Credit Card Programs - Points for referring friends?
StckFigure
Jun 12, 12, 7:06 pm
It seems like I'm becoming the miles guru among my friends - probably because I'm the one willing to do all the research! I'm wondering, though, if there are any programs in place with any of the major cards to get mileage credit for me for referring someone else... I'm not looking to become an affiliate or anything like that (at least not on a large scale, like as a blogger or anything), but just for having friends apply for cards I'd recommend to them anyway through something that gives me a kickback for doing so. Primarily I'd want that for the Sapphire card or the Southwest cards, but just generally knowing what, if anything, might have an incentive to me in case I think it's the best choice for them would be great!
If you have to ask which cards offer this, then you would obviously be referring them to your friends to get the kickback rather than because you think it's the right card for them. If you were truly making a referral because you thought it was the best card, then you would choose the card and then check if it has a referral incentive.
StckFigure
Jun 13, 12, 7:41 am
Not true... that's why I specifically named the Sapphire or Southwest cards, because that's what I have already encouraged my friend to apply for. I understand how my question might come across that way, but it's simply not the case. The other cards I have suggested to her are ones I don't own because they aren't right for my needs but could be for hers. I'm not interested in giving bad advice just so I get points - I have plenty. I'm just interested in making sure I don't leave points that I could be entitled to on the table.
redtop43
Jun 13, 12, 7:45 am
American Express often has referral bonuses for cards you already have.
I think that some of the bloggers have referral links that get them some kind of bonuses or consideration.
I disagree with cbn42. I often reply to people's posts with a fair assessment of their card needs, then PM them and ask if they'd like me to refer them. Occasionally I can even get them a better deal signing up, but I never push a card on someone unless it's the best deal, based on my knowledge.
American Express referral offers are sufficiently common that I created a dedicated thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards/1003156-referral-offers-post-only-thread-no-referral-links.html
...but I do not recall seeing anything similar from Bank of America, Barclays, Chase or Citi. Surprising, inasmuch as Chase's credit card management was poached from American Express.
onthego15
Jun 14, 12, 6:31 am
Be careful with this one, as often the referral deals offer the new recipient less miles/points than deals they can find elsewhere.