truth about Coinstar kiosks: not all locations offer Amazon eGift cards. Before you cash in your coins, learn which kiosks provide the best eGift card options and avoid service fees. Explore tips and insights for maximizing your Coinstar experience and find out if your local kiosk includes Amazon.
- [My 2023 Peloton Bike Rental Year End Review (Total Cost of Ownership & Workout Class Stats)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/01/21/my-2023-peloton-bike-rental-year-end-review-total-cost-of-ownership-workout-class-stats/) - Explore the cost-effective world of Peloton bike rentals in 2023 with my comprehensive year-end review. Discover monthly rental options, financial breakdowns, and workout class insights. Learn how to maximize your fitness journey with tactics like pausing rentals and leveraging employer fitness reimbursements. Dive into my personal experiences, class stats, and why renting might be your best option for maintaining flexibility and motivation. Get tips on navigating Peloton's offerings and make the most out of your fitness investment.
- [PSA: Bank of America Won't Automatically Send a Replacement Debit Card when your Card Expires](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/20/psa-bank-of-america-wont-automatically-send-a-replacement-debit-card-when-your-card-expires/) - Discover why Bank of America won't automatically send you a replacement debit card when it expires. Learn how to avoid surprises and ensure seamless access to your funds. Keep your finances on track with this vital information.
- [My Experience with the InKind App to Pay Restaurant Bill, $25 Referral Credit, & $50 AMEX Offer](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2022/11/30/my-experience-with-the-inkind-app-to-pay-restaurant-bill-25-referral-credit-50-amex-offer/) - Discover how to maximize your dining experience with the InKind app! Learn how I combined a $50 AMEX Offer and a $25 referral credit for $75 in dining credit. Follow my step-by-step guide to paying your restaurant bills effortlessly and enjoy savings at participating eateries. Don't miss out on this opportunity to dine for less!
- [2024’s Must-Reads: Have You Read My Most Popular Posts Yet?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/31/2024s-must-reads-have-you-read-my-most-popular-posts-yet/) - Discover the top 10 must-read blog posts of 2024 and revisit timeless favorites from previous years. From savvy travel tips and financial insights to popular product reviews, these posts have captivated readers all year long. Have you explored these trending topics yet? Dive in now to catch up on what you might have missed!
- [How Much Money Did I Make from Bank Account Bonuses in 2024?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/30/how-much-money-did-i-make-from-bank-account-bonuses-in-2024/) - Discover how I earned $2,755 from bank account bonuses in 2024 by strategically opening new accounts. Learn the ins and outs of maximizing these offers, including tips on avoiding fees and leveraging credit card funding for extra rewards. Explore my decade-long journey, see this year's top-performing accounts, and find out how you can boost your earnings with the best bank account bonuses.
- [8 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Avianca (160%), JetBlue (130%), Hilton (100%), Southwest (50%), Wyndham (45%), United (30%), Air Canada (30%), & Hyatt (25%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/30/8-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-avianca-jetblue-hilton-southwest-wyndham-united-air-canada-hyatt/) - Discover amazing deals on buying miles and points with top airlines and hotels! Score up to 160% bonus with Avianca, 130% with JetBlue, 100% with Hilton, and more. Hurry, these offers are ending soon. Check out the full list of promotions and maximize your travel rewards today!
- [My Overly Ambitious 2025 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/29/my-overly-ambitious-2025-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Explore ambitious and exciting predictions for the airline, hotel, and credit card industries in 2025. Discover potential changes in loyalty programs, credit card offers, and travel partnerships that could redefine your travel experience. Will these bold forecasts come true? Dive in to find out!
- [8 Miles & Points Predictions from the Past that Came True Too Late](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/27/8-miles-points-predictions-from-the-past-that-came-true-too-late/) - Discover the fascinating world of travel predictions that finally came true—albeit a bit late! Explore 8 insightful forecasts about airlines, hotels, and credit cards that were spot on, just a few years past their original timing. into the changes that shook the travel industry, from new elite statuses and revamped credit cards to enhanced loyalty program features. See how a little patience can sometimes pay off in the world of miles and points enthusiasts.
- [How Right (& Wrong) were my 2024 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/27/how-right-wrong-were-my-2024-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Explore how accurate my 2024 predictions were for airlines, hotels, and credit cards. Discover which forecasts hit the mark and where I missed the target as I review my bold predictions in a year filled with unexpected twists in the travel industry.
- [I Paid $5,341 in Credit Card Annual Fees in 2024 – Was it Worth it?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/26/i-paid-5341-in-credit-card-annual-fees-in-2024-was-it-worth-it/) - Discover if paying $5,341 in credit card annual fees in 2024 was worth it! Dive into a detailed breakdown of benefits, sign-up bonuses, and retention offers that led to a net profit of $15,914. Explore the value of credit card perks and see if they offset hefty annual fees in our comprehensive analysis.
- [Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Alaska Airlines (60%), Marriott Hotels (45%) & Many More in December](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/21/buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-alaska-airlines-marriott-hotels/) - Discover exclusive buy miles and points promotions this December with Alaska Airlines offering up to a 60% bonus and Marriott Hotels providing a 45% bonus. Don't miss out on these limited-time deals to maximize your travel rewards. Explore offers from Avianca, JetBlue, Hilton, and more, all ending soon. Secure your bonus before it's too late and enhance your travel experiences.
- [Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air Canada (80%), IHG (100%), Leading Hotels of the World (100%), Choice (60%), Spirit (40%) & Many More in December](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/12/09/buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-canada-ihg-leading-hotels-of-the-world-choice-spirit/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end this week and many more end in December (see the list at the bottom of this post). Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Air Canada is offering up to an 80% bonus, depending on the number of Air Canada Aeroplan Miles you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - December 10.
- [Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hilton (100%), Wyndham Hotels (60%) & Many More in December](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/22/2-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hilton-wyndham-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 2 offers that end this month and many more end in December (see the list at the bottom of this post). Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 2 offers that end soon. Up first, Hilton Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Hilton Honors Points you purchase. This offer expires on November 27.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Hawaiian Airlines (100%), Air Canada (30%), Avianca (160%), Wyndham (10%) & United (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/15/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-hawaiian-airlines-air-canada-avianca-wyndham-united/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Hawaiian Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of Hawaiian Airlines Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - November 15.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: JetBlue (125%), Choice Hotels (50%) & Hawaiian Airlines (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/11/08/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-jetblue-choice-hotels-hawaiian-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, JetBlue is offering up to a 125% bonus, depending on the number of JetBlue TrueBlue Points you purchase. This offer expires today - November 8.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG (100%), Hyatt (20%), Choice Hotels (50%), Air Canada (75%) & Spirit Airlines (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/10/04/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-hyatt-choice-hotels-air-canada-spirit-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end this week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 5 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of IHG One Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires on October 5.
- [7 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), Marriott (40%), Hilton (100%), Alaska (50%), Choice (30%), Southwest (50%) & Leading Hotels of the World (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/09/20/7-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-marriott-hilton-alaska-choice-southwest-leading-hotels-of-the-world/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 7 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 7 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - September 20.
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Spirit Airlines (60%), Hawaiian (50%), JetBlue (100%), Alaska (60%), Avianca (160%) & United (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/09/13/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-spirit-airlines-hawaiian-jetblue-alaska-avianca-united/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), Etihad (30%), Choice Hotels (25%) & Alaska Airlines (20%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/23/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-etihad-choice-hotels-alaska-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next few days. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires on August 25.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Avianca LifeMiles (160%), Southwest Airlines (50%), United Airlines (100%) & Choice Hotels (25%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/16/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-avianca-lifemiles-southwest-airlines-united-airlines-choice-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next 2 weeks. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Wyndham Hotels (35%), Avianca LifeMiles (160%) & Alaska Airlines (60%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/08/09/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-wyndham-hotels-avianca-lifemiles-alaska-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Wyndham Hotels is offering up to a 35% bonus, depending on the number of Wyndham Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires today - August 9.
- [Discover It Credit Card $50 Authorized User Bonus (Targeted Offer, SSN Required)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/31/discover-it-credit-card-50-authorized-user-bonus-targeted-offer-ssn-required/) - Good afternoon everyone, I just received the following email from Discover regarding my Discover It Credit Card. If I add an authorized user to my account and the authorized user makes a purchase by October 5, 2024, I will get a $50 bonus. I believe this offer is targeted since I didn't see any mention of the authorized user bonus when I signed into my Discover online account and went to the Authorized User page. Last week, Discover had a similar promo with their referral program: Discover It Credit Card $100 Referral Offer, Earn up to $500 / Year (Referral Links Needed). If you have a Discover It, please share your referral link in that post.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (90%), Virgin Atlantic (60%) & Air France / KLM (40%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/31/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-virgin-atlantic-air-france-klm/) - Good afternoon everyone. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next few days. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 3 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 90% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - July 31.
- [Wells Fargo Increasing Out-of-Network ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee from $2.50 to $3.00 (Effective 9/1/24)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/25/wells-fargo-increasing-out-of-network-atm-cash-withdrawal-fee-to-3/) - Good afternoon everyone. I was reviewing my recent Wells Fargo checking account statement and noticed a few updates in the IMPORTANT ACCOUNT INFORMATION section at the end of my statement. There is good news if you use non-Wells Fargo ATMs for balance inquiries and funds transfers. I never knew you could do these with out-of-network ATMs (I would just use the Wells Fargo app or website to do that), but the $2.50 fee is going away, effective September 1, 2024. Unfortunately, there is also bad news if you use out-of-network ATMs for cash withdrawals. Effective September 1, 2024, the fee is increasing from $2.50 to $3.00 per transaction, and that doesn't include the fee that the ATM owner will charge you either.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: IHG Hotels (60%), Etihad (30%), Hawaiian Airlines (100%) & Air Canada (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/07/12/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-ihg-hotels-etihad-hawaiian-airlines-air-canada/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end this week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 4 offers that end soon. Up first, IHG Hotels is offering up to a 60% bonus, depending on the number of IHG One Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires on July 14.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air France / KLM (70%), United (50%), Air Canada (75%) & Choice Hotels (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/06/14/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-france-klm-united-air-canada-choice-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end this week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Air France / KLM is offering up to a 70% bonus, depending on the number of Air France / KLM Flying Blue Miles you purchase. This offer expires on June 16.
- [Remember MoviePass? Watch "MoviePass, MovieCrash" Documentary on HBO Max](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/06/14/remember-moviepass-watch-moviepass-moviecrash-documentary-on-hbo-max/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! Do you remember the MoviePass saga from a few years ago? I was a huge fan of MoviePass (and also Sinemia) because it allowed me to watch 1-2 movies a week while my wife was in grad school. I knew it was too good to last ($9.95 / month for any movie at any theater on any day), but I enjoyed the journey while it lasted. If you think you know the whole MoviePass story, check out the new "MoviePass, MovieCrash" documentary on HBO Max. Here is the trailer, in case you are interested.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United Airlines (50%), Wyndham Hotels (25%), Spirit (60%), Avianca (160%) & Hilton (80%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/24/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-airlines-wyndham-hotels-spirit-avianca-hilton/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Memorial Day Weekend! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 50% discount, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires on May 28.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air Canada (85%), Hilton (100%), Southwest Airlines (50%) & Choice Hotels (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/10/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-canada-hilton-southwest-airlines-choice-hotels/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end this week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Air Canada is offering up to a 85% bonus, depending on the number of Air Canada Aeroplan Miles you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - May 11.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Leading Hotels of the World (60%), Etihad (25%) & Air Canada (85%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/05/03/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-leading-hotels-of-the-world-etihad-air-canada/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end this week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are the 3 offers that end soon. Up first, Leading Hotels of the World is offering up to a 60% bonus, depending on the number of LHW Leaders Club Points you purchase. This offer expires on May 6.
- [Listen to Grant on the Miles to Memories Podcast (Again)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/24/listen-to-grant-on-the-miles-to-memories-podcast-again/) - Good anfternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. A few days ago, I had the pleasure of being a guest / co-host on the Miles to Memories Podcast. I spoke with Shawn Coomer (MtM Founder) while Joe Cheung took the day/night off. This was my second time on the Miles to Memories podcast (first time was back on September 24, 2020). We talked about many different topics, ranging from the JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Credit Card and accompanying Priority Pass membership; closing my American Express Business Platinum Card; upcoming Summer trip to Dublin, Helsinki, and Stockholm; and more. You can listen and subscribe to the podcast here. Please let me know what you think of the podcast episode by leaving a comment below. Lastly, if you want to hear more of my lovely voice, check out my Podcasts & Interviews page. Have a great day everyone.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Wyndham (40%), Air France / KLM (70%), Leading Hotels of the World (60%), United Airlines (100%) & Choice (30%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/19/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-wyndham-air-france-klm-leading-hotels-of-the-world-united-airlines-choice/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end this month! Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Wyndham Hotels is offering up to a 40% bonus, depending on the number of Wyndham Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires on April 21.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Air Canada (80%), Choice Hotels (50%), Hyatt (20%) & Southwest Airlines (35%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/04/05/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-air-canada-choice-hotels-hyatt-southwest-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, Air Canada is offering up to an 80% bonus, depending on the number of Air Canada Aeroplan Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - April 5.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Avianca (165%), JetBlue (90%), Virgin Atlantic (70%), Marriott Hotels (35%) & Southwest Airlines (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/26/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-avianca-jetblue-virgin-atlantic-marriott-hotels-southwest-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end soon. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Avianca Airlines is offering up to a 165% bonus, depending on the number of Avianca Airlines LifeMiles you purchase. This offer expires today - March 26.
- [3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Spirit Airlines (40%), Hilton (100%) & Alaska Airlines (70%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/08/3-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-spirit-airlines-hilton-alaska-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 3 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind.
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Choice Hotels (25%), IHG (80%), Spirit Airlines (40%) & Hilton (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/03/04/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-choice-hotels-ihg-spirit-airlines-hilton/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up next, Choice Hotels is offering up to a 25% discount, depending on the number of Choice Hotels Privileges Points you purchase. This offer expires today - March 4.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Southwest Airlines (50%), United (50%), Etihad (30%), Alaska (60%), & Air France / KLM (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2024/02/23/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-southwest-airlines-united-etihad-alaska-air-france-klm/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, Southwest Airlines is offering up to a 50% discount, depending on the number of Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Points you purchase. This offer expires today - February 23.
- [5 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), Choice Hotels (40%), Air France / KLM (100%), Air Canada (85%) & JetBlue (50%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/04/28/5-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-choice-hotels-air-france-klm-air-canada-jetblue/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 5 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 5 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - April 28.
- [And the Winner is... My Top 10 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2023](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/29/and-the-winner-is-my-top-10-most-popular-blog-posts-of-2023/) - Good evening everyone, I hope your weekend is off to a great start. As we wrap up 2023, it's time to take a look at my top 10 most popular blog posts of the year. Barring any crazy last minute spikes in blog readership, these are the top 10 blog posts written in 2023 and top 10 blog posts written in previous years. If you are curious, here were the most popular posts from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. 2023’s Most Popular Blog Posts (Written in 2023) How to Fix a Rejected Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status Enrollment (AMEX Platinum Card Benefit) (6/6/23) - This was the most popular post written in 2023 and received 7K pageviews. I guess I am not the only one who had issues with Hilton Gold Status from AMEX Platinum. How to Redeem Southwest Airlines Gesture of Goodwill 25,000 Point Award Codes to your SWA Account (1/4/23) - Southwest Airlines had major issues in December 2022 and sent out codes to affected members to receive 25K SWA points. Forgot Card? Access American Express Centurion Lounges & Capital One Lounges with Phone (2/8/23) - I always carry my AMEX Business Platinum and Capital One Venture X with me when I travel, but if you forget your cards at home, here is how you can enter the lounges using your phone. Hilton Timeshare Vacation Package Deals: $299 for 4 Night Stay + 150,000 HH Points (7 Destinations Available) (1/5/23) - I love doing timeshare vacation packages and enjoy the cheap mini vacation and bonuses they provide.
- [My Overly Ambitious 2024 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/28/my-overly-ambitious-2024-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your holiday season is going well. Yesterday, I wrote The Results Are In! My Wild & Crazy 2023 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions. In that post, I shared how my 2023 predictions did (spoiler: not great). But I am not deterred because 2024 is a new year and I have several new predictions that are surely to come true. Without further ado, here are my predictions for 2024: My 2024 Airline Predictions Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines will introduce a "family pooling" benefit for miles or travel credit. American Airlines will allow Web Special awards to be changed online (currently, they can only be cancelled). British Airways will add another airline (besides Finnair) to the Avios family. Delta will change their 15% SkyMiles discount for Delta credit cards holders. United will allow you to combine multiple travel bank funds and future flight credits for the same reservation.
- [Microsoft Office 365 Monthly Subscription Does Not Trigger US Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Credit Card Software Subscription Credit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/28/microsoft-office-365-monthly-subscription-does-not-trigger-us-bank-triple-cash-rewards-business-credit-card-software-subscription-credit/) - Good afternoon everyone. I received an email from my friend regarding their US Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Credit Card and the "$100 credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks" listed on the credit card page. Here are the terms and conditions for the software subscription credit: Footnote 3 An automatic statement credit of $100 per 12-month period will be applied to your Account within two (2) statement billing cycles following 11 consecutive months of eligible software service purchases made directly with a software service provider. Eligible software service providers are identified by their Merchant Category Code (MCC) and purchases made at discount/retail stores or online retailers may not qualify. We do not determine the category codes that merchants choose and reserve the right to determine which Purchases qualify. We reserve the right to adjust or reverse any portion or all of any software services credit for unauthorized purchases or transaction credits. Account must be in good standing (open and able to use) to receive the credit.
- [The Results Are In! My Wild & Crazy 2023 Airline, Hotel & Credit Card Predictions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/27/the-results-are-in-my-wild-crazy-2023-airline-hotel-credit-card-predictions/) - Good morning everyone, I hope you are having a great holiday season so far! Now that we are approaching the end of 2023, it's time to review my 2023 predictions and see how (badly) I did. Correct predictions are in green and incorrect predictions are in red. My 2023 Airline Predictions (0 / 4) American Airlines or Alaska Airlines will be added as a transfer partner from a transferable points currency. - No, AA and AS were not added as a transfer partner in 2023, but AA is still a transfer partner of Bilt. British Airways will change their award chart to calculate the number of Avios needed on a combined distance flown, not on a segment by segment basis. - No, BA has not changed their award chart to calculate combined distance flown. Delta Airlines or United Airlines will introduce a “Miles and Cash” payment option for award tickets (pay 10,000 miles or pay 8,000 miles + $40). - No, DL and UA did not introduce a "Miles and Cash" payment option. Southwest Airlines will work very hard to make up for their December 2022 travel nightmare by offering a transfer bonus from Chase and spending offers on their credit cards in January 2023. - No, SWA did not introduce any transfer bonuses in 2023.
- [10 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), Alaska (50%), Southwest (50%), LHW (100%), IHG (100%), Wyndham (40%), Air Canada (20%), Avianca (175%), Hilton (100%) & Virgin Atlantic (70%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/22/10-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-alaska-southwest-lhw-ihg-wyndham-air-canada-avianca-hilton-virgin-atlantic/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 10 offers that end this month! Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 10 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires today - December 22.
- [How Much Money Did I Make from Bank Account Bonuses in 2023?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/19/how-much-money-did-i-make-from-bank-account-bonuses-in-2023/) - Over the last 9 years, I have made over $24,000 in bank account bonuses. You will receive 1099-INT / 1099-MISC tax forms every year, so you have to pay taxes on the bank account bonuses, but sometimes you can fund the opening deposit with a credit card and earn miles, points, or cash back. If you are lucky, you can meet a minimum spending requirement by funding a new checking account or reach a high spending target to earn more rewards. Here are my results from the last 9 years with links to corresponding yearly summaries: Drum roll please… Here are the 13 new accounts I opened in 2023 that paid out $3,685 in bonuses:
- [6 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: British Airways (40%), Choice Hotels (30%), Marriott (30%), Air France / KLM (100%), Radisson (50%) & United Airlines (100%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/14/6-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-british-airways-choice-hotels-marriott-air-france-klm-radisson-united-airlines/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Thursday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 6 offers that end in the next week. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 6 offers that end soon. Up first, British Airways is offering up to a 40% bonus, depending on the number of British Airways Avios you purchase. This offer expires tomorrow - December 15.
- [Unsolicited Advice: How I Would Price Vacasa Vacation Rental Point Redemptions If I Ran Wyndham Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/13/unsolicited-advice-how-i-would-price-vacasa-vacation-rental-point-redemptions-if-i-ran-wyndham-rewards/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your week is going well. I've been a huge fan of Vacasa Vacation Rentals using Wyndham Rewards Points and have booked 6 Vacasa properties in California and Hawaii over the last few years. Back in October, Frequent Miler discovered that Vacasa now has a lower cap on reservations booked with WR Points. You can now only redeem WR Points if the price per bedroom per night is $350 or less, down from the previous $500 per bedroom per night. That is a major blow to the value you could get booking Vacasa Vacation Rentals. Here is the current chart that shows the price in dollars and WR Points needed, based on the number of bedrooms and the average nightly price (including taxes and fees). If you have a Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus or Earner Business credit card, you get a 10% discount on the number of WR Points needed. Based on those numbers, the maximum cents per point (CPP) is 2.33 CPP for all members and 2.59 CPP for Earner Plus and Earner Business CC members.
- [Tracking Down a Missing $50 Bank of America Business Credit Card Retention Offer](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/09/tracking-down-a-missing-50-bank-of-america-business-credit-card-retention-offer/) - Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend is going well. On October 31, I called Bank of America about my Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards (UCR) Credit Card and told the rep I wanted to close the credit card because I wasn't using it anymore. The rep offered me a $50 retention offer with no spend if I kept the credit card open and I said yes. Fast forward to December 7, I still had not seen the $50 retention offer, which I assumed would show up as a $50 statement credit. As part of my daily routine, I check my Bank of America app and did not see any credits show up on my UCR. When I called Bank of America to inquire about the status of my $50 retention offer, the rep put me on hold for a few minutes to read the notes and see what happened. When the rep returned, I was told that the $50 retention offer was put into my Cash Rewards. I never thought to check there. In this post, I will show you where to go to find the retention offer in the Cash Rewards and the various redemption options. To get started, sign into your Bank of America account (either online or via the app), select your business credit card account, and then select the corporate account.
- [Friday Funny: ChatGPT Brainstorms New Top Tier Elite Status Name Above Hyatt Globalist](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/08/friday-funny-chatgpt-brainstorms-new-top-tier-elite-status-name-above-hyatt-globalist/) - Good afternoon everyone. As I was going on my daily walk listing to my favorite miles and points podcast, I thought of a crazy idea. With the recently announced changes to the World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards Chart, and the addition of the Ultimate Free Night Award at 150 elite nights, I thought about Hyatt Globalist elite status. Since Hyatt Globalist elite status is achieved once you hit 60 elite nights, but the new Milestone Rewards chart goes up to 150 elite nights, it seems like there is a big hole for Hyatt to come up with a new top tier status that supersedes Globalist. As a reminder, the current elite status tiers are called: Discoverist (achieved with 10 elite nights) Explorist (achieved with 30 elite nights) Globalist (achieved with 60 elite nights) With elite status tiers that start with the letters D, E, and G (I guess Hyatt decided to skip F words), maybe the new top tier would start with the letter H. I decided to ask my AI friend ChatGPT for help. Here is our conversation: Grant: Hyatt elite status tiers are Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist. What is the next status tier that starts with the letter H? ChatGPT: Actually, the Hyatt elite status tiers don't currently include a tier that starts with the letter H after Globalist. As of my last update, Globalist is the highest tier within the World of Hyatt program. There might be future changes or additions to their tier system, so it's worth checking directly with Hyatt for any updates or new tiers that might have been introduced since then.
- [Timeline of American Express Hilton Surpass Credit Card 170,000 Hilton Points Sign Up Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/07/timeline-of-american-express-hilton-surpass-credit-card-170000-hilton-points-sign-up-bonus/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well. Last month, I wrote Timeline of Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Credit Card 75,000 American Airlines Miles Sign Up Bonus and thought I would do a similar post on my American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card. I signed up for the credit card through the no lifetime language link on October 26 and was able to get the card approved by calling the American Express reconsideration department by closing my no annual fee American Express Hilton Honors Credit Card. The sign up bonus was 170,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in 3 months. I received the card in the mail in early November.
- [December Credit Card Dilemma: AMEX Platinum or AMEX Gold?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/12/01/december-credit-card-dilemma-amex-platinum-or-amex-gold/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! My wife and I have a $6,000 bill that is coming up in the next few weeks, so we (mostly me) are trying to figure out which new credit card to get to pay the bill (and earn a new sign up bonus along the way). Traditionally in December, this is the time of the year that most travel hackers focus on setting themselves up for a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass in early January or getting a new American Express Platinum Card for the opportunity to go for the "Triple Dip" - where you can use the new card benefits at the end of 2023, again in 2024, and one more time in early 2025 before the annual fee is due. My wife currently has a Chase Southwest Airlines Priority Credit Card and I am over Chase 5/24, so the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is off the table for us. My wife has never had *any* American Express cards as the primary account holder, but she is an authorized user on a few of my AMEX cards. The "Triple Dip" on the AMEX Platinum seems like a no brainer, but AMEX has messed up our plans by adding a "Family Rule" on the American Express Gold Card that says: You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Premier Rewards Gold Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express Platinum Card® by Charles Schwab, The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley or previous versions of these Cards. Basically, if she gets the AMEX Platinum, she will not be eligible for the AMEX Gold sign up bonus in the future. So this is where the dilemma comes in. Should she go for the "Triple Dip" on the AMEX Platinum and forgo ever getting a sign up bonus on the AMEX Gold? Or should she get the AMEX Gold now and then apply for the AMEX Platinum in the future (maybe in December 2024)?
- [4 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: United (100%), Hilton (100%), Air Canada (100%) & JetBlue (70%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/11/17/4-buy-miles-points-promos-ending-soon-united-hilton-air-canada-jetblue/) - Good afternoon everyone, happy Friday! I was working on my Buy Miles & Points Page and found 4 offers that end this month. Always check the math to make sure that buying miles & points makes sense for you. Do not buy miles & points speculatively unless you have a use in mind. With that said, here are 4 offers that end soon. Up first, United Airlines is offering up to a 100% bonus, depending on the number of United Airlines MileagePlus Miles you purchase. This offer expires on November 20.
- [US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card Moving to Rewards Center (Select Categories & Redeem Rewards)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/11/13/us-bank-cash-plus-credit-card-moving-to-rewards-center-select-categories-redeem-rewards/) - Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a good weekend. Effective November 5, 2023, US Bank Cash+ Credit Card moved to the US Bank Rewards Center. The Rewards Center is where you can select your 5% and 2% quarterly bonus categories and redeem your cash back rewards. The old Cash+ enrollment website was a little clunky and dated, but the Rewards Center looks much cleaner. In this post, I will show you what the Rewards Center looks like and my thoughts.
- [My 6 Credit Card App-O-Rama: Results & Reconsideration Calls](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2023/11/03/my-6-credit-card-app-o-rama-results-reconsideration-calls/) - To summarize, here are the 4 new credit cards, sign up bonus, and minimum spending requirements: American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card - 75,000 American Express Membership Rewards Points - $15,000 in 12 months. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card - 90,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points - $6,000 in 3 months. Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Credit Card - 75,000 American Airlines Miles - first purchase. American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card - 170,000 Hilton Honors Points - $3,000 in 6 months
- [Gift Cards from Office Supply Stores](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/05/06/office-supply-store-gift-cards/) - Purchase all your gift cards at Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples with your Chase Ink Bold or Chase Ink Plus Card to earn 5 Ultimate Reward Points per $.
- [Credit Karma & Credit Sesame](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/05/21/credit-karma-credit-sesame/) - Learn how to use Credit Karma and Credit Sesame to monitor your credit score for free. Credit monitoring from Experian and TransUnion.
- [Use American Express Bluebird to Pay Credit Card Bills](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/07/22/use-american-express-bluebird-to-pay-credit-card-bills/) - In this how-to guide, I show you how to use Bluebird to pay your credit card bills with Bluebird's bill pay feature. Read this post to learn about Bluebird.
- [Some Positive AA News: 30,000 AA Miles Round Trip Flights to Hawaii (5,000 Mile Savings)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/08/28/some-positive-aa-news-30000-aa-miles-round-trip-flights-to-hawaii-5000-mile-savings/) - Some Positive AA News: 30,000 AA Miles Round Trip Flights to Hawaii (5,000 Mile Savings)
- [Withdraw/Transfer Money from your Bluebird Card to your Bank Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/09/23/transfer-money-from-bluebird-to-your-bank-account/) - In this how-to guide, I show you how to transfer money from your Bluebird account to your bank account. You need to add a checking or savings account to Bluebird.
- [My Best eBay and Amazon Hacks, Tricks, & Posts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2013/11/03/ebay-amazon-tips/) - Hi there, Here are some of my best eBay and Amazon posts. Enjoy! eBay Power Seller with 8+ Years of Selling Experience Buyers and Sellers: How to Avoid Being Scammed on Ebay Win almost every Ebay Item (DEAD?) Get 8% Cash Back on every Ebay Item you Buy PayPal Extras MasterCard for Ebay and PayPal
- [PSA: Don't use your Priority Pass Select Card from your American Express Hilton HHonors Surpass Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/01/23/psa-dont-use-your-priority-pass-select-card-from-your-american-express-hilton-hhonors-surpass-credit-card/) - This parent teacher association transportation security administration public service announcement is important if you have one or more Priority Pass Select cards. Can you tell the difference between these two cards? These cards may look almost the same, but one of them will charge you a $27 fee every time you (yes, the cardholder) enter a Priority
- [The Best International All-In-One Travel Adapter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/01/27/the-best-universal-travel-adapter-under-5-dollars-2/) - If you travel internationally with your electronics, you need to remember to bring a travel adapter with you. This is where the universal all-in-one travel adapter comes in handy.
- [How to Redeem Kicks for a Gift Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/03/25/redeem-kicks-for-a-gift-card/) - Create a Shopkick account here. Now that you have ShopKick Kicks, let me show you how to redeem your Kicks for a gift card. All you need to do is log into your Shopkick account on your smartphone and click Browse Rewards. You can chose any reward you want. I love Starbucks, so I will redeem
- [Everything you Need to Know About Shopkick](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/03/25/shopkick/) - I no longer use Shopkick, but you can find current cash back deals here. Shopkick is a loyalty rewards program that rewards users for visiting certain stores, for spending certain amounts in-store, and for scanning in-store items. You will need a smartphone and the ability to download the Shopkick app to your smartphone. Shopkick is
- [New AMEX Offers for You: Petsmart, Petco, Lowe's, Crate & Barrel, Souplantation, Sports Authority, & Zappos](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/01/new-amex-offers-for-you-petsmart-petco-lowes-crate-barrel-souplantation-sports-authority-zappos/) - New AMEX Offers for You: Petsmart, Petco, Lowe's, Crate & Barrel, Souplantation, Sports Authority, & Zappos Good morning everyone, I just checked my American Express account and spotted these new offers in my American Express account. Your offers might be different since some offers are targeted or regional. Please read the small print regarding online
- [Winners Announced for 2 $10 Amazon eGift Card Giveaway!](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/01/winners-announced-for-2-10-amazon-egift-card-giveaway/) - Winners Announced for 2 $10 Amazon eGift Card Giveaway! Do you want the good news first or the bad news first? The Good News: I have 2 $10 Amazon egift card winners! The Bad News: most of you did not win anything (better luck next time) As always, I want to thank everyone for entering
- [Has anyone been to Hamburg or Copenhagen lately?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/04/has-anyone-been-to-hamburg-or-copenhagen-lately/) - Has anyone been to Hamburg or Copenhagen lately? Happy Friday everyone! P.S. Don't forget that today is the first Friday of April = Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card 3x at Restaurants. But not so fast, if you have your Chase Freedom Credit Card, you will get 5x (5% cash back) on all restaurants this quarter
- [Guest Post from Doctor of Credit: Bank Account Sign Up Bonuses](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/03/30/guest-post-from-doctor-of-credit-bank-account-sign-up-bonuses/) - Guest Post from Doctor of Credit: Bank Account Sign Up Bonuses (Disclosure: Will from Doctor of Credit emailed me about doing a guest post for each other's blog and I said that would be a cool idea. If you are interested in doing a guest post, please send me an email.) If you're a regular
- [My Crazy CVS / Vanilla Reload Conspiracy Theory](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/01/my-crazy-cvs-vanilla-reload-conspiracy-theory/) - My Crazy CVS / Vanilla Reload Conspiracy Theory Let's be honest, no one knows what is going on with CVS and Vanilla Reload Cards. All I know is that my local CVS stores have let me buy them with credit cards on Sunday afternoon, Monday morning, and Tuesday morning. Since I don't know why my
- [Bluebird / Vanilla Reload Card Daily Reloading Clock Resets at 9PM PST / 12AM EST](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/01/bluebird-vanilla-reload-card-daily-reloading-clock-resets-at-9pm-pst-12am-est/) - Bluebird / Vanilla Reload Card Daily Reloading Clock Resets at 9PM PST / 12AM EST Do you ever have too many Vanilla Reload Cards to load and don't like waiting until the following day. No problem, just load again after 9PM PST or 12AM EST (your equivalent time zone will work too). I tried at
- [Some Suggestions for Manufactured Spending without Vanilla Reload Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/02/some-suggestions-for-manufactured-spending-without-vanilla-reload-cards/) - Some Suggestions for Manufactured Spending without Vanilla Reload Cards Please read this post from this morning: CVS Memo Says Cash Only Starting Friday 4/4/2014 Honestly, it is too early to determine the best alternative to Vanilla Reload Cards, but here are some thoughts/suggestions that might help. Assuming CVS doesn't block American Express Serve Cards from being
- [What is the Future of Plink?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/04/12/what-is-the-future-of-plink/) - I'm not gunna lie, I really do like Plink. I've been a member for a long time and have amassed over 21,000 Plink Points over the months. Whether you have been a (Plinkster? Plinker? PlinkPanther?) for a long time or just recently, you probably see the potential Plink has to be great. But the problem
- [All of my Sign Up Links... All in One Place](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/05/11/sign-up-links/) - Full Disclosure: all of the sign up links below offer me some kind of financial compensation when you join their website or service. All of these links match the best offers currently available. I have personally used, written about, or recommended friends/family members to these websites. Online Shopping Portals: Amazon.com Shopping - link Be Frugal
- [How to Connect to Free Boingo WiFi Hotspots](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2014/06/22/how-to-connect-to-free-boingo-wifi-hotspots/) - On May 31, American Express announced their new partnership with Boingo Wireless to provide free unlimited WiFi at over 1 million Boingo wireless hotspots around the world to all American Express Platinum cardholders (personal, business, and Mercedes Benz versions). To sign up, click this link. Enter your 15 digit American Express Platinum Credit Card number (will not
- [Staples.com AMEX Offer: Spend $100, Receive $25 Statement Credit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/09/staples-com-amex-offer-spend-100-receive-25-statement-credit/) - American Express has just released a new AMEX Offer. Receive a $25 statement credit after making a $100 or more purchase on Staples.com. Enrollment is limited, so enroll all your American Express credit cards now.
- [IHG Translator App: 12 Languages, 2,000 Phrases, and 10,000 Words (Free for IHG Platinum Elite Members)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/11/ihg-translator-app-12-languages-2000-phrases-and-10000-words-free-for-ihg-platinum-elite-members/) - IHG recently introduced their IHG Translator App and I spent about 30 minutes playing around with the features. I selected French from the 12 available languages and a popup message told me to wait approximately 3 minutes for all the French language files to download. After downloading the language files, I was able to view the various phrase categories. The categories are very realistic (such as "yes," "no," and "where is the bathroom?").
- [Travel with Grant is Visiting the Boarding Area Headquarters Tomorrow for Blog Enhancements](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/07/travel-with-grant-is-visiting-the-boarding-area-headquarters-tomorrow-for-blog-enhancements/) - Travel with Grant is Visiting the Boarding Area Headquarters Tomorrow for Blog Enhancements Greetings from snowy Colorado. I am visiting the Boarding Area Headquarters tomorrow morning to catch up with Randy and the rest of the Boarding Area team. My main purpose for my visit is to enhance my blog and make it more user
- [Staples Easy Rebate: Discounted Paper and Free Document Shredding](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/11/staples-easy-rebate-discounted-paper-and-free-document-shredding/) - If you are getting low on paper, now is your chance to stock up. You can get a single ream for 1 cent after Staples Easy Rebate or a box of 10 reams for $9.99 after Staples Easy Rebate. If you have any documents (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.) that you want to securely destroy, Staples will shred 1 pound for free or 5 pounds for free. Just bring in this coupon or tell them the coupon code. The code is valid through the end of 2015.
- [American Express Platinum, Staples.com Offer, and Chase Ritz-Carlton Statement Credits](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/13/american-express-platinum-staples-com-offer-and-chase-ritz-carlton-statement-credits/) - In this post, I will cover the American Express Platinum $200 airline travel reimbursement credit, the recent $25 statement credit for Staples.com purchases of $100 or more, an American Express Travel AMEX Offer, and my recent Chase Ritz-Carlton airline reimbursement credits
- [Boarding Area / Prior2Boarding RSS Feed Issues Resolved](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/13/boarding-area-prior2boarding-rss-feed-issues-resolved/) - Good afternoon everyone, over the last few days, I have had some RSS feed issues whereby my posts were not getting picked up by Boarding Area and Prior2Boarding. After working with my hosting provider and the hard-working House of Miles team, we were able to resolve the issue. During the last few days, I wrote a few posts that did not show up on BA or P2B, so I wanted to share them here. The blogs are oldest at the top, newest on the bottom.
- [TWG Under Construction: Moving Over to Boarding Area Servers and Disabling Comments](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/15/twg-under-construction-moving-over-to-boarding-area-servers-and-disabling-comments/) - My blog is currently hosted by BlueHost on a shared server along with hundreds/thousands of other websites and blogs. The shared server is currently experiencing some technical difficulties right now which began last Thursday. This technical issue has caused some of my pages and images to load very slowly. The downtime has also broken my RSS data feed which is what Boarding Area and Prior2Boarding use to share my posts on their pages.
- [New Manufactured Spend Category on Boarding Area and BART Discover It 5% Cash Back](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/18/new-manufactured-spend-category-on-boarding-area-and-bart-discover-it-5-cash-back/) - Good Sunday morning everyone, I wanted to bring your attention to a new feature on the Boarding Area home page called Explore Categories. Last week when I visited the House Of Miles, Randy Peterson and I spoke about adding a new category on Boarding Area called Manufactured Spending.
- [Review: New United MileagePlusX App puts an Online Shopping Portal in your Pocket](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/22/review-new-united-mileageplusx-app-puts-an-online-shopping-portal-in-your-pocket/) - This afternoon, United Airlines sent out an email announcing their new MileagePlusX app for Apple and Android smartphones. I was interested in seeing how it was possible to earn 2x, 3x, and even 4x using the app, so I tested the app by using it at Office Max, Office Depot, and Panera Bread.
- [Guest Post: How to Make the Most of a Weekend Trip](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/27/guest-post-how-to-make-the-most-of-a-weekend-trip/) - The other day, I was tweeting with my friend Josh @ FrugalHack.me and I asked him if he wanted to write a guest post for me. I have been following Josh's blog for a few months and I like his writing style and topics (he covers MS strategies and cash back deals). If you like reading Travel with Grant, you will probably like reading FrugalHack.me as well. With that said, take it away Josh...
- [New Vanilla Reload Flex Load Cards at Walgreens (Cash Only)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/29/new-vanilla-reload-flex-load-cards-at-walgreens-cash-only/) - Yesterday, I stopped by Walgreens to pick up a PayPal My Cash Card and saw the new Vanilla Reload Flex Load Cards on the gift card rack. I picked it up and looked on the back to learn more about the card. As of December 2014 (see the 1214v01 code in the lower left corner), this card can be used to load certain cards.
- [Hard Rock Rewards: Earn a Free Night After 5 Paid Nights](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/01/29/hard-rock-rewards-earn-a-free-night-after-5-paid-nights/) - In response to increased competition in the hospitality space and statistics showing that less than 40% of program members actually accrue points toward redemption, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos has launched a consumer-friendly and widely competitive Free Night Stay program through Hard Rock Rewards — all without a points system, block dates or complicated terms and conditions.
- [Free Download: Super Bowl 2015 Excel Spreadsheet Squares](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/01/free-download-super-bowl-2015-excel-spreadsheet-squares/) - Good morning everyone, there is nothing better than watching the Super Bowl and winning a few bucks along the way. If you play the Super Bowl squares, feel free to download and print out my excel spreadsheet for the Big Game (Super Bowl 2015.pdf).
- [2 Quick Questions: Would you Pay for Advanced MS Strategies?  What is your Zipcode?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/02/2-quick-questions-would-you-pay-for-advanced-ms-strategies-what-is-your-zipcode/) - Good afternoon everyone, I just had 2 quick questions I wanted to run by you to get your feedback/opinion. I really like what The Free-quent Flyer does in regards to his monthly blog subscription and what a few other bloggers do in regards to their weekly/monthly newsletter.
- [Free Money with Mogl Cash Back](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/04/free-money-with-mogl-cash-back/) - Good evening everyone, let me ask you a few questions. Do you like going out to restaurants? Do you you like free money? Do you like earning free money automatically without having to remember to do anything? Then Mogl is for you! Mogl is similar to airline dining reward programs, but instead of earning a frequent flyer miles on your meal, you earn cash back.
- [How to Reinstate Ebay Listings that were Removed for Trademark Violation](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/03/how-to-reinstate-ebay-listings-that-were-removed-for-trademark-violation/) - Good evening everyone, as a yearly benefit of my American Express Mercedes Benz Platinum Charge Card, I receive a $100 certificate for Mercedes Benz merchandise. Since I do not have a Mercedes Benz, I typically go to the merchandise store and buy key rings or other small items. I then list those items on Ebay in the hope of making a few bucks.
- [Receive a $35 Best Western GC or $25 Amazon GC after 2 Stays at Best Western](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/04/receive-a-35-best-western-gc-or-25-amazon-gc-after-2-stays-at-best-western/) - Good afternoon everyone, Best Western has a new offer available: Stay 2 Separate Times and Choose Your Reward. You can choose a $35 Best Western gift card or a $25 gift card from Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, or Dunkin' Donuts. All you need to do is register for the offer and complete both stays before March 15
- [New Hyatt Diamond Status Perks: Guest of Honor, United Club Passes, and Premium WiFi](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/12/new-hyatt-diamond-status-perks-guest-of-honor-united-club-passes-and-premium-wifi/) - Good morning everyone, Hyatt has announced 3 new perks for Diamond elite members, effective immediately. To become a Hyatt Diamond elite member, you must stay 25 stays or 50 nights each calendar year. Here are the new perks:
- [Allett EcoThin Original Wallet (Hold Cash and up to 24 Credit Cards)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/13/allett-ecothin-original-wallet-hold-cash-and-up-to-24-credit-cards/) - Good evening everyone, let me tell you about a cool wallet that I learned about at my recent OC Meetup. As we discussed gift cards and credit cards, an attendee pulled out his wallet and started looking for a specific card. Then another attendee pulled out his wallet and noticed that they had the same wallet. They both had the Allett, a super thin wallet capable of holding cash and up to 24 credit cards. I decided to buy an Allett and test it out myself (Amazon).
- [Boarding Area Home Page First Week Stats and SF Meetup Details](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/16/boarding-area-home-page-first-week-stats-and-sf-meetup-details/) - Good morning everyone, happy President's Day! I just completed my first week as a permanent blog on Boarding Area and wanted to share some stats with you. Last Monday was amazing, not only was it my first day on Boarding Area, but I set a new all time high for total page views in a single day. My previous record was around 4,700, but Monday crushed that records with an amazing 6,103 total page views!
- [Southwest Airlines Devaluation: Don't Get Mad, Get Even](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/16/southwest-airlines-devaluation-dont-get-mad-get-even/) - Good afternoon everyone, there are a few questions regarding the new Southwest Airlines devaluation (Travel Summary link). The questions that come to mind are: why now?; what exactly is changing?; and how will this affect my traveling plans? I'm sorry, I don't have answers to any of those questions, but I have a tip on how to make the devaluation less painful.
- [Requesting New Chase EMV Cards: Freedom, United MileagePlus, and Southwest Airlines Plus & Premier](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/16/requesting-new-chase-emv-cards-freedom-united-mileageplus-and-southwest-airlines-plus-premier/) - Good evening everyone, there is no doubt in my mind that I love Chase and Chase loves me. I have quite a few credit cards (both personal and business) with Chase. I always want the latest card design (remember the new Citi American Airlines Executive Credit Card? or the new Chase Ink Bold/Plus Business Cards?)
- [Targeted: Earn 250 US Bank FlexPoints for Joining e-Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/targeted-earn-250-us-bank-flexpoints-for-joining-e-rewards/) - Good evening everyone, this is targeted offer for certain US Bank FlexPerks Credit Card customers. You may have received the following email regarding the e-Reward promo. After joining e-Rewards through the special promo link, you will receive 250 FlexPoints after completing one e-Rewards survey.
- [Guest Post: My Failed 1-800-Flowers Companion Pass Experience](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/19/guest-post-my-failed-1-800-flowers-companion-pass-experience/) - Good afternoon everyone, I have another guest post from my buddy Nigel. Hello TWG readers, I wanted to share my experience with the recent 1-800-Flowers promotion to help qualify for the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass.
- [Save Money using the new Target REDperks App (Beta)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/22/save-money-using-the-new-target-redperks-app-beta/) - But before I get to those trip reports, I wanted to introduce you to Target REDperks, a new rewards program from Target. Since this program is only in beta, they are only accepting requests from people in certain markets. You can sign up here by entering your full name, zip code, and email into the form.
- [Gift Card Mall (GCM) is now Emailing Activation Codes](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/18/gift-card-mall-gcm-is-now-emailing-activation-codes/) - Good morning everyone, I recently ordered a Visa Gift Card on Gift Card Mall and received the following email with the gift card activation code. I'm not sure if this is a new process, but if it is, it is long overdue.
- [New Chase EMV Chip and Signature Credit Card Pics: Freedom, Southwest Airlines Premier and Plus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/25/new-chase-emv-chip-and-signature-credit-card-pics-freedom-southwest-airlines-premier-and-plus/) - Good afternoon everyone, this is a followup post to Requesting New Chase EMV Cards: Freedom, United MileagePlus, and Southwest Airlines Plus & Premier. I am still waiting for my new Chase United Airlines MileagePlus Credit Card to arrive in the mail.
- [Redbird Reloads: Discover It Miles, Golden1 Platinum Rewards, or US Bank FlexPerks Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/02/redbird-reloads-discover-it-miles-golden1-platinum-rewards-or-us-bank-flexperks-credit-card/) - Lately, I have been thinking about the best way to reload my Redbird Cards. Assuming I can only use credit cards for Redbird reloads (no gift cards), which credit card is the best for earning cash back? Is the new "3% cash back" Discover It Miles credit card the best for Redbird reload
- [Warning: Don't get Burned using Flint to Manufacture Spend](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/24/warning-dont-get-burned-using-flint-to-manufacture-spend/) - Good afternoon everyone, there has been some rumblings about Flint as a tool for manufactured spending and I wanted to add my voice to the mix. I discovered Flint in late January as a featured tweet on Twitter, proclaiming "Get Your First Five Flint Transactions For Free!" Free is good, right? I will show how Flint works and share some warnings.
- [RadPad can Pay your Rent... and your Mortgage](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/02/25/radpad-can-pay-your-rent-and-your-mortgage/) - Good morning everyone, I'm sure everyone has heard of RadPad, right? It is the latest way to pay your rent with a debit card (free) or credit card (2.99%). If you looked at RadPad's home page, you would assume that it is only possible to pay your rent with the service, since the word 'rent' is mentioned 6 times on the home page.
- [Evolve Money: Scheduled Credit Card / Gift Card Payments Post with No Fee](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/04/evolve-money-scheduled-credit-card-gift-card-payments-post-with-no-free/) - In the above posts, I mentioned that Evolve Money was still allowing certain credit cards and gift cards to be used without paying any credit card processing fees. The cool thing about Evolve Money is that it is possible to schedule payments far in advance. On the last day that credit cards and gift cards were allowed to be used without paying a fee, I schedule a payment to go through at the beginning of March and April.
- [AMEX Serve will only Accept American Express Credit Cards for Online Reloads Starting April 16](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/14/amex-serve-will-only-accept-american-express-credit-cards-for-online-reloads-starting-april-16/) - For those of you with an American Express Serve Card (or SoftServe Card), you will only be able to use American Express credit cards for online reloads starting April 16.
- [Happy St. Patrick's Day Amazon eGift Card Treasure Hunt](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/17/happy-st-patricks-day-amazon-egift-card-treasure-hunt/) - Instead of hiding $5 Amazon eGift Cards around my blog, I wanted to post the gift card codes on my social media feeds. From 7am to 4pm PST, I will post 4 $5 Amazon eGift Cards to my Twitter account and 4 $5 Amazon eGift Cards to my Facebook page.
- [Reactivate Expired Marriott Free Night Certificates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/17/reactivate-expired-marriott-free-night-certificates/) - Juggling and remembering to use the free night certificates can be challenging at times and you may forget to use one of your free nights before the expiration date arrives. This is the story of how my expired Marriott free night certificate was reactivated.
- [4 Day IHG Flash Sale: 30% Off Hotels in Mexico (Travel March 13 - June 15)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/12/4-day-ihg-flash-sale-30-off-hotels-in-mexico-travel-march-13-june-15/) - Good morning everyone, my IHG insider sent me news on an upcoming IHG promo. Between March 13-16, you can book all participating IHG hotels in Mexico and automatically receive a 30% discount on the nightly rate.
- [March App-O-Rama Updates: US Airways, British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and FlexPerks AMEX](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/01/march-app-o-rama-updates-us-airways-british-airways-alaska-airlines-virgin-atlantic-and-flexperks-amex/) - If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know about my ongoing battle with Barclays. I have applied for 5-6 Barclays credit cards over the last 2 years or so and have been denied every time. Since the Barclays US Airways Credit Card is going away very soon, I thought I would try for that card one more time. The sign up bonus is 50,000 US Airways miles (now those are 50,000 American Airlines miles) after your first purchase.
- [Blog Readers Appreciation Day: 3 $10 Amazon eGift Card Giveaway](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/03/31/blog-readers-appreciation-day-3-10-amazon-egift-card-giveaway-2/) - I just wanted to thank all the readers for making March such a special month. Since I was gone for the last week of March, my site stats did not beat my February site stats, but I have a ton of material to share about my RV road trip from Los Angeles to Denver. Give me a few days to work on organizing the photos.
- [Winners Announced for RV Driving Distance and Poll Question Regarding US Bank FlexPoints](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/02/winners-announced-for-rv-driving-distance-and-poll-question-regarding-us-bank-flexpoints/) - I asked you to guess how many miles I drove in the RV from Los Angles to Denver and the correct answer is 1,789 miles. The digital odometer only goes up to 1,000, but I can assure you the distance was 1,789 total miles driven.
- [CLEAR Card Experience at DEN and Access to AT&T Park for SF Giants Games](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/03/clear-card-experience-at-den-and-access-to-att-park-for-sf-giants-games/) - The process is pretty simple. Walk to the TSA screening area and look for the CLEAR line (hint: it will be the line with no one waiting). Walk to the front and present your CLEAR Card to the agent. He will put the card in the machine and ask you to scan your finger print or do an iris scan.
- [Club Carlson Devaluation and my Strategy Going Forward](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/04/club-carlson-devaluation-and-my-strategy-going-forward/) - Starting 6/1/2015 Cardmembers can earn a Free Night at a Carlson Rezidor hotel by spending $10,000 annually and paying the annual fee. Free Night replaces Bonus Award Night. Terms & Conditions apply. Clubcarlsonvisa.com
- [Stubhub $25 Off a $25+ Purchase (Great for MLB Opening Week)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/06/stubhub-25-off-a-25-purchase-great-for-mlb-opening-week/) - Stubhub currently has a promo where you can get $25 off a $25+ purchase. Since baseball opening week is right now, I found some pretty cheap tickets to the SF Giants game for next Tuesday night.
- [Sacramento Meetup: Saturday, April 11 at In-N-Out (12-2pm)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/05/sacramento-meetup-saturday-april-11-at-in-n-out-12-2pm/) - I've never been there, but apparently there are plenty of readers and miles/points collectors in the area (not to mention a Staples, Walmart, Target, and an In-N-Out).
- [CleverLayover Search Engine: Find Cheap Flights and Really Long Layovers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/cleverlayover-search-engine-find-cheap-flights-and-really-long-layovers/) - According to the article: "Launched last month by students at Harvard Business School, the new site searches routes to and from the world’s 500 largest airports—in Europe and beyond—to 'combine two round trip tickets from non-partner airlines to find the cheapest fares.' "
- [Citi Prestige® Card: 50,000 ThankYou Points Online or 60,000 TYP In-Branch Offer?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/10/citi-prestige-50000-thankyou-points-online-or-60000-typ-in-branch-offer/) - Good morning everyone, I learned from Doctor of Credit that the Citi Prestige® Card online offer increased the sign up bonus from 30,000 Citi ThankYou Points (TYPs) to 50,000 Citi TYPs. I was planning on applying for the 60,000 Citi TYP offer in a Citi Branch, but then I started to have second thoughts. Which
- [Hotel Credit Card Free Night Certificate Comparison Table](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/hotel-credit-card-free-night-certificate-comparison-table/) - With the impending demise of the "old" US Bank Club Carlson Credit Card, I thought it would be a good idea to compare the "new" Club Carlson free night certificate with other free night certificates from other co-brand hotel credit cards.
- [TransferCar Part 3: RV Pickup, Dropoff, Exterior, and Interior Photos](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/27/transfercar-part-3-rv-pickup-dropoff-exterior-and-interior-photos/) - In this post, I will share my experience with the RV pickup and dropoff, as well as showing you the inside and outside of the RV.
- [My Citi Prestige In-Branch Application Experience with PDF Paperwork and Brochure](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/17/my-citi-prestige-in-branch-application-experience-with-pdf-paperwork-and-brochure/) - Good morning everyone, last Saturday, I went to my local Citibank Branch to apply in person for the Citi Prestige Credit Card. By applying in-branch, you receive a different (better?) version of the Citi Prestige with a larger sign up bonus and a lower annual fee. Read this post to learn more about the difference: Citi Prestige: 50,000 ThankYou Points Online or 60,000 TYP In-Branch Offer? Without further ado here is my experience...
- [TransferCar Part 2: Book your Free One Way Car or RV Rental Online](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/26/transfercar-part-2-book-your-free-one-way-car-or-rv-rental-online/) - Once you find the car or RV rental you would like, you need to make a request online. To do so, go to the TransferCar page and select your dates from the calendar.
- [New PayPal My Cash Cards and Online Loading Process (Light Blue PPMCC 0215v1)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/21/new-paypal-my-cash-cards-and-online-loading-process-light-blue-ppmcc-0215v1/) - The traditional white PayPal My Cash Card (PPMCC) has changed and is now mostly light blue. The loading process is almost identical to before, but has a better user interface now.
- [Travel Events: FTU Advanced Dallas, Chicago Seminars, and an OC Meetup](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/23/travel-events-ftu-advanced-dallas-chicago-seminars-and-an-oc-meetup/) - I will return to Dallas for the next FTU Advanced Dallas event on September 25-27. Tickets are $249 and the Hyatt Regency has a $99/night group rate. The hotel is within walking distance of DFW Airport.
- [Chicago Seminars Tickets On Sale Today (9am PT / 12pm ET)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/04/28/chicago-seminars-tickets-on-sale-today-9am-pt-12pm-et/) - Good morning from BART (public transportation in San Francisco). I just got an email that the Chicago Seminars (Oct 16-18) will have tickets on sale today at 9am PT / 12pm ET. This FlyerTalk thread has all the details. Tickets are $100, which is a great deal for 2 days of non-stop miles and points
- [Speed through Airport Security with a Free 2 Month CLEAR Membership Trial](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/04/speed-through-airport-security-with-a-free-2-month-clear-membership-trial/) - Good afternoon everyone, today’s post is sponsored by CLEAR, but my review of their service is all my own. CLEAR is a membership-based service that allows travelers to get through airport security faster. CLEAR lanes are separate from normal TSA security lines and are often much shorter and faster. Only members with a CLEAR Card
- [Random News: Citi Prestige & Premier, US Bank, British Airways, IHG, and Southwest Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/07/random-news-citi-prestige-premier-us-bank-british-airways-ihg-and-southwest-airlines/) - Good morning everyone, it's been a while since I did a random news post, so I have accumulated quite a bit of random news. So much news, that I will have to do a random news afternoon special. Check back at noon for that. In the meantime, here is the morning edition of the random news. My first Citi Prestige statement closed and I received the full $250 airline travel credit.
- [Guest Post: Macerich Visa Gift Card Purchases Posting as a Cash Advance](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/08/guest-post-macerich-visa-gift-card-purchases-posting-as-a-cash-advance/) - Year to date, I've already MS'd $125,000 worth of VGCs between my two local Macerich Malls. Grant calls me a heavy-hitter, but I call myself a savvy MS’er. There are people out there that cycle that amount or more in a single month.
- [Random News: Hilton & Hyatt Hawaii Timeshares, First In-Flight Video, Extra Fees, and Miles/Points YouTube Channel](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/07/random-news-hilton-hyatt-hawaii-timeshares-first-in-flight-video-extra-fees-and-miles-points-youtube-channel/) - I have 2 timeshare presentations to share. The first is a Hilton Grand Vacations property in Honolulu and Waikoloa. Make sure you read the small print so you know what you are getting yourself into.
- [Ebates 16th Birthday = 16% Cash Back at 150+ Merchants (May 11-18)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/10/ebates-16th-birthday-16-cash-back-at-150-merchants-may-11-18/) - Ebates is turning 16 years old on May 11 and they are celebrating their Sweet Sixteen with 16% cash back at 150+ online merchants. All the major online retailers are going to participate in this week-long promotion.
- [Developing Story: Sam's Club Gift Cards Now Adding Shipping Costs ($6.06-$53.83)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/16/developing-story-sams-club-gift-cards-now-adding-shipping-costs/) - After adding a $50 Sam's Club Gift Card to my shopping cart, I entered my zipcode for Northern California and the estimated shipping was $6.06. Previously, all gift card shipments were free.
- [Citi's No Kid Hungry Campaign, Table Initiative, and Garden Initiative](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/31/citis-no-kid-hungry-campaign-table-initiative-and-garden-initiative/) - It is called the No Kid Hungry Campaign and it is a great program to combat childhood hunger. The program is simple: enroll your Citi credit card(s), then use that Citi credit card at any restaurant, and Citi will donate $2 per transaction to the campaign, up to $500,000.
- [Search and Use a Hilton Free Weekend Night Certificate (Citi Credit Card Perk)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/01/search-and-use-a-hilton-free-weekend-night-certificate-citi-credit-card-perk/) - I recently redeemed my Hilton Free Weekend Night Certificate which I got for spending $10,000 on my Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Credit Card within a card member year. This post will show you how to search for available award space and redeem your Free Weekend Night Certificate.
- [American Express Changes: 250 Membership Reward Points = 200 British Airways / Iberia Avios and Plenti Transfers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/03/american-express-changes-250-membership-reward-points-200-british-airways-iberia-avios-and-plenti-transfers/) - Effective October 1, the transfer rate to British Airways and Iberia will change from 1,000 Membership Reward Points = 1,000 British Airways / Iberia Avios to 250 Membership Reward Points = 200 British Airways / Iberia Avios.
- [Staples Easy Rebate: Purchase $300 in Visa Gift Cards and Receive $20 Visa Gift Card (May 24-30)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/05/21/staples-easy-rebate-purchase-300-in-visa-gift-cards-and-receive-20-visa-gift-card-may-24-30/) - Good morning everyone, Staples has another Visa Gift Card Easy Rebate offer starting this Sunday. After spending $300 or more in Visa Gift Cards, you will receive a $20 Visa Gift Card as a rebate. Only one rebate per household, so get creative.
- [ExitFares Combines the Search Power of The Flight Deal, Airfare Watch Dog, and Other Airline Deal Websites](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/09/exitfares-combines-the-search-power-of-the-flight-deal-airfare-watch-dog-and-other-airline-deal-websites/) - I recently learned about a new travel website called ExitFares which aggregates all the best airline deal sites like The Flight Deal, Airfare Watch Dog, and many smaller sites.
- [Transfer SPG Points Between Family Member Accounts for Free (Revised Steps)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/16/transfer-spg-points-between-family-member-accounts-for-free-revised-steps/) - Since those posts, SPG has redesigned their website and made it a bit trickier to transfer SPG points. If you want to skip reading this entire post, go directly to the SPG points transfer page.
- [Random News: Barclays AA Aviator Chip & PIN Credit Card, $20 Target College Registry Gift Cards, and Best Western Promo](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/09/random-news-barclays-aa-aviator-chip-pin-credit-card-20-target-college-registry-gift-cards-and-best-western-promo/) - First off, it looks like Barclays is sending out new Chip and PIN cards to Barclays American Airlines Aviator Red Credit Card holders.
- [Watch Netflix at Marriott; New Plenti Online Shopping Portal and Partner/Household Offers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/12/watch-netflix-at-marriott-new-plenti-online-shopping-portal-and-partnerhousehold-offers/) - Marriott announced their new partnership with Netflix via this press release. Plenti Points created a shopping portal and launched Partner and Household offers.
- [Orange County and Bay Area Meetups Announced (Sunday, June 14 and Saturday, June 20)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/07/orange-county-and-bay-area-meetups-announced-sunday-june-14-and-saturday-june-20/) - Good evening everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend. I haven't done any meetups in a few weeks, so I thought it was time to announce 2 more meetups.
- [Bank of America BankAmeriCard Better Balance Rewards Intro and Quarterly Bonus Strategy](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/25/bank-of-america-bankamericard-better-balance-rewards-intro-and-quarterly-bonus-strategy/) - So if you are a Bank of America customer and make all the qualifying purchases, you will make $120 per year.
- [Plenti Smartphone App Review for iPhone and Android](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/23/plenti-smartphone-app-review-for-iphone-and-android/) - From the app you can see various Plenti offers, see your points activity, view your Plenti card bar code, and use points at checkout.
- [Set Up Amazon Allowance to Automatically Charge your BofA Better Balance Rewards Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/26/set-up-amazon-allowance-to-automatically-charge-your-bofa-better-balance-rewards-credit-card/) - You can set up an automatic monthly, weekly, or daily reload using Amazon Allowance. From here, all you have to do is wait until next month for the next Amazon Allowance transfer to go through.
- [The Amazing Powers of the American Airlines Twitter Team (Reschedule Flights + Golf Carts)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/30/the-amazing-powers-of-the-american-airlines-twitter-team-reschedule-flights-golf-carts/) - The bad news is that my 5:10pm departure flight was moved to 1:58pm. A 3 hour and 12 minute change is not going to work for me, since I would miss the end of the Chicago Seminars.
- [Staples Easy Rebate: Purchase $300 in Visa Gift Cards and Receive $20 Visa Gift Card (June 21-27)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/18/staples-easy-rebate-purchase-300-in-visa-gift-cards-and-receive-20-visa-gift-card-june-21-27/) - After spending $300 or more in Visa Gift Cards, you will receive a $20 Visa Gift Card as a rebate.
- [Changing Club Carlson Reservations made with Last Night Free Promo are Pricey](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/19/changing-club-carlson-reservations-made-with-last-night-free-promo-are-pricey/) - I meant to book 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden. During the Last Night Free promo, I could get 2 nights for only 50,000 Club Carlson Points total.
- [Reminder: Bay Area / Fremont Meetup Saturday, June 20 @ 12pm at In-N-Out](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/06/19/reminder-bay-area-fremont-meetup-saturday-june-20-12pm-at-in-n-out/) - I just wanted to remind you all that I will be having my Bay Area / Fremont meetup tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, June 20).
- [July 2015: My 8 Credit Card App-O-Rama Game Plan](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/14/july-2015-my-8-credit-card-app-o-rama-game-plan/) - After doing my Sunday chores, I decided to plan my upcoming App-O-Rama. Here is my current App-O-Rama plan. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on the credit cards I am applying for.
- [New AMEX Offers: $100 Off $600 AMEX Travel, $20 Off $100 1-800-PetMeds.com, and Others](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/13/new-amex-offers-100-off-600-amex-travel-20-off-100-1-800-petmeds-com-and-others/) - You must book online here and spend $600 or more on hotel reservations to receive the $100 statement credit. I also have AMEX Offers for 1-800-PetMeds.com, Hof's Hut, Epic Steak, Boden USA, and Showcase Photo and Video.
- [New AMEX Offers: $75 Off $350 @ Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Other Random Offers Part 2](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/09/new-amex-offers-75-off-300-hilton-hotels-resorts-and-other-random-offers-part-2/) - This morning, I checked my AMEX account and found a new AMEX Offer for Hilton Hotels & Resorts: get a $75 statement credit when you spend $300 or more.
- [Intro to the Ebates Cash Back Credit Card and Targeted Cash Back Offers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/17/intro-to-the-ebates-cash-back-credit-card-and-targeted-cash-back-offers/) - In this post, I wanted to show how the Ebates Cash Back Credit Card works and highlight some targeted cash back offers.
- [Transfer Times to Singapore Airlines from Chase Ultimate Rewards, AMEX Membership Rewards, Citi Thank You Points, and SPG Starpoints](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/19/transfer-times-to-singapore-airlines-from-chase-ultimate-rewards-amex-membership-rewards-citi-thank-you-points-and-spg-starpoints/) - Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: within 12 hours AMEX Membership Rewards Points: within 24 hours Citi Thank You Points: within 24 hours SPG Starpoints: 6 days
- [Intro to Shyp: On Demand Shipping Service in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/20/intro-to-shyp-on-demand-shipping-service-in-san-francisco-los-angeles-new-york-city-and-miami/) - Shyp's mission is simple: take the pain out of shipping. Do you hate shipping items? Do you hate returning online orders?
- [How to Book American Airlines Flights with Citi Thank You Points (1.6 Cents Per Point Value)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/22/how-to-book-american-airlines-flights-with-citi-thank-you-points-1-6-cents-per-point-value/) - In this post, I will show you how to book American Airlines flights through the Citi Thank You Points website and get 1.6 cents per point (CPP) in value.
- [US Bank Club Carlson Targeted Spending Offer and 7,500 Bonus Points Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/30/us-bank-club-carlson-targeted-spending-offer-and-7500-bonus-points-letter/) - With low Club Carlson point balances and no more spending on their personal and business Club Carlson credit cards, I was expecting a few targeted spending offers from US Bank / Club Carlson.
- [Chase Ink Bold Changes: Ability to Pay Over Time and Stated Credit Access Line (Similar to Chase Ink Plus)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/07/31/chase-ink-bold-changes-ability-to-pay-over-time-and-stated-credit-access-line-similar-to-chase-ink-plus/) - Inside, there was a letter from Chase with details about upcoming changes to the Chase Ink Bold Business Charge Card, effective August 31, 2015.
- [July App-O-Rama Update: Several Reconsideration Calls Required to be Approved for 6 New Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/09/july-app-o-rama-update-several-reconsideration-calls-required-to-be-approved-for-6-new-credit-cards/) - After the dust settled and all the reconsideration calls were made, I ended up being 6 for 7 on my App-O-Rama. I just updated my list of active credit cards and my new total is 32.
- [App-O-Rama Update: Overturning Bank of America's Spirit Airlines Credit Card Denial Letter](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/05/app-o-rama-update-overturning-bank-of-americas-spirit-airlines-credit-card-denial-letter/) - Before I share my success story about denial letters and reconsideration calls, let me explain why I would ever want to fly on Spirit Airlines, let alone get a Spirit Airlines credit card.
- [The Easy and Hard Way to Combine Citi Thank You Points into 1 Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/08/the-easy-and-hard-way-to-combine-citi-thank-you-points-into-1-account/) - In this post, I will show you the easy way and the hard way to combine all your Citi Thank You Points into 1 account. After you log into your Citi online account, scroll down to view your rewards and click View Rewards and Redeem for any Citi Thank You Point earning credit card.
- [Converting Citi AA Exec Card to Double Cash: Expedite $450 Annual Fee Refund by Calling](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/11/converting-citi-aa-exec-card-to-double-cash-expedite-450-annual-fee-refund-by-calling/) - Long story short, on my new Citi Double Cash Credit Card, there is a $450 annual fee payment that I want refunded.
- [New Meetups Announced in San Francisco (August 15 and 18) and Orange County (August 22)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/03/new-meetups-announced-in-san-francisco-august-15-and-18-and-orange-county-august-22/) - Since my last "unofficial" SF meetup was back on March 14 (terrible planning last time since the St. Patrick's Day parade was going on outside). I've decided to take my talents back to Super Duper Burgers on Market Street (located between Montgomery and Powell Street BART stations).
- [Merging Marriott and Ritz Carlton Accounts; Combining Points and Free Night Certificates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/10/merging-marriott-and-ritz-carlton-accounts-combining-points-and-free-night-certificates/) - After meeting the minimum spend requirement, I had an old Marriott account with 28,985 points and a new Ritz Carlton account with 150,000+ points.
- [Convert Marriott & Ritz Carlton Points to United Airlines Miles (2.24:1 Ratio)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/12/convert-marriott-ritz-carlton-points-to-united-airlines-miles-2-24-1-ratio/) - I crunched the numbers and the transfer ratios range from 4:1 down to 2.24:1 (Marriott Points to United Airlines miles).
- [US Bank Cash Plus Q3 Categories: Any MS Opportunities?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/14/us-bank-cash-plus-q3-categories-any-ms-opportunities/) - As you can tell from above, there are no amazing cash back categories for me this quarter. I still don't know which categories to choose. Do you have any advice or recommendations?
- [Update on US Bank's $125 Power Up Checking and $50 START Savings Account Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/18/update-on-us-banks-125-power-up-checking-and-50-start-savings-account-bonus/) - The entire process of creating a savings account, funding the account, completing the automated transfer, and receiving the VGC took about 1.5 months.
- [Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card $100 Statement Credit Slow to Post](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/20/bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-credit-card-100-statement-credit-slow-to-post/) - A day after paying off my July statement balance, I logged into my Bank of America online account and I see the $100 statement credit.
- [Another Cautionary Tale about US Bank Issued Visa Gift Cards Sold at Ralph's in SoCal](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/28/another-cautionary-tale-about-us-bank-issued-visa-gift-cards-sold-at-ralphs-in-socal/) - The amount of cash back or miles/points gained is not enough to offset the headache required to get 1 tampered Visa or MasterCard Gift Card issue resolved.
- [Chase Ink Bold Business Card now Shows Credit Line and Cash Advance Limit](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/01/chase-ink-bold-business-card-now-shows-credit-line-and-cash-advance-limit/) - Chase sent out letters announcing that they would be converting all Chase Ink Bold Charge Cards into credit cards with a stated credit limit and cash advance limit.
- [Staples Easy Rebate: Purchase $300 in American Express Gift Cards, Receive $20 Staples GC (8/30-9/5)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/08/27/staples-easy-rebate-purchase-300-in-american-express-gift-cards-receive-20-staples-gc-8-30-9-5/) - After spending $300 or more in American Express Gift Cards, you will receive a $20 Staples Gift Card as a rebate.
- [American Express Membership Reward Point Transfers to Best Western Ending December 31, 2015](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/06/american-express-membership-reward-point-transfers-to-best-western-ending-december-31-2015/) - The first change is that American Express Membership Reward Points will no longer be transferable to Best Western starting January 1, 2016.
- [Introduction to US Bank ScoreBoard Reporting to Analyze Spending Activity](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/09/introduction-to-us-bank-scoreboard-reporting-to-analyze-spending-activity/) - When you log into your US Bank online account, you will see ScoreBoard Reporting listed beneath every US Bank credit and debit card.
- [Free Shipping for Visa Gift Cards on GiftCards.com (Promo Code LABOR15)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/07/free-shipping-for-visa-gift-cards-on-giftcards-com-promo-code-labor15/) - To save you some time, you can only order 3 $500 Visa Gift Cards per order and the total cost after discount comes to $504.95 per $500 Visa Gift Card.
- [My Thoughts on Bucket Lists and Travel Wish Lists (Miles to Memories Response)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/10/my-thoughts-on-bucket-lists-and-travel-wish-lists-miles-to-memories-response/) - Rather than doing things and going places to cross off bucket list items, I subscribe to the notion of creating a travel wish list in my head. The more often you travel, the longer your travel wish list becomes.
- [Comparing US Bank's Free Credit Score with other Free Credit Score Services](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/21/comparing-us-banks-free-credit-score-with-other-free-credit-score-services/) - A few days ago, I noticed that US Bank began offering free credit scores online, which uses TransUnion VantageScore 3.0.
- [Award Wallet Plus Upgrade Codes Giveaway: What is your Biggest Travel Hacking Pet Peeve?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/21/award-wallet-plus-upgrade-codes-giveaway-what-is-your-biggest-travel-hacking-pet-peeve/) - Updated 9/23/2015 at 11pm PT: I selected 6 winners of an Award Wallet Plus upgrade code. You will receive an email with with your Award Wallet Plus upgrade code right away. Alice - airlines releasing award space within 3 weeks of the flight and charging a close-in booking fee Coree - hard to find award space Joe -
- [FTU Dallas this Weekend, "Do not be afraid to talk to me"](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/09/25/ftu-dallas-this-weekend-do-not-be-afraid-to-talk-to-me-2/) - Good morning everyone, I'm flying to Dallas after work today to attend the Frequent Traveler University (FTU) travel conference. My flight from SFO should land a little after midnight, but I'll be ready to go for the Saturday morning presentations. I'm not speaking (formally) at the conference, but if you see me (wearing my classic
- [Hacking the US Airways First Class Upgrade List (Until the AA/US Merger)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/04/hacking-the-us-airways-first-class-upgrade-list-until-the-aaus-merger/) - The very moment that clock strikes 24-hours prior to my flight, I’m online ready to check-in.
- [Las Vegas to Zion National Park Roadtrip and Chain Hotel Options](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/05/las-vegas-to-zion-national-park-roadtrip-and-chain-hotel-options/) - Since I was traveling with my brother (he is not in the points and miles game, not yet at least), I did IHG Points and Cash for all 3 nights (10,000 IHG Points + $70).
- [Random News: Staples.com $300 VGCs, $10 NetSpend Check Deposit, $15 RushCard Bonus, Free Shyp Pickup, Chime Card Offers & BankAmeriDeals](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/09/random-news-staples-com-300-vgcs-10-netspend-check-deposit-15-rushcard-bonus-free-shyp-pickup-chime-card-offers-bankamerideals/) - The best thing I learned was that Staples is now selling $300 Visa Gift Cards (VGCs) online (link). Doctor of Credit has all the details here.
- [My Short Term MS Plans with 4 Dead Redbirds (Target Memo)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/14/my-short-term-ms-plans-with-4-dead-redbirds-target-memo/) - With the demise of debit card reloads, there is a mass exodus to Bluebird and Serve. Not me. I'm not switching to Bluebird or Serve.
- [Boise, Idaho, here I come (Boise State vs. Wyoming College Football Game)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/23/boise-idaho-here-i-come-boise-state-vs-wyoming-college-football-game/) - Watching a Boise State football game is on my "sports bucket list" and I am happy to check it off my list.
- [Unintended Consequences: Frozen PayPal Account Blocks eBay Bucks Redemption](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/28/unintended-consequences-frozen-paypal-account-blocks-ebay-bucks-redemption/) - Long story short, since his PayPal account was frozen, he could not redeem his $200 in eBay Bucks that were expiring next week.
- [*Updated* List of British Airways Avios Routes from the Bay Area (SFO, OAK, and SJC)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/10/28/updated-list-of-british-airways-avios-routes-from-the-bay-area-sfo-oak-and-sjc/) - The lowest Avios award band for American Airlines and Alaska Airlines will be 7,500 Avios starting on February 2, 2016. All other Avios award bands for travel on all other Avios partners remain the same.
- [Vons/Safeway VGC & AGC $15 Off Coupon, Chime Card Offers for SWA/VA/Uber/Lyft/HotelTonight/Airbnb & BankAmeriDeals](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/11/07/vons-safeway-vgc-agc-15-off-coupon-chime-card-offers-for-swa-va-uber-lyft-hoteltonight-airbnb-bankamerideals/) - Purchase $150 or more in Visa or American Express Gift Cards and you will revive a coupon for $15 off your next $25 grocery purchase.
- [Vons & Safeway Black Friday Gift Card Promo: Spend $125 and Get $15 Off $25 Coupon](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/11/22/vons-safeway-black-friday-gift-card-promo-spend-125-and-get-15-off-25-coupon/) - From now through December 1, you can get a coupon for $15 off $25 after you purchase $125 of participating gift cards (Amazon and eBay gift cards included).
- [Status Match from Hyatt Diamond to Mlife Platinum & MGM Mlife Reward Changes on 12/15/2015](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/11/24/status-match-from-hyatt-diamond-to-mlife-platinum-mgm-mlife-reward-changes-on-12-15-2015/) - Apparently there is a minor devaluation coming to Mlife on December 15, 2015, according to this announcement.
- [Audible: 3 Months for $8 on LivingSocial & Several Audiobooks for $4.95](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/11/27/audible-3-months-for-8-on-livingsocial-several-audiobooks-for-4-95/) - Right now, LivingSocial has a great deal on a 3 month subscription to Audible for $8 (which is actually 1 audiobook each month for 3 months).
- [FTU Advanced in Newport Beach & FTU Signature Event in Las Vegas](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/12/04/ftu-advanced-in-newport-beach-ftu-signature-event-in-las-vegas/) - I will be at FTU Advanced in Newport Beach this weekend. I won't be able to make the Friday night happy hour event, but I will be there all day Saturday and Sunday.
- [Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Credit Card Annual Fee Notification Oversight](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/12/16/citi-hilton-hhonors-reserve-credit-card-annual-fee-notification-oversight/) - I'm not sure if this is a regulation that credit card companies have to follow whereby they have to inform you 1 month prior to having the annual fee billed to your account or if that is just a courtesy most credit card companies follow.
- [Use Google Flights to Search for Train Times & Prices in Europe](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/12/19/use-google-flights-to-search-for-train-times-prices-in-europe/) - A few days ago, I learned that Google Flights can also show train schedules for a few routes in Europe. This is a pretty cool feature since you can easily determine if a train ride is better deal than a short European flight.
- [PSA: Order eGift Cards Individually from PayPal Digital Gifts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/12/29/psa-order-egift-cards-individually-from-paypal-digital-gifts/) - How long does Paypal Digital Gifts take to deliver egift cards? I show you why it is better to purchase every egift card individually, rather than all at once.
- [Reminder: Max out your $300 Travel Reimbursement Credit on JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2015/12/30/reminder-max-out-your-300-travel-reimbursement-credit-on-jpmorgan-chase-ritz-carlton-credit-card/) - I wanted to remind those of you that have a JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Credit Card to max out your $300 travel reimbursement credit by December 31, 2015.
- [Guest Post from DEM Flyers: Should you Keep Citi Prestige & Dump Citi Premier?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/04/guest-post-from-dem-flyers-should-you-keep-citi-prestige-dump-citi-premier/) - How many Citi Thank You Points per year do I need to redeem to justify paying the $450 Citi Prestige annual fee vs. paying the $95 Citi Premier annual fee?
- [AMEX Serve Discontinues International ATM Access and a few New AMEX Offers (Hilton Hotels & Others)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/06/amex-serve-discontinues-international-atm-access-and-a-few-new-amex-offers-hilton-hotels-others/) - I just received an email from AMEX Serve that effective immediately, you will not be able to use your AMEX Serve Card at international ATMs.
- [$2 Off Visa Gift Cards Purchased from Gift Card Mall (Promo Code NewYou2016)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/12/2-off-visa-gift-cards-purchased-from-gift-card-mall-promo-code-newyou2016/) - Good morning everyone. I just received an email from Gift Card Mall about a promotion going on now through January 29 for $2 off Visa Gift Cards when you use promo code NewYou2016.
- [Chicago Seminars Scheduled for October 14-16th, 2016, Book Cheap Virgin America Flights Now](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/11/chicago-seminars-scheduled-for-october-14-16th-2016-book-cheap-virgin-america-flights-now/) - My friend Jim just told me that the dates for the Chicago Seminars have been announced and scheduled for October 14-16, 2016 (FlyerTalk thread).
- [6 Free Things to See in London (After you Buy an Underground Day Pass)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/20/6-free-things-to-see-in-london-after-you-buy-an-underground-day-pass/) - I purchased a 1 day London Underground pass for 12 Pounds and you can basically go anywhere around London. Here are some pics that I took, in chronological order.
- [Nationwide Visa Buxx $200 Reload Limit Now Live](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/12/nationwide-visa-buxx-200-reload-limit-now-live/) - The old weekly reload limit was $500 per card, now the new reload limit is $200 per card. Here are the current reload limits as of 1/12/2016.
- [Hotel Review: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice (Diamond Status & Lounge Access)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/30/hotel-review-hilton-molino-stucky-venice-diamond-status-lounge-access/) - As far as points hotels go in Venice, I don't think there are many options, so I would definitely consider staying at this hotel again when I come back to Venice.
- [Hotel Review: Radisson Blu Nice, France (Convenient Access to NCE Airport and Monaco)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/25/hotel-review-radisson-blu-nice-france-convenient-access-to-nce-airport-and-monaco/) - The hotel is conveniently located a short distance from the NCE Airport. There are buses that run from the airport to a bus stop across the street from the hotel.
- [Photos of Nice, France (Beautiful Beaches) and Monaco (Monte Carlo Casino)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/26/photos-of-nice-france-beautiful-beaches-and-monaco-monte-carlo-casino/) - I absolutely loved Monaco. It seemed like a new surprise was around each corner and I wish I had spent more than half a day there. I recommend spending at least 2 full days.
- [Hotel Review: Hotel Indigo Paris (Located near Opera & Vendome)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/23/hotel-review-hotel-indigo-paris-located-near-opera-vendome/) - From Opéra/Auber station, the hotel is a short 5 minute walk. Just make sure you know which street to turn on to so you don't wheel your suitcase around Paris aimlessly like I did.
- [Hotel Review: Hilton Munich City as Diamond Elite Member (Executive Lounge + Nearby S-Bahn Station)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/27/hotel-review-hilton-munich-city-as-diamond-elite-member-executive-lounge-nearby-s-bahn-station/) - I used Hilton HHonors points for one night and my Hilton Free Weekend Night Certificate for the other night (thanks to the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Credit card and the $10,000+ spend I put on the card).
- [Chime Card Offers: $5 Off $50 for Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint & T-Mobile; $2 Off $20 for CVS & Papa John's](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/01/30/chime-card-offers-5-off-50-for-best-buy-at-2-off-20-for-cvs-papa-johns/) - $5 Off $50: Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile $2 Off $20: CVS and Papa John's
- [Hotel Review: Radisson Blu Royal Dublin (Free Breakfast for Gold Members)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/02/03/hotel-review-radisson-blu-royal-dublin-free-breakfast-for-gold-members/) - For the first night, I used my Club Carlson Global Free Night Certificate and then I used 44,000 Club Carlson points to book a BOGO (aka Last Night Free) stay for the last 2 nights.
- [Lyft Line Total Price Changes In-App in Real-Time due to Prime Time Rate Changes](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/02/25/lyft-line-total-price-changes-in-app-in-real-time-due-to-prime-time-rate-changes/) - This brings me to the point of this post. All Lyft Line rides have a predetermined price listed in the app when you request a ride.
- [AMEX for Target Discontinuing Program & AMEX Serve $25 Sign Up Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/02/27/amex-for-target-discontinuing-program-amex-serve-25-sign-up-bonus/) - This news is not entirely surprising or noteworthy, but on the bottom of the letter, there was a special offer to sign up for the AMEX Serve Card and get a $25 bonus.
- [Hyatt Launches the Unbound Collection Featuring the Driskill Hotel (Austin) & Hôtel du Louvre (Paris)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/03/02/hyatt-launches-the-unbound-collection-featuring-the-driskill-hotel-austin-hotel-du-louvre-paris/) - 2 of the featured hotels to join the Unbound Collection include the Hotel Driskill and Hôtel du Louvre. 2 of the featured hotels to join the Unbound Collection include the Hotel Driskill and Hôtel du Louvre.
- [California Zephyr Amtrak Trip Summary & Thoughts on Amtrak Guest Rewards Devaluation (AGR 2.0)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/02/22/california-zephyr-amtrak-trip-summary-thoughts-on-amtrak-guest-rewards-devaluation-agr-2-0/) - My recent trip cost exactly 25,000 Amtrak Points, but the new price would be in the 40,000-50,000 Amtrak Point range. With the loss of Amtrak as a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner, acquiring Amtrak Points is now harder than ever.
- [Round 2 of AMEX Serve Card Account Closures (March 4, 2016)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/03/04/round-2-of-amex-serve-card-account-closures-march-4-2016/) - Myself and at least 1 other person I know, received the following email that says that their AMEX Serve Card was flagged for "unusual usage patterns."
- [Sunday Funday Challenge: Create the Best Click-Bait Title for $10 Amazon eGift Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/02/28/sunday-funday-challenge-create-the-best-click-bait-title-for-10-amazon-egift-card/) - Let me be clear, I hate click-bait titles as much as the next person, but if you can come up with a funny, clever title from one of these posts, you will be rewarded.
- [Recap: 3 Spring Training Baseball Games in 27 Hours (Dodgers & Angels Stadiums)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/03/17/recap-3-spring-training-baseball-games-in-27-hours-dodgers-angels-stadiums/) - After looking at the Spring Training game schedule, I decided to go to 2 Angels games and 1 Dodgers game. After looking for hotels close to the Angels stadium (Tempe Diablo Stadium).
- [Spring Training Major League Baseball Games - Advice for a Rookie](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/03/10/spring-training-major-league-baseball-games-advice-for-a-rookie/) - Good morning everyone. I am heading to Phoenix this weekend with my dad and brother to watch some Spring Training baseball games.
- [My Q2 Rotating Cash Back Category Credit Card Strategy](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/03/24/my-q2-rotating-cash-back-category-credit-card-strategy/) - As a reminder, there are currently 4 rotating cash back category credit cards: Chase Freedom, Citi Dividend, Discover It, and US Bank Cash+. Even though I have around 30 credit cards, I am a minimalist at heart.
- [My Recent Credit Card Applications: Chase Ink Plus, Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve & Bank of America Amtrak Guest Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/03/25/my-recent-credit-card-applications-chase-ink-plus-citi-hilton-hhonors-reserve-bank-of-america-amtrak-guest-rewards/) - I want to share my recent experience applying for 3 credit cards on March 11, 2016. Here are the 3 credit cards I applied for, along with their bonuses as of 3/11/2016.
- [How to Get 4 (or 5) Audible.com Audiobooks for $8 (LivingSocial Deal)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/03/how-to-get-4-or-5-audible-com-audiobooks-for-8-livingsocial-deal/) - Currently, LivingSocial has a 3 month trial to Audible for $9 ($8 if you purchase within 5 minutes of landing on the page). The way this deal works is that you get a 3 month trial to Audible and receive 1 audiobook credit per month.
- [Upcoming Changes to Platinum Destinations Vacations Benefit for American Express Platinum Cardholders](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/04/upcoming-changes-to-platinum-destinations-vacations-benefit-for-american-express-platinum-cardholders/) - Effective June 1, 2016, if you book a Platinum Destinations Vacations package, you will earn 2x Membership Reward Points based on the cost of the vacation package.
- [Sunday Giveaway: 10 McAfee Antivirus Basic Software for Windows Download with Serial Numbers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/03/sunday-giveaway-10-mcafee-antivirus-basic-software-for-windows-download-with-serial-numbers/) - I haven't downloaded or installed the antivirus software (I'm an ESET Smart Security kind of guy), so the download link and serial numbers have been taking up space in my inbox.
- [You Cannot Convert Chase British Airways Credit Card to Chase Freedom Unlimited](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/07/you-cannot-convert-chase-british-airways-credit-card-to-chase-freedom-unlimited/) - I decided to call Chase and ask if they could convert the Chase British Airways Credit Card into a Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card.
- [RetailMeNot Acquires GiftCardZen for $22 Million in Cash (+ $11 Million in Deferred Compensation)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/09/retailmenot-acquires-giftcardzen-for-22-million-in-cash-11-million-in-deferred-compensation/) - I just received an email this morning from GiftCardZen that stated that RetailMeNot had acquired them for $22 million in cash, plus an extra $11 million in deferred compensation.
- [New CitiBusiness Platinum Select American Airlines AAdvantage World MasterCard with Chip + Sig](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/10/new-citibusiness-platinum-select-american-airlines-aadvantage-world-mastercard-with-chip-sig/) - If you currently have a CitiBusiness Platinum Select American Airlines AAdvantage World MasterCard, you should receive a new credit card in the next few days with an EMV Chip.
- [Which Credit Cards will Replace my Citi Forward Credit Card after June 4?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/11/which-credit-cards-will-replace-my-citi-forward-credit-card-after-june-4/) - I have enjoyed the perks of earning 5x Citi Thank You Points on all restaurant, music, movie, and book purchases. Unfortunately, the good times are ending abruptly on June 4, 2016.
- [Uber is Cheap and Easy in Panama City and Lima](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/20/uber-is-cheap-and-easy-in-panama-city-and-lima/) - I'm on my way toward Machu Picchu today, but I wanted to share my experience with Uber in Panama City, Panama, and Lima, Peru.
- [Trip Advice for Central and South America: Panama City, Lima & Cusco](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/15/trip-advice-for-central-and-south-america-panama-city-lima-cusco/) - Here is my itinerary with a 23 hour layover in Panama City (PTY), 2 full days in Lima (LIM), and 3 full days in Cusco (CUZ).
- [Spirit Airlines Credit Card Holders: Find Off-Peak Award Tickets & Avoid Award Booking Fees](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/24/spirit-airlines-credit-card-holders-find-off-peak-award-tickets-avoid-award-booking-fees/) - The main perk of the Bank of America Spirit Airlines Credit Card is the ability to access off-peak award tickets, starting at 2,500 Spirit Airlines miles for short one-way flights.
- [Day Trip to Muir Woods National Monument by Bus from San Francisco](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/15/day-trip-to-muir-woods-national-monument-by-bus-from-san-francisco/) - The bus network in San Francisco is pretty good and it took about 1.5 hours from my apartment to get to the Muir Woods Visitor Center.
- [Friday Funday: "Never Have I Ever" Travel Hacker Score](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/13/friday-funday-never-have-i-ever-travel-hacker-score/) - I started thinking about all the cool travel hacking stuff I have done over the years, along with all the "cool" travel hacking stuff I haven't done.
- [Happy Memories Abound in Monterey County #AlwaysThankful](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/14/happy-memories-abound-in-monterey-county-alwaysthankful/) - To me, Monterey is more than just a beautiful place to play golf, go shopping, and enjoy great food; it holds a very special place in my heart full of great memories, amazing views, and lots of fun.
- [PSA: Redeem eBay Bucks Before May 2, Buy an eBay Gift Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/04/30/psa-redeem-ebay-bucks-before-may-2-buy-an-ebay-gift-card/) - A few days ago, I bought a $100 eBay eGift Card for $95, then applied my $10.30 eBay Bucks balance to pay for a portion of the eBay eGift Card.
- [Random News: 10,000 Chase Ultimate Reward Points Courtesy Adjustment, JetBlue Mosaic Match & More](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/10/random-news-10000-chase-ultimate-reward-points-courtesy-adjustment-jetblue-mosaic-match-more/) - If you recently were approved for a Chase Ink Plus Business Credit Card with the 60,000 point sign up bonus, you can contact Chase and have them match you to the 70,000 point sign up bonus.
- [5 Nights Hyatt Residence Club Ka'anapali Beach Timeshare Presentation](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/11/5-nights-hyatt-residence-club-kaanapali-beach-timeshare-presentation/) - I just received a similar offer for the Hyatt Ka'anapali Beach resort on Maui. Unfortunately, this offer is more expensive and has a timeshare presentation requirement.
- [Goldstar Part 2: Red Velvet Membership Benefits: Unlimited Comps, 4-Hour Holds & Easy Ticket Cancellation](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/27/goldstar-part-2-red-velvet-membership-benefits-unlimited-comps-4-hour-holds-easy-ticket-cancellation/) - Red Velvet membership: Unlimited Comps - get 4 free tickets to select Goldstar events every week and Easy Cancel - free and easy ticket cancellation; use Goldstar "Same-As-Cash" Credit for future events.
- [American Express Changes to Card Updates, Forex Fees & Annual Fee Refunds](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/04/american-express-changes-to-card-updates-forex-fees-annual-fee-refunds/) - Change 1: If you have your American Express card on file with a merchant and that card number or the expiration date changes, American Express may (but is not required to).
- [Great First Experience Selling Gift Cards to SaveYa (13 Day Turnaround)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/01/great-first-experience-selling-gift-cards-to-saveya-13-day-turnaround/) - 2 weeks ago, I sold a few Panera Bread gift cards to SaveYa and I wanted to share my positive experience selling to SaveYa. The first thing I did was look on Gift Card Granny.
- [Transfer Times to KLM / Air France from Chase Ultimate Rewards, AMEX Membership Rewards, Citi Thank You Points & SPG Starpoints](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/23/transfer-times-to-klm-air-france-from-chase-ultimate-rewards-amex-membership-rewards-citi-thank-you-points-spg-starpoints/) - In this post, I will show you how long transfers from each points currency takes to post to your KLM / Air France account.
- [Rainy Weekend Trip to Portland, Oregon using Citi Thank You Points, British Airways Avios & Club Carlson Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/20/rainy-weekend-trip-to-portland-oregon-using-citi-thank-you-points-british-airways-avios-club-carlson-points/) - 15,012 Citi Thank You Points is worth $240.19, which is a pretty good price for 2 one way tickets from SFO to PDX.
- [Target App Coupons: $10 Target Gift Card with $50 Grocery Purchase (Expires Today)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/30/target-app-coupons-10-target-gift-card-with-50-grocery-purchase-expires-today/) - There is a Memorial Day coupon where you can get a $10 Target gift card after you spend $50 or more on grocery items.
- [Holiday Inn Club Vacations Las Vegas Timeshare Presentation: 3 Nights for $199 or 4 Nights for $200](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/05/25/holiday-inn-club-vacations-las-vegas-timeshare-presentation-3-nights-for-199-or-4-nights-for-200/) - This time, the location is Las Vegas at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Desert Club Resort. The deal is for 4 days / 3 nights for a total of $199 + taxes/fees + 2 hour timeshare presentation.
- [What do you do when Citi Thank You Points do not Transfer Instantly... or Ever?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/19/what-do-you-do-when-citi-thank-you-points-do-not-transfer-instantly-or-ever/) - In that post, I said that Citi Thank You Points transferred to Air France / KLM instantly. But what happens if your Citi Thank You Points do not transfer instantly... or ever?
- [Yosemite National Park & Halfdome Weekend Trip (FlexPerks Award + 2 Hilton Award Nights)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/10/yosemite-national-park-halfdome-weekend-trip-flexperks-award-2-hilton-award-nights/) - I am off to Yosemite National Park this weekend with my brother and I wanted to share my trip planning with you. First of all, Fresno is the closest major airport to Yosemite.
- [Receive up to a 30% Bonus for Transferring Citi Thank You Points to Qantas (June 1-30)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/07/receive-up-to-a-30-bonus-for-transferring-citi-thank-you-points-to-qantas-june-1-30/) - If you transfer Citi TYPs between now and June 30, 2016, you will get the following bonus Qantas miles (reminder, transfers must be in increments of 1,000 Citi TYPs).
- [2 Months Down, 1 Month Left: Chase Freedom & Discover It Q2 5% Cash Back Category Progress](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/06/2-months-down-1-month-left-chase-freedom-discover-it-q2-5-cash-back-category-progress/) - My Chase Freedom and Discover It credit card statements just closed and I wanted to take a quick look and see how I was doing on the quarterly cash back categories.
- [3 Oddball San Francisco Tourist Attractions with Goldstar & Groupon 20% Off Local Deals (GREEN20)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/06/3-oddball-san-francisco-tourist-attractions-with-goldstar-groupon-20-off-local-deals-green20/) - If you live in San Francisco or are planning to visit anytime soon, here are 3 oddball San Francisco tourist attractions I recommend.
- [New or Renewed US Passport?  Remember to Update your Global Entry Online Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/22/new-or-renewed-us-passport-remember-to-update-your-global-entry-online-account/) - Global Entry is tied to your fingerprints and your passport, you will need to update your Global Entry online account when you get a new or renewed passport.
- [SF Travel Hackers Meetup (6/16); OC Miles & Points Meetup (7/2)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/06/15/sf-travel-hackers-meetup-616-oc-miles-points-meetup-72/) - I will be there presenting on credit cards, rewards, annual fees, retention offers, and a few tricks. Food and drinks may be provided, if we are lucky :)
- [My Detailed Credit Card Activation Setup Routine & Checklist](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/06/my-detailed-credit-card-activation-setup-routine-checklist/) - I add the new credit card info into a password protected spreadsheet, including the credit card name, payment processing network, card number, security code, & expiration date.
- [Using Points.com to Exchange JetBlue TrueBlue Miles into Amtrak Guest Reward Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/28/using-points-com-to-exchange-jetblue-trueblue-miles-into-amtrak-guest-reward-points/) - Exchanging miles/points from one loyalty program into another loyalty program. You need a free Points.com account and you will need to add your loaylty programs.
- [Trip Report: Mileage Running with JetBlue Mosaic Status from SFO-LAS and 2 Centurion Lounge Meetups](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/17/trip-report-mileage-running-with-jetblue-mosaic-status-from-sfo-las-and-2-centurion-lounge-meetups/) - I just returned from my JetBlue mileage run from San Francisco (SFO) to Las Vegas (LAS) on Saturday. The flight was only 414 miles, but the day was spent talking miles.
- [SF Travel Hackers Meetup (7/14), SFO & LAS Centurion Lounge Meetups (7/16) and Fremont Meetup (7/17)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/12/sf-travel-hackers-meetup-714-sfo-las-centurion-lounge-meetups-716-and-fremont-meetup-717/) - Good morning everyone, I have a few travel meetup reminders and announcements. The official SF Travel Hackers Meetup group is meeting on Thursday night. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this event because I have tickets to the Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage symphony that same evening. Pizza and drinks are usually provided by Dev Bootcamp, some come early for dinner and to mingle with other travel hackers. When: Thursday, July 14 @ 7-9pm Where: Dev Bootcamp, 633 Folsom Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94107 (Google Map)
- [Angel Island Ferry Day Trip from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 41](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/11/angel-island-ferry-day-trip-from-san-franciscos-fishermans-wharf-pier-41/) - In this post, I will talk about our day trip from San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf to Angel Island. Right next to Fisherman's Wharf is Pier 41, where the ferries depart.
- [Targeted Offers: Hyatt Maui Timeshare Presentation & US Bank Club Carlson Spending Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/08/02/targeted-offers-hyatt-maui-timeshare-presentation-us-bank-club-carlson-spending-bonus/) - Hyatt Residence Club timeshare presentation at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort: 6 days / 5 nights + 10,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points + 90 minute timeshare presentation for $799.
- [Hyatt Residence Club Resort Timeshare in Sedona, AZ & 5,000 Bonus Hilton HHonors Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/22/hyatt-residence-club-resort-timeshare-in-sedona-az-5000-bonus-hilton-hhonors-points/) - Hyatt Pinon Pointe Residence Club Resort for 4 days / 3 nights in a 1 bedroom suite + 10,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points for $198 + 90 minute timeshare presentation.
- [JetBlue TrueBlue Points Match Bonus Posted & Timeline of Events](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/21/jetblue-trueblue-points-match-bonus-posted-timeline-of-events/) - After looking at my account activity, I saw the 50,000 bonus JetBlue TrueBlue points, thanks to the JetBlue Points Match promo that ran a few weeks ago.
- [Chase QuickPay Changes: Need Chase Checking or Liquid Prepaid Card Starting August 19, 2016](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/20/chase-quickpay-changes-need-chase-checking-or-liquid-prepaid-card-starting-august-19-2016/) - Starting August 19, 2016, users will need to have a Chase checking account or a Chase Liquid Prepaid Card. This change is related to how Chase sends and receives money with a service called clearXchange.
- [PSA Reminder: Check Existing Southwest Airlines Reservations; I Rebooked & Saved $66](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/07/20/psa-reminder-check-existing-southwest-airlines-reservations-i-rebooked-saved-66/) - Today's rebooking spree (3 price drops to 11 existing reservations) resulted in a total of $65.99 saved.
- [3 Ways to Calculate Progress Toward Chase Freedom Q3 Restaurant Spend](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/08/09/3-ways-to-calculate-progress-toward-chase-freedom-q3-restaurant-spend/) - How do I calculate the amount of money spent at restaurants using my Chase Freedom Credit Card in Q3? Find out here!
- [Redeem Discover It Cash Back for Gift Cards & eGift Cards (Online & In-App)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/08/11/redeem-discover-it-cash-back-for-gift-cards-egift-cards-online-in-app/) - If you have the Discover mobile app, you can sign in, view rewards, and redeem your cash back balance for gift cards, egift cards, statement credits, or donate to charity.
- [Granny Rewards Loyalty Program: Receive $5 SaveYa eGift Card for $1,000 in Gift Card Granny Purchases](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/08/13/granny-rewards-loyalty-program-receive-5-saveya-egift-card-for-1000-in-gift-card-granny-purchases/) - In today's post, I will give you an introduction, overview, and review of Gift Card Granny's loyalty program - Granny Rewards. The program is free to join.
- [Ebates Triple Cash Back Week Live Now (Augst 23-29)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/08/22/ebates-triple-cash-back-week-live-now/) - Ebates is now offering triple cash back (at least 3 times the standard cash back rate) for several merchants.
- [PSA: Do not Activate your 12 New Gogo Wifi Passes from your US Bank FlexPerks Visa Signature Credit Card Immediately](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/06/psa-do-not-activate-your-12-new-gogo-wifi-passes-from-your-us-bank-flexperks-visa-signature-credit-card-immediately/) - If I could go back in time, I would wait until the day before flying on a Gogo-equipped aircraft before activating the 12 new Gogo Wifi passes.
- [Retention Offers for Bank of America Alaska Airlines and US Bank Club Carlson Business Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/04/retention-offers-for-bank-of-america-alaska-airlines-and-us-bank-club-carlson-business-credit-cards/) - I have 2 data points to share regarding retention offers on my Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card and US Bank Club Carlson Business Credit Card.
- [Travel Hacker Meetup @ Mountain View In-N-Out (Saturday September 17 from 12-2pm)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/11/travel-hacker-meetup-mountain-view-in-n-out-saturday-september-17-from-12-2pm/) - Where: In-N-Out Burger, 53 West El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040 (Google Maps) When: Saturday September 17 @ 12-2pm
- [Final Month Review: Calculate Progress Toward Chase Freedom Q3 Restaurant Spend](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/10/final-month-review-calculate-progress-toward-chase-freedom-q3-restaurant-spend/) - Over the last few weeks, I made a few large restaurant purchases, so I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to far above the $1,500 bonus spend limit.
- [Want to go on a Roadtrip? TransferCar has Several 1 Way Car & RV Rentals Available](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/03/want-to-go-on-a-roadtrip-transfercar-has-several-1-way-car-rv-rentals-available/) - We used a service called TransferCar (based in Australia / New Zealand) that coordinates 1 way car and RV rentals.
- [Why is Chase QuickPay Not Working & Upcoming Changes to Citi ATMs at 7-Eleven Stores](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/03/why-is-chase-quickpay-not-working-upcoming-changes-to-citi-atms-at-7-eleven-stores/) - Even though the change went into affect 2 weeks ago, most people are now noticing the change when they try to send or receive a monthly payment via Chase QuickPay.
- [Redeem Virgin Atlantic Miles for Virgin America Award Flights (Complete Route Network from SFO)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/28/redeem-virgin-atlantic-miles-for-virgin-america-award-flights-complete-route-network-from-sfo/) - In this post, I researched all Virgin America routes to/from San Francisco (SFO) using the SFO Wiki Page, Great Circle Mapper, and calling Virgin Atlantic.
- [Bank of America BankAmeriDeals: Sun Country Airlines, Hilton Hotels & Airbnb](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/24/bank-of-america-bankamerideals-sun-country-airlines-hilton-hotels-airbnb/) - Sun Country Airlines BankAmeriDeal: earn 10% cash back, up to $30 cash back. Hilton BankAmeriDeal: earn 10% cash back on select reservations of $150 or more, with a max of $50 cash back.
- [30,000 Club Carlson Points Giveaway & 10% Off Members Only Rate Exclusive (MORE) #ClubCarlson](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/23/30000-club-carlson-points-giveaway-10-off-members-only-rate-exclusive-more-clubcarlson/) - Good morning everyone, happy TGI Friday! Today's post is sponsored by Club Carlson and I am going to introduce you to the MORE program: Members Only Rate Exclusive.
- [Receive 5,000 Virgin America Elevate Miles for Creating a New Account Before 9/24 (Targeted Offer)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/14/receive-5000-virgin-america-elevate-miles-for-creating-a-new-account-before-9-24-targeted-offer/) - I received a targeted offer from Virgin America in the form of a postcard that offers me 5,000 Virgin America Elevate miles for creating a new Virgin America account.
- [Visa Infinite Cardmembers: Dedicated VIP Airport Security Lane in Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR) & Ottawa (YOW)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/13/visa-infinite-cardmembers-dedicated-vip-airport-security-lane-in-montreal-yul-vancouver-yvr-ottawa-yow/) - If you are traveling through Montreal, Vancouver, or Ottawa airport, remember to check out the Visa Infinite Cardholders dedicated VIP security fast track lane.
- [Reminder: OC Travel Hackers Meetup on Sunday September 25 from 2-4pm @ Tustin District In-N-Out](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/24/reminder-oc-travel-hackers-meetup-on-sunday-september-25-from-2-4pm-tustin-district-in-n-out/) - I will be in Orange County this weekend and I wanted to organize an OC Travel Hackers Meetup on Sunday afternoon at the Tustin District In-N-Out.
- [OC Travel Hackers Meetup on Sunday September 25 from 2-4pm @ Tustin District In-N-Out](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/20/oc-travel-hackers-meetup-on-sunday-september-25-from-2-4pm-tustin-district-in-n-out/) - I will be in Orange County this weekend and I wanted to organize an OC Travel Hackers Meetup on Sunday afternoon at the Tustin District In-N-Out.
- [Reminder: Travel Hacker Meetup @ Mountain View In-N-Out (Saturday September 17 from 12-2pm)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/09/16/reminder-travel-hacker-meetup-mountain-view-in-n-out-saturday-september-17-from-12-2pm/) - Where: In-N-Out Burger, 53 West El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040 (Google Maps) When: Saturday September 17 @ 12-2pm
- [US Bank Cash Plus: Determine Cash Back at Restaurants (2%) & Fast Food (5%)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/10/12/us-bank-cash-plus-determine-cash-back-at-restaurants-2-fast-food-5/) - On my recent credit card statement, I saw 3 different line items for "Rewards Dollars Earned" (aka cash back), but I wanted to get a little more information.
- [Alaska Airlines 20 Minute Baggage Guarantee = 2,500 Miles for Slight Delay](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/10/19/alaska-airlines-20-minute-baggage-guarantee-2500-miles-for-slight-delay/) - If your checked bag is not available on the baggage claim carousel within 20 minutes of landing, you can get a $25 Alaska Airlines discount code or 2,500 Alaska Airlines miles.
- [US Bank FlexPerks Go Mobile App Review: Geolocation, Travel Alerts & Virtual Wallet Features](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/10/05/us-bank-flexperks-go-mobile-app-review-geolocation-travel-alerts-virtual-wallet-features/) - According to the email, "Geolocation Service verifies your mobile phone is in close proximity to your credit card, reducing the risk of card declines while traveling."
- [Fake News Friday: American Express Introduces Centurion Lounge Elite Program](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/04/fake-news-friday-american-express-introduces-centurion-lounge-elite-program/) - American Express will introduce "The Centurion Lounge Elite Program from American Express." This is the only elite program that guarantees access.
- [Guest Post: 8 of the Best Road Trips in America](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/10/26/guest-post-8-of-the-best-road-trips-in-america/) - Here are some of his favorite road trips in the United States, and I added my favorite road trip from my recent trip to Maui. Enjoy the blog post and leave any comments below.
- [Targeted US Bank Club Carlson Personal & Business Credit Card Offers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/02/us-bank-club-carlson-personal-business-credit-card-targeted-offers-111-1231/) - I can earn up to 2,000 bonus Club Carlson points for spending $2,000 on my US Bank Club Carlson Personal Credit Card at retail stores and restaurants.
- [Amazon Prime Now Restaurants: $10 Off $20 First Order + Free Delivery (Select Cities)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/10/26/amazon-prime-now-restaurants-10-off-20-first-order-free-delivery-select-cities/) - I received a postcard in the mail for a new service called Amazon Restaurants. Free delivery and get $10 off your first order using promo code DINELOCAL10.
- [JetBlue TrueBlue Points Post Almost Instantly for Lyft Airport Rides](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/07/jetblue-trueblue-points-post-almost-instantly-for-lyft-airport-rides/) - Last week, Lyft and JetBlue announced a partnership where you could take Lyft to/from the airport and earn 30 JetBlue TrueBlue points per trip.
- [Use Visa Infinite Credit Card to get $100 off Roundtrip Domestic Flights (Discount Air Benefit)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/18/use-visa-infinite-credit-card-to-get-100-off-roundtrip-domestic-flights-discount-air-benefit/) - In this post, I will show you how to use your JPMorgan Chase Ritz Carlton Visa Infinite Credit Card to get $100 off round trip domestic flights.
- [Travel with Tonei: 15% Off Almost Everything at Target for 2 Days](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/27/travel-with-tonei-15-off-almost-everything-at-target-for-2-days/) - Today and tomorrow, Target is offering 15% off of just about everything they sell online and in store.
- [My First PayPal Payment Received from BART Perks ($17 from October)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/22/my-first-paypal-payment-received-from-bart-perks-17-from-october/) - Last night, I got an email from PayPal that said BART Perks sent me $17 for my October winnings. If you won any money in October, you should receive a PayPal payment.
- [How to Easily Cancel your Google Express Free Trial or Membership](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/18/how-to-easily-cancel-your-google-express-free-trial-or-membership/) - In this post, I will show you how to cancel your Google Express membership online in a few simple steps. Go to your account and click the End Membership link.
- [How to Find Hidden Hyatt Free Night Certificates from Credit Card Anniversary & Sign Up Bonus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/14/how-to-find-hidden-hyatt-free-night-certificates-from-credit-card-anniversary-sign-up-bonus/) - Click "Modify / Cancel" under the Reservations header. Here is your Account Activity section with reservation details, past activity, and free night certificates.
- [Ebates Launches Green Monday with Double Cash Back at 500+ Stores](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/11/ebates-launches-green-monday-with-double-cash-back-at-500-stores/) - Ebates is running their Green Monday promo and offering double cash back at 500+ stores through 11:59pm PT on 12/12.
- [New Writer Q&A with Whitney](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/14/new-writer-qa-with-whitney/) - I met Whitney a few years ago at an FTU (Frequent Traveler University - travel conference) and we have stayed in touch ever since. She lives in Charlotte, NC.
- [SF Travel Hackers December Meetup (12/14 7pm); Plug and Play Travel EXPO (12/15 in Sunnyvalle)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/08/sf-travel-hackers-december-meetup-1214-7pm-plug-and-play-travel-expo-1215-in-sunnyvalle/) - When: Wednesday, December 14 @ 7-9pm Where: WeWork Mid-Market, 995 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 (Google Map)
- [Should I Convert my Chase Freedom to a Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/06/should-i-convert-my-chase-freedom-to-a-chase-sapphire-reserve-credit-card/) - Should I convert my Chase Freedom Credit Card to a Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card?
- [A "Quick" Blog Update: New Writers = More Content](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/11/30/a-quick-blog-update-new-writers-more-content/) - Luckily, things are starting to calm down now, so I hope to get back to my usual writing routine soon. I am in the process of making changes to my blog and I wanted to keep everyone up to date.
- [Reminder: SF Travel Hackers Meetup Tonight (7pm on 12/14)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/14/reminder-sf-travel-hackers-meetup-tonight-7pm-on-1214/) - Reminder, the SF Travel Hackers Meetup Group has their December meetup tonight at WeWork Mid-Market, 995 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
- [AMEX Offer: $50 Off $200 at HotelStorm.com - will it stack with cash back?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/15/amex-offer-50-off-200-at-hotelstorm-com-whitney/) - Make a single purchase of $200 or more online at hotelstorm.com/amex you'll get a $50 statement credit. That's up to 25% off! This offer expires 3/12/2017.
- [Today is National Free Shipping Day (Friday December 16)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/15/today-is-national-free-shipping-day-friday-december-16/) - Today is National Free Shipping Day and hundreds of merchants will be offering free shipping (usually with no minimum purchase amount) today only.
- [Ebates Launches Last Minute Monday with Double Cash Back at 500+ Stores](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/18/ebates-launches-last-minute-monday-with-double-cash-back-at-500-stores/) - I just received an email from Ebates regarding their latest promo - Last Minute Monday. There are 500+ stores offering double cash back through 11:59pm PT on 12/19.
- [Iceland & What I Wish I Had Known Before Going - Part 1](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/16/iceland-what-i-wish-i-had-known-before-going-part-1-whitney/) - Despite that, I'd say that I probably should have done a bit more research because I have a list of Things I Wish I Had Known before going to Iceland. I'd like to share that list with you in hopes that your trip goes a tad smoother than mine did.
- [A Travel Hacker Wish List for Santa (Reader Ideas Needed)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/18/a-travel-hacker-wish-list-for-santa-reader-ideas-needed/) - If Santa had the power to make travel hacker lives better, what would you wish for? Here are Grant's and Whitney's wish list items.
- [Trip Report: Holiday Inn Gare de l'Est, Paris](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/25/trip-report-holiday-inn-gare-de-lest-paris-tonei/) - A report of our experience with a three night stay at this hotel in Paris' 10th Arrondissement, near the Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est train stations.
- [Calculate Discover It & Chase Freedom Q4 5% Cash Back Category Spending](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/20/calculate-discover-it-chase-freedom-q4-5-cash-back-category-spending/) - We only have 11 days left in 2016, so what better time than now to calculate how our Q4 spending is going on the Discover It and Chase Freedom.
- [Iceland & What I Wish I Had Known Before Going - Part 2](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/20/iceland-what-i-wish-i-had-known-before-going-part-2-whitney/) - Despite that, I'd say that I probably should have done a bit more research because I have a list of Things I Wish I Had Known before going to Iceland. I'd like to share that list with you in hopes that your trip goes a tad smoother than mine did.
- [Alaska Airlines Breaking Up with Delta, but Improving Mileage Plan](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/19/alaska-airlines-breaking-up-with-delta-but-improving-mileage-plan-tonei/) - "Enhancements" is often a code word for devaluation, but for the most part these seem like good things – with one glaring exception.
- [Guest Post: 600 Euro Compensation for Delayed Flight in the European Union (EC261/2004)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/07/guest-post-600-euro-compensation-for-delayed-flight-in-the-european-union-ec261-2004/) - The next time you are flying an airline to/from the European Union and your flight is delayed six hours or longer, simply request your 600 Euros.
- [Is US Bank Eliminating Credit Card Retention Offers?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/03/is-us-bank-eliminating-credit-card-retention-offers-whitney/) - I recently had 2 disappointing attempts at retention offers with US Bank so I wanted to share them with you and see if anyone has had any recent similar (or hopefully better) experiences.
- [Tonei's 2016 Year in Review: A Record-Breaking Year of Travel and Reselling](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/02/toneis-2016-year-in-review-a-record-breaking-year-of-travel-and-reselling-tonei/) - I blew past my previous record for miles flown, went all in on gift card reselling, moved to Mexico, and picked up some credit cards and bank signup bonuses
- [A Look Back at my 2016 Predictions (Airlines, Hotels, Credit Cards & MS)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2016/12/31/a-look-back-at-my-2016-predictions-airlines-hotels-credit-cards-ms/) - This is a very long post and almost all of my predictions were wrong, but if you want a good laugh, read through the post to see how wrong my 2016 predictions were.
- [60,000 LifeMiles Posted After My First Avianca Vuela Credit Card Purchase](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/09/60000-lifemiles-posted-after-my-first-avianca-vuela-credit-card-purchase/) - You need your LifeMiles account number. Call to get your number then create an account on LifeMiles.com. Reset password to view account balance and transactions.
- [Quick Tip: Access Bank of America Museums on Us by Logging into your BofA App (YMMV)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/11/quick-tip-access-bank-of-america-museums-on-us-by-logging-into-your-bofa-app-ymmv/) - Surprisingly, she said that if I logged into the Bank of America app and showed them my name at the top of the app, that would grant me access to the museum for free.
- [Starbucks Rewards Gold Members: Reload $10+ with Chase Pay & Get 250 Bonus Stars](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/08/starbucks-rewards-gold-members-reload-10-wchase-pay-get-250-bonus-stars-tactical/) - Good evening everybody, or morning if you are reading this tomorrow. I was going through my Starbucks app Inbox and found the following promotion for Chase Quick Pay members, or soon to be Chase Quick Pay members.
- [Shelli’s World Coffee Tour - First Stop, San Diego](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/11/shellis-world-coffee-tour-first-stop-san-diego-shelli/) - Even though San Diego is called America’s Finest City, when it comes to the coffee scene, up until fairly recently, it was anything BUT the finest city.
- [Nationwide Visa Buxx Card Program Shutting Down February 28 (Last Day to Load is January 31)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/11/nationwide-visa-buxx-card-program-shutting-down-february-28-last-day-to-load-is-january-31/) - Today it was announced that the Nationwide Visa Buxx Card program is shutting down on February 28, 2017 (according to the announcement on their homepage).
- [Using American Airlines Gift Cards for a Last Minute Trip to Attend a Memorial Service](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/09/using-american-airlines-gift-cards-for-a-last-minute-trip-to-attend-a-memorial-service-shelli/) - There was a death in my family and I wanted to get to Florida for the memorial service.
- [My First Time to Topgolf: Family-Friendly Driving Range with a Sports Bar](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/28/my-first-time-to-topgolf-family-friendly-driving-range-with-a-sports-bar/) - I would describe Topgolf as a Dave & Busters mixed with a driving range and maybe a Buffalo Wild Wings. I would definitely recommend visiting Topgolf.
- [My Delicious Experience using EatWith.com in Barcelona](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/30/my-delicious-experience-using-eatwith-com-in-barcelona-whitney/) - Earlier this month I wrote a post asking for your suggestions for my solo trip to Barcelona. I got some great suggestions (thanks again!) and I will be following up with a full trip report soon....stay tuned :) One of the things I mentioned wanting to try was EatWith.com and since I haven't heard much about it from other people I wanted to share my experience with you.
- [Tahoe Winter Weekend: Snowboarding @ Mt. Rose, Hampton Inn Truckee, Snowshoeing & Snowmobiling](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/02/02/tahoe-winter-weekend-snowboarding-mt-rose-hampton-inn-truckee-snowshoeing-snowmobiling/) - Our weekend road trip consisted of snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, staying at the Hampton Inn Suites Tahoe-Truckee, and snowboarding at Mt. Rose.
- [11 Ways to Find Adventure, Have Fun & Stay Healthy While Traveling](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/01/31/11-ways-to-find-adventure-have-fun-stay-healthy-while-traveling-shelli/) - I also talk with many people about how they combine their travels with adventures in fun and fitness. And we all had great ideas.
- [Poll Question: Do you Prefer Chatty or Silent Pilots?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/02/01/poll-question-do-you-prefer-chatty-or-silent-pilots-shelli/) - I flew Alaska Airlines from Seattle to San Diego. The flight time is about 2.5 to 3 hours, and during the whole flight the pilot said NOTHING. Not one word!
- [Aloft Bogota Colombia Airport Hotel Review (SPG Category 1 + Free Airport Shuttle)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/02/08/aloft-bogota-colombia-airport-hotel-review-spg-category-1-free-airport-shuttle/) - SPG category 1 hotel (3,000 SPG points on weekdays and 2,000 SPG points on weekends). Only 9-10 minute drive from the Bogota, Colombia international airport.
- [Immigration & Travel Survival Guide for US Citizens, Green Card Holders, Visa Holders & Foreign Travelers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/02/10/immigration-travel-survival-guide-for-us-citizens-green-card-holders-visa-holders-foreign-travelers-tonei/) - It's been a rough couple of weeks in the US, especially for foreign visitors and residents. Here's a few thoughts on immigration and how to protect yourself.
- [Around the World in 14 Days (Business Class Mistake Fares, Airbnbs & a Cooking Class)](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/2017/02/09/around-the-world-in-14-days-business-class-mistake-fares-airbnbs-a-cooking-class-tonei/) - Buenas dias everyone! I’m a bit late on this, but I wanted to let you know that we started a round-the-world trip earlier this week and will be sharing some updates along the way. After spending the weekend with some friends in Austin, we took off for Madrid in business class on an American 787-9 – booked with Citi Thank You Points and upgraded with AA System Wide Upgrades. (Four other friends were on our same flight, but we left them behind in Premium Economy…and then they left us behind at the Madrid airport!) We immediately hopped on a train to Valencia to visit a friend of my partner’s, crashing at an Airbnb for two nights, and are now on our way to spend two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Barcelona City 22@. Two other members of the group got to Barcelona yesterday, so tomorrow we're doing the same EatWith cooking class that Whitney wrote about last week. On Friday, we’ll be taking a short flight to Algeria on Air Algerie, then hopping on a Qatar business class mistake fare to Hong Kong via Doha. (Two other friends will be on the ALG-DOH flight, and we’ll meet up with the other four in Doha and fly the rest of the way together).

## Pages

- [Apply for a New Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/credit-cards/) - If you are looking for a new credit card, you found the right place. Click any of the below credit card links to learn more and apply for a credit card.
- [Need More Miles & Points?](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/buy-miles-points/) - If you are short a few hundred, or a few thousand, miles or points, you can buy them by clicking on the links below. If you are lucky, you can get bonus miles or points, or a discount on the total cost.
- [Privacy Policy](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/privacy/) - This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their ‘Personally Identifiable Information’ (PII) is being used online.
- [Cancel and Rebook - FTU Signature Orange County - November 2022](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/cancel/) - Thank you for attending my Cancel & Rebook presentation at FTU Signature Orange County. Here are the download links for the presentation: PowerPoint on Google Drive PDF on Google Drive If you have any questions about the presentation, please leave a comment below. Have a great day everyone!
- [Credit Cards 201 - FTU Virtual Seminar - April 2023](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/cc201/) - Thank you for attending my Credit Cards 201: Before, During, and After Application Tips presentation at FTU Virtual Seminar. Here are the download links for the presentation: PowerPoint on Google Drive PDF on Google Drive If you have any questions about credit cards, please check out my other credit card posts or leave a comment below.
- [Travel Gear](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/travel-gear/) - Here are some of my favorite travel products, electronics, and services that I use to make traveling easier. Check them out and see if they will work for you on your next adventure. Electronic Gear [table id=TG1 /] Basic Gear [table id=TG2 /] Travel Clothing [table id=TG3 /] If you have any questions about any
- [Links to About / Contact / Podcasts & Interviews](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/links/) - Hello, please click on the links below to go to the page you want to read. Thank you.
- [Old About Grant Page](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/old-about-grant-page/) - Learn about Grant from Travel with Grant. Based in Irvine, CA, Grant helps you transform your frequent flyer miles into free trips around the world.
- [Contact Grant](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/contact-grant/) - If you have any questions, please contact me directly by filling out this form. Thank you.
- [Best Credit Card Offers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/credit-cards/best-credit-card-offers/) - Click here to view the best credit card offers. Travel with Grant has financial relationships with some of the cards mentioned here, and Travel with Grant may be compensated if consumers choose to apply for these links in our content and ultimately sign up for them. See full Privacy Policy.
- [About Grant](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/about-grant/) - Hi everyone, thank you for checking out my new and improved About Me page. Click here to view my original About Me page. My name is Grant Thomas and I started Travel with Grant in May 2013. After being an independent blogger for a few years, I joined Prior2Boarding. The following year, I was promoted
- [Check out my Travel Podcasts & Interviews](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/podcasts-interviews/) - Over the years, I have been interviewed by different online travel sites and appeared as a guest / co-host on a few travel-related podcasts. Enjoy :)
- [Vacasa Vacation Rentals - Chicago Seminars - October 2023](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/vacasa/) - Thank you for attending my Vacasa Vacation Rentals presentation at Chicago Seminars. Here are the download links for the presentation: PowerPoint on Google Drive PDF on Google Drive If you have any questions about Vacasa, please click here to read my other Vacasa posts or leave a comment below. Have a great day everyone!
- [Apply for a Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/credit-cards/apply-for-a-credit-card/)
- [Global Footer Disclaimer](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/global-footer-disclaimer/) - Advertiser Disclosure: Travel with Grant is an independent, advertising-supported web site. Travel with Grant has financial relationships with many of the cards mentioned here

## Categories

- [Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/category/credit-cards/)
- [Airlines + Miles](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/category/airlines-and-miles/)
- [Hotels + Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/category/hotels-and-points/)
- [Promotions + Deals](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/category/deals/)
- [Trip Reports](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/category/trip-reports/)

## Tags

- [Office Depot and OfficeMax](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/office-depot-officemax/)
- [Staples](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/staples/)
- [Gift Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/gift-cards/)
- [PayPal](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/paypal/)
- [Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/credit-cards/)
- [American Express](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/american-express/)
- [American Express Membership Rewards Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/american-express-membership-rewards-points/)
- [Cash Back](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/cash-back/)
- [US Airways](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/us-airways/)
- [Award Travel](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/award-travel/)
- [Travel](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/travel/)
- [Travel Credit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/travel-credit-cards/)
- [Free Stuff](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/free-stuff/)
- [United Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/united-airlines/)
- [British Airways](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/british-airways/)
- [Chase Bank](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/chase-bank/)
- [Chase Ultimate Rewards Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/chase-ultimate-rewards-points/)
- [Hyatt Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hyatt-hotels/)
- [Marriott Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/marriott-hotels/)
- [Hawaiian Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hawaiian-airlines/)
- [Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hotels/)
- [Promotions](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/promotions/)
- [Delta Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/delta-airlines/)
- [American Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/american-airlines/)
- [Southwest Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/southwest-airlines/)
- [Gift Card Granny](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/gift-card-granny/)
- [AwardWallet](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/awardwallet/)
- [Citi Bank](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/citi-bank/)
- [Chase Ink Business](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/chase-ink-business/)
- [American Express Bluebird Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/american-express-bluebird-card/)
- [eBay](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/ebay/)
- [Alaska Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/alaska-airlines/)
- [Hilton Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hilton-hotels/)
- [Amazon](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/amazon/)
- [Debit Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/debit-cards/)
- [Radisson Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/radisson-rewards/)
- [Plink](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/plink/)
- [US Bank](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/us-bank/)
- [Barclays Bank](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/barclays-bank/)
- [Bank of America](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/bank-of-america/)
- [IHG Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/ihg-hotels/)
- [Priority Pass](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/priority-pass/)
- [Virgin Atlantic](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/virgin-atlantic/)
- [Vanilla Reload Cards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/vanilla-reload-cards/)
- [Capital One](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/capital-one/)
- [Shopkick](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/shopkick/)
- [Discover It Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/discover-it-credit-card/)
- [US Bank FlexPerks](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/us-bank-flexperks/)
- [American Express Serve Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/american-express-serve-card/)
- [Checking Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/checking-account/)
- [Lufthansa](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/lufthansa/)
- [US Bank FlexPoints](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/us-bank-flexpoints/)
- [Airbnb](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/airbnb/)
- [Chime Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/chime-card/)
- [Evolve Money](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/evolve-money/)
- [Virgin America Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/virgin-america-airlines/)
- [AT&T](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/att/)
- [Amtrak](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/amtrak/)
- [Uber](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/uber/)
- [Wells Fargo Bank](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/wells-fargo-bank/)
- [Trip Report](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/trip-report/)
- [Choice Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/choice-hotels/)
- [Walgreens](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/walgreens/)
- [JetBlue](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/jetblue/)
- [Target Redbird](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/target-redbird/)
- [Starbucks](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/starbucks/)
- [Ritz Carlton](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/ritz-carlton/)
- [American Express Centurion Lounges](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/american-express-centurion-lounges/)
- [Cathay Pacific](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/cathay-pacific/)
- [Aer Lingus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/aer-lingus/)
- [Best Western](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/best-western/)
- [Savings Account](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/savings-account/)
- [Target](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/target/)
- [TransferCar](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/transfercar/)
- [Ebates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/ebates/)
- [Singapore Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/singapore-airlines/)
- [Spirit Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/spirit-airlines/)
- [Citi ThankYou Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/citi-thankyou-points/)
- [Frequent Flyer Miles](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/frequent-flyer-miles/)
- [Hotel Loyalty Points](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hotel-loyalty-points/)
- [Lyft](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/lyft/)
- [Westin](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/westin/)
- [Comenity](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/comenity/)
- [Global Entry](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/global-entry/)
- [TSA PreCheck](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/tsa-precheck/)
- [Iceland](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/iceland/)
- [Aeromexico](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/aeromexico/)
- [Paris](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/paris/)
- [London](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/london/)
- [Spain](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/spain/)
- [Madrid](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/madrid/)
- [Mexico City](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/mexico-city/)
- [San Francisco](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/san-francisco/)
- [San Diego](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/san-diego/)
- [USPS](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/usps/)
- [Etihad](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/etihad/)
- [Air Canada](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/air-canada/)
- [Italy](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/italy/)
- [AutoSlash](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/autoslash/)
- [Boston](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/boston/)
- [Hawaii](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hawaii/)
- [Vancouver](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/vancouver/)
- [Portugal](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/portugal/)
- [Plastiq](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/plastiq/)
- [Wyndham Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/wyndham-rewards/)
- [Sinemia](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/sinemia/)
- [MoviePass](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/moviepass/)
- [City National Bank](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/city-national-bank/)
- [Trim](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/trim/)
- [Avianca LifeMiles](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/avianca-lifemiles/)
- [Rakuten](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/rakuten/)
- [UPS](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/ups/)
- [Timeshare Vacation Packages](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/timeshare-vacation-packages/)
- [Chase Sapphire Reserve](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/chase-sapphire-reserve/)
- [Grubhub](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/grubhub/)
- [DoorDash](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/doordash/)
- [Venmo](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/venmo/)
- [PFS Buyers Club](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/pfs-buyers-club/)
- [US Mint](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/us-mint/)
- [ExpressVPN](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/expressvpn/)
- [Walmart](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/walmart/)
- [Cash App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/cash-app/)
- [Bank Accounts](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/bank-accounts/)
- [Marcus](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/marcus/)
- [Podcast](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/podcast/)
- [Caesars Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/caesars-rewards/)
- [Rental Car](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/rental-car/)
- [Air France / KLM](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/air-france-klm/)
- [Frontier Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/frontier-airlines/)
- [CLEAR](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/clear/)
- [Lowe's](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/lowes/)
- [Chase Offers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/chase-offers/)
- [Vacasa Vacation Rentals](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/vacasa-vacation-rentals/)
- [Hertz Rental Car](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hertz-rental-car/)
- [Alamo Rental Car](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/alamo-rental-car/)
- [Home Depot](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/home-depot/)
- [Radisson Hotels Americas](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/radisson-hotels-americas/)
- [Bilt Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/bilt-rewards/)
- [Emirates](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/emirates/)
- [Zelle](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/zelle/)
- [Mexico](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/mexico/)
- [Drop App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/drop-app/)
- [Verizon](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/verizon/)
- [PNC Bank](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/pnc-bank/)
- [Costco](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/costco/)
- [Bakkt App](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/bakkt-app/)
- [Capital One Lounges](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/capital-one-lounges/)
- [Peloton](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/peloton/)
- [InKind](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/inkind/)
- [Carnival Cruise Line](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/carnival-cruise-line/)
- [Holland America](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/holland-america/)
- [Condor Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/condor-airlines/)
- [Point.me](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/point-me/)
- [Viator](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/viator/)
- [Dell](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/dell/)
- [Accor Hotels](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/accor-hotels/)
- [National Car Rental](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/national-car-rental/)
- [FedEx](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/fedex/)
- [Leading Hotels of the World](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/leading-hotels-of-the-world/)
- [ChatGPT](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/chatgpt/)
- [WeBull](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/webull/)
- [Fidelity](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/fidelity/)
- [SoFi](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/sofi/)
- [USAA](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/usaa/)
- [Microsoft](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/microsoft/)
- [MaxRewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/maxrewards/)
- [Coinstar](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/coinstar/)
- [Resy Restaurant](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/resy-restaurant/)
- [Bilt Credit Card](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/bilt-credit-card/)
- [Hertz](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hertz/)
- [Korean Air](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/korean-air/)
- [Finnair](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/finnair/)
- [Qatar Airways](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/qatar-airways/)
- [Cardless](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/cardless/)
- [TAP Air Portugal](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/tap-air-portugal/)
- [LATAM Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/latam-airlines/)
- [Citi Merchant Offers](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/citi-merchant-offers/)
- [MGM Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/mgm-rewards/)
- [Sonesta](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/sonesta/)
- [Scandinavian Airlines](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/scandinavian-airlines/)
- [Expedia](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/expedia/)
- [Hotels.com](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/hotels-com/)
- [VRBO](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/vrbo/)
- [Kenya Airways](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/kenya-airways/)
- [SAS](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/sas/)
- [Air Europa](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/air-europa/)
- [Barcelona](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/barcelona/)
- [Newegg](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/newegg/)
- [Dunkin](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/dunkin/)
- [Allstate](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/allstate/)
- [Google Flights](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/google-flights/)
- [Points Path](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/points-path/)
- [DashPass](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/dashpass/)
- [Gift of College](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/gift-of-college/)
- [ScholarShare 529](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/scholarshare-529/)
- [CalKIDS](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/calkids/)
- [Atmos Rewards](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/atmos-rewards/)
- [Best Buy](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/best-buy/)
- [Wells Fargo](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/wells-fargo/)
- [Instacart](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/instacart/)
- [Passport](https://travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com/tag/passport/)