It is my understanding from this thread that to make the Traveler's Check-Starpoints etc. thing work as a purchase, not a cash advance or whatever, you must go to an Amex Travel Services office, not a mere travel office which is, somehow, not able to do the sort of TC sale that yields points with no interest or cash advance charges.
But, the Studio City office is not a Travel Services office per the Amex website, while the Beverly Center/West L.A. office is a Travel Services office.
So, do this mean we do not have to trek to Travel Services office any more. Or, was I wrong all along to think that that was what had to be done?
Thank you, Jaguar, for your on the ground research.
Now, I wonder how many Amex offices there are in the country where TCs for points can be purchased. since it appears to be more than the Financial Services offices as listed at the Amex site?
The best way is to call an offical AMEX travel center in your area and ask them to refer you to a closer one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by biggestbopper
Thank you, Jaguar, for your on the ground research.
Now, I wonder how many Amex offices there are in the country where TCs for points can be purchased. since it appears to be more than the Financial Services offices as listed at the Amex site?
The line on AmEx for the purchase reads as “US Mint Coin Sales”. I can only go by what the CSR told me which was since this is a “cash” purchase that counts in the $1000./30 day. Maybe they just assumed due to the amount that it was “cash”. Or maybe it is coded as such somehow. I really have no idea. After 2 trips and speaking to numerous people I will just wait it out and try again in a few weeks. If it doesn’t go through then I’ll get back on the phone with them at that time. So whether it is “hooey” or not, time will tell.
Again, in my case this had nothing to do with being considered a cash advance or coming out of whatever my cash advance limit is. Also, for the most part I would use many of the TC by paying other credit cards, using them at grocery stores, I gave one as a wedding present, etc. Some were deposited but never immediately after getting them.
Went back to the Plano, TX office about 32 days after having bought the coins and the 1K TC on my SPG card went right through.
Does the duration you hold the TC's or the place of redemption/cashing of the TC's make any difference (in a negative way)?
For example, if I'm getting $1k of TC's then going down the block the same day to deposit into my checking account, will AmEx eventually "catch on" with any negative consequences? Just wondering if I should try to hold on to them longer than a couple of days and cash them in somewhere besides my bank. Thanks for any comments.
this is the first TC purchase with SPG, kind of worry
Got the transation details as below:
cash advance?
Any idea?
-------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION DESCRIPTION: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRS U.S.A.
DOING BUSINESS AS: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRVL CKS
MERCHANT TYPE: TVL AGNTS-CASH ADVNC
Transaction Date: 01/08/2009
Charge: $600.00
Reference #: *********** TRAVEL SERVICES
Merchant Number: 0040000853
Merchant Address: USA
---------------------------------------------------
first time purchase with AMEX SPG yesterday
casheir first try denied
talked to rep, said my cash advance is only $600 and can only get $600 TC
cashier 2nd try
$1000 did not go thru
$600 OK
better than nothing
Had you used the 'search this thread' tool and entered the term: TVL AGNTS-CASH
You would have found these posts, and thus avoided all the angst and fear that you had been feeling from the time you posted your question and received yet another identical answer.
Had you used the 'search this thread' tool and entered the term: TVL AGNTS-CASH
You would have found these posts, and thus avoided all the angst and fear that you had been feeling from the time you posted your question and received yet another identical answer.
