Not sure if this was just a temporary thing, but the last time i liquidated a few GCs via AP, there was no $1 hold.

I've never had the $1 hold while using the correct date, but I suppose YMMV

In the past 2 months,I have used Visa gift cards from giftcardmall with AP - no $1 hold

I have also used Amex gift cards with AP - the $1 hold was taken.

Some interesting data points there with respect to different GCs depending on the source. The incorrect date method is just a fool proof method that should work on all cards though.

I got a couple of PMs about this, but the information is in some threads, and more recently in this one http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...-payments.html

I suspect it could.

What could possibly be your motivation for doing this?

I just initiated deposits from AP to BB for verification via "Manage my bank accounts". I think it will work as I compared with my other linked bank that was verified via deposits, and it looks like AP verifies via deposit only (doesn't withdraw). Instant verification is not an option for BB in AP.

I hope it works as I can see this being a very convenient option to merge AP account(s) balances to BB and use it as centralized source for CC payments.

I have a balance in my Amazon account from adding Amazon GCs. When I use AP in Jan., will it automatically use that balance first before it lets me use my CC?

Balance from Amazon.com is not reflected on Amazon Payments, however you can purchase something on Amazon.com using your AP balance, so it is basically a one way street. Amazon to AP would have made it too lucrative and easy :D

I initiated two withdrawals yesterday, and now I see these two as "completed" on AP. However, I don't see any deposit posted to my checking account, no pending either. Does it usually take a while to show in checking accounts after the transaction has been completed?

Was going to post a near identical reply, however, you beat me to it.

AP often counts as DD, which gives you access to free ATM withdrawals with BB.

Then what is the big deal about the VR cards? I feel like I am missing something but if you can just load a regular Visa/MC gift card into BB then why all the hype around VR and BB?

You cannot load a regular Visa/MC gift card into BB. You must buy a VR with the gift card to load to BB.

The "expiration date trick" is to send money on Amazon Payments with the gift cards without an temporary authorization charge.

Yes - my apologies. I had both threads open and thought I was in the BB one and not the AP one when I typed that response. I was missing something - my wits and reading ability :)

Yes, the disclaimer is 5 business days but it usually takes just a day or two.