Jan 2, 2017, 7:37 pm
Last edit by: Marathon Man
NEW TO MS: Do some serious reading for a month of all the posts and wiki to get an understanding of MS before asking common questions.
Note: the 2016 version of this thread is here: www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1737819-new-manufactured-spending-start-here-2016-a-39.html#post27694986, the 2015 version of the thread is here: www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1642283-new-manufactured-spending-start-here-2015-a.html
Welcome to Manufactured Spending. Marathon Man did not write this message, but he has edited it and anyone can. If you are new here, please spend some time reading before posting. Most likely your questions have already been answered multiple times. Consider deals that you share. These threads are searchable by Google. A volatile deal may be worth holding close to the vest.
Hints
1) On FT, topics are heavily consolidated. Sometimes the title of the thread and first few posts may not properly reflect the broad range of discussion inside the thread. Be sure to visit any thread relating to the product or service you want to learn more about because you might be surprised by how in depth the discussion really is. High "View Count" and "Replies" are good indicators of active "master threads" on a specific topic.
2) Use Google to search FT. It works a lot better than the built-in search.
3) A glossary wiki for MS located in the thread Glossary, Manufactured Spending Forum
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. Some might argue that MS is like card counting in a casino. It is not illegal but casinos don’t like it. Orhers have said it’s like having a fake ID in college to use just to get into bars where all the fun is. Just because it worked here yesterday doesn’t mean it will get you in today. MS is like being a wood worker constantly using a table saw. Always watch what you are doing—always! Or you will lose something. That being said, always be nice and courteous in the face of rejection. The biggest secret for success is to lay low so you can try again.
2) DO NOT spend more than you can afford. START WITH SMALL AMOUNTS TO TEST THE WATER! As an example.. don't start with a $5000 purchase of VGCs if you can't afford to float that much! Instead, buy one and try it, and scale up once you are comfortable with a new method. It's easy to lose track, or get robbed, when you are handling so much money. Getting a refund is NOT always possible.
3) DO NOT ask employees, cashiers, customer service representatives, etc... about how to MS, or about things you read on this forum. The information you read here are very specific, unknown, legal uses of products or services. Most employees, cashiers, and even managers do not know about them. At best you'll get bad information. At worst you'll create a lot of unnecessary misunderstanding.
4) It bears repeating that there are no guarantees. you could easily buy $10,000 in gift cards or some other instrument, only to discover that your method for liquidating them vanishes the very next day. MS is not "normal" financial activity ("normal" being defined by the banks), and thus is often perceived as "suspicious" even if it is legal.
5) never underestimate the risk of criminal activity. gift cards can easily be stolen, loaded onto a compromised account, loaded in a debit card skimmer, or even fraudulent (e.g., an already used card put back on the rack).
6) MSing can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from smallish amounts to meet minimum spend requirements to get a credit card signup bonus, to accumulating huge numbers of points for travel/cashback/etc. Remember too that you will often have expenses such as purchase fees, liquidation fees, and gas.
If you have a question that does not seem to fit anywhere, or you have not found an appropriate place for it, post it here.
- A helpful note from seat17D about some of the inherent risks of MS
New MSers can also read all these threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending-719/
Note: the 2016 version of this thread is here: www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1737819-new-manufactured-spending-start-here-2016-a-39.html#post27694986, the 2015 version of the thread is here: www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1642283-new-manufactured-spending-start-here-2015-a.html
Welcome to Manufactured Spending. Marathon Man did not write this message, but he has edited it and anyone can. If you are new here, please spend some time reading before posting. Most likely your questions have already been answered multiple times. Consider deals that you share. These threads are searchable by Google. A volatile deal may be worth holding close to the vest.
Hints
1) On FT, topics are heavily consolidated. Sometimes the title of the thread and first few posts may not properly reflect the broad range of discussion inside the thread. Be sure to visit any thread relating to the product or service you want to learn more about because you might be surprised by how in depth the discussion really is. High "View Count" and "Replies" are good indicators of active "master threads" on a specific topic.
2) Use Google to search FT. It works a lot better than the built-in search.
3) A glossary wiki for MS located in the thread Glossary, Manufactured Spending Forum
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. Some might argue that MS is like card counting in a casino. It is not illegal but casinos don’t like it. Orhers have said it’s like having a fake ID in college to use just to get into bars where all the fun is. Just because it worked here yesterday doesn’t mean it will get you in today. MS is like being a wood worker constantly using a table saw. Always watch what you are doing—always! Or you will lose something. That being said, always be nice and courteous in the face of rejection. The biggest secret for success is to lay low so you can try again.
2) DO NOT spend more than you can afford. START WITH SMALL AMOUNTS TO TEST THE WATER! As an example.. don't start with a $5000 purchase of VGCs if you can't afford to float that much! Instead, buy one and try it, and scale up once you are comfortable with a new method. It's easy to lose track, or get robbed, when you are handling so much money. Getting a refund is NOT always possible.
3) DO NOT ask employees, cashiers, customer service representatives, etc... about how to MS, or about things you read on this forum. The information you read here are very specific, unknown, legal uses of products or services. Most employees, cashiers, and even managers do not know about them. At best you'll get bad information. At worst you'll create a lot of unnecessary misunderstanding.
4) It bears repeating that there are no guarantees. you could easily buy $10,000 in gift cards or some other instrument, only to discover that your method for liquidating them vanishes the very next day. MS is not "normal" financial activity ("normal" being defined by the banks), and thus is often perceived as "suspicious" even if it is legal.
5) never underestimate the risk of criminal activity. gift cards can easily be stolen, loaded onto a compromised account, loaded in a debit card skimmer, or even fraudulent (e.g., an already used card put back on the rack).
6) MSing can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from smallish amounts to meet minimum spend requirements to get a credit card signup bonus, to accumulating huge numbers of points for travel/cashback/etc. Remember too that you will often have expenses such as purchase fees, liquidation fees, and gas.
If you have a question that does not seem to fit anywhere, or you have not found an appropriate place for it, post it here.
- A helpful note from seat17D about some of the inherent risks of MS
New MSers can also read all these threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending-719/
New to Manufactured Spending? Start here(2017-2018)
Feb 4, 2017, 5:40 pm
#76
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PDX
Programs: AS Gold
Posts: 123
Go to any CVS (also having success at some circle K gas stations) and get a one vanilla visa gift card with a variable load of $20-500. It's in a black and grey package and the actual card says prepaid card holder or something. Read the back and make sure it's issued by bankCorp. Always load $500 on each card, I usually get 2 at a time and the limit (someone correct me if I'm wrong) is 1k per transaction and 2k per 24hr rolling period. Take the gift cards to kroger ...
Feb 4, 2017, 7:30 pm
#77
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 12
Hiya Mamibear - I used a Bank of America Cash Rewards card and was just trying to meet a $500 spend to get $100 cash back. I too was surprised to see the CA transaction type, especially given that part of the same transaction was Flonase! 
And, I bought VGCs at this location a few years ago that went through as purchases on a Citi AA CC. I bought the GC on 01/31 - do you think it would even be possible for them to cancel the transaction at this point? And, is it the CC or point of sale cash register that determines the transaction type?
BTW, I paid off this entire transaction amount on my CC the same day I made it on 01/31 as I am expecting a balance transfer to go through and I didn't want to have a balance on the card when it posts.
Side question - what is 0bc you mention in your post? Am having a hard time getting up on all the acronyms!
And, I bought VGCs at this location a few years ago that went through as purchases on a Citi AA CC. I bought the GC on 01/31 - do you think it would even be possible for them to cancel the transaction at this point? And, is it the CC or point of sale cash register that determines the transaction type?BTW, I paid off this entire transaction amount on my CC the same day I made it on 01/31 as I am expecting a balance transfer to go through and I didn't want to have a balance on the card when it posts.
Side question - what is 0bc you mention in your post? Am having a hard time getting up on all the acronyms!
Feb 5, 2017, 5:19 am
#78
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: IAD
Programs: All of them to one degree or another
Posts: 447
Hiya Mamibear - I used a Bank of America Cash Rewards card and was just trying to meet a $500 spend to get $100 cash back. I too was surprised to see the CA transaction type, especially given that part of the same transaction was Flonase! And, I bought VGCs at this location a few years ago that went through as purchases on a Citi AA CC. I bought the GC on 01/31 - do you think it would even be possible for them to cancel the transaction at this point? And, is it the CC or point of sale cash register that determines the transaction type?
BTW, I paid off this entire transaction amount on my CC the same day I made it on 01/31 as I am expecting a balance transfer to go through and I didn't want to have a balance on the card when it posts.
Side question - what is 0bc you mention in your post? Am having a hard time getting up on all the acronyms!
And, I bought VGCs at this location a few years ago that went through as purchases on a Citi AA CC. I bought the GC on 01/31 - do you think it would even be possible for them to cancel the transaction at this point? And, is it the CC or point of sale cash register that determines the transaction type?BTW, I paid off this entire transaction amount on my CC the same day I made it on 01/31 as I am expecting a balance transfer to go through and I didn't want to have a balance on the card when it posts.
Side question - what is 0bc you mention in your post? Am having a hard time getting up on all the acronyms!
Feb 5, 2017, 8:11 am
#79
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
@iAMaCAT, I don't have that CC so I can't tell you for sure. If I were you, I'd still go back to the store and clarify with the manager why buying a VGC and OTC meds would post as cash advance transaction. It is important for me to rule it out because if the manager can't explain it, I will definitely stay away from that drugstore to avoid similar issue later. The manager will/can also tell you what options you have and they may offer to re-imburse your CA fees if it turned out cashier error. You won't know if it was an error or not unless you ask. It's up to you to find out.
the suggestion to request for a zero CA from your CC will work but keep in mind there are reports that some CCs allow some CA transactions to go through and you have to dispute it with the CC, which is a PITA.
0bc =am3x 0ld blue cash
the suggestion to request for a zero CA from your CC will work but keep in mind there are reports that some CCs allow some CA transactions to go through and you have to dispute it with the CC, which is a PITA.
0bc =am3x 0ld blue cash
Feb 6, 2017, 8:07 am
#80
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 12
@Mamibear So here's more to the story of this BOA card - I uses it at a couple restaurants and stores since the CVS VGC purchase and ALL my transactions are showing up as " ATM Cash Advances or Bank Transaction" Will see if I get the minimum spend bonus.
I called BOA to set the CA limit at $200 - the lowest they would allow - and afterwards bought a $500 VGC at Walgreens. This is still pending, so will see what happens.
Weird!
I called BOA to set the CA limit at $200 - the lowest they would allow - and afterwards bought a $500 VGC at Walgreens. This is still pending, so will see what happens.
Weird!
Feb 13, 2017, 10:34 pm
#81
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
New to this whole thing and I've got a quick question:
I've read a few posts suggesting that I use a separate bank account for depositing MOs (such as a credit union). What's the logic behind this? I use USAA as for my general banking, is there a problem with that? I've also read a few people mention just sending MOs directly to the CC company to pay their bills. Is there any reason not to do this (other than the additional cost)?
I've read a few posts suggesting that I use a separate bank account for depositing MOs (such as a credit union). What's the logic behind this? I use USAA as for my general banking, is there a problem with that? I've also read a few people mention just sending MOs directly to the CC company to pay their bills. Is there any reason not to do this (other than the additional cost)?
Feb 14, 2017, 12:13 am
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
New to this whole thing and I've got a quick question:
I've read a few posts suggesting that I use a separate bank account for depositing MOs (such as a credit union). What's the logic behind this? I use USAA as for my general banking, is there a problem with that? I've also read a few people mention just sending MOs directly to the CC company to pay their bills. Is there any reason not to do this (other than the additional cost)?
I've read a few posts suggesting that I use a separate bank account for depositing MOs (such as a credit union). What's the logic behind this? I use USAA as for my general banking, is there a problem with that? I've also read a few people mention just sending MOs directly to the CC company to pay their bills. Is there any reason not to do this (other than the additional cost)?
Feb 14, 2017, 9:42 am
#83
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1
Last minute massive gift card purchase
This thread continues the discussion from 2016. The previous thread is here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...re-2016-a.html
Feb 14, 2017, 10:01 am
#84
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
Got it, thanks. Is there a compressive list of that kind of stuff? Maybe the shutdown thread? Should I do some of my own research to unions/banks around me?
Feb 14, 2017, 6:37 pm
#85
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: IAD
Programs: All of them to one degree or another
Posts: 447
Since you only have a few days, I'd probably consider going to stores that sell $100 gift cards and then buy them.
Feb 16, 2017, 7:49 pm
#86
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: Citi AAdvantage
Posts: 67
Go to Simon Mall -- Local one here, you can buy as many as you like only during weekday (Mon. - Fri.). $3.95 if you pay with CC or $2.95 if you pay in cash.
Feb 20, 2017, 1:59 am
#87
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Thanks all for the great info in this thread.
I see that there are One Vanilla Visa cards and Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, and the website shows me that they are owned by the same company.
Any advantage to one over the other? Or just buy the one with the least expensive fee?
I see that there are One Vanilla Visa cards and Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, and the website shows me that they are owned by the same company.
Any advantage to one over the other? Or just buy the one with the least expensive fee?
Feb 20, 2017, 8:51 am
#88
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 233
Is something up with Giftcardzen? Sold $1000 in Neiman Marcus gift cards 20 days ago - "payment processing" but no paypal transfer and no one is answering their phones.
Feb 20, 2017, 5:06 pm
#90
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688