They required an actual EIN. Using your SS as a sole proprietorship is not allowed (even though that's a valid business). You would have to present the EIN to them to buy them. I know this because I tried both telling them I have a business and filling out the paperwork to buy as a business. Got turned down on both without the EIN.

Simple, move to another state:D

I used the simon GC once in the past. Is there something special about them I'm missing, or only the lower fee to purchase?

It's just the lower fee.

I'd rather just get VGC at a supermarket or drugstore and pay the extra (more locations, less gas/time, better MCC category).

That's what I was also thinking. Grocery and drug stores still gives better MCC.

Just one more consideration.

The SM I go to advised GCs are sold up to a $10K purchase daily (YMMV). That eliminates multiple trips. Even CVS was $5k daily VR (at some stores). They are also a plus for those in areas (like me) where variables are not sold at grocer, thus keeping one from attaining the 3/5% CB on grocery purchases with those cards.

So, one can schedule fewer trips, even quicker minimum spend.

Unless, of course, you live across from the mall compound parking lot. :D

Wow, those are some "MEANIE" policies!

Actually, I get the APO/FPO thing. No recourse for errant delivery past NY, NY outbound to overseas.

Does the SM you frequent require you to fill a form when buying SGC? The one I went to wanted to fill a form over 3k upto 10k limit. The gal was nervous since I wanted to buy 4k (and had to fill out the form).

Not for me at the local mall. It's been very good, so far.

Sorry that's happening with you. Always something...

Simon visa CG purchase with AMEX GC
 

I would love to know this as well. I have three Simon properties near me. Waiting for two 2500 AMEX GC (with my name on them). I know there's no category bonus but since I used cashback and amex no fee code, the cost for visa gc is a wash.

I did my first trip to Simon today. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share datapoints on bulk purchases. The lady was very interested in me doing 10-15k at a time. If I did 25 cards, I'd get a discount (I think $2.50) on the $500 dollar cards ($12.5k at a time, so easy enough for a limit) - and could start having them delivered once a week to the store for me to pick up. All I needed was my license and the form I guess others have filled out, but under 3k, I did not need EIN/SS#. They also said if I just wanted 5 at a time, they could have the form auto filled out where I'd just need to sign and pay.

This is in DFW.

And someone asked why you'd do this? 50,000 SPG points for $250 a month (preliquidation) seems pretty appealing to me. It would be good for cards that only have no bonus categories with lower fees.

i applied online for the bulk (5 or more) purchase and i was declined. i called the number and they were very terse in saying i was declined, there is no appeal process (even though the decline email says if i think the decline was in error to call), and they do not discuss reasons for decline. bye!

i'm pretty good at talking with people in such situations, but this was brutal.

btw, i have a 'real' business, with an EIN that is 24 years old (when i started the company). i have no idea why i was declined, as per above. only thing i ca think of is they are looking for companies much larger than mine and it's not really for 'small business'.

anyone approved for bulk online or in mall? now i wish i had gone in, because if i apply now at the mall, my decline is already in the system and, as i understand it, the same people @ Simon handle applications. urgh.

Almost identical experience for me. It was "tough ...., we declined you, you don't get to know why, and there is no appeal."

Sounds like you hit the jackpot. In NC they will only do AMEX private and required all kinds of paperwork and an EIN to acquire any Visa on the business side. I tried the online per above and was denied. I'm sure I could push it through in person but I live an hour away so I'm not likely to run to the mall 2 hours roundtrip to pick up cards.

Where I live the only thing within 20 miles is a King Soopers. We're in a newish area and nothing has built up around us yet. And I work from home, so I don't have opportunities to stop on the way to/from work. Should be able to go once or twice a month though.

Re the Simon GC: How far away are you from the Aurora Mall?