Targeted PRG offer.... for my dog?
Aug 15, 2013, 8:44 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 28
Targeted PRG offer.... for my dog?
A couple of days ago I got a flyer in the mail for a 50k signup bonus after 1k spend in 3 months for the Premier Rewards Gold card. Also comes with a 15k bonus after 30k annual spend. Trouble is, it's addressed to my dog...
I'm a little weirded out that AMEX got my dog's info. I did add her as an AU on my Chase United MPE in order to get an extra 5k miles, but I have no idea how she got into AMEX's mailing list.
Anyway, here are my questions:
1. Is this offer all that special to begin with? I like the low minimum spend requirement, the gas/groceries 2x bonus and the 15k threshold bonus, but are there better offers I might pick up later?
2. Assuming I want this deal, is it possible for me to use the RSVP code given that the targeted "person" doesn't actually exist?
3. I also got a 50k offer for the BRG the next day, that was actually targeted to me. Higher min. spend and different category bonuses. Should I get that instead? I'm also considering getting the SPG Business AMEX before the 30k window closes.
I'm a little weirded out that AMEX got my dog's info. I did add her as an AU on my Chase United MPE in order to get an extra 5k miles, but I have no idea how she got into AMEX's mailing list.
Anyway, here are my questions:
1. Is this offer all that special to begin with? I like the low minimum spend requirement, the gas/groceries 2x bonus and the 15k threshold bonus, but are there better offers I might pick up later?
2. Assuming I want this deal, is it possible for me to use the RSVP code given that the targeted "person" doesn't actually exist?
3. I also got a 50k offer for the BRG the next day, that was actually targeted to me. Higher min. spend and different category bonuses. Should I get that instead? I'm also considering getting the SPG Business AMEX before the 30k window closes.
Aug 15, 2013, 8:46 am
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
Aug 15, 2013, 11:14 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 117
Targeted PRG offer.... for my dog?
If your dog is anything like mine (loves to eat), then the 2% on groceries would be perfect. But if she has a habit of going wild with food (like my dog), I'd stay away from the charge card and go with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It has 2% on restaurants and she can carry a balance. 
Aug 15, 2013, 1:21 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 400
That's funny. My 2.5 year old toddler got some local coupons addressed to her recently. My wife and I are really not sure how she got targeted.
One silly question, to make someone an AU, don't you have to put their SSN?
Aug 15, 2013, 2:30 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,727
Nope you don't, however Amex typically does ask for it (at least they did when I added my parents and girlfriend to my Platinum account). The card thus has appeared on their credit reports. However Chase doesn't require SSNs and sometimes the card appears on your report. I'm on my parents account that was opened in the late 80s when I was about only five years old (I was added when I was 18) and it appears on my report but no SSN was provided.
Aug 15, 2013, 3:48 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: 5280/8150
Programs: Flying and sleeping
Posts: 341
Aug 15, 2013, 4:12 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 231
I considered it but did not know how to go about doing it without a ssn. The lack of ssn is also what puzzled me about the pre-approval. How could they pre-approve without pulling a credit report and how could a credit report exist without a ssn/tin?
Aug 15, 2013, 6:48 pm
#12
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,179
Nope you don't, however Amex typically does ask for it (at least they did when I added my parents and girlfriend to my Platinum account). The card thus has appeared on their credit reports. However Chase doesn't require SSNs and sometimes the card appears on your report. I'm on my parents account that was opened in the late 80s when I was about only five years old (I was added when I was 18) and it appears on my report but no SSN was provided.
Aug 16, 2013, 12:24 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PHX
Posts: 623
Yes, it is a good offer. It's not the best offer, but good nonetheless.
Did you check with your dog? She might not want you to have her first class seat 
But seriously, my guess would be "no".
...and can I use the RSVP code?
But seriously, my guess would be "no".
Aug 16, 2013, 9:53 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 400
Yep, it's a good offer. I jumped on it last month since the regular bonus was 25K. I only had the card for 3 weeks when it closed and the 50K was deposited the next day.
I don't think you can use the code... but why not ask, if AMEX wants a customer they'll let you use it.