How to Live for Free – Part 1

How to Live for Free – Part 1

There aren’t many things in life that are free, but when they are, it’s worth taking advantage of them. Here are the first items in a series on How to Live for Free.

The Dunkin/Paze promo

Through September 10, there is a promo where you can get 10 $10 Dunkin gift cards per eligible credit card you have when you purchase them through Paze. Paze is a new digital wallet similar to Google Pay.

Rules on this seem to change daily, but as of right now, you can purchase three $10 gift cards per day. First, you need to activate Paze on www.Paze.com. Then, add credit cards from your participating banks. There are many. I would Google how to add cards from a particular bank to Paze. Different banks seem to have different processes. Chase, for example, automatically added all my eligible Chase credit cards to Paze once I completed the linking process. I have many Chase cards, and can get $100 of free Dunkin gift cards PER CHASE CARD. In fact, you can get $100 per credit card across all banks. So, if you have 10 credit cards, you could get $1,000 of totally free Dunkin gift cards.

If Dunkin isn’t your thing, Paze can also be used at several vendors including StubHub. However, you will be limited to $10 off each purchase, as you can’t purchase gift cards at other vendors using Paze.

Streaming

There are many ways to get free streaming services via credit card benefits. For example, the AMEX Platinum card comes with a $25-a-month credit toward the following streaming services: Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and YouTube (including YouTube TV). You must enroll to receive the benefit. Some of these are less than $25 a month, so they can be obtained for free. You can even get more than one if the total comes to under $25 a month.

With certain Verizon Wireless Plans, you can get Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu for free.

Walmart-plus

The AMEX Platinum card will also give you a monthly credit for Walmart Plus, which also includes a free subscription to Paramount+ or Peacock.

Global Entry

Several premium credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the AMEX Business Platinum, give you credits for your fees for Global Entry memberships.

CLEAR+

Several premium credit cards, including the AMEX Business Platinum, give you credits toward CLEAR+ membership fees.

Hyatt awards

If you want to stay at a Hyatt property completely free, you can by booking an award stay using your World of Hyatt points. You will not pay a resort fee on your award stays. Other hotel brands do charge resort fees on award stays.

Free stays, breakfasts, and resort credits

Of course, traveling for free is the most fun part of this hobby. If you have an AMEX Business Platinum Card or an AMEX Platinum card, you get a $300 credit towards Fine Hotels and Resorts properties for one-night stays or The Hotel Collection for two-night stays when booking prepaid stays through the AMEX Travel Portal. These also include a free breakfast for two and resort credits that may cover spa services, food, drinks, or other items. The credit amounts vary but usually average in the $100 to $175 range.

Recently, I stayed at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which is a Fine Hotel and Resort. The total prepaid amount for the room was $237.30. I paid for it with the AMEX Platinum card. The full amount was credited back, and I still had $63.70 remaining of the $300 credit to use on another stay. Additionally, I received an $80 credit for breakfast and a $100 credit towards food and beverage. I also had the $62.36 resort fee waived due to my MGM Casino status.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives two $250 credits towards The Edit Hotel two-night stays if booked on the Chase Travel portal. I recently stayed at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, Canada. The price for the two-night stay was $2300.25. I prepaid $250 to my Sapphire Reserve Card and paid the rest using Chase Ultimate Rewards. There was a points boost in effect, allowing redemption of 100 points per $2 of travel. So, for the balance of $2,050.25, I paid 102,512 Ultimate Rewards points. This also included a $100 property credit, good for spa, food, and beverage (converted to $139 Canadian), as well as breakfast for two for $60 (converted to $83 Canadian). As I stayed 4 nights, I booked two back-to-back two-night reservations, used my second $250 Edit credit, and paid the rest in points. The entire stay cost me $0, and I also received free breakfast and resort credit.

Living for Free

With some knowledge of various benefits and promotions, it is not difficult to begin living for free. What is the best ‘freebie’ you have received?

Miles Man helps travelers:

• maximize credit card benefits,
• strategically earn miles and points,
• book award and non-award travel,
• identify the best cards for their goals,
• avoid leaving valuable credits unused

In addition to award travel services, Miles Man also operates as a certified IATAN travel agency, helping clients book paid travel.

Whether you need help choosing the right credit cards, understanding premium card benefits, or booking trips using points and miles, reach out to Miles Man for personalized assistance and a free 15-minute consultation.