Best way to MS to meet bonus spend on AA biz card
Jul 16, 2019, 1:07 pm
#1
formerly smoaky
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 301
Best way to MS to meet bonus spend on AA biz card
Found myself with too many new cards to meet minimum spend on all of them, even with rent and pre-paying taxes, which are my usual go to's. I don't plan on jumping into MSing, but this time I think I do need to put 5k or so on a citi Aaadvantage biz card. I've done some reading here, but figured I might post a thread as I am looking for a one off solution --- not an ongoing MS set up. What is my best, and safest, bet? I am not near a Simon Mall unfortunately. Can I just buy Amex gift cards with a citi card? Thanks.
Jul 16, 2019, 7:52 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,438
Found myself with too many new cards to meet minimum spend on all of them, even with rent and pre-paying taxes, which are my usual go to's. I don't plan on jumping into MSing, but this time I think I do need to put 5k or so on a citi Aaadvantage biz card. I've done some reading here, but figured I might post a thread as I am looking for a one off solution --- not an ongoing MS set up. What is my best, and safest, bet? I am not near a Simon Mall unfortunately. Can I just buy Amex gift cards with a citi card? Thanks.
When I tried to use my Citi AA Exec card at SM, the charge was denied each and every time. It did not matter if it was for a single $500 card or more. Once the denial was issued, I had to call Citi's fraud line and get it cleared out. That only took a few minutes. However, at SM, once your card is denied, they will not let you use it again for 24 hours, so in effect that put my Citi card on ice for SM GC purchases.
I even tried to forewarn Citi and get approval for the purchase prior to swiping the card, and that did not work either.
Bottom line. Citi does not work for me at SM.
It might be different for you.
'
Jul 17, 2019, 10:14 pm
#5
formerly smoaky
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 301
What about buying an Amex Gift Card? Somehow seems more secure?
Jul 17, 2019, 10:15 pm
#6
formerly smoaky
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 301
Jul 17, 2019, 10:23 pm
#7
formerly smoaky
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 301
Looks like MaxVO indicates they are not. But seems sort of risky. What about just sending a few grand to my partner via Venmo. Just once or twice the $2000 limit. Shut down? No plans to do it beyond this.
Jul 17, 2019, 11:20 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 104
As I said, I don’t know what Citi will tolerate as I’ve not used a Citi card for MS.
Jul 18, 2019, 7:58 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,438
Maybe you like Zelle better, but I find Venmo is far more valuable as Venmo than as a vehicle for MSing (which it really isn't, BTW).
Jul 22, 2019, 3:26 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,899