I try to use my mileage cards thru Paypal whenever possible.

Today, I was looking at an eBay purchase and the seller only accepts money orders or Paypal payments that are NOT credit cards.

First, I would hate to have to wait the extra time for mailing someone the money order....it's an item I want shipped promptly.

So, I thought...how about this:

I go to the Post Office, use my American Express Delta Skymiles card (double miles at the P.O.). Buy a money order made to myself or my husband in the amount of my eBay purchase. Deposit *MY* money order in *MY* checking account. Then transmit the payment to the eBay seller via Paypal from my checking account funds.

I get double miles and prompt shipping for only the cost of the money order from the P.O.

Is there anything missing with my plan?

Thanks

PS: Maybe I should do this for ALL my eBay purchases and double my miles...

hey lady,
yeah one problem: the post office won't accept CREDIT CARDS for money orders. Only debit cards where you input a PIN. But here's an idea. Not sure how much your purchase is: but here it goes. Others comment on this.. Buy some US stamps in the equivalency of your purchase. They'll accept cc for this. Then come back and get a cash refund for them. I've heard that they give refunds for stamps. Then use that cash towards your money order purchase?? What do you guys think??

There has to be easier ways to earn some miles besides cycling through postage stamps. Isn't your time worth anything?

Knew someone was going to burst my balloon

Thanks tho...

I guess that is a standard practice then...all places (WalMart, drug store, grocery store) don't take credit cards for money orders? Seems reasonable....I guess

it was a grand plan until the PO wanted cash LOL Cheers jane

Does the seller accept Bidpay? They send an actual money order to the person in the mail and you can charge it to your credit card. You have to pay a fee based on transaction amount. The seller is notified the money order is being mailed to them from Bidpay - the seller I have to use this with then ships immediately because he receives the confirmation from Bidpay that the money order is in the mail.

Edited to add they appear to be Western Union and from their website: Auction sellers are not required to be registered with BidPay.com to receive payments,
we will mail you a Western Union� Money OrderSM.

And I know there is a fee so it might make it not worth it but just offering it as an option for when the seller does not take credit cards and you want your item faster.

[This message has been edited by keithnj973 (edited 10-24-2003).]

Thanks. I will L@@K at them.

Credit card companies don't allow money orders to be purchased with credit cards because it is, in effect, a cash advance. The bank would not be able to distinguish your money order purchase from any other POS purchase and you would be charged the regular interest rate for purchases rather than the typically higher rate for advances.

I know, I know, but you're going to pay the balance in full anyway, but they don't know that.

For a good way to get miles (but that takes a time investment), check out this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum...ML/000512.html