Programs: CO Platinum HHonors Diamond Intercontinental Ambassador Avis Chairman's Club NW/Redtail Refugee!
Posts: 2,313
Quote:
Originally Posted by Glumech
The CSR didn't know immediately the reason why the transaction was declined.
I have a $12,500 cash advance limit of you think doing that much each week would give me the max points?
1) That won't work. Read the earlier posts.
2) If you get greedy with this, they will shut you down. Do it for $1000 here and there and enjoy the free points. Fly too close to the sun and they're going to burn your wings off.
peace,
~Ben~
__________________
Robin: "What do you think, Ben?"
Me: "There's time for thinkin' when we're dead! Let's go!"
I may try that. Unfortunately I have been using my HHonors and SPG AMEX card alot, so would have to bring them completely to zero first. I think I'll wait until closer to the billing close as you suggest, if I do take the time to attempt it. However, the person at the AMEX Travel Service place told me that another client of hers got charged the cash advance --- apparently he/she had called to complain. So I have been duly warned by her.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dgordon
I don't think that I am "lucky" as it has happened this way for 5 SPG purchases and 2 Hilton purchases. Why not bring your SPG card balance to zero just before the close of your billing cycle, and buy just $150 of travelers checks, and even pay that off before the billing cycle. The interest would be minimal if any, and if it worked, you would now know that it worked.
On my Hilton card, which I don't otherwise use, it was very clear - I got 6000 points for $2000 work of travelers checks brought on 2 different occasions one week apart.
Programs: CO Platinum HHonors Diamond Intercontinental Ambassador Avis Chairman's Club NW/Redtail Refugee!
Posts: 2,313
Quote:
Originally Posted by ET
the person at the AMEX Travel Service place told me that another client of hers got charged the cash advance --- apparently he/she had called to complain.
Probably someone who read this thread! LOL
peace,
~Ben~
__________________
Robin: "What do you think, Ben?"
Me: "There's time for thinkin' when we're dead! Let's go!"
Actually, the bank needs to report cash deposits if it's more than $10,000 in a day. The report is called a CTR (currency transaction report). As you noted, depositing large amounts of cash is legal, so this shouldn't cause problems or give reason for suspicion.
If you were to deposit large sums of money frequently, the bank may choose to file a SAR (Suspicious Activity Report), which is a much bigger deal.
I believe the amount was lowered to $5,000 in recent years.
Programs: AA 2 MM LIfetime Platinum, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, BA
Posts: 3,547
You could clear just one of the cards and only use the other and try the purchase on that card. Next time I go (maybe tomorrow) I could ask about why someone would have the problem of it being considered a cash advance instead of a purchase. When I click on the details of the transaction this is what it shows:
Transaction Date: 05/25/2007
Post Date: No Additional Information
Transaction Description: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRS U.S.A.
000000000
Charge: $1,000.00
Merchant Address: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL
1600 16TH ST
OAK BROOK IL 60523
USA
Merchant Type: TVL AGNTS-CASH ADVNC
Doing Business As: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRVL CKS
In spite of it saying cash advnc under Merchant type - it is clearly a purchase, no interest, no fees and points.
It is still $10,000 according to the notice at the teller's window at AMEX
OH my, If I had realized what stres I would be putting people through, I might have decided to keep this all to myself.
A darn good thing that you didnt. I'm a thousand SPG points richer. In addition, I discovered some other benefits of traveler's cheques that I hadn't foreseen.
I would report them to Amex headquarters.They have a franchise and are in the business of selling Travelers Cheques.What you do with them is not of their concern.I contacted a local Agency office to clarify the question about Purchase vs Cash advance,they said it would be treated as a purchase.I told them if it was otherwise I would hold them respondsible for any charges to my card in excess of actual purchase.Would suggest getting clairfication and understanding before buying.
