Nov 10, 2013, 11:26 am
Last edit by: mcdullhk88
Dead as of 10/13/14
FAQ's
Is Amazon Payments treated as a cash advance? No CC issuer has been reported as treating an AP transaction as a cash advance unless the sender selected "Payment is for Cash Advance" on the Send Money screen.
What does it mean when your payment is "pending"? Your payment will be reviewed. We are unsure whether this review is done by a human or computer. It should take less than 24 hours but is usually within minutes.
How should you describe your payment? "Goods or services" will allow you to charge with a CC and it will not be treated as a cash advance. Note: If you choose cash advance, it may be treated as such by your CC issuer; always choose Goods/Services. There is no reason to put anything in the optional description field - leave it blank.
What is the monthly limit for sending CC payments? $1,000 per calendar month per AP account
What is the monthly limit for receiving CC payments? $1,000 per calendar month per AP account
What if it is not allowing me to send/receive more than $500 or any at all? You probably have not verified your bank and/or added a CC. In order to get the full $1,000 allowance for sending and receiving you must have a bank verified AND a CC added to your account as a payment method.
Does AP qualify for special spending categories? Specifically it qualifies for Discover's (usually 4th quarter) category of online purchases but so far, not Chase's "5% CB on Amazon.com purchases." Refer to thread for other options.
Can you get shutdown? Yes.
How do you get shutdown? No one knows. Anecdotes are found throughout the thread. Some suspicious behavior that MIGHT get your AP account(s) shut down is listed below.
Which transaction is most advisable? A -> B -> C -> A (see here)
Are any fees charged during this process? No, not by Amazon Payments. If your transaction is treated as a cash advance by your card issuer--fees are possible. Beware and always double check that goods/services is selected!
Can you liquidate Amazon GC via AP? NO!
Can you liquidate other gift cards via AP? Yes. Note that you cannot liquidate the full value of a GC because amazon places a $1 hold while it verifies the validity of the GC. You can sometimes (not always) avoid the hold by entering an incorrect expiration date for the GC when adding it to your AP account, and after you have added it, go to "Edit my account settings," then to "Add edit or delete my credit cards" and edit the expiration date there.
When does the month end? It appears as if Amazon is on pacific time, so midnight PDT/PST is when the month resets.
It bears repeating that no one knows the methodology amazon uses to police AP transactions, determines which transactions violate its T&Cs, or identifies violators. However, various people in this thread and elsewhere have confirmed that their AP account(s) were shut down for the following reasons:
Additionally, we have updated the terms and conditions of our User Agreement (https://payments.amazon.com/help/Personal-Accounts/User-Agreement-Policies/User-Agreement) that apply to your use of the products and services provided by Amazon Payments. Our updated User Agreement revises certain terms (including, among other things, the elimination of person-to-person payments). Our new User Agreement will become effective on October 13, 2014, which is more than 30 days from when we first posted our updated User Agreement. By continuing to use our services after October 13, 2014, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions of our new User Agreement.
Is Amazon Payments treated as a cash advance? No CC issuer has been reported as treating an AP transaction as a cash advance unless the sender selected "Payment is for Cash Advance" on the Send Money screen.
What does it mean when your payment is "pending"? Your payment will be reviewed. We are unsure whether this review is done by a human or computer. It should take less than 24 hours but is usually within minutes.
How should you describe your payment? "Goods or services" will allow you to charge with a CC and it will not be treated as a cash advance. Note: If you choose cash advance, it may be treated as such by your CC issuer; always choose Goods/Services. There is no reason to put anything in the optional description field - leave it blank.
What is the monthly limit for sending CC payments? $1,000 per calendar month per AP account
What is the monthly limit for receiving CC payments? $1,000 per calendar month per AP account
What if it is not allowing me to send/receive more than $500 or any at all? You probably have not verified your bank and/or added a CC. In order to get the full $1,000 allowance for sending and receiving you must have a bank verified AND a CC added to your account as a payment method.
Does AP qualify for special spending categories? Specifically it qualifies for Discover's (usually 4th quarter) category of online purchases but so far, not Chase's "5% CB on Amazon.com purchases." Refer to thread for other options.
Can you get shutdown? Yes.
How do you get shutdown? No one knows. Anecdotes are found throughout the thread. Some suspicious behavior that MIGHT get your AP account(s) shut down is listed below.
Which transaction is most advisable? A -> B -> C -> A (see here)
Are any fees charged during this process? No, not by Amazon Payments. If your transaction is treated as a cash advance by your card issuer--fees are possible. Beware and always double check that goods/services is selected!
Can you liquidate Amazon GC via AP? NO!
Can you liquidate other gift cards via AP? Yes. Note that you cannot liquidate the full value of a GC because amazon places a $1 hold while it verifies the validity of the GC. You can sometimes (not always) avoid the hold by entering an incorrect expiration date for the GC when adding it to your AP account, and after you have added it, go to "Edit my account settings," then to "Add edit or delete my credit cards" and edit the expiration date there.
When does the month end? It appears as if Amazon is on pacific time, so midnight PDT/PST is when the month resets.
It bears repeating that no one knows the methodology amazon uses to police AP transactions, determines which transactions violate its T&Cs, or identifies violators. However, various people in this thread and elsewhere have confirmed that their AP account(s) were shut down for the following reasons:
- Associating one credit card number with more than one AP account (Be Careful if authorized user card has the same number as the primary card holder - in some instances the CC numbers are completely different)
- Associating one bank account with more than one AP account
Amazon Payments
Jul 3, 2014 | 1:06 pm
#4397
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Iowa
Posts: 122
I signed up for an AP account using my legit Amazon (store) account. I had accumulated like 20 cards registered in that account from normal purchasing over the years. When the AP account was activated they hit all these cards with a $1.00 preauth... without my permission or even a mention of it! I find this extremely slimy. Not to mention the inconvenience of having a purchase declined because you had $1 less than you thought.
It's not a huge deal sure, but it still pisses me off. I would not expect these tactics from a legitimate company like AMZN.
It's not a huge deal sure, but it still pisses me off. I would not expect these tactics from a legitimate company like AMZN.
Jul 3, 2014 | 1:17 pm
#4398
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,386
I signed up for an AP account using my legit Amazon (store) account. I had accumulated like 20 cards registered in that account from normal purchasing over the years. When the AP account was activated they hit all these cards with a $1.00 preauth... without my permission or even a mention of it! I find this extremely slimy. Not to mention the inconvenience of having a purchase declined because you had $1 less than you thought.
It's not a huge deal sure, but it still pisses me off. I would not expect these tactics from a legitimate company like AMZN.
It's not a huge deal sure, but it still pisses me off. I would not expect these tactics from a legitimate company like AMZN.
Jul 3, 2014 | 1:27 pm
#4399
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Iowa
Posts: 122
That sounds like a good way for them to detect a name mismatch and then get out the ban hammer, no? Especially if your sister is in your sending loop.
Jul 3, 2014 | 1:36 pm
#4400
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,386
Jul 3, 2014 | 3:25 pm
#4401
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Okinawa
Posts: 2,615
So I have been running a conga line of friends and family for years. All accounts are unique with a different social. I directly managed 10 of these accounts. Last month I saw two get shut down and were accused of having 'duplicate accounts'. None of the accounts were duplicate, but a husband and wife might have the same credit card number or bank account. This month saw a massacre. Out of a group of maybe 25 accounts about 15 were shut down. I'm down to a few accounts which had no overlapping information with any other accounts. They are definitely using a social networking analysis tool and something that is building out link diagrams based on entity management. This is similar to what paypal uses, but paypal is obviously much more advanced.
All of the things that weren't an issue for years: logging in from the same IP, sharing bank or credit card numbers, etc are all big no no's now.
All of the things that weren't an issue for years: logging in from the same IP, sharing bank or credit card numbers, etc are all big no no's now.
Jul 3, 2014 | 3:48 pm
#4402
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Iowa
Posts: 122
Well if you used the same exact bank account or CC for more than one AP account, IMHO one does not have the right to act surprised when you get nailed. That's asking for it in a comical way. Husband and wife or not. Bank accounts are free, plentiful, and easy to open instantly.
How good is their so-called identity verification? I mean since they don't ask for a DL number. Where do they pull this information from? i.e. if I have a hypothetical daughter who has never had a CC or any account whatsoever, her SSN would not necessarily show up at any bureau.
How good is their so-called identity verification? I mean since they don't ask for a DL number. Where do they pull this information from? i.e. if I have a hypothetical daughter who has never had a CC or any account whatsoever, her SSN would not necessarily show up at any bureau.
Jul 3, 2014 | 4:07 pm
#4403
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,642
Well if you used the same exact bank account or CC for more than one AP account, IMHO one does not have the right to act surprised when you get nailed. That's asking for it in a comical way. Husband and wife or not. Bank accounts are free, plentiful, and easy to open instantly.
How good is their so-called identity verification? I mean since they don't ask for a DL number. Where do they pull this information from? i.e. if I have a hypothetical daughter who has never had a CC or any account whatsoever, her SSN would not necessarily show up at any bureau.
How good is their so-called identity verification? I mean since they don't ask for a DL number. Where do they pull this information from? i.e. if I have a hypothetical daughter who has never had a CC or any account whatsoever, her SSN would not necessarily show up at any bureau.
Jul 3, 2014 | 6:03 pm
#4404
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Okinawa
Posts: 2,615
Well if you used the same exact bank account or CC for more than one AP account, IMHO one does not have the right to act surprised when you get nailed. That's asking for it in a comical way. Husband and wife or not. Bank accounts are free, plentiful, and easy to open instantly.
How good is their so-called identity verification? I mean since they don't ask for a DL number. Where do they pull this information from? i.e. if I have a hypothetical daughter who has never had a CC or any account whatsoever, her SSN would not necessarily show up at any bureau.
How good is their so-called identity verification? I mean since they don't ask for a DL number. Where do they pull this information from? i.e. if I have a hypothetical daughter who has never had a CC or any account whatsoever, her SSN would not necessarily show up at any bureau.
As for the identity verification, it is doing a soft credit pull and if there is no credit history they cannot verify the account and it will be suspended.
Jul 3, 2014 | 7:22 pm
#4405
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: WAS
Programs: SPG Plat. Marriott Plat. Hilton Diamond. Hyatt Diamond. IHG Plat.
Posts: 2,580
The surprising part is that it has not been an issue for more than 3 years. I am just demonstrating the shift in action and policy. Also in the past if the accounts were shut for 'duplicate accounts' it was possible to have Amazon reopen them once examined. That is no longer the case. They will not even respond to emails.
As for the identity verification, it is doing a soft credit pull and if there is no credit history they cannot verify the account and it will be suspended.
As for the identity verification, it is doing a soft credit pull and if there is no credit history they cannot verify the account and it will be suspended.
Jul 3, 2014 | 7:30 pm
#4406
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Iowa
Posts: 122
Looks like it's time for me to post some ads on Craigslist again for some donated identities. You wouldn't believe how cheaply people will hand over everything to you. Last time I had to pull the ads after an hour because my inbox was filled. I guess they just want a few bucks to snort their heroin or whatever they do with it. I had one girl ready to give me the SSNs for three of her kids. I told her no thanks.
Jul 3, 2014 | 9:31 pm
#4408
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA, SPG, MR, UR, Cash Back!
Posts: 606
Soft pull on which CRA? Do you happen to know?
Looks like it's time for me to post some ads on Craigslist again for some donated identities. You wouldn't believe how cheaply people will hand over everything to you. Last time I had to pull the ads after an hour because my inbox was filled. I guess they just want a few bucks to snort their heroin or whatever they do with it. I had one girl ready to give me the SSNs for three of her kids. I told her no thanks.
Looks like it's time for me to post some ads on Craigslist again for some donated identities. You wouldn't believe how cheaply people will hand over everything to you. Last time I had to pull the ads after an hour because my inbox was filled. I guess they just want a few bucks to snort their heroin or whatever they do with it. I had one girl ready to give me the SSNs for three of her kids. I told her no thanks.
Jul 3, 2014 | 10:11 pm
#4409
Join Date: May 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Delta DM, UA Prem1K, Hertz Pres Circle, Marriott Plat
Posts: 35
Hello,
As an Amazon Payments account holder, we are required by law to provide a quarterly notification of your account activity.
You can view your Amazon Payments account activity online at https://payments.amazon.com/.
Using your Amazon Payments account you can:
1. Shop across the web without sharing your payment information, re-entering your shipping address or credit card number.
2. Send Money to friends and family.
As always, there's no charge to hold an Amazon Payments account, transfer money from your bank account to your Amazon Payments account, or shop across the web using your Amazon Payments account.
Thank you.
Ironic, that if you do that you get shut down...
As an Amazon Payments account holder, we are required by law to provide a quarterly notification of your account activity.
You can view your Amazon Payments account activity online at https://payments.amazon.com/.
Using your Amazon Payments account you can:
1. Shop across the web without sharing your payment information, re-entering your shipping address or credit card number.
2. Send Money to friends and family.
As always, there's no charge to hold an Amazon Payments account, transfer money from your bank account to your Amazon Payments account, or shop across the web using your Amazon Payments account.
Thank you.
Ironic, that if you do that you get shut down...
Jul 3, 2014 | 10:19 pm
#4410
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Hello,
As an Amazon Payments account holder, we are required by law to provide a quarterly notification of your account activity.
You can view your Amazon Payments account activity online at https://payments.amazon.com/.
Using your Amazon Payments account you can:
1. Shop across the web without sharing your payment information, re-entering your shipping address or credit card number.
2. Send Money to friends and family.
As always, there's no charge to hold an Amazon Payments account, transfer money from your bank account to your Amazon Payments account, or shop across the web using your Amazon Payments account.
Thank you.
Ironic, that if you do that you get shut down...
As an Amazon Payments account holder, we are required by law to provide a quarterly notification of your account activity.
You can view your Amazon Payments account activity online at https://payments.amazon.com/.
Using your Amazon Payments account you can:
1. Shop across the web without sharing your payment information, re-entering your shipping address or credit card number.
2. Send Money to friends and family.
As always, there's no charge to hold an Amazon Payments account, transfer money from your bank account to your Amazon Payments account, or shop across the web using your Amazon Payments account.
Thank you.
Ironic, that if you do that you get shut down...
If you fund the money you send via a bank transfer, I don't think they would be shutting you down.