Miles, please.
 

In my pursuit of miles, I have been disappointed to find that my local utilities (TXU gas and electric) will no longer accept credit cards. They will only accept debit cards or checks starting 2002. Is there any way to make miles still?

Chase,

There is a CO Chase Manhatten debit card that gives 0.5miles per dollar..

Bank of America and USAirways have a joint debit card. I belive the fee is 30.00

TW

At least your utilities did accept credit cards in the past. None of my utilities accept credit or debit cards, only checks and ACH payments from bank acounts. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

GET THIS!
My credit union (Aizona Federal) is now accepting Visa/MC for loan payments! I have two car loans currently and will now be using them for my mortgage. I really can't believe this. Finally, I will be able to earn miles on my biggest monthly expenses.

http://www.azfcu.org/payments.htm

That's great pointman! I have wondered how to pay my rent on my credit card.

USAA bank also offers a .5% cash back on debit card purchases.

I've been wondering if you can buy money orders with a debit card. Then I could buy a money order with a mileage earning debit card to pay my rent.

[This message has been edited by FlyByMike (edited 12-16-2001).]

Like you, I tried to get TXU Gas to charge to my credit card for gas but they wouldn't take it. However Austin Power *do* charge to credit card. I also tried to see if my mortgage company would charge to my credit card automatically too, but came up with "No" answer. Oh well.... Ditto for SW Bell.

No, you cannot buy money orders with a debit card.. If only.. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Be careful, with mentioned Visa/Master check card/debit card, you have to choose credit card option instead of debit card option which requires PIN. Otherwise, the purchase is not qualified for the reward...

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ValueConsumer.com Home of Tripple Dipping Online Shopping

Most large credit card companies will give you "convenience checks" that will draw off your credit card. Just be sure that, if these are counted as cash advances, that you will get miles for them and be sure to pay them off immediately.

Except for the specially marked promos, usually those "convenience checks" do not qualifies for any reward (at least with Citi AAdvantage card).

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ValueConsumer.com Home of Tripple Dipping Online Shopping

Checks always post as cash advances and as such do not accrue reward points or rebates. I am not aware of any exceptions....

That was my experience as well.

Thanks to all the suggestions and comments so far.

I just found out too that I can charge my property taxes to the credit cards. There is a 3% fee, however. What do y'all think? Is it worth it for the miles?

Yes it's strange that a big company like TXU won't accept CCs

I have my electricity with Coserv,a local company in the Metroplex ( actually the previous owner had them I never changed), they just filed chpt 11 on their phone and cable service but their electricity is still on. They accept Visa/Mastercard, and they have a very simple online billpayment feature.

www.coserv.com

check them out if you are interested.

About property taxes: Which part of Metroplex you live in chase?

I just called to ask about payment options for the quarterly community bill..the lady said they do not accept CCs at this time but I can bring this up on the next Board Meeting.... i'm a first time homeowner...never heard of such meetings..i guess my parents were never really active in their neighborhood http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


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Regards,

Al


[This message has been edited by afang (edited 12-18-2001).]

Afang,

Dallas county taxes can be paid through their website now at www.dallascounty.org
They also accept debit cards and electronic checks.

Now that utilities are de-regulated, perhaps I need to look into others who would accept credit cards. However, I'm more afraid of the eventual rising charges after deregulation.

Chase,

If I recall - Chase Bank sent me a deal to sign up w. CO and when I use the debit card I get miles on CO. I don't know if that is still open or not.

I threw the mail out away -- this was last year before I was hooked on miles.

Frank

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TANSTAAFL - but if you work it right, FF miles comes pretty close.

chase,
thanks for the info...i live in Collin County..and last time i checked i didn't see anything with CCs...

Coserv only serves Gas in my area..

ChaseTheMiles:

A 3% fee is pretty high ($0.03/mi.) given the standard valuation for many FTer's is $0.02. I guess it depends on how you value them.

Some wireless companies take CC's (I charge Nextel & Cingular through work). You can also charge your Tolltag. Also, don't forget the Tom Thumb double-dip. I haven't found a multitude of decent restaurants in my area to make iDine worthwhile.

UA Eagle Yes, I can't believe that SWB won't accept CCs! It would be really nice if I can charge all the SWBell to my AMEX every month...

I just found out that Collin County accepts AMEX/VI/MA as well but with 3% charge

3 cents per mile is a lot. With the current Radisson/Goldpoints/Valuemags.com promo through 12/31, you can get miles for 0.76 cents per mile and get magazines, too (or give or donate them). Even when the promo ends, you can still get miles through them at 2.27 cents per mile. See the many posts on the Radisson board if you've missed the promo.

Charles

pointman, how is this going? Do the charges go thru on your credit card as purchases and without cash advance fees?

There is now a Citibank Aadvantage debit card for which you can get miles - right now there's a promotion where you get several thousand miles for signing up, but there is an annual fee. Also, even though the charge is processed as a debit, you have to choose "credit" when making a payment.

I have always used my debit card to buy money orders at the USPS. While they won't let me use my credit card, they will accept debit, check, and cash...

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"What do you mean you didn't get miles for that?!"

You can always change your utility company to Reliant Energy. They're a little cheaper than TXU and they give you bonus stuff for switching. I got $50 giftcard to Tom Thumb and with my first bill, I got a BlockBuster card for 2 free movie rentals. And they do take credit cards for payment. Just call and switch and see your miles adding up....

lrickets, thank you for a great idea.

How do I contact Reliant to sign up? Do you have any information?

No. $0.03/mile is no bargain. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif