Tag Archives: Free Stuff

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Upcoming In-Person FTU Events: Los Angeles (March 12-13), New York City (March 19-20) & 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 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).

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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.

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3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Southwest (75%), JetBlue (60%) & Alaska (60%)

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.

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$25 Walmart eGC Retention Offer for Cancelling my Sam’s 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.

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3 Buy Miles / Points Promos Ending Soon: Choice Hotels (25%), American Airlines (35%) & Hilton (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, 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.

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