Jan 25, 2015, 12:48 am
Last edit by: XP1
Please read the wiki before posting a question.
UPDATE: 08/21/2015
Lucky Rewards: 1% Personal;2% Business
TopCashBack: 1.5% Personal; 2.25% business (11/10 only)
BeFrugal: 2.25% personal & business
Simply Best Coupons: 1.5% personal & business
Ebates: 1%
USAA 1% Personal; 2% Business
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 or free shipping codes if you want portal cashback / miles. CB/Miles will post and then be clawed back.
As of 1/29 most portals have added new terms that denominations over $2000 are not eligible for cashback.
As of 8/21/15 many portals have added new terms that denominations over $200 are not eligible for cashback. As smart as we all are we have no idea if this will be enforced on PERSONALIZED (Keyword: Personalized) orders. It has been CONFIRMED that they will NOT pay out on non-personalized orders.
FAQ
Will it post as a cash advance (CA)?
Citi AA Visa/Amex posted as purchase (7/2015)
Citi Dividend Amex posted as purchase (01/09/2016)
Citi Double Cash posted as purchase (7/8/2015, 8/11/2015)
Citi Exec posted as purchase
Citi HHonors posted as purchase (2/17/15, 5/4/15)
Citi Prestige posted as purchase (5/20/15)
Citi Thank You Premier posted as purchase (7/2015)
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 (buy Visa/MC GCs, 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 http://www.ups.com/mychoice/ 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.
Do I have to sign for the package?
Rule of thumb, YMMV:
- Non-personalized orders $4k or less will just be left at your door.
- Non-personalized orders $5k or greater must be signed for in person. These cannot be routed to a UPS store or customer center for pickup. UPS will attempt a delivery 3 consecutive business days. If you are not available to sign for the package, it will be returned to Amex.
- Personalized orders of any amount will just be left at your door. These orders can be routed to a UPS store or customer center for pickup.
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 June 2015)
Regular
100K personal every 14 days (Portals still state 10K personal every 14 days, however confirmations by FT'ers suggest this is not enforced).
100K business every 14 days
Personalized/Custom
5K personal per order
75K business per order
Portal Limits
Most CB portals state that they only payout out on cards worth $2,000 or less. In other words, if you buy a $3,000 card you will not get cash back from the portals (per their terms). You may buy multiple $2,000 cards in a single order and be fine. Several people have reported success buying up to $2999 per card, but YMMV.
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. (This limit may no longer apply as of April 2015)
- 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.
- You don't have enough longevity ordering AMEX gift cards. Some have noticed a much higher decline rate the first year (2013) even with all information correct, compared to two years later, 2015, if ordering regularly (several orders monthly). (added 7/5/15)
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.
Can I load Serve/RB/BB with an AGC?
No. AGCs process as credit. They do not function like a VGC w/debit.
Why am I getting 1.5% instead of 2.25%?
Be sure you're clicking through and buying the business version. The consumer one pays 1.5%.
This thread is a continuation of http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...s-etc-648.html
UPDATE: 08/21/2015
Lucky Rewards: 1% Personal;
TopCashBack: 1.5% Personal; 2.25% business (11/10 only)
BeFrugal: 2.25% personal & business
Simply Best Coupons: 1.5% personal & business
Ebates: 1%
USAA 1% Personal; 2% Business
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 or free shipping codes if you want portal cashback / miles. CB/Miles will post and then be clawed back.
As of 1/29 most portals have added new terms that denominations over $2000 are not eligible for cashback.
As of 8/21/15 many portals have added new terms that denominations over $200 are not eligible for cashback. As smart as we all are we have no idea if this will be enforced on PERSONALIZED (Keyword: Personalized) orders. It has been CONFIRMED that they will NOT pay out on non-personalized orders.
FAQ
Will it post as a cash advance (CA)?
Citi AA Visa/Amex posted as purchase (7/2015)
Citi Dividend Amex posted as purchase (01/09/2016)
Citi Double Cash posted as purchase (7/8/2015, 8/11/2015)
Citi Exec posted as purchase
Citi HHonors posted as purchase (2/17/15, 5/4/15)
Citi Prestige posted as purchase (5/20/15)
Citi Thank You Premier posted as purchase (7/2015)
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 (buy Visa/MC GCs, 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 http://www.ups.com/mychoice/ 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.
Do I have to sign for the package?
Rule of thumb, YMMV:
- Non-personalized orders $4k or less will just be left at your door.
- Non-personalized orders $5k or greater must be signed for in person. These cannot be routed to a UPS store or customer center for pickup. UPS will attempt a delivery 3 consecutive business days. If you are not available to sign for the package, it will be returned to Amex.
- Personalized orders of any amount will just be left at your door. These orders can be routed to a UPS store or customer center for pickup.
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 June 2015)
Regular
100K personal every 14 days (Portals still state 10K personal every 14 days, however confirmations by FT'ers suggest this is not enforced).
100K business every 14 days
Personalized/Custom
5K personal per order
75K business per order
Portal Limits
Most CB portals state that they only payout out on cards worth $2,000 or less. In other words, if you buy a $3,000 card you will not get cash back from the portals (per their terms). You may buy multiple $2,000 cards in a single order and be fine. Several people have reported success buying up to $2999 per card, but YMMV.
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. (This limit may no longer apply as of April 2015)
- 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.
- You don't have enough longevity ordering AMEX gift cards. Some have noticed a much higher decline rate the first year (2013) even with all information correct, compared to two years later, 2015, if ordering regularly (several orders monthly). (added 7/5/15)
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.
Can I load Serve/RB/BB with an AGC?
No. AGCs process as credit. They do not function like a VGC w/debit.
Why am I getting 1.5% instead of 2.25%?
Be sure you're clicking through and buying the business version. The consumer one pays 1.5%.
This thread is a continuation of http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...s-etc-648.html
Cashback on Amex GC through TopCashBack, BigCrumbs, etc. (2015)
Apr 25, 2015, 10:14 pm
#1516
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, DL PM, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,305
I think using some common sense, and not making them suspicious is the key. If you have 20 purchases all 503.95, it looks fishy.
If you go ahead and buy 10k of gift cards, they might not take a second look at it. It may just go through review, but may not end up at the FR desk where they closely examine spending.
Also, I think just make sure you are reasonable about what you told them your annual income is and what you are spending on their cards.
If you are spending more than 1/2 of what you reported on your annual income on gift cards you are cruising for a bruising.
If you go ahead and buy 10k of gift cards, they might not take a second look at it. It may just go through review, but may not end up at the FR desk where they closely examine spending.
Also, I think just make sure you are reasonable about what you told them your annual income is and what you are spending on their cards.
If you are spending more than 1/2 of what you reported on your annual income on gift cards you are cruising for a bruising.
One of the best quotes from the senior fraud specialist today was: "you getting routed to us even once a year is too much and this is twice in two days. Not sure why this is happening."
Apr 26, 2015, 9:25 am
#1518
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Phoenix Desert
Programs: Hilton Cubic Zirconia, Marriott Fools Gold
Posts: 1,692
Apr 26, 2015, 11:02 am
#1522
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Phoenix Desert
Programs: Hilton Cubic Zirconia, Marriott Fools Gold
Posts: 1,692
There is a new free shipping code FSMOM and it expires on 5/10. YMMV if it will give you 1yr of free shipping tho.
Click here for the instructions.... hopefully it works for those that missed out last time. Also, you may have to have previously had a 1yr membership for it to go thru properly, in which case read the other posts from April 23.
Click here for the instructions.... hopefully it works for those that missed out last time. Also, you may have to have previously had a 1yr membership for it to go thru properly, in which case read the other posts from April 23.
Apr 26, 2015, 12:35 pm
#1523
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: Total Rewards Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Marriott Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 564
There is a new free shipping code FSMOM and it expires on 5/10. YMMV if it will give you 1yr of free shipping tho.
Click here for the instructions.... hopefully it works for those that missed out last time. Also, you may have to have previously had a 1yr membership for it to go thru properly, in which case read the other posts from April 23.
Click here for the instructions.... hopefully it works for those that missed out last time. Also, you may have to have previously had a 1yr membership for it to go thru properly, in which case read the other posts from April 23.
Thanks!
Apr 26, 2015, 3:05 pm
#1524
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,295
There is a new free shipping code FSMOM and it expires on 5/10. YMMV if it will give you 1yr of free shipping tho.
Click here for the instructions.... hopefully it works for those that missed out last time. Also, you may have to have previously had a 1yr membership for it to go thru properly, in which case read the other posts from April 23.
Click here for the instructions.... hopefully it works for those that missed out last time. Also, you may have to have previously had a 1yr membership for it to go thru properly, in which case read the other posts from April 23.
Then I got an email (below) saying the expiration is through next year. Does that mean it's free for a year, or I would still have to cancel after three months to make sure I'm not charged? Thanks!
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your recent enrollment in the Gift Card Premium Shipping Plan. This plan gives you free Express Next Day shipping on every American Express Gift Card order placed for one full year.
Enrollment date: April 26, 2015
Expiration date: April 26, 2016
Remember, you always need to log in to your account at americanexpress.com/gift before you order to take advantage of this offer.
Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
American Express Customer Service
Apr 26, 2015, 6:45 pm
#1525
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: Total Rewards Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Marriott Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 564
Used the FSMOM code and tried to order a $25 personalized gift card (as described in skitch23's post) and signed up for the premium shipping. I didn't see the $99 charge and coupon code removing it in the order but figured I would just go with it.
Then I got an email (below) saying the expiration is through next year. Does that mean it's free for a year, or I would still have to cancel after three months to make sure I'm not charged? Thanks!
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your recent enrollment in the Gift Card Premium Shipping Plan. This plan gives you free Express Next Day shipping on every American Express Gift Card order placed for one full year.
Enrollment date: April 26, 2015
Expiration date: April 26, 2016
Remember, you always need to log in to your account at americanexpress.com/gift before you order to take advantage of this offer.
Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
American Express Customer Service
Then I got an email (below) saying the expiration is through next year. Does that mean it's free for a year, or I would still have to cancel after three months to make sure I'm not charged? Thanks!
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your recent enrollment in the Gift Card Premium Shipping Plan. This plan gives you free Express Next Day shipping on every American Express Gift Card order placed for one full year.
Enrollment date: April 26, 2015
Expiration date: April 26, 2016
Remember, you always need to log in to your account at americanexpress.com/gift before you order to take advantage of this offer.
Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
American Express Customer Service
Apr 26, 2015, 6:57 pm
#1526
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: aadvantage
Posts: 15
I've read through the wiki and most of the pages. I'm not confident in this plan because it's all Amex, are there flaws in this?
- Use SPG Amex to buy the AGCs thru TCB
- Load the AGCs to Redbird (Amex)
- Use Redbird billpay to pay off SPG?!?
Is that safe? Or do I need to pay off someone other than an Amex card? Thank you!
- Use SPG Amex to buy the AGCs thru TCB
- Load the AGCs to Redbird (Amex)
- Use Redbird billpay to pay off SPG?!?
Is that safe? Or do I need to pay off someone other than an Amex card? Thank you!
Apr 26, 2015, 7:12 pm
#1527
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: Total Rewards Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Marriott Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 564
I've read through the wiki and most of the pages. I'm not confident in this plan because it's all Amex, are there flaws in this?
- Use SPG Amex to buy the AGCs thru TCB
- Load the AGCs to Redbird (Amex)
- Use Redbird billpay to pay off SPG?!?
Is that safe? Or do I need to pay off someone other than an Amex card? Thank you!
- Use SPG Amex to buy the AGCs thru TCB
- Load the AGCs to Redbird (Amex)
- Use Redbird billpay to pay off SPG?!?
Is that safe? Or do I need to pay off someone other than an Amex card? Thank you!
Apr 26, 2015, 7:15 pm
#1528
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
can you please log in and check "My Orders" >> Shipping Addresses. It should show how many days you have left in your premium plan.
Used the FSMOM code and tried to order a $25 personalized gift card (as described in skitch23's post) and signed up for the premium shipping. I didn't see the $99 charge and coupon code removing it in the order but figured I would just go with it.
Then I got an email (below) saying the expiration is through next year. Does that mean it's free for a year, or I would still have to cancel after three months to make sure I'm not charged? Thanks!
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your recent enrollment in the Gift Card Premium Shipping Plan. This plan gives you free Express Next Day shipping on every American Express Gift Card order placed for one full year.
Enrollment date: April 26, 2015
Expiration date: April 26, 2016
Remember, you always need to log in to your account at americanexpress.com/gift before you order to take advantage of this offer.
Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
American Express Customer Service
Then I got an email (below) saying the expiration is through next year. Does that mean it's free for a year, or I would still have to cancel after three months to make sure I'm not charged? Thanks!
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your recent enrollment in the Gift Card Premium Shipping Plan. This plan gives you free Express Next Day shipping on every American Express Gift Card order placed for one full year.
Enrollment date: April 26, 2015
Expiration date: April 26, 2016
Remember, you always need to log in to your account at americanexpress.com/gift before you order to take advantage of this offer.
Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
American Express Customer Service
Apr 27, 2015, 6:10 am
#1529
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,273
I've read through the wiki and most of the pages. I'm not confident in this plan because it's all Amex, are there flaws in this?
- Use SPG Amex to buy the AGCs thru TCB
- Load the AGCs to Redbird (Amex)
- Use Redbird billpay to pay off SPG?!?
Is that safe? Or do I need to pay off someone other than an Amex card? Thank you!
- Use SPG Amex to buy the AGCs thru TCB
- Load the AGCs to Redbird (Amex)
- Use Redbird billpay to pay off SPG?!?
Is that safe? Or do I need to pay off someone other than an Amex card? Thank you!