Apr 16, 2014, 6:59 am
Last edit by: Hyacinthe
This thread is a continuation of discussion which began HERE in 2011.
Referrals and self-referrals are an important part of churning Canadian-issued American Express cards. It is appropriate to discuss how the referral process works in this thread. However, please do not offer or request referrals here.
Use only this thread, and do read the Wikipost carefully before posting:
Referral Offers (post only in this thread, no referral links, read Wiki post first).
JerryHung: I figure I'll include all CURRENT AMEX Canada offers here (no referral links) for anyone curious about what the bonus and fees are
This is not an all-inclusive list, only the "good" offers, so feel free to add new offers
AMEX Platinum - $699/year, 60K MR (via referral) after $1000 spending in 3 months vs. 50K non-referral
AMEX Gold Rewards - $150/year, FYF, 25K MR after $500 spending + $50 cashback from GCR
AMEX Air Miles Platinum - $65/year, FYF, 2000 Air Miles after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
New as of 2014/10/09
AMEX Business Gold - $250/year, FYF, 30K MR after $5000 spending (or 40K via referral)
AMEX Business Platinum - $399/year, 40K MR after $5000 spending (or 50K via referral)
Referrals and self-referrals are an important part of churning Canadian-issued American Express cards. It is appropriate to discuss how the referral process works in this thread. However, please do not offer or request referrals here.
Use only this thread, and do read the Wikipost carefully before posting:
Referral Offers (post only in this thread, no referral links, read Wiki post first).
JerryHung: I figure I'll include all CURRENT AMEX Canada offers here (no referral links) for anyone curious about what the bonus and fees are
This is not an all-inclusive list, only the "good" offers, so feel free to add new offers
AMEX Platinum - $699/year, 60K MR (via referral) after $1000 spending in 3 months vs. 50K non-referral
AMEX Gold Rewards - $150/year, FYF, 25K MR after $500 spending + $50 cashback from GCR
AMEX Air Miles Platinum - $65/year, FYF, 2000 Air Miles after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
New as of 2014/10/09
AMEX Business Gold - $250/year, FYF, 30K MR after $5000 spending (or 40K via referral)
AMEX Business Platinum - $399/year, 40K MR after $5000 spending (or 50K via referral)
Churning Amex in Canada (2014)
Apr 21, 2014, 8:19 am
#571
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Aeroplan Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, Marriott
Posts: 1,839
Currently the Personal gold and AeroplanPlus gold are the two best Amex cards for churning because these two cards offer very good bonus points/miles and First Year Free, personal gold - 25k, AeroplanPlus gold - 30k.
Apr 21, 2014, 9:25 am
#572
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
I actually meant the AeroGold not Platinum, my mistake.
Thanks for the advice though!
Thanks for the advice though!
Apr 21, 2014, 11:48 am
#573
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6,385
I agree with Cana2013, I think the Gold and Aerogold have very good signup bonuses.
Apr 22, 2014, 8:10 am
#574
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, Bonvoy, Alaska, Avios
Posts: 1,290
The BEST way is if you have a significant other so you can cross-refer each other. We've got a LOT of miles that way. If you don't have an Amex card you will have to pick someone here to start, try to pick someone who actually contributes, not clutters the forum up.
I have also managed to get Aeroplan referral miles from my wife's referral to me for a Biz Gold card (MR miles). Cross family referrals are not supposed to work but IMO this is used by some to get more points for themselves. Many claim that isn't possible but it did for me, YMMV.
There is also a trick to get more points via referrals I'm 99.999% sure everyone's link uses but you won't find it posted. Thank you (you know who you are) who PM'd me the trick. Got me some extra miles.
I do have a gripe about the Amex travel services. The Plat card (75,000 total miles with referral) works out to a decent $/point if I could use the $200 travel credit. None of my travel shows up. Did a $1500 SVG air booking yesterday that I know for 10000% isn't bookable via Amex. My wife is taking me to Blue Mountain for my birthday. Hay hay hay! Maybe I should apply for the Plat but let me check... nope. Doesn't show up in Amex's travel engine. realllly?
Just figured out my overnight stay in SYD isn't showing up either! Lots of Rydges hotels in Sydney show up but not the airport hotel. It's basically an overnight before AC34, coming in the day before flying Solomons-Brisbane-Sydney. We should check out Sydney for a night but that's a long day.
Strike 2
Shame, any points under 0.08c/$ is a damm good deal considering my upcoming J TATL trips are coming in around 4c/mile.
I did get 3X AP miles for my SVG flight. I got targeted last night when I logged in to my AP account. Only leaves me 3 weeks until my May statement however (damm TD are the cheapest son's of....). Still will cancel the in-transition CIBC-TD cards but thanks for the 3X. Buying a lot of gas cards.
I have also managed to get Aeroplan referral miles from my wife's referral to me for a Biz Gold card (MR miles). Cross family referrals are not supposed to work but IMO this is used by some to get more points for themselves. Many claim that isn't possible but it did for me, YMMV.
There is also a trick to get more points via referrals I'm 99.999% sure everyone's link uses but you won't find it posted. Thank you (you know who you are) who PM'd me the trick. Got me some extra miles.
I do have a gripe about the Amex travel services. The Plat card (75,000 total miles with referral) works out to a decent $/point if I could use the $200 travel credit. None of my travel shows up. Did a $1500 SVG air booking yesterday that I know for 10000% isn't bookable via Amex. My wife is taking me to Blue Mountain for my birthday. Hay hay hay! Maybe I should apply for the Plat but let me check... nope. Doesn't show up in Amex's travel engine. realllly?
Just figured out my overnight stay in SYD isn't showing up either! Lots of Rydges hotels in Sydney show up but not the airport hotel. It's basically an overnight before AC34, coming in the day before flying Solomons-Brisbane-Sydney. We should check out Sydney for a night but that's a long day.
Strike 2
Shame, any points under 0.08c/$ is a damm good deal considering my upcoming J TATL trips are coming in around 4c/mile.
I did get 3X AP miles for my SVG flight. I got targeted last night when I logged in to my AP account. Only leaves me 3 weeks until my May statement however (damm TD are the cheapest son's of....). Still will cancel the in-transition CIBC-TD cards but thanks for the 3X. Buying a lot of gas cards.
Apr 22, 2014, 10:53 am
#575
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6,385
The BEST way is if you have a significant other so you can cross-refer each other. We've got a LOT of miles that way. If you don't have an Amex card you will have to pick someone here to start, try to pick someone who actually contributes, not clutters the forum up.
I have also managed to get Aeroplan referral miles from my wife's referral to me for a Biz Gold card (MR miles). Cross family referrals are not supposed to work but IMO this is used by some to get more points for themselves. Many claim that isn't possible but it did for me, YMMV.
There is also a trick to get more points via referrals I'm 99.999% sure everyone's link uses but you won't find it posted. Thank you (you know who you are) who PM'd me the trick. Got me some extra miles.
I do have a gripe about the Amex travel services. The Plat card (75,000 total miles with referral) works out to a decent $/point if I could use the $200 travel credit. None of my travel shows up. Did a $1500 SVG air booking yesterday that I know for 10000% isn't bookable via Amex. My wife is taking me to Blue Mountain for my birthday. Hay hay hay! Maybe I should apply for the Plat but let me check... nope. Doesn't show up in Amex's travel engine. realllly?
Just figured out my overnight stay in SYD isn't showing up either! Lots of Rydges hotels in Sydney show up but not the airport hotel. It's basically an overnight before AC34, coming in the day before flying Solomons-Brisbane-Sydney. We should check out Sydney for a night but that's a long day.
Strike 2
Shame, any points under 0.08c/$ is a damm good deal considering my upcoming J TATL trips are coming in around 4c/mile.
I did get 3X AP miles for my SVG flight. I got targeted last night when I logged in to my AP account. Only leaves me 3 weeks until my May statement however (damm TD are the cheapest son's of....). Still will cancel the in-transition CIBC-TD cards but thanks for the 3X. Buying a lot of gas cards.
I have also managed to get Aeroplan referral miles from my wife's referral to me for a Biz Gold card (MR miles). Cross family referrals are not supposed to work but IMO this is used by some to get more points for themselves. Many claim that isn't possible but it did for me, YMMV.
There is also a trick to get more points via referrals I'm 99.999% sure everyone's link uses but you won't find it posted. Thank you (you know who you are) who PM'd me the trick. Got me some extra miles.
I do have a gripe about the Amex travel services. The Plat card (75,000 total miles with referral) works out to a decent $/point if I could use the $200 travel credit. None of my travel shows up. Did a $1500 SVG air booking yesterday that I know for 10000% isn't bookable via Amex. My wife is taking me to Blue Mountain for my birthday. Hay hay hay! Maybe I should apply for the Plat but let me check... nope. Doesn't show up in Amex's travel engine. realllly?
Just figured out my overnight stay in SYD isn't showing up either! Lots of Rydges hotels in Sydney show up but not the airport hotel. It's basically an overnight before AC34, coming in the day before flying Solomons-Brisbane-Sydney. We should check out Sydney for a night but that's a long day.
Strike 2
Shame, any points under 0.08c/$ is a damm good deal considering my upcoming J TATL trips are coming in around 4c/mile.
I did get 3X AP miles for my SVG flight. I got targeted last night when I logged in to my AP account. Only leaves me 3 weeks until my May statement however (damm TD are the cheapest son's of....). Still will cancel the in-transition CIBC-TD cards but thanks for the 3X. Buying a lot of gas cards.
Apr 22, 2014, 11:03 am
#576
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YYZ (YUL/LHR)
Programs: AC - E50, CX - G, Accor Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 903
If PTS are unable to find an itinerary or even a rate through their Sabre system, then the are able to book it for you through another channel using your card and apply the credit. They did this for me using my 2013 credit. The booking was made directly with the airline through the airline website; I doubt on the other hand that PTS would book an Expedia trip for you.
Apr 22, 2014, 11:25 am
#577
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, Bonvoy, Alaska, Avios
Posts: 1,290
Interesting. Might be good for next year. The birthday travel is too soon and won't get the card in time. I'm booked up otherwise for this year.
Is the PTS different than the travel services on the Amex website when you are logged in?
Is the PTS different than the travel services on the Amex website when you are logged in?
Apr 22, 2014, 12:31 pm
#578
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YYZ (YUL/LHR)
Programs: AC - E50, CX - G, Accor Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 903
Platinum Travel Services (PTS) is the executive travel agency for Plat cardholders. To use your credit you must book through them; however there are no service fees etc. Essentially, I understand that the $200 credit to be an effort to publicize the - admittedly typically excellent - travel services department.
Apr 22, 2014, 1:39 pm
#579
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, Bonvoy, Alaska, Avios
Posts: 1,290
There is one credit per calender year as well?
Might just get a card, I know for sure I can use it next year. This year maybe junior gets an invite to his friends cottage and mom and dad can get downtown for a night. At $300 for 75K miles, .004c/mile, very nice math.
Might just get a card, I know for sure I can use it next year. This year maybe junior gets an invite to his friends cottage and mom and dad can get downtown for a night. At $300 for 75K miles, .004c/mile, very nice math.
Apr 22, 2014, 1:49 pm
#580
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YYZ (YUL/LHR)
Programs: AC - E50, CX - G, Accor Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 903
Apr 22, 2014, 2:18 pm
#581
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
Then it's just $200 every year afterwards (one in 2016, 2017, etc...)
Make sure you self-refer, if you already own the Gold card :P
Apr 23, 2014, 7:05 am
#582
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 309
Hey folks I've got a question on MR points transferal.
The girlfriend currently has the platinum card that's coming up on the one year mark and we don't travel enough to justify the cost past the first year. I'd like to refer her to the gold card, but I'm concerned about the MR points disappearing.
Obviously we could transfer them out first, but I'd prefer to leave them as MRs due to the flexibility they hold. So the question is: if she applies for the gold card, (inputting in her platinum number on the app), gets it THEN closes the plat will they automatically transfer to the gold? I know when I went up to plat from gold it worked, but I want to make sure before we try the other way.
Thanks.
The girlfriend currently has the platinum card that's coming up on the one year mark and we don't travel enough to justify the cost past the first year. I'd like to refer her to the gold card, but I'm concerned about the MR points disappearing.
Obviously we could transfer them out first, but I'd prefer to leave them as MRs due to the flexibility they hold. So the question is: if she applies for the gold card, (inputting in her platinum number on the app), gets it THEN closes the plat will they automatically transfer to the gold? I know when I went up to plat from gold it worked, but I want to make sure before we try the other way.
Thanks.
Apr 23, 2014, 7:27 am
#583
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,959
Moderator action
An off-topic exchange based on a misunderstanding has been deleted. I can think of no reason for any further discussion about the merits of referral links in Signatures because they will all vanish in a fortnight.
There has been extensive recent discussion of this issue (with various combinations of card accounts). Suggest you scroll back to about post 77 and skim forward or use Search This Thread with the keyword: merge
There has been extensive recent discussion of this issue (with various combinations of card accounts). Suggest you scroll back to about post 77 and skim forward or use Search This Thread with the keyword: merge
Last edited by mia; Apr 23, 2014 at 7:57 am
Apr 23, 2014, 8:02 am
#584
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
Thanks mia for cleaning up
I thought this thread was gonna get locked, just like the 30K thread, because it seriously became off-topic on signature links, sigh
How many MR are we talking about anyway?
Just have her transfer out to Aeroplan/Avios if not too many
Otherwise, refer her for Gold, she can enter her Plat # during application and HOPE it gets linked.
If that didn't work, just call AMEX to merge them during Plat cancellation
When I cancelled my Plat in 2013 (it was Primary, my Gold was Secondary on the same AMEX MR account), it caused all kind of troubles. I had to call a few times to fix it, but I know they can see the correct balance in the backend so I never worried about losing it
In the end, AMEX just simply "reset" my MR account, and manually gave me my balance back as one-time adjustment. Funny
I thought this thread was gonna get locked, just like the 30K thread, because it seriously became off-topic on signature links, sigh
Hey folks I've got a question on MR points transferal.
The girlfriend currently has the platinum card that's coming up on the one year mark and we don't travel enough to justify the cost past the first year. I'd like to refer her to the gold card, but I'm concerned about the MR points disappearing.
Obviously we could transfer them out first, but I'd prefer to leave them as MRs due to the flexibility they hold. So the question is: if she applies for the gold card, (inputting in her platinum number on the app), gets it THEN closes the plat will they automatically transfer to the gold? I know when I went up to plat from gold it worked, but I want to make sure before we try the other way.
Thanks.
The girlfriend currently has the platinum card that's coming up on the one year mark and we don't travel enough to justify the cost past the first year. I'd like to refer her to the gold card, but I'm concerned about the MR points disappearing.
Obviously we could transfer them out first, but I'd prefer to leave them as MRs due to the flexibility they hold. So the question is: if she applies for the gold card, (inputting in her platinum number on the app), gets it THEN closes the plat will they automatically transfer to the gold? I know when I went up to plat from gold it worked, but I want to make sure before we try the other way.
Thanks.
Just have her transfer out to Aeroplan/Avios if not too many
Otherwise, refer her for Gold, she can enter her Plat # during application and HOPE it gets linked.
If that didn't work, just call AMEX to merge them during Plat cancellation
When I cancelled my Plat in 2013 (it was Primary, my Gold was Secondary on the same AMEX MR account), it caused all kind of troubles. I had to call a few times to fix it, but I know they can see the correct balance in the backend so I never worried about losing it
In the end, AMEX just simply "reset" my MR account, and manually gave me my balance back as one-time adjustment. Funny
Apr 23, 2014, 8:23 am
#585
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Aeroplan Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, Marriott
Posts: 1,839
Hey folks I've got a question on MR points transferal.
So the question is: if she applies for the gold card, (inputting in her platinum number on the app), gets it THEN closes the plat will they automatically transfer to the gold? I know when I went up to plat from gold it worked, but I want to make sure before we try the other way.
Thanks.
So the question is: if she applies for the gold card, (inputting in her platinum number on the app), gets it THEN closes the plat will they automatically transfer to the gold? I know when I went up to plat from gold it worked, but I want to make sure before we try the other way.
Thanks.
Last edited by Cana2013; Apr 23, 2014 at 8:29 am