I was just making sense of this site, and my take on it is as follows:

1. The 500 CO bonus applies only once, if you by at least $750US of product.

2. For traveller's checks, there is a $5.95 mailing fee only. (I went thru the entire purchase process up to clicking OK)

2. There are also these TravelFund Cards -- which seem like pre-loaded cards that can be used as a 'debit card', although you are debiting the amount on the card and not a linked checking account. They can be reloaded. Reg mailing is $0. THere is a $14.95 processing fee BUT it is waived until 12/31/03. (I went through the purchase process but could not get a final total including all fees before being in my cc info, so I cannot vouch for surprise fees. That really ticks me off)


Sooooo ...... the options are:

1. Traveller checks: Buy $750US + $5.95 fee = $755.95.
Get 500 CO miles and 756 points from your AmEx or CC.

2. TravelFund Card: load with $800 (only available in even hundreds) + no mailing fee + waived processing fee = $800
Get 500 CO miles and 800 AmEx/CC points.

It could turn out to 1256 miles/points for ~$6, or 1500 mile/points for nothing. BUT you would have to use your AmEx card to avoid it being considering a cash advance.


BIG CAVEAT I pulled this from the Website FAQs:

If I use my credit card to purchase a TravelFunds Card, will I be charged a cash advance fee?
If you use your American Express Card, you will not be charged a cash advance fee. However, if you use another credit card, you may be charged a cash advance fee depending on the card issuer’s policies. You should check with your card issuer to understand their policy.


What fees apply to the TravelFunds Card?
$14.95 Issuance fee per Card (waived here)
$5.00 Reissue fee per Card
$9.95 Express Delivery fee
$2.50 ATM fee
$5.00 Reload fee
$10.00 Cancellation fee
$15.00 Shortage fee
$5.00 Paper Transaction History Request

So, if you can afford to shift around $750-800, this might be a decent deal.



[This message has been edited by DaDOKin DC (edited 10-12-2003).]