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.
No more minimums, no more thresholds, wow!!
Dec 4, 2012, 10:54 am
#77
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Land of the parrots and parrotheads
Programs: Several dozen
Posts: 4,820
Dec 4, 2012, 11:36 am
#78
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 90
how long is it taking to show up on everyone's Bigcrumbs account?
Dec 4, 2012, 11:43 am
#79
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 28
Can't purchase with Ink MC?
Anyone else running into problems when trying to purchase the GC?
I'm trying the use my Ink Mastercard to finish up my minimum spend requirement and keep receiving the following message:
We're sorry, but we are unable to process your payment at this time. Please verify that the payment information is correct and resubmit your order. If you see this message again, please contact the Credit Card Company or consider another form of payment. After three attempts, you will need to restart your order.
I'm trying the use my Ink Mastercard to finish up my minimum spend requirement and keep receiving the following message:
We're sorry, but we are unable to process your payment at this time. Please verify that the payment information is correct and resubmit your order. If you see this message again, please contact the Credit Card Company or consider another form of payment. After three attempts, you will need to restart your order.
Dec 4, 2012, 12:31 pm
#80
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: CA
Programs: AA, SPG, Alaska
Posts: 49
...
We're sorry, but we are unable to process your payment at this time. Please verify that the payment information is correct and resubmit your order. If you see this message again, please contact the Credit Card Company or consider another form of payment. After three attempts, you will need to restart your order.
We're sorry, but we are unable to process your payment at this time. Please verify that the payment information is correct and resubmit your order. If you see this message again, please contact the Credit Card Company or consider another form of payment. After three attempts, you will need to restart your order.
When did Am Ex start asking for SSN to purchase a GC? I hope it's not just me...
Dec 4, 2012, 1:40 pm
#83
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 225
2.25% cashback on Amex Gift Cards, but changes in fees.
I have been getting the same messages and the fraud alert from Discover. Thought it was just me.
Dec 4, 2012, 1:43 pm
#84
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Bellevue, WA
Programs: All main US FF programs basic level
Posts: 109
Fastpaced,
I got the same issue with my Ink, called them, and they said its because my transaction was larger than any other I have made in the 2-3 weeks or so since I got the card (so its a security measure). They asked me some questions such as verifying my recent past addresses, and then told me to redo the transaction while they waited on the line. Second time around, the transaction went through, and the next day I got an Amex confirmation that I was approved for the 5k in prepaid cards. Now I have to check outside my door every day for a special package. Glad its not USPS, since our new USPS mail guy is somewhat senile according to most of my apartment complex residents.
I got the same issue with my Ink, called them, and they said its because my transaction was larger than any other I have made in the 2-3 weeks or so since I got the card (so its a security measure). They asked me some questions such as verifying my recent past addresses, and then told me to redo the transaction while they waited on the line. Second time around, the transaction went through, and the next day I got an Amex confirmation that I was approved for the 5k in prepaid cards. Now I have to check outside my door every day for a special package. Glad its not USPS, since our new USPS mail guy is somewhat senile according to most of my apartment complex residents.
Dec 4, 2012, 2:01 pm
#85
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 28
Fastpaced,
I got the same issue with my Ink, called them, and they said its because my transaction was larger than any other I have made in the 2-3 weeks or so since I got the card (so its a security measure). They asked me some questions such as verifying my recent past addresses, and then told me to redo the transaction while they waited on the line. Second time around, the transaction went through, and the next day I got an Amex confirmation that I was approved for the 5k in prepaid cards. Now I have to check outside my door every day for a special package. Glad its not USPS, since our new USPS mail guy is somewhat senile according to most of my apartment complex residents.
I got the same issue with my Ink, called them, and they said its because my transaction was larger than any other I have made in the 2-3 weeks or so since I got the card (so its a security measure). They asked me some questions such as verifying my recent past addresses, and then told me to redo the transaction while they waited on the line. Second time around, the transaction went through, and the next day I got an Amex confirmation that I was approved for the 5k in prepaid cards. Now I have to check outside my door every day for a special package. Glad its not USPS, since our new USPS mail guy is somewhat senile according to most of my apartment complex residents.
Dec 4, 2012, 3:50 pm
#86
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,430
Hmm, good idea for meeting minimum spend on the Ink. I suppose it's probably safer to "cash" them out via paypal, etc, if they weren't bought with one's personal AMEX.
I can only picture methods of liquidating $3,000 worth in 30 days though... safely. Some of the methods seem ripe to fail.
I can only picture methods of liquidating $3,000 worth in 30 days though... safely. Some of the methods seem ripe to fail.
Dec 4, 2012, 11:06 pm
#87
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 25
Is there any way of getting around providing my SSN?
Dec 5, 2012, 3:12 pm
#88
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 18
noob question:
what's the difference between the business and personal cards? Just that one lets you get more $$ at a time?
what's the difference between the business and personal cards? Just that one lets you get more $$ at a time?
Dec 5, 2012, 3:24 pm
#89
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Posts: 1,145
basically, yes...when you order the business one, it will ask for your company name and tax id, so if a sole prop, just put in your name and ssn.
Dec 5, 2012, 3:28 pm
#90
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 18
ahh that's what I figured. Since I don't have a business I'm going to stick with the personal. Does anyone know if I can pay a 20k+ tax estimate using 5(or more) 5k loaded cards on USA Tax (or one of the CC tax paying websites)? Is that allowed?
