FrequentDreamer

Ohh thanks for that. I didn't even think of that location but might try that. We'll see if I have to whip out greenbacks or not. ^

sonofzeus

Thanks for the analysis. It's cheaper/easier simply to buy the AAdvantage miles before Dec 31 for 2 cpm. (and earn miles on the charged amount ) ^

SESTAR

Got my first VR with my new Citi Advantage credit card. Only doing this for the spending bonus. The store has plenty of them. Wasnt sure if I can purchase with credit card. I bought a couple other things as well. I brought the items and VR to cahsier. Cashier was wondering if the credit card purchase will work. She talked herself into trying it. I said sure. Doesnt hurt. BAM! Approved and worked.

I was tempted to get a few more. But I didnt because I didnt want to alarm the store. More importantly, I want to peeps to get them too.

chinookie

Hey, I sent YOU a PM (with a question about one of your previous posts) - to be discreet as you said - but you never replied. Maybe you missed it. I'll try resending.

Zamboni Driver

I could swear someone mentioned earlier in this thread that Citi classifies these purchases as cash advances. You may want to check your statement (and let us know afterwards).

caGALINDO

re zamboni:

doubtful

Stoughton

You're likely thinking of Amex direct sourced gift cards

scocjo

Anyone out there had any luck in the Denver, CO area? We don't have CVS here, but I have been to all sorts of Walgreens, Family Dollar, gas stations, etc without any luck.

particlemn

i have purchased with citi cards and they were listed as purcahses.
to all int he bay area i would recommend remaining calm, here in so cal there were no VR in CVS about 1 montha ago, then some started to get the "new rack" with reloadable amex cards and spots for the vr's, then a week later one store had the VR but surrounding 8 did not, a few days later one by one the stores started to get them. I would buy just one at first, oftne they said i think this might not work with a credit card, i would reply oh these are new cards and they usually work with credit cards, these even have the amex symbol on them. they ususaly say well ill try it and it has always gone through and they usually comment oh these must work with credit, i thnk them and go on my way

xxpert

datapoint: Went to OD to get some beans GC's today and the manager had to be called to approve 3 cards, when she came she asked for my id and scrutinized the thing like Sherlock Holmes would up until the receipt printed and she verified the number on my cc with the number on the receipt, she then smiled and apologized for the extra precautions and mentioned that its necessary because there was a fraud ring that was going around buying Vanilla cards and loading them onto prepaid amex cards. She told me about a guy that used to come in and spend $4k daily until corporate called her and had her shut him off because they thought he was involved in money laundering (more like point laundering )

Zamboni Driver

Indeed... Thank you for clarifying and the reminder, I've been (erroneously) staying away from Citi AA cards for that very reason.

SGJazz

I would like to know the answer to this as well. If it's a guarded secret, please PM me.

chinookie

Additional second-hand report: I believe there's another item to avoid using citi cards for: when loading funds onto a Wells Fargo prepaid debit card. I've read (multiple) reports that this is coded as a cash advance. Other cards (eg Chase) code that as a purchase. I can not confirm that citi codes such a load as a CA - but I have not tried (and don't plan to, since the reports seem pretty credible and I have no reason to doubt them).

First-hand: I have used both city visa and city amex cards to purchase VRs at Office Depot (it turned out, in the last 24 hours before the plug was pulled on that lucrative combination) and they were coded as purchases.

gardengirl

But wait! Wouldn't this have a $100 a day limit and a $2 fee per $100???

From Bluebird website, #15 of Member Agreement:

"From a Debit Card
(per load, $100 daily limit) $2"

frozyn

That's only if you do it online. Doing a Cash Swipe using your debit card at WM has no fees. Limits are $1000 a day, $5000 a month, shared with VR.