Giftcard purchase to meet minimum spend requirement?
Jan 16, 2015, 12:05 pm
#32
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,857
Surprised he got the points. Congratulations. I think there was some element of luck there.
For others reading this: if you're going to buy GCs or something similar, don't do it directly from the CC issuer. Even if you get lucky and get the bonus, it's still a potential giant red flag down the road if your account ever gets reviewed.
For others reading this: if you're going to buy GCs or something similar, don't do it directly from the CC issuer. Even if you get lucky and get the bonus, it's still a potential giant red flag down the road if your account ever gets reviewed.
Jan 19, 2015, 3:38 pm
#33
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Programs: United, Delta, Hilton
Posts: 21
Use the cards quickly...
AMEX starts a "service" fee of $2.00 almost immediately. That will take the sugar out of a "gift" card of $20 or $25. AMEX is gifting themselves.
Jan 19, 2015, 3:47 pm
#34
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Tell us more specifically about the gift card that you have and the circumstances under which this fee applies.
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...onditions.html
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...iness-CMA.html
Are there any fees for the use of the Card after purchase?
The Card has NO FEES AFTER PURCHASE (including dormancy, service or other fees).
The Card has NO FEES AFTER PURCHASE (including dormancy, service or other fees).
NO FEES
This Card has NO FEES (including dormancy, service or other fees).
This Card has NO FEES (including dormancy, service or other fees).
Jan 20, 2015, 6:56 am
#36
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Apr 23, 2015, 10:08 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,012
All of these comments about not buying directly from Amex make no sense to me. All of the discussion in the MS forum is about buying directly from Amex. I don't see how using a cashback portal (which you should do, obviously) to get to the Amex website would make any difference in this regard.
Apr 3, 2016, 7:41 pm
#41
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
meeting minimum spend requirement.
So, the rule says gift card purchase won't be counted toward meeting minimum spending requirement for welcome bonus, but let's say we buy $50 giftcard from local grocery, such as safeway... how does American Express know $50 is used to buy gift card? American Express doesn't have access to receipt, does it?
Apr 3, 2016, 8:02 pm
#42
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 7,969
Amex may have access to more than you think. I haven't seen this recently, but about 10-15 years ago, I used my Amex to buy some things at Office Depot, and the first few items on the store receipt were also itemized on my Amex statement. At the very least, they may get an indication as to how much of your purchase is a cash equivalent.
Apr 4, 2016, 6:31 am
#43
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
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Apr 5, 2016, 2:38 pm
#44
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UES/MWC
Programs: Braniff, TWA, Eastern, Midwest, AA Exec, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 270
I recently completed the $5k minimum spend for an AMEX SPG Business card. Roughly half of my purchases were $500 VGCs from Wal-Mart. Those purchases definitely counted towards my minimum spend requirement, and I also got the SPG points from purchasing them.
I've done this with other AMEX products in the past, as well. AMEX and I are old friends; I have a 30-year history with them; however, many others have had the same results.
I've done this with other AMEX products in the past, as well. AMEX and I are old friends; I have a 30-year history with them; however, many others have had the same results.
May 9, 2016, 1:21 pm
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,072
You can also buy gift cards at Amazon, Grocery store, gas etc.