Oct 25, 2013, 7:07 pm
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.
Aug 18, 2014, 8:14 am
#8086
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Phoenix Desert
Programs: Hilton Cubic Zirconia, Marriott Fools Gold
Posts: 1,692
Aug 18, 2014, 8:31 am
#8087
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 39
Some Data Points to report:
Order Date Approve Date Amount
8/15/14 1:06 PM 8/18 10:08 AM $3000 Business AGC
8/15/14 1:09 PM 8/15 2:08 PM $1000 Personal AGC
Order Date Approve Date Amount
8/15/14 1:06 PM 8/18 10:08 AM $3000 Business AGC
8/15/14 1:09 PM 8/15 2:08 PM $1000 Personal AGC
Aug 18, 2014, 9:07 am
#8089
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
I submitted an order on the 16th, got instant notification from my credit card that the full amount of $5007.90 ($3k & 2K card) was charged. Received an email this morning from Amex stating “Your order was not fulfilled for the following reasins: We could not verify your order information and cannot approve your order at this time.”
I called my CC company, they said they approved everything and that Amex cancelled. Called Amex and the guy basically read the email back to me and when I asked what exactly that meant, he didn’t know. He told me double check all the info I entered, which I know was all correct.
Now the only caveat to this instance is this: I signed into the Amex portal using my Wife’s American Express login because I do not have an AMEX card and I wanted to sign up for the 90 trial of the $99 shipping program. When I placed the order I used her name and SSN, but the credit card used was in my name. Same shipping address as billing address. I did not see anything that indicated that I had to use a CC in her name to order. It also gives you the option of entering a billing address that is different from shipping address.
Card used was Chase Southwest Biz Card.
Any insight as to why it was declined? Too large of a purchase for the 1st time order?
Thank you.
I called my CC company, they said they approved everything and that Amex cancelled. Called Amex and the guy basically read the email back to me and when I asked what exactly that meant, he didn’t know. He told me double check all the info I entered, which I know was all correct.
Now the only caveat to this instance is this: I signed into the Amex portal using my Wife’s American Express login because I do not have an AMEX card and I wanted to sign up for the 90 trial of the $99 shipping program. When I placed the order I used her name and SSN, but the credit card used was in my name. Same shipping address as billing address. I did not see anything that indicated that I had to use a CC in her name to order. It also gives you the option of entering a billing address that is different from shipping address.
Card used was Chase Southwest Biz Card.
Any insight as to why it was declined? Too large of a purchase for the 1st time order?
Thank you.
Aug 18, 2014, 9:14 am
#8090
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,375
I submitted an order on the 16th, got instant notification from my credit card that the full amount of $5007.90 ($3k & 2K card) was charged. Received an email this morning from Amex stating “Your order was not fulfilled for the following reasins: We could not verify your order information and cannot approve your order at this time.”
I called my CC company, they said they approved everything and that Amex cancelled. Called Amex and the guy basically read the email back to me and when I asked what exactly that meant, he didn’t know. He told me double check all the info I entered, which I know was all correct.
Now the only caveat to this instance is this: I signed into the Amex portal using my Wife’s American Express login because I do not have an AMEX card and I wanted to sign up for the 90 trial of the $99 shipping program. When I placed the order I used her name and SSN, but the credit card used was in my name. Same shipping address as billing address. I did not see anything that indicated that I had to use a CC in her name to order. It also gives you the option of entering a billing address that is different from shipping address.
Card used was Chase Southwest Biz Card.
Any insight as to why it was declined? Too large of a purchase for the 1st time order?
Thank you.
I called my CC company, they said they approved everything and that Amex cancelled. Called Amex and the guy basically read the email back to me and when I asked what exactly that meant, he didn’t know. He told me double check all the info I entered, which I know was all correct.
Now the only caveat to this instance is this: I signed into the Amex portal using my Wife’s American Express login because I do not have an AMEX card and I wanted to sign up for the 90 trial of the $99 shipping program. When I placed the order I used her name and SSN, but the credit card used was in my name. Same shipping address as billing address. I did not see anything that indicated that I had to use a CC in her name to order. It also gives you the option of entering a billing address that is different from shipping address.
Card used was Chase Southwest Biz Card.
Any insight as to why it was declined? Too large of a purchase for the 1st time order?
Thank you.
Aug 18, 2014, 9:14 am
#8091
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 415
Do Amex Business GC's need to be registered with a billing addresses for online purchases only? I'm looking to make a $3k purchase on the phone and wondering if the same process needs to be followed. TIA
Aug 18, 2014, 9:43 am
#8092
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 202
I submitted an order on the 16th, got instant notification from my credit card that the full amount of $5007.90 ($3k & 2K card) was charged. Received an email this morning from Amex stating “Your order was not fulfilled for the following reasins: We could not verify your order information and cannot approve your order at this time.”
I called my CC company, they said they approved everything and that Amex cancelled. Called Amex and the guy basically read the email back to me and when I asked what exactly that meant, he didn’t know. He told me double check all the info I entered, which I know was all correct.
Now the only caveat to this instance is this: I signed into the Amex portal using my Wife’s American Express login because I do not have an AMEX card and I wanted to sign up for the 90 trial of the $99 shipping program. When I placed the order I used her name and SSN, but the credit card used was in my name. Same shipping address as billing address. I did not see anything that indicated that I had to use a CC in her name to order. It also gives you the option of entering a billing address that is different from shipping address.
Card used was Chase Southwest Biz Card.
Any insight as to why it was declined? Too large of a purchase for the 1st time order?
Thank you.
I called my CC company, they said they approved everything and that Amex cancelled. Called Amex and the guy basically read the email back to me and when I asked what exactly that meant, he didn’t know. He told me double check all the info I entered, which I know was all correct.
Now the only caveat to this instance is this: I signed into the Amex portal using my Wife’s American Express login because I do not have an AMEX card and I wanted to sign up for the 90 trial of the $99 shipping program. When I placed the order I used her name and SSN, but the credit card used was in my name. Same shipping address as billing address. I did not see anything that indicated that I had to use a CC in her name to order. It also gives you the option of entering a billing address that is different from shipping address.
Card used was Chase Southwest Biz Card.
Any insight as to why it was declined? Too large of a purchase for the 1st time order?
Thank you.
The message (email) you got is typical for me as well. I tried to place similar $5k order on my wife's AMEX portal (with her card of course) which I do regularly. This time, though, I only waited 10 days. The order was approved, then a declined with the exact same message that you got.
I usually go 3-4 weeks between orders ($5k) and rarely get declined.
Aug 18, 2014, 9:47 am
#8093
Join Date: May 2014
Location: RIC
Posts: 71
Can someone provide their experience with the Amex shipping program? My trial period ended and I didn't cancel. My card shows a pending $99 charge but when I went to purchase an AGC this morning, it wanted me to pay $99 again or select a regular shipping method. Seems weird and I don't know where to go.
Aug 18, 2014, 10:02 am
#8094
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 62
Any comment about having to manage all the cash with ATM withdrawl? Sounds like it could become a pain in the ....
Is there some other advantage AFT has that I am missing? I searched this and other threads but could not find anything else.
Thanks
Aug 18, 2014, 10:11 am
#8095
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 970
I choose 2.5K because that is the AFT load limit per month per card. It pretty much scales up the same to $5K does it not? At $5K VGC cost is $59.50 and with AFT cost is $42. Does that sound right?
Any comment about having to manage all the cash with ATM withdrawl? Sounds like it could become a pain in the ....
Is there some other advantage AFT has that I am missing? I searched this and other threads but could not find anything else.
Thanks
Any comment about having to manage all the cash with ATM withdrawl? Sounds like it could become a pain in the ....
Is there some other advantage AFT has that I am missing? I searched this and other threads but could not find anything else.
Thanks
The lowest cost ATM I have access to is Costco ($1.25). But only $400/day. Just not worth the trouble while other options are available.
Aug 18, 2014, 10:20 am
#8096
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 139
I doubt I am the only one that does exact change on gift cards. I have always ordered in increments of 503.95. Today when I placed my order it wouldn't let me use cents anymore. Loads were limited to full dollar amounts. Is this a new feature for AGC? If so just an FYI to anyone else that loads to the exact penny.
Aug 18, 2014, 10:36 am
#8097
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
Twice I tried using a different person's credit card and both times the orders were denied.
The message (email) you got is typical for me as well. I tried to place similar $5k order on my wife's AMEX portal (with her card of course) which I do regularly. This time, though, I only waited 10 days. The order was approved, then a declined with the exact same message that you got.
I usually go 3-4 weeks between orders ($5k) and rarely get declined.
The message (email) you got is typical for me as well. I tried to place similar $5k order on my wife's AMEX portal (with her card of course) which I do regularly. This time, though, I only waited 10 days. The order was approved, then a declined with the exact same message that you got.
I usually go 3-4 weeks between orders ($5k) and rarely get declined.
Thank you.
Aug 18, 2014, 10:45 am
#8098
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Midwest U.S.A
Programs: Too many to list. Since the early 90's.
Posts: 1,407
To those thinking about ordering AGC for ms purposes, let me just say that this game is not the same anymore. Not only will you experience the torture of Amex order denials for no good reason, terrible outsourced customer service which can't understand you and only gives you prepared excuses in your language, but you'll experience the ever increasing limitations of ways to liquidate what you do receive in Amex cards. For many, wally is dead now to many gc not just vanillas as many are experiencing now. Anyone who promotes this method of msing to newbies is doing them an injustice unless they know exactly where that person lives and knows for certain there are less obsticles in that area. I'm not recommending this method of ms'ing to any friend now, that's for sure. Many can't even make bb/serve loads at wally with vanilla, sunrise and other visas. Sure, you'll hear of some successes, but for the most part it's over for many and they are moving on to other less time consuming avenues even if it means less % payout. Just a friendly word of caution from someone who's been at this a while, but has been beating their head against a wall the last couple weeks due to so much time wasted in trying to liquidate. I also know of some having trouble because they've tried depositing too many MOs in short time because they can't load bb/serve enough. Be careful and don't get greedy.
Aug 18, 2014, 10:52 am
#8099
Join Date: May 2014
Location: PHL
Programs: SW CP, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 571
AFT is a PITA precisely because you have to cash out via ATM. Most don't have access to no cost ATMs, and those that do typically have low daily withdrawal limits, so multiple trips required.
The lowest cost ATM I have access to is Costco ($1.25). But only $400/day. Just not worth the trouble while other options are available.
The lowest cost ATM I have access to is Costco ($1.25). But only $400/day. Just not worth the trouble while other options are available.
Aug 18, 2014, 10:55 am
#8100
Join Date: May 2014
Location: PHL
Programs: SW CP, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 571
To those thinking about ordering AGC for ms purposes, let me just say that this game is not the same anymore. Not only will you experience the torture of Amex order denials for no good reason, terrible outsourced customer service which can't understand you and only gives you prepared excuses in your language, but you'll experience the ever increasing limitations of ways to liquidate what you do receive in Amex cards. For many, wally is dead now to many gc not just vanillas as many are experiencing now. Anyone who promotes this method of msing to newbies is doing them an injustice unless they know exactly where that person lives and knows for certain there are less obsticles in that area. I'm not recommending this method of ms'ing to any friend now, that's for sure. Many can't even make bb/serve loads at wally with vanilla, sunrise and other visas. Sure, you'll hear of some successes, but for the most part it's over for many and they are moving on to other less time consuming avenues even if it means less % payout. Just a friendly word of caution from someone who's been at this a while, but has been beating their head against a wall the last couple weeks due to so much time wasted in trying to liquidate. I also know of some having trouble because they've tried depositing too many MOs in short time because they can't load bb/serve enough. Be careful and don't get greedy.