Last edit by: ericdabbs
Please read the wiki before posting a question.
UPDATE 01/17/15
BeFrugal: 1.5%
Big Crumbs: 0.9%
TopCashBack: 1.5%
For other cash back or airline portals, check here: http://www.cashbackmonitor.com/Cashb...erican+express
Public Service Announcement: Do NOT use fee-free codes if you want portal cashback / miles. CB/Miles will post and then be clawed back.
FAQ
Will it post as a cash advance (CA)?
Citi - Yes.
Cards from Chase, BoA, FIA, Barclay, AMEX, CapitalOne, US Bank, Discover, HSBC, etc., have posted as purchase. PNC Visa Cashbuilder - posts as purchase but does not earn CC rewards
Note: Some issuers (Discover, US Bank, etc.) will decline the authorization if it exceeds your CA limit. This does NOT mean it will post as CA. It simply means you need to lower the purchase amount below your CA limit for authorization, but it ultimately posts as a purchase.
How do I set PIN on AMEX Gift Cards and use as debit to load Bluebird, buy MOs, etc.
You cannot set PIN or use them as debit to load Bluebird, buy MOs, etc. You can only use them as credit where AMEX is accepted.
How do I cash out AMEX Gift Cards?
Use manufactured spend techniques (load RB, buy Visa/MC GCs, VRs, AP, AFT, etc.) or normal spend where AMEX is accepted.
Why buy AMEX Gift Cards then?
To reduce the cost of manufactured spend, to mask your manufactured spend (i.e unusual high spend at Target or CVS), earn additional cash back on spend, or meet minimum spend targets faster.
Next day shipping that isn't?
The next day shipping is from when they ship the cards to UPS, which can be as long as 10 days from the order submission if you order personalized cards (more recently this has been under a week). For next day shipping, you are notified late night (once your card finishes processing, see above) and the package arrive that same morning before 10:30AM in your area.
What is with the charge disappearing from my credit card?
Once the order is placed you will see a pending charge on your CC account. Quite often once the card ships this pending is removed but does not show as a charge. Don't panic (or celebrate) it will show up as a charge within a day or so.
Personalized GCs?
Either Biz or Personal GCs can be personalized with your name. This helps when shaky cashiers who demand to see your card are prevalent. These take approximately 4 biz days to arrive compared to the non personalized which arrives as quickly as the next day.
UPS Tracking?
If you logged in to your AMEX account when placing the order you can get tracking info by logging in to your AMEX account and clicking on cards > gift cards > order history > order details. Unfortunately tracking information may not appear until well after your order has shipped so it's best to sign up for UPS My Choice to get faster tracking info and reroute your package if needed. Since UPS may drop your package off at the door if you're not home, it will be useful to know when your package will arrive.
The portal terms indicate that coupon codes will invalidate cash back. Is this true?
Yes (as of July 2014)
What are the purchase limits? (Updated Dec 2014)
10K personal every 14 days
100K business every 14 days
Do declined orders count toward the purchase limits?
YMMV
Do fees and shipping count toward the purchase limits?
No
Why was my purchase declined by AMEX?
There are several possibilities:
- Your billing address does not match 100% with what the credit card company has on file. This could be anything from apt/suite/condo # on the wrong line to zip code requiring 9 digits instead of 5. If your first purchase does not go through, call your bank or login to your acct to verify that this matches what you used.
- You have gone over the $10k every 14 day limit on personal gift card purchase.
- Even if you are sure the first two are correct as you have ordered before on that card and it's been more than 14 days, you might still get declined. No one has any idea why.
- You placed a business order and you don't really have a business (at some point AMEX does a background check for a valid business) or you have exceeded the 14 day limit for business orders.
My order was declined but my credit card still shows a pending authorization. How long until this falls off and my credit line is freed up?
I typically takes 1 week for the pending authorization to fall off after a declined order.
Can I order from the business side using a personal card? Or does it need to be a business card?
You can use whatever credit card you want to pay for business or personal orders. About the only restriction is you can't use an AMEX GC to buy another AMEX GC.
How long will it take the portal to track my order and confirm the pending cash back or points?
For non-Cartera portals (TCB, BC, Befrugal, etc) your order will usually track within a day or two.
For Cartera portals (Barclay Reward Boost, Lucky Rewards, USAA, Alaska, Delta) it will take 3-4 weeks to track.
My orders are not tracking. How can I maximize the chances the portal will track my order properly?
Use a browser you do not normally use (Chrome, Firefox, Opera), reset all browser settings to defaults, clear all browser cookies, disable all browser add-ons, and close/re-start your browser before navigating to the portal and placing your order. Do NOT use promotional coupon codes. The vast majority of tracking issues result from use of coupon codes, a bad browser cookie, improperly configured browser settings, or add-ons that interfere with cookie tracking.
UPDATE 01/17/15
BeFrugal: 1.5%
Big Crumbs: 0.9%
TopCashBack: 1.5%
For other cash back or airline portals, check here: http://www.cashbackmonitor.com/Cashb...erican+express
Public Service Announcement: Do NOT use fee-free codes if you want portal cashback / miles. CB/Miles will post and then be clawed back.
FAQ
Will it post as a cash advance (CA)?
Citi - Yes.
Cards from Chase, BoA, FIA, Barclay, AMEX, CapitalOne, US Bank, Discover, HSBC, etc., have posted as purchase. PNC Visa Cashbuilder - posts as purchase but does not earn CC rewards
Note: Some issuers (Discover, US Bank, etc.) will decline the authorization if it exceeds your CA limit. This does NOT mean it will post as CA. It simply means you need to lower the purchase amount below your CA limit for authorization, but it ultimately posts as a purchase.
How do I set PIN on AMEX Gift Cards and use as debit to load Bluebird, buy MOs, etc.
You cannot set PIN or use them as debit to load Bluebird, buy MOs, etc. You can only use them as credit where AMEX is accepted.
How do I cash out AMEX Gift Cards?
Use manufactured spend techniques (load RB, buy Visa/MC GCs, VRs, AP, AFT, etc.) or normal spend where AMEX is accepted.
Why buy AMEX Gift Cards then?
To reduce the cost of manufactured spend, to mask your manufactured spend (i.e unusual high spend at Target or CVS), earn additional cash back on spend, or meet minimum spend targets faster.
Next day shipping that isn't?
The next day shipping is from when they ship the cards to UPS, which can be as long as 10 days from the order submission if you order personalized cards (more recently this has been under a week). For next day shipping, you are notified late night (once your card finishes processing, see above) and the package arrive that same morning before 10:30AM in your area.
What is with the charge disappearing from my credit card?
Once the order is placed you will see a pending charge on your CC account. Quite often once the card ships this pending is removed but does not show as a charge. Don't panic (or celebrate) it will show up as a charge within a day or so.
Personalized GCs?
Either Biz or Personal GCs can be personalized with your name. This helps when shaky cashiers who demand to see your card are prevalent. These take approximately 4 biz days to arrive compared to the non personalized which arrives as quickly as the next day.
UPS Tracking?
If you logged in to your AMEX account when placing the order you can get tracking info by logging in to your AMEX account and clicking on cards > gift cards > order history > order details. Unfortunately tracking information may not appear until well after your order has shipped so it's best to sign up for UPS My Choice to get faster tracking info and reroute your package if needed. Since UPS may drop your package off at the door if you're not home, it will be useful to know when your package will arrive.
The portal terms indicate that coupon codes will invalidate cash back. Is this true?
Yes (as of July 2014)
What are the purchase limits? (Updated Dec 2014)
10K personal every 14 days
100K business every 14 days
Do declined orders count toward the purchase limits?
YMMV
Do fees and shipping count toward the purchase limits?
No
Why was my purchase declined by AMEX?
There are several possibilities:
- Your billing address does not match 100% with what the credit card company has on file. This could be anything from apt/suite/condo # on the wrong line to zip code requiring 9 digits instead of 5. If your first purchase does not go through, call your bank or login to your acct to verify that this matches what you used.
- You have gone over the $10k every 14 day limit on personal gift card purchase.
- Even if you are sure the first two are correct as you have ordered before on that card and it's been more than 14 days, you might still get declined. No one has any idea why.
- You placed a business order and you don't really have a business (at some point AMEX does a background check for a valid business) or you have exceeded the 14 day limit for business orders.
My order was declined but my credit card still shows a pending authorization. How long until this falls off and my credit line is freed up?
I typically takes 1 week for the pending authorization to fall off after a declined order.
Can I order from the business side using a personal card? Or does it need to be a business card?
You can use whatever credit card you want to pay for business or personal orders. About the only restriction is you can't use an AMEX GC to buy another AMEX GC.
How long will it take the portal to track my order and confirm the pending cash back or points?
For non-Cartera portals (TCB, BC, Befrugal, etc) your order will usually track within a day or two.
For Cartera portals (Barclay Reward Boost, Lucky Rewards, USAA, Alaska, Delta) it will take 3-4 weeks to track.
My orders are not tracking. How can I maximize the chances the portal will track my order properly?
Use a browser you do not normally use (Chrome, Firefox, Opera), reset all browser settings to defaults, clear all browser cookies, disable all browser add-ons, and close/re-start your browser before navigating to the portal and placing your order. Do NOT use promotional coupon codes. The vast majority of tracking issues result from use of coupon codes, a bad browser cookie, improperly configured browser settings, or add-ons that interfere with cookie tracking.
Cashback on Amex GC through TopCashBack, BigCrumbs, etc.
#8056
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 319
FWIW I now have the answer as to if Citi AA Exec treated my AMEX GCs ordered online as cash advance. Answer is NO.
Made 2 orders (500, 4000), period now closed and Citi monthly statement issued. Both came through as Standard Purchases, no cash advance or interest fees.
Made 2 orders (500, 4000), period now closed and Citi monthly statement issued. Both came through as Standard Purchases, no cash advance or interest fees.
#8059
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA Gold,Hyatt Platinum,Marriott Platinum,Etihad Gold
Posts: 132
is it 0.25 or 2 % ?
I tried to buy 2 gift cards using my chase sapphire preferred card at GCM using TCB. the Order total was 2 X 500 + 2 X 3.95 + 2 X 3.74(shipping) = 1015.38 . What will be my cash back and how is it worth? from buying the same gift card from jewels or kroger with a 5.95 activation fee?
Am little confused with this math..... need some help.
I tried to buy 2 gift cards using my chase sapphire preferred card at GCM using TCB. the Order total was 2 X 500 + 2 X 3.95 + 2 X 3.74(shipping) = 1015.38 . What will be my cash back and how is it worth? from buying the same gift card from jewels or kroger with a 5.95 activation fee?
Am little confused with this math..... need some help.
#8060
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 31
Just wanted to share. I have not had a declined order since about 15 orders ago. I order pretty much everyday 3x $1k business cards per order, sometimes twice a day. About a week ago an employee called me to verify my business address. I have an online business (ebay) registered at my old apartment and he wanted to confirm since my new address is different (guess they checked records) and he said I will no longer have any problems.
I always login and there is no longer a section to enter the EIN, only my business store name.
I pay with 5 different cards, AMEX BCP, AMEX Business, Fidelity, CSP, Chase Ink.
Smooth sailing so far~ (>'.')>
PS: All my gift cards are used to purchase merchandise at stores
I always login and there is no longer a section to enter the EIN, only my business store name.
I pay with 5 different cards, AMEX BCP, AMEX Business, Fidelity, CSP, Chase Ink.
Smooth sailing so far~ (>'.')>
PS: All my gift cards are used to purchase merchandise at stores
#8061
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 319
is it 0.25 or 2 % ?
I tried to buy 2 gift cards using my chase sapphire preferred card at GCM using TCB. the Order total was 2 X 500 + 2 X 3.95 + 2 X 3.74(shipping) = 1015.38 . What will be my cash back and how is it worth? from buying the same gift card from jewels or kroger with a 5.95 activation fee?
Am little confused with this math..... need some help.
I tried to buy 2 gift cards using my chase sapphire preferred card at GCM using TCB. the Order total was 2 X 500 + 2 X 3.95 + 2 X 3.74(shipping) = 1015.38 . What will be my cash back and how is it worth? from buying the same gift card from jewels or kroger with a 5.95 activation fee?
Am little confused with this math..... need some help.
your earn 1016 UR points for this purchase
And this is the AGC thread. There is another thread talking about GCM and VGC.
You need to read both threads more carefully and figure out what people are actually doing.
#8062
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 51
No as stated reformatting your SSN to EIN format does not work. At least every 1k order has always gone through for me (EIN required only on orders > 1k) and no orders > 1k have with an SS instead of EIN have gone through. One liquidation route currently requires address verification so registration is needed.
#8063
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 151
Of course, it works.
Don't assume your personal experience is what everyone experiences.
#8064
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 465
I can't seem to find "Premium Shipping (Next Day) $99/year" as your shipping method on your order" when I buy a personal AGC, where do you sign up for it?
Also I read online you can have $5k but for some reason am only able to select up to $3k.
Also I read online you can have $5k but for some reason am only able to select up to $3k.
#8065
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: S Cal
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, United Silver, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,142
When you get to the page that says "Choose a shipping method," look down a bit and you'll see an icon of a truck speeding by. Click the link to the left of the truck that says "Learn more" for instructions.
#8066
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
It is a perk for amex customers.
#8067
Join Date: May 2014
Location: PHL
Programs: SW CP, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 571
Only saw a few posts on this and no real information. Just purchased 5K worth of AGC and it coded as "Amex Travel Funds Direct." Anyone know why the change in coding or if it has any signifigance?
#8070
Join Date: May 2014
Location: GSP
Posts: 129
Is it for sure that GCM GC's no longer pay 2% thru the portals....Mine is still pending from BeFrugal on the 3rd..need some datapoints