Airline and hotel status definitely makes travel so much more enjoyable. 😍 On our recent trip to Thailand, Rob was really happy to be able to enter the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge because of his status on American that carried over to Japan Airlines because of an alliance between the two airlines. 🥂 It […]
Category: Other Useful Programs
A Tip For All Of You Platinum Cardholders Signing Up For TSA PreCheck Or Global Entry For Your Family
As many of you know, your American Express Platinum card has the benefit of receiving one Global Entry ($100) statement credit or one TSA Pre✓ ($85) statement credit every 4 years for an application fee charged to your card. That is great if you need to pay the application fee for yourself, but […]
Be Smart-Enroll With STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) Before Your Next Trip Abroad
I am heading to Singapore in December. Just to be extra safe, I have registered my trip with the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). By registering with STEP, I will receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions. Registering will also make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact me in an emergency. […]
Now Existing Rakuten Members Can Earn American Express Membership Rewards Points Too When They Shop
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, started to allow new members to earn Membership Rewards points in lieu of cash back back in March of this past year. Well now, Rakuten lets all members earn Amex Membership Rewards points instead of cash back. To switch, you need to go into “Account Settings” and select Membership Rewards […]
Mobil Passport
If you don’t have time for the cumbersome Global Entry application process, another alternative is Mobil Passport. With Mobil Passport, you can use a Mobile Passport app to expedite the reentry process into the United States. The app, which is free, is authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for eligible travelers to submit their passport […]
Now Earn American Express Membership Rewards With Ebates
For those of you who haven’t joined Ebates yet maybe this will make it a bit more enticing. Instead of cash back, you can now earn American Express Membership Rewards points on your Ebates purchases. Note, only new members to Ebates can earn Membership Rewards points, if you already have an account, you are locked […]
Rakuten Formerly Known As Ebates-I Was Late To This Party
When I left you, I was but the learner; now I am the master Darth Vader I don’t know why I didn’t act sooner on the advice of my savvy friend, Marlo K., who told me about Ebates a long time ago. I actually joined last year but did nothing with the membership until recently. […]
Free Credit Monitoring Companies That I Use
I use both Credit Karma and Wallet Hub, 2 free services that monitor my credit profile. They update and email me my credit score each month and more importantly, they alert me any time there is a change on my TransUnion credit report. For example, yesterday, I applied for and was approved for my first card […]
Are You Unclear About CLEAR?
CLEAR is a bit unclear (hah) as to how it compares with TSA Pre√ and Global Entry so let me try to make it more clear. (Please stop). First, let’s once again take a quick look at TSA Pre√ and Global Entry before we move to CLEAR… TSA Pre√ is the best option for people that primarily fly within […]
And Now The Kids Will Have Global Entry As Well
Three years ago, my family of 5 had our TSA Pre √ appointment, we received our known traveler numbers and we have happily used the benefit at many airports. Then this summer on our way to Aspen, Rob and I upgraded to Global Entry. I figured I would deal with the kids at a later date […]