American Express Membership Rewards - New "Points Advance" Membership Miles Feature

Did anyone else catch this in their new statement?

Points Advance
Effective July 3, 2007, the Points Advance feature will become available. Through a Points Advance, eligible Cardmembers may obtain and
use points in advance of accruing them in their program accounts. Accordingly, on that date the following new section is added to the program
Terms & Conditions:
"Points Advance
1. Through a Points Advance, you may obtain and use up to 60,000 points in advance of accruing them in your program account.


I'm surprised that they are going to allow such a large amount of points to be borrowed but I'm not going to complain. Sounds like a win-win if you need a few extra points.

I have been advanced points in the past on a "one time" exception basis. Good to hear this news. :)

Recent discussion...

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=674380

I'm surprised that they are going to allow such a large amount of points to be borrowed but I'm not going to complain. Sounds like a win-win if you need a few extra points.


The catch is when you forget to earn the points back within 12 months, Kagehitokiri mentioned the "default rate" seems to be $25 per 1000 points (2.5 cents per point). I would hope that whomever has to pay the default fee got the 2.5 cents/point worth! :eek:

AMEX would love to give the points away to you....but they damn sure will hope that you forget to earn them back. ;)

its not a "default" as in defaulting on a loan.

you have always, AFAIK, been able to buy points, if you did not have enough for a redemption. that purchase rate is $25 for 1000 right now.

it is too bad they limit it to 60K/1 year, but i can deal with that :)

its not a "default" as in defaulting on a loan


I understand it's not the same...but default is the only word IMO that feels appropriate to describe this situation. Maybe it's just my messed up mind... :cool:

Recent discussion...

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=674380


Thanks Mia- missed the other post.


I feel a little dense that I didn't figure out the "charge you" part. I still think it's an ok deal. If you're short for an award it could come in handy.

I think it is particularly useful because American Express is so s-l-o-w to post points, especially promotional bonuses. This gives the opportunity to spend as soon as earned, rather than waiting for them to be credited.

I think it is particularly useful because American Express is so s-l-o-w to post points, especially promotional bonuses. This gives the opportunity to spend as soon as earned, rather than waiting for them to be credited.

Amex has always allowed me to "force" posting of pending points when I was transferring points to take advantage of the bonuses to CO. I realize this isn't quite the same as earned-but-not-paid points, but it did help in the past.

Another change--


In the past you could purchase MM and park them in your account while you decided which airline had the award you wanted.

Not anymore.

Rep told me yesterday that the only purchases allowed will be MMs going straight into a partner program.

Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.

Is this only a benefit of MR First or does it apply to regular MR as well? Thanks.

Amex has always allowed me to "force" posting of pending points when I was transferring points to take advantage of the bonuses to CO. I realize this isn't quite the same as earned-but-not-paid points, but it did help in the past.

I transfered some points to CO last night along with my pending and mentioned to the nice Amex rep I just needed to buy 2k from Continental to book my trip and she asked me to hold and got the points to me for free... thats good customer service :)

I didnt read the whole thread so its probably already in here but the Point advance thing starts July 1st (officially)

Is this only a benefit of MR First or does it apply to regular MR as well? Thanks.


This applies to regular MR as well---confirmed on the phone a week ago

sdcarver

Point advance thing starts July 1st (officially)

:confused: Gold charge cards have had this feature since, at least, the 1980s.

This applies to regular MR as well---confirmed on the phone a week ago

sdcarver

Thanks, apparently the difference is that regular MR has a 15K advance limit whereas MR First is 60K.