Last edit by: Hyacinthe
This thread is a continuation of discussion which began HERE in 2011.
Referrals and self-referrals are an important part of churning Canadian-issued American Express cards. It is appropriate to discuss how the referral process works in this thread. However, please do not offer or request referrals here.
Use only this thread, and do read the Wikipost carefully before posting:
Referral Offers (post only in this thread, no referral links, read Wiki post first).
JerryHung: I figure I'll include all CURRENT AMEX Canada offers here (no referral links) for anyone curious about what the bonus and fees are
This is not an all-inclusive list, only the "good" offers, so feel free to add new offers
AMEX Platinum - $699/year, 60K MR (via referral) after $1000 spending in 3 months vs. 50K non-referral
AMEX Gold Rewards - $150/year, FYF, 25K MR after $500 spending + $50 cashback from GCR
AMEX Air Miles Platinum - $65/year, FYF, 2000 Air Miles after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
New as of 2014/10/09
AMEX Business Gold - $250/year, FYF, 30K MR after $5000 spending (or 40K via referral)
AMEX Business Platinum - $399/year, 40K MR after $5000 spending (or 50K via referral)
Referrals and self-referrals are an important part of churning Canadian-issued American Express cards. It is appropriate to discuss how the referral process works in this thread. However, please do not offer or request referrals here.
Use only this thread, and do read the Wikipost carefully before posting:
Referral Offers (post only in this thread, no referral links, read Wiki post first).
JerryHung: I figure I'll include all CURRENT AMEX Canada offers here (no referral links) for anyone curious about what the bonus and fees are
This is not an all-inclusive list, only the "good" offers, so feel free to add new offers
AMEX Platinum - $699/year, 60K MR (via referral) after $1000 spending in 3 months vs. 50K non-referral
AMEX Gold Rewards - $150/year, FYF, 25K MR after $500 spending + $50 cashback from GCR
AMEX Air Miles Platinum - $65/year, FYF, 2000 Air Miles after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
New as of 2014/10/09
AMEX Business Gold - $250/year, FYF, 30K MR after $5000 spending (or 40K via referral)
AMEX Business Platinum - $399/year, 40K MR after $5000 spending (or 50K via referral)
Churning Amex in Canada (2014)
#556
Join Date: May 2007
Location: YYZ, but my heart is in Asia
Programs: AC-SE, CX-DM, DL-G, Hyatt-DM, Hilton-DM, Fairmont-Plt, Marriott-S, Accor-Plt, SPG-G, IHG-Plt
Posts: 4,396
I wonder when FT will enforce their new rule to make the members remove the credit card referral links from their signatures. Almost all posters in this thread has a similar signature.
#557
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,884
Moderator action
I rebuilt the thread to correct a pagination problem. If you subscribe to this thread I believe you will need to re-subscribe. Sorry for the inconvenience.
I expect a high rate of compliance in early May because members will not be able to post in this thread until their Signature is clean:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...new-rules.html
There is a Signature Review Team which will begin to contact stragglers in mid May.
I expect a high rate of compliance in early May because members will not be able to post in this thread until their Signature is clean:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...new-rules.html
There is a Signature Review Team which will begin to contact stragglers in mid May.
Last edited by mia; Apr 16, 2014 at 7:47 am
#558
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Aeroplan Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, Marriott
Posts: 1,839
It worked once for me for applying two Amex cards in the same day, one regular gold and one SPG.
Last edited by Cana2013; Apr 16, 2014 at 10:40 am
#559
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: YVR to SEA
Posts: 2,527
I expect a high rate of compliance in early May because members will not be able to post in this thread until their Signature is clean:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...new-rules.html
There is a Signature Review Team which will begin to contact stragglers in mid May.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...new-rules.html
There is a Signature Review Team which will begin to contact stragglers in mid May.
#560
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YYZ (YUL/LHR)
Programs: AC - E50, CX - G, Accor Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 903
I will be complying. I understand that there is 30 day grace save for the referral thread which reasonably requires immediate compliance.
Received mail promo on my Plat card to use MRs for tripflex at 1.25c for limited time period. This would raise the minimum value for sign up to $750 if it were being offered consistently but it was on a targeted basis.
Received mail promo on my Plat card to use MRs for tripflex at 1.25c for limited time period. This would raise the minimum value for sign up to $750 if it were being offered consistently but it was on a targeted basis.
#561
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Marriott Gold
Posts: 952
So I just recently passed my Amex Plat minimum spend, but I haven't seen the 60K bonus MR post yet... it's only been a few days, should I wait a week or so and then call or call now and ask where my MR points have gone?
#562
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR/YYD/ZRH
Programs: AC, UA, DL, BA, SPG
Posts: 129
If I remember correctly, took 6 weeks for me to get the 60K last year.
#563
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6,384
true, but that's only if you have $$$ to put through on the card.
#564
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,377
Pretty sure they all got the memo. They are all just trying to push their luck to see when's the latest they can take it off
#565
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 198
I finally got the last of my Aeroplan points after about 4 months and 20 calls.
Data point: I got the required spend out of the way immediately and was making purchases as usual. Then, when I didn't get all of my points after a couple of months and had loads of headaches I told them, "I fulfilled my end, and you guys have not fulfilled your end. I won't use this card until you cough up the points as agreed..."
They said..."It's just a problem on our end, we're so sorry, be patient, blah, blah, blah".
So the last time I called for my points the rep said, "Oh, you didn't get your points...because we see that you are not using your card..."
The conversation turned very interesting after that...but I got my points about a week after, so whatever.
Data point: I got the required spend out of the way immediately and was making purchases as usual. Then, when I didn't get all of my points after a couple of months and had loads of headaches I told them, "I fulfilled my end, and you guys have not fulfilled your end. I won't use this card until you cough up the points as agreed..."
They said..."It's just a problem on our end, we're so sorry, be patient, blah, blah, blah".
So the last time I called for my points the rep said, "Oh, you didn't get your points...because we see that you are not using your card..."
The conversation turned very interesting after that...but I got my points about a week after, so whatever.
#566
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, Bonvoy, Alaska, Avios
Posts: 1,290
#567
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,884
Moderator observation
There will be a 30 day grace period for compliance with Flyertalk's new rules. The changes encompass more than just Signatures. These are not typical corporate boilerplate disclaimers, they are the rules which moderators will actively apply. Everyone should read them. It won't take long, only about 3,000 words:
http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php
There is no need to Alert moderators to non-compliant Signatures until mid-May. At that point you may contact the Signature Review Team (link in the rules) or use the Alert button in the lower left corner of any post.
http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php
There is no need to Alert moderators to non-compliant Signatures until mid-May. At that point you may contact the Signature Review Team (link in the rules) or use the Alert button in the lower left corner of any post.
#568
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
Applying and reapplying Amex Cards ...best options for two charge cards at one time
I've seen alot of postings on the Amex Cards in Canada for signup bonuses, and I wanted to ask what the best route would be for applying and reapplying for charge cards, without doing damage (at least significant) to your card, and of course being approved by Amex Canada.
Let's start with two cards - AeroPlat and Amex Personal Gold. Both have fees waived for the first year. In order to maximize your return without taking a beating on your credit limit, and of course to be approved by Amex Canada (which by many postings here indicate that Amex Canada suggests 6 months to apply for the same card again):
b.) Cancel both cards in 6 months from the date of issue, then reapply to get the bonuses in another 6 months (getting the bonuses twice in a calendar year - one at the start, and one at the end of the year).
c.)6 months down the road cancel both cards and reapply for two other charge cards right away (such as AeroGold, Green, etc..). Thereby having signup bonuses 3 times in the calendar year, at the beginning, middle (cancel and reapply to another card), and end (reapply to original card).
d.) Same as c.) but cancel and reapply for the same two cards again (begginning (issue aeroplat, gold), middle (cancel aeroplat,gold - then renew aeroplat, gold), and end (cancel aeroplat, gold then renew aeroplat, gold).
e.) Don't cancel at all but in 6 months change to another charge card (i.e. gold to plat). So beginning of the year issued gold, middle (switch to another card, dont cancel, to get that cards bonuses), then end of the year cancel the card and renew the original card (gold).
I'd like to see what peoples thoughts are on churning and how they do applying/reapplying.
Let's start with two cards - AeroPlat and Amex Personal Gold. Both have fees waived for the first year. In order to maximize your return without taking a beating on your credit limit, and of course to be approved by Amex Canada (which by many postings here indicate that Amex Canada suggests 6 months to apply for the same card again):
b.) Cancel both cards in 6 months from the date of issue, then reapply to get the bonuses in another 6 months (getting the bonuses twice in a calendar year - one at the start, and one at the end of the year).
c.)6 months down the road cancel both cards and reapply for two other charge cards right away (such as AeroGold, Green, etc..). Thereby having signup bonuses 3 times in the calendar year, at the beginning, middle (cancel and reapply to another card), and end (reapply to original card).
d.) Same as c.) but cancel and reapply for the same two cards again (begginning (issue aeroplat, gold), middle (cancel aeroplat,gold - then renew aeroplat, gold), and end (cancel aeroplat, gold then renew aeroplat, gold).
e.) Don't cancel at all but in 6 months change to another charge card (i.e. gold to plat). So beginning of the year issued gold, middle (switch to another card, dont cancel, to get that cards bonuses), then end of the year cancel the card and renew the original card (gold).
I'd like to see what peoples thoughts are on churning and how they do applying/reapplying.
#569
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YYZ (YUL/LHR)
Programs: AC - E50, CX - G, Accor Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 903
I've seen alot of postings on the Amex Cards in Canada for signup bonuses, and I wanted to ask what the best route would be for applying and reapplying for charge cards, without doing damage (at least significant) to your card, and of course being approved by Amex Canada.
Let's start with two cards - AeroPlat and Amex Personal Gold. Both have fees waived for the first year. In order to maximize your return without taking a beating on your credit limit, and of course to be approved by Amex Canada (which by many postings here indicate that Amex Canada suggests 6 months to apply for the same card again):
b.) Cancel both cards in 6 months from the date of issue, then reapply to get the bonuses in another 6 months (getting the bonuses twice in a calendar year - one at the start, and one at the end of the year).
c.)6 months down the road cancel both cards and reapply for two other charge cards right away (such as AeroGold, Green, etc..). Thereby having signup bonuses 3 times in the calendar year, at the beginning, middle (cancel and reapply to another card), and end (reapply to original card).
d.) Same as c.) but cancel and reapply for the same two cards again (begginning (issue aeroplat, gold), middle (cancel aeroplat,gold - then renew aeroplat, gold), and end (cancel aeroplat, gold then renew aeroplat, gold).
e.) Don't cancel at all but in 6 months change to another charge card (i.e. gold to plat). So beginning of the year issued gold, middle (switch to another card, dont cancel, to get that cards bonuses), then end of the year cancel the card and renew the original card (gold).
I'd like to see what peoples thoughts are on churning and how they do applying/reapplying.
Let's start with two cards - AeroPlat and Amex Personal Gold. Both have fees waived for the first year. In order to maximize your return without taking a beating on your credit limit, and of course to be approved by Amex Canada (which by many postings here indicate that Amex Canada suggests 6 months to apply for the same card again):
b.) Cancel both cards in 6 months from the date of issue, then reapply to get the bonuses in another 6 months (getting the bonuses twice in a calendar year - one at the start, and one at the end of the year).
c.)6 months down the road cancel both cards and reapply for two other charge cards right away (such as AeroGold, Green, etc..). Thereby having signup bonuses 3 times in the calendar year, at the beginning, middle (cancel and reapply to another card), and end (reapply to original card).
d.) Same as c.) but cancel and reapply for the same two cards again (begginning (issue aeroplat, gold), middle (cancel aeroplat,gold - then renew aeroplat, gold), and end (cancel aeroplat, gold then renew aeroplat, gold).
e.) Don't cancel at all but in 6 months change to another charge card (i.e. gold to plat). So beginning of the year issued gold, middle (switch to another card, dont cancel, to get that cards bonuses), then end of the year cancel the card and renew the original card (gold).
I'd like to see what peoples thoughts are on churning and how they do applying/reapplying.
As you will see, a number of people in the forum have links at the bottoms of their postings (such as this one), offering card referrals. All of those links will soon be disappearing as Flyertalk rules are in transition and will ban these moving forwards; however, you can see how they work for now - any cardholder can make these links for their friends and family to sign up.
By signing up for cards via referral, the referring person gets a generous bonus and in most cases the referred person also gets more points than a "street" sign up, so there is double incentive. This works especially well if you are in a couple (and can both obtain credit) or if you have a buddy to swap referrals with routinely. However, although I have never needed, there is apparently a possibility to self refer between cards and score for yourself the referring bonus and the referred bonus.
This works along the lines of sign up for Aeroplatinum through a referral and score 51k points, then before you cancel refer your spouse or self to Aerogold - a free crd - pick up 15k for referring and 30k for being referred. Spouses can constantly bounce the bonuses between themselves.
In general, I would recommend MR Platinum card and Aerogold as starting points if you wanted one ultra-premium and one less-premium card. I think there is much more value in that combination.
Note also I typically would draw attention to how great opportunities there are to build miles using the SPG card, however I would just keep that in the back of your mind for the moment since the card recently had the sign-up bonus slashed ad is not looking too attractive next to other offerings at the moment, especially in terms of the upfront sign up incentive.
Make sure you understand the referral programme on the different cards, it works well in my experience for paying out your bonus points and lets you earn a lot of points if you find a handful of interested traveling friends and family without causing any injury to your credit score.
Send me a message if any Qs!
#570
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,377
I've seen alot of postings on the Amex Cards in Canada for signup bonuses, and I wanted to ask what the best route would be for applying and reapplying for charge cards, without doing damage (at least significant) to your card, and of course being approved by Amex Canada.
Let's start with two cards - AeroPlat and Amex Personal Gold. Both have fees waived for the first year. In order to maximize your return without taking a beating on your credit limit, and of course to be approved by Amex Canada (which by many postings here indicate that Amex Canada suggests 6 months to apply for the same card again):
[...]
Let's start with two cards - AeroPlat and Amex Personal Gold. Both have fees waived for the first year. In order to maximize your return without taking a beating on your credit limit, and of course to be approved by Amex Canada (which by many postings here indicate that Amex Canada suggests 6 months to apply for the same card again):
[...]
Personal Gold:
Referral: 25,000 signup bonus
Self: 25,000 signup bonus + $50 from GCR
Aeroplan Gold:
Referral: 30,000 signup bonus
Self: 25,000 signup bonus + $40 from GCR