Jan 17, 2015, 11:17 am
Last edit by: JJonahJ
This thread is a continuation of discussion which began HERE in 2011. It was very active in 2014, read HERE.
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 Rewards - $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
(as of Jan 11, 2016 Gold card will no longer earn referral points.)
AMEX Air Miles Platinum - $65/year, FYF, 2000 Air Miles after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
AMEX SPG - $120/year, 20K SPG after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
New as of 2014/10/09
AMEX Business Gold Rewards - $250/year, FYF, 30K MR after $5000 spending (or 40K via referral)
AMEX Business Platinum Rewards - $399/year, 40K MR after $5000 spending (or 50K via referral)
AMEX Aeroplan Plus Platinum - $499/year, 50K Aeroplans after $1000 spending in 3 months (or 51K via referral). Normally 40K/41K, extra 10K promo running till Mar 31, 2016
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 Rewards - $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
(as of Jan 11, 2016 Gold card will no longer earn referral points.)
AMEX Air Miles Platinum - $65/year, FYF, 2000 Air Miles after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
AMEX SPG - $120/year, 20K SPG after $500 spending + $30 GCR cashback
New as of 2014/10/09
AMEX Business Gold Rewards - $250/year, FYF, 30K MR after $5000 spending (or 40K via referral)
AMEX Business Platinum Rewards - $399/year, 40K MR after $5000 spending (or 50K via referral)
AMEX Aeroplan Plus Platinum - $499/year, 50K Aeroplans after $1000 spending in 3 months (or 51K via referral). Normally 40K/41K, extra 10K promo running till Mar 31, 2016
Churning Amex in Canada (2015)
Dec 17, 2015, 8:26 am
#1486
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,408
I do remember your scenario:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l#post25639520
So, even though some suggested you to take your pitches and get a walk, instead you stepped up to the plate and swung for the fences! Home Run!
1) got the cross-referral to work (from the signup end)
2) got the 51K before the promo ended Oct 31st (now 41K for the AeroPlat)
3) got the extra 25K bennies
If you get the referral points as well, for your referring MR card, I'd say you hit for the cycle!
JJJ, GM-of-Churn-Squads
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l#post25639520
So, even though some suggested you to take your pitches and get a walk, instead you stepped up to the plate and swung for the fences! Home Run!
1) got the cross-referral to work (from the signup end)
2) got the 51K before the promo ended Oct 31st (now 41K for the AeroPlat)
3) got the extra 25K bennies
If you get the referral points as well, for your referring MR card, I'd say you hit for the cycle!
JJJ, GM-of-Churn-Squads
No sight of the 15k referral bonus, but given that I got 25k for... not-sure-what, I'll take those instead of course.
Dec 17, 2015, 8:48 am
#1487
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, Bonvoy, Alaska, Avios
Posts: 1,290
My last AeroPlat netted more points than was promised 
I have to say lately though I am not in the need to pay for any Plat fee's. Having a great run of free cards.
It's my wife's new biz gold that needs a good workout. I'll get a 2nd in Feb.
So far these last few months I've got
2 Gold's + Referral (25K + 15K x2)
2 Blue Aeroplan + referral (5K + 15K x2)
1 Biz Gold + Referral (40K coming + 15K)
I have to say lately though I am not in the need to pay for any Plat fee's. Having a great run of free cards.
It's my wife's new biz gold that needs a good workout. I'll get a 2nd in Feb.
So far these last few months I've got
2 Gold's + Referral (25K + 15K x2)
2 Blue Aeroplan + referral (5K + 15K x2)
1 Biz Gold + Referral (40K coming + 15K)
Dec 17, 2015, 9:12 am
#1488
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: *void
Posts: 2,408
Hi, first message for me on Flyertalk. First, thanks for all the great info on churning over the last few years.
There has been some discussion about the new T&C wording with Amex Canada re: churning. I'm happy to report that both my spouse and I just received our bonus rewards on cards we applied for in November. The cards were Gold Amex and Business Gold Amex and we had only cancelled our previous Gold Amex cards in July (we have been actively churning 2 Amex cards each twice a year for the last three years). I also received my referral bonus' for a Gold Amex and Business Gold Amex I referred to my spouse and a Business Gold Amex I self referred to myself.
So, it seems that while Amex Canada has changed their wording to say that bonus rewards are only offered to "new" customers who have not previously had an Amex card, they are clearly not applying this wording with real card applications. At least in my case.
I should also add that re: churning affecting credit ratings. My spouse and I also applied for a mortgage this last summer at two credit unions (Coast Capital and Vancity) and were approved with the lowest rate at both credit unions and were told that our credit rating was "excellent". I guess as long as you pay off your card balance every month and don't carry any other big debts (car loans, lines of credit etc) churning will have little affect on your credit rating.
There has been some discussion about the new T&C wording with Amex Canada re: churning. I'm happy to report that both my spouse and I just received our bonus rewards on cards we applied for in November. The cards were Gold Amex and Business Gold Amex and we had only cancelled our previous Gold Amex cards in July (we have been actively churning 2 Amex cards each twice a year for the last three years). I also received my referral bonus' for a Gold Amex and Business Gold Amex I referred to my spouse and a Business Gold Amex I self referred to myself.
So, it seems that while Amex Canada has changed their wording to say that bonus rewards are only offered to "new" customers who have not previously had an Amex card, they are clearly not applying this wording with real card applications. At least in my case.
I should also add that re: churning affecting credit ratings. My spouse and I also applied for a mortgage this last summer at two credit unions (Coast Capital and Vancity) and were approved with the lowest rate at both credit unions and were told that our credit rating was "excellent". I guess as long as you pay off your card balance every month and don't carry any other big debts (car loans, lines of credit etc) churning will have little affect on your credit rating.
Thanks for your datapoints. As a reminder, the Business version of the Gold Amex card does not (just checked again, still not) mention any wording about "new" customer, only the Personal Gold has that wording.
And congrats on your mortgage approval!
Dec 17, 2015, 9:44 am
#1489
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
GREAT NEWS EVERYONE.
Okay I've only ever had the regular Amex Gold and did a self-refer to the Amex Aeroplat (different family)
Here are the bonuses I received:
After Signup: 25k
After meeting 1k spend: 41k + 10k
So instead of 51k I got 76k... Which isnt even the referral aeroplat bonus on top... I'm not complaining tho!
Okay I've only ever had the regular Amex Gold and did a self-refer to the Amex Aeroplat (different family)
Here are the bonuses I received:
After Signup: 25k
After meeting 1k spend: 41k + 10k
So instead of 51k I got 76k... Which isnt even the referral aeroplat bonus on top... I'm not complaining tho!
I did get 10k from the Aerogold referral to the Aeroplat for a total of 86k. ^
Dec 17, 2015, 9:49 am
#1490
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,408
My last AeroPlat netted more points than was promised
I have to say lately though I am not in the need to pay for any Plat fee's. Having a great run of free cards.
It's my wife's new biz gold that needs a good workout. I'll get a 2nd in Feb.
So far these last few months I've got
2 Gold's + Referral (25K + 15K x2)
2 Blue Aeroplan + referral (5K + 15K x2)
1 Biz Gold + Referral (40K coming + 15K)
I have to say lately though I am not in the need to pay for any Plat fee's. Having a great run of free cards.
It's my wife's new biz gold that needs a good workout. I'll get a 2nd in Feb.
So far these last few months I've got
2 Gold's + Referral (25K + 15K x2)
2 Blue Aeroplan + referral (5K + 15K x2)
1 Biz Gold + Referral (40K coming + 15K)
so we're three people with 25k extra? we need more data points
who else has recently applied to the aeroplat and what did you get?
Dec 17, 2015, 11:13 am
#1491
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: YYJ
Posts: 2,230
How long do cancelled cards appear on web account page?
I'm posting this on the Canadian churning thread because there seems to be so much difference in amex between different countries and this question may be Canadian specific.
I got a gold rewards business card for the self-referral and bonus points. I cancelled it about five months ago yet it still shows up in my online account page. It is cancelled and the card icon shows a red triangle with an exclamation mark on it. Clicking on that icon gives a message that the card is cancelled and please call for any questions etc.
I also dumped my plat card in favor of a new gold rewards card because I just couldn't justify the annual fee and needed a cheaper place to keep my MR until I spend them.
So now I have two cancelled card icons and one active. I'm wondering why those cards still shows and how long they will continue to be there. No functional impact, just curious.
I got a gold rewards business card for the self-referral and bonus points. I cancelled it about five months ago yet it still shows up in my online account page. It is cancelled and the card icon shows a red triangle with an exclamation mark on it. Clicking on that icon gives a message that the card is cancelled and please call for any questions etc.
I also dumped my plat card in favor of a new gold rewards card because I just couldn't justify the annual fee and needed a cheaper place to keep my MR until I spend them.
So now I have two cancelled card icons and one active. I'm wondering why those cards still shows and how long they will continue to be there. No functional impact, just curious.
Dec 17, 2015, 11:19 am
#1492
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
I'm posting this on the Canadian churning thread because there seems to be so much difference in amex between different countries and this question may be Canadian specific.
I got a gold rewards business card for the self-referral and bonus points. I cancelled it about five months ago yet it still shows up in my online account page. It is cancelled and the card icon shows a red triangle with an exclamation mark on it. Clicking on that icon gives a message that the card is cancelled and please call for any questions etc.
I also dumped my plat card in favor of a new gold rewards card because I just couldn't justify the annual fee and needed a cheaper place to keep my MR until I spend them.
So now I have two cancelled card icons and one active. I'm wondering why those cards still shows and how long they will continue to be there. No functional impact, just curious.
I got a gold rewards business card for the self-referral and bonus points. I cancelled it about five months ago yet it still shows up in my online account page. It is cancelled and the card icon shows a red triangle with an exclamation mark on it. Clicking on that icon gives a message that the card is cancelled and please call for any questions etc.
I also dumped my plat card in favor of a new gold rewards card because I just couldn't justify the annual fee and needed a cheaper place to keep my MR until I spend them.
So now I have two cancelled card icons and one active. I'm wondering why those cards still shows and how long they will continue to be there. No functional impact, just curious.
Look around, it's doable
Dec 17, 2015, 11:38 am
#1493
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: *void
Posts: 2,408
Card Management > Remove Card from Online Services
But, you don't need to remove them. Doesn't help/hinder your chances for next card application. They have all your history at their fingertips anyways, and aren't referring to your online account profile.
But, you don't need to remove them. Doesn't help/hinder your chances for next card application. They have all your history at their fingertips anyways, and aren't referring to your online account profile.
Dec 17, 2015, 1:07 pm
#1494
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: YYJ
Posts: 2,230
it wasn't about next applications, it was just me being a***-retentive
thanks guys
Dec 17, 2015, 9:59 pm
#1495
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 822
Submitted application for Amex Gold Rewards tonight,via referral link. I closed the same product last December.
Got the "in progress,let you know within 10 days" response.I'll give them a ring-a-ding-ding tomorrow.
If approved.....will see if I get the sign-up points again.
Stay tuned!
btw...thanks for all the many pm's with offers of referral links.So overwhelmed with the choices!
Got the "in progress,let you know within 10 days" response.I'll give them a ring-a-ding-ding tomorrow.
If approved.....will see if I get the sign-up points again.
Stay tuned!
btw...thanks for all the many pm's with offers of referral links.So overwhelmed with the choices!
Dec 18, 2015, 6:34 am
#1496
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 35
I asked if they could see I was referred and to confirm I would get 40K MR on 5K spend.
The Agent asked if I had the card previously and said if I did I wouldn't get the Bonus. This was for the Business Gold.
I know it doesn't mean much but even the CSR staff are spouting it about the Business Card as well. I tossed the comment in to the "Yeah Whatever" bin.
I will fight for my 40K Bonus if I don't get it. If I never get a 2nd Bonus on Non Business I won't complain but... 5K spend with no wording of "Previous Holder" when I signed up is a different story.
Dec 18, 2015, 6:53 am
#1497
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: *void
Posts: 2,408
I just got a New Gold Business Amex and I called in when I got the card to find out my Cycle Billing Date (Gotta plan that 5K Spend).
I asked if they could see I was referred and to confirm I would get 40K MR on 5K spend.
The Agent asked if I had the card previously and said if I did I wouldn't get the Bonus. This was for the Business Gold.
I know it doesn't mean much but even the CSR staff are spouting it about the Business Card as well. I tossed the comment in to the "Yeah Whatever" bin.
I will fight for my 40K Bonus if I don't get it. If I never get a 2nd Bonus on Non Business I won't complain but... 5K spend with no wording of "Previous Holder" when I signed up is a different story.
I asked if they could see I was referred and to confirm I would get 40K MR on 5K spend.
The Agent asked if I had the card previously and said if I did I wouldn't get the Bonus. This was for the Business Gold.
I know it doesn't mean much but even the CSR staff are spouting it about the Business Card as well. I tossed the comment in to the "Yeah Whatever" bin.
I will fight for my 40K Bonus if I don't get it. If I never get a 2nd Bonus on Non Business I won't complain but... 5K spend with no wording of "Previous Holder" when I signed up is a different story.
Still seeing many datapoints on the boards and on our homefront, on getting 25K for the Personal Gold, even when we've had the card prior to July 1st. Business Gold, have done one re-churn during the summer and still got the 40K as expected.
Dec 18, 2015, 9:03 am
#1498
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 822
Submitted application for Amex Gold Rewards tonight,via referral link. I closed the same product last December.
Got the "in progress,let you know within 10 days" response.I'll give them a ring-a-ding-ding tomorrow.
If approved.....will see if I get the sign-up points again.
Stay tuned!
btw...thanks for all the many pm's with offers of referral links.So overwhelmed with the choices!
Got the "in progress,let you know within 10 days" response.I'll give them a ring-a-ding-ding tomorrow.
If approved.....will see if I get the sign-up points again.
Stay tuned!
btw...thanks for all the many pm's with offers of referral links.So overwhelmed with the choices!
Dec 18, 2015, 2:01 pm
#1499
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: West
Posts: 3,357
Has anyone been in a situation where you had negative points at the statement date because of a return. Do they take the points back from the SPG account? And what happens if one wants to close the account. Are they charging for these points before closing? I am in this situation and rather use other cards at this time. But eventually will need to cancel the card and like to know way in advance what the process is.
Dec 19, 2015, 12:08 am
#1500
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 821
anyone know if personal gold purchase in Safeway/Superstore count as 2 points?
2.You can earn 2 Membership Rewards points (“points”) for every $1 in eligible consumer purchases at American Express retail merchants as follows: (i) at stand-alone automobile gasoline stations in Canada, (ii) at stand-alone drugstores in Canada, (iii) at stand-alone grocery stores in Canada, and (iv) for travel services or travel bookings including air, water, rail and road transport, lodging and tour operator sales but not including local and commuter transportation. Purchases at merchants where gas, grocery, pharmacy and travel sales are not their primary business (including superstores, wholesale clubs, alcohol retailers and general merchandise retailers) do not qualify for the earn rate in this category. Merchants are typically assigned codes and categorized based on what they sell. Earn rate of 1 point for every $1 applies if the merchant code is not in an eligible category, the purchase is made using an electronic wallet or is not made directly from the provider of the good or service, e.g. through a third party or by using a mobile device (e.g. smart phone) with an attached card reader. Provided your account is in good standing, points can be earned on eligible purchases less returns and other credits. Interest, fees, and charges for travellers cheques and foreign currencies are not purchases and do not earn points.
2.You can earn 2 Membership Rewards points (“points”) for every $1 in eligible consumer purchases at American Express retail merchants as follows: (i) at stand-alone automobile gasoline stations in Canada, (ii) at stand-alone drugstores in Canada, (iii) at stand-alone grocery stores in Canada, and (iv) for travel services or travel bookings including air, water, rail and road transport, lodging and tour operator sales but not including local and commuter transportation. Purchases at merchants where gas, grocery, pharmacy and travel sales are not their primary business (including superstores, wholesale clubs, alcohol retailers and general merchandise retailers) do not qualify for the earn rate in this category. Merchants are typically assigned codes and categorized based on what they sell. Earn rate of 1 point for every $1 applies if the merchant code is not in an eligible category, the purchase is made using an electronic wallet or is not made directly from the provider of the good or service, e.g. through a third party or by using a mobile device (e.g. smart phone) with an attached card reader. Provided your account is in good standing, points can be earned on eligible purchases less returns and other credits. Interest, fees, and charges for travellers cheques and foreign currencies are not purchases and do not earn points.