Using Paypal to generate miles?
Feb 9, 2007, 5:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 28
Using Paypal to generate miles?
Just wondering, would it be possible to send money to yourself (or a friend you trust 
) from your credit card, only to get it back in your bank account a few days later in order to pay off the bill? It wouldn't be a cash advance since Paypal charges show up as purchases and you would still get the points since you're not refunding anything...
Any ideas?
) from your credit card, only to get it back in your bank account a few days later in order to pay off the bill? It wouldn't be a cash advance since Paypal charges show up as purchases and you would still get the points since you're not refunding anything... Any ideas?
Feb 9, 2007, 5:28 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: Volaris, UA Nothing
Posts: 276
It would work but PayPal charges you fees to withdraw money from your account so your friend/yourself will have to pay a little for taking that money out from PayPal. It all depends on much the fees rack up upto and if its worth it.
Feb 9, 2007, 11:22 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: SPG Plat Hyatt Diamond BMI Silver
Posts: 476
In my opnion this option is only worth it when you are a few thousand points or miles away from acheving the next tier in a program. For example American Express HHonors and SPG offer gold status to those who eather spend 20/30k a year. How ever otherwise to get a large amount of miles or points one is better off going to the airline or hotel directly. For example American Airlines sells miles for a typical 2.5% and if you pay with the citi advantage card you would also bring in extra miles. One other option that has been talked about is sometimes certain banks will let you open checking accounts by doing a credit card deposit.
Feb 10, 2007, 8:44 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,895
Withdrawl fees shown below:
Transfer funds to your bank account: Free!
Request a check from PayPal: $1.50 USD
Get cash out of an ATM: $1.00 USD
Shop online with a Virtual Debit Card: Free!
Buy from over 42,000 PayPal Shops: Free!
Feb 10, 2007, 9:28 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,561
this was extensively discussed on FatWallet when Google checkout was free for merchants. I think that deal is now gone, and the merchant fees that PayPal charges would eat up any rewards - I think. If you can find a way around that, pls post away!
Feb 10, 2007, 12:06 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MCI
Programs: AA EXP (1.5MM), Hilton/SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,335
So 100k would cost you 2500-2900 dollars.
Not worth it, unless there is a promo, or you have a specific reward in mind where you were going to pay 4-5k for a J ticket or something like that.
Feb 10, 2007, 12:26 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: OAK
Programs: AS MVPG 100k
Posts: 3,756
THe fee's range from 2.5 to 2.9% depending on how much you purchase from your friend.
So 100k would cost you 2500-2900 dollars.
Not worth it, unless there is a promo, or you have a specific reward in mind where you were going to pay 4-5k for a J ticket or something like that.
So 100k would cost you 2500-2900 dollars.
Not worth it, unless there is a promo, or you have a specific reward in mind where you were going to pay 4-5k for a J ticket or something like that.
Feb 11, 2007, 9:11 am
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MCI
Programs: AA EXP (1.5MM), Hilton/SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,335
For instance, F to OGG Can cost $2000 so you could use 75k miles for that. But lots of times it is $1200 if you are flexible, or if you are on the West coast, most people will take a cheap coach Fare as an option as well...
All up to you
Feb 14, 2007, 5:23 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: SDF
Posts: 3,302
Not through 12/31/07.
https://checkout.google.com/support/...y?answer=30724
https://checkout.google.com/support/...y?answer=30724
