topic Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS. in Credit Cards

AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:15:51 GMT

now that i have been an amex member for a few months now,i am seeing myself use my BCP and PRG all the time and the rest of my other 10 cc's collecting dust....ive tried using them but then i think of all the points im missing out on my amex cards.i dont even use my debit card no more.....is this a problem or should i just keep treading the same path i am goin on?the reason being why i am going crazy on my PRG is because i am wanting that trip to EUROPE!i keep doing some research online to see how many points it takes but keep seeing different results?maybe im not searching in the right spots?seeing i already spent 2k$ in a week for my 25k point promotion within 3 months...how long does it usually take to rack up a lot of points

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

webhopper — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:25:58 GMT

@mojobones89 wrote:
now that i have been an amex member for a few months now,i am seeing myself use my BCP and PRG all the time and the rest of my other 10 cc's collecting dust....ive tried using them but then i think of all the points im missing out on my amex cards.i dont even use my debit card no more.....is this a problem or should i just keep treading the same path i am goin on?the reason being why i am going crazy on my PRG is because i am wanting that trip to EUROPE!i keep doing some research online to see how many points it takes but keep seeing different results?maybe im not searching in the right spots?seeing i already spent 2k$ in a week for my 25k point promotion within 3 months...how long does it usually take to rack up a lot of points

FYI, no need to feel guilty. I leave my debit card at home. I carry Discover and Amazon card on me, in case the retailer does not accept Amex.... So far the only retailers that do not accept Amex are Dollar General and Sams Club, as well as a local sushi joint we frequent...

Therefore, My Discover is reserved for Dollar General and Sams club. My visa is reserved for Sushi Train.

DH uses his NFCU Plat at Dollar General. Our local grocery store did not take amex when It first opened, however they do accept it now. A lady that works with me is friends with the owner of that grocery store chain and I told her to politely mention that Amex holders spend a lot on groceries and it would be exceptionally nice if an Amex cardholder did not have to go to a different grocery store in order to receive rewards on their bananas

So now, my local grocer accepts my PRG

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:25:06 GMT

@webhopper wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
now that i have been an amex member for a few months now,i am seeing myself use my BCP and PRG all the time and the rest of my other 10 cc's collecting dust....ive tried using them but then i think of all the points im missing out on my amex cards.i dont even use my debit card no more.....is this a problem or should i just keep treading the same path i am goin on?the reason being why i am going crazy on my PRG is because i am wanting that trip to EUROPE!i keep doing some research online to see how many points it takes but keep seeing different results?maybe im not searching in the right spots?seeing i already spent 2k$ in a week for my 25k point promotion within 3 months...how long does it usually take to rack up a lot of points
FYI, no need to feel guilty. I leave my debit card at home. I carry Discover and Amazon card on me, in case the retailer does not accept Amex.... So far the only retailers that do not accept Amex are Dollar General and Sams Club, as well as a local sushi joint we frequent...
Therefore, My Discover is reserved for Dollar General and Sams club. My visa is reserved for Sushi Train.

DH uses his NFCU Plat at Dollar General. Our local grocery store did not take amex when It first opened, however they do accept it now. A lady that works with me is friends with the owner of that grocery store and I told her to politely mention that Amex holders spend a lot on groceries and it would be exceptionally nice if an Amex cardholder did not have to go to a different grocery store in order to receive rewards on their bananas

So now, my local grocer accepts my PRG

ya even my wifes tell me,"must you use those cards for everything?"she is afraid to use amex as i put her as an authorized user on both my bcp and prg,but if she were to use them,she would be helping rack up points for that europe trip.

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

webhopper — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:30:45 GMT

@mojobones89 wrote:
@webhopper wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
now that i have been an amex member for a few months now,i am seeing myself use my BCP and PRG all the time and the rest of my other 10 cc's collecting dust....ive tried using them but then i think of all the points im missing out on my amex cards.i dont even use my debit card no more.....is this a problem or should i just keep treading the same path i am goin on?the reason being why i am going crazy on my PRG is because i am wanting that trip to EUROPE!i keep doing some research online to see how many points it takes but keep seeing different results?maybe im not searching in the right spots?seeing i already spent 2k$ in a week for my 25k point promotion within 3 months...how long does it usually take to rack up a lot of points
FYI, no need to feel guilty. I leave my debit card at home. I carry Discover and Amazon card on me, in case the retailer does not accept Amex.... So far the only retailers that do not accept Amex are Dollar General and Sams Club, as well as a local sushi joint we frequent...
Therefore, My Discover is reserved for Dollar General and Sams club. My visa is reserved for Sushi Train.

DH uses his NFCU Plat at Dollar General. Our local grocery store did not take amex when It first opened, however they do accept it now. A lady that works with me is friends with the owner of that grocery store and I told her to politely mention that Amex holders spend a lot on groceries and it would be exceptionally nice if an Amex cardholder did not have to go to a different grocery store in order to receive rewards on their bananas

So now, my local grocer accepts my PRG
ya even my wifes tell me,"must you use those cards for everything?"she is afraid to use amex as i put her as an authorized user on both my bcp and prg,but if she were to use them,she would be helping rack up points for that europe trip.

She will be on board once she starts benefiting from the rewards...

My husband still used his debit card until the iHome showed up and was installed in our kitchen... DH asked, where did that come from? I said, "It was free because we paid for gas using our American Express. He's like really, FREE?!?!

me: Yep, didn't cost us a dime..

Him: Wow that's pretty neat.....

me: Yep, that's why you should NEVER EVER pay with your debit card, cause then you'll be missing out on Free sh**.

Him: Oh dang, OK then!

Now he recommends all of his friends to maximize their rewards by paying with a CC.

At first he was concerned about racking up debt by using this strategy... but once I explained that with an Amex you have to PIF all the time, he was cool with it, because there is no way to accumulate debt if you are on a PIF schedule

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:41:12 GMT

@webhopper wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
@webhopper wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
now that i have been an amex member for a few months now,i am seeing myself use my BCP and PRG all the time and the rest of my other 10 cc's collecting dust....ive tried using them but then i think of all the points im missing out on my amex cards.i dont even use my debit card no more.....is this a problem or should i just keep treading the same path i am goin on?the reason being why i am going crazy on my PRG is because i am wanting that trip to EUROPE!i keep doing some research online to see how many points it takes but keep seeing different results?maybe im not searching in the right spots?seeing i already spent 2k$ in a week for my 25k point promotion within 3 months...how long does it usually take to rack up a lot of points
FYI, no need to feel guilty. I leave my debit card at home. I carry Discover and Amazon card on me, in case the retailer does not accept Amex.... So far the only retailers that do not accept Amex are Dollar General and Sams Club, as well as a local sushi joint we frequent...
Therefore, My Discover is reserved for Dollar General and Sams club. My visa is reserved for Sushi Train.

DH uses his NFCU Plat at Dollar General. Our local grocery store did not take amex when It first opened, however they do accept it now. A lady that works with me is friends with the owner of that grocery store and I told her to politely mention that Amex holders spend a lot on groceries and it would be exceptionally nice if an Amex cardholder did not have to go to a different grocery store in order to receive rewards on their bananas

So now, my local grocer accepts my PRG
ya even my wifes tell me,"must you use those cards for everything?"she is afraid to use amex as i put her as an authorized user on both my bcp and prg,but if she were to use them,she would be helping rack up points for that europe trip.
She will be on board once she starts benefiting from the rewards...
My husband still used his debit card until the iHome showed up and was installed in our kitchen... DH asked, where did that come from? I said, "It was free because we paid for gas using our American Express. He's like really, FREE?!?!

me: Yep, didn't cost us a dime..
Him: Wow that's pretty neat.....
me: Yep, that's why you should NEVER EVER pay with your debit card, cause then you'll be missing out on Free sh**.
Him: Oh dang, OK then!

Now he recommends all of his friends to maximize their rewards by paying with a CC.

At first he was concerned about racking up debt by using this strategy... but once I explained that with an Amex you have to PIF all the time, he was cool with it, because there is no way to accumulate debt if you are on a PIF schedule

lol good way to put it!if you dont mind,how many points do you rack on a norm each month?

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

Open123 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:44:39 GMT

@mojobones89 wrote:
ya even my wifes tell me,"must you use those cards for everything?"

LOL...Mine tells me the same, since I've boycotted her favorite "little" breakfast restaurant for not taking my Amex.

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

webhopper — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:49:59 GMT

Anywhere from 4k to 12k points in a month depending on spending and catagories of spending. My spending fluctuates from month to month based on business travel requirements....

I recently redeemed for two free airline tickets for my friend and her daughter to come see us from new orleans to tulsa, round trip

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:52:24 GMT

@webhopper wrote:
Anywhere from 4k to 12k points in a month depending on spending and catagories of spending. My spending fluctuates from month to month based on business travel requirements....

I recently redeemed for two free airline tickets for my friend and her daughter to come see us from new orleans to tulsa, round trip

mind explaining how redeeming points for air tickets works?

if my promotion is 2k within the first 3 months for the 25k points,is that all i will get or will also add points seperately for the 2k spent on top of the 25k bonus?

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

webhopper — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:56:56 GMT

@mojobones89 wrote:
@webhopper wrote:
Anywhere from 4k to 12k points in a month depending on spending and catagories of spending. My spending fluctuates from month to month based on business travel requirements....

I recently redeemed for two free airline tickets for my friend and her daughter to come see us from new orleans to tulsa, round trip
mind explaining how redeeming points for air tickets works?
if my promotion is 2k within the first 3 months for the 25k points,is that all i will get or will also add points seperately for the 2k spent on top of the 25k bonus?

To redeem for tickets, the best way is to transfer those points to miles on a transfer partner such as British Airways, or CanadaAirs Aeroplan.

Then, you can redeem those loyalty miles for plane tickets.

The points totals are each added seperately. After your new bill statement cuts, all of the points from the previous billing cycle will show as "Pending" .... They stay pending for about a month before they are credited... You can call Membership Rewards to have them un-pending.

Also, if you need help getting transfer partner accounts linked, you can call Membership Rewards and they will be happy to link your transfer partner account, as well as process the transfer order.

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:57:34 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
ya even my wifes tell me,"must you use those cards for everything?"
LOL...Mine tells me the same, since I've boycotted her favorite "little" breakfast restaurant for not taking my Amex.

lol i did the same with one of her favorite shopping stores....

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

Mailak — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:02:02 GMT

How soon do point transfers to FF programs take effect after clicking to do so on the website?

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

Open123 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:04:08 GMT

@mojobones89 wrote:
mind explaining how redeeming points for air tickets works?
if my promotion is 2k within the first 3 months for the 25k points,is that all i will get or will also add points seperately for the 2k spent on top of the 25k bonus?

You'll receive the 25K MR + whatever points accrued with your $2K spend. For example, let's say you spent $2K on Airlines--your points would be 25K (bonus for spending $2K) + 6K (3X spending on airfare) for a total of 31K points.

The best way to redeem is decide where you want to go and what cabin class you prefer. If you prefer Europe, then find those carriers offering the best points redemptions for your route and cabin preference. Don't transfer the points (since MRs post instantly) until you are ready to redeem for a specific flight, since Amex has bonus transfers all the time.

Also, be mindful of fuel and surchages. It's a good idea to sign up for all FF programs available in MR and link them up!

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

webhopper — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:05:31 GMT

In my case it was immediate

@Mailak wrote:
How soon do point transfers to FF programs take effect after clicking to do so on the website?

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:13:54 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
mind explaining how redeeming points for air tickets works?
if my promotion is 2k within the first 3 months for the 25k points,is that all i will get or will also add points seperately for the 2k spent on top of the 25k bonus?
You'll receive the 25K MR + whatever points accrued with your $2K spend. For example, let's say you spent $2K on Airlines--your points would be 25K (bonus for spending $2K) + 6K (3X spending on airfare) for a total of 31K points.

The best way to redeem is decide where you want to go and what cabin class you prefer. If you prefer Europe, then find those carriers offering the best points redemptions for your route and cabin preference. Don't transfer the points (since MRs post instantly) until you are ready to redeem for a specific flight, since Amex has bonus transfers all the time.

Also, be mindful of fuel and surchages. It's a good idea to sign up for all FF programs available in MR and link them up!

i havent really messed with any of that cus i dont want to end up messing something up,are they free or do you have to pay for them?

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:16:48 GMT

@webhopper wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
@webhopper wrote:
Anywhere from 4k to 12k points in a month depending on spending and catagories of spending.   My spending fluctuates from month to month based on business travel requirements....

I recently redeemed for two free airline tickets for my friend and her daughter to come see us from new orleans to tulsa, round trip
mind explaining how redeeming points for air tickets works?
if my promotion is 2k within the first 3 months for the 25k points,is that all i will get or will also add points seperately for the 2k spent on top of the 25k bonus?
To redeem for tickets, the best way is to transfer those points to miles on a transfer partner such as British Airways, or CanadaAirs Aeroplan.
Then, you can redeem those loyalty miles for plane tickets.

The points totals are each added seperately. After your new bill statement cuts, all of the points from the previous billing cycle will show as "Pending" .... They stay pending for about a month before they are credited... You can call Membership Rewards to have them un-pending.
Also, if you need help getting transfer partner accounts linked, you can call Membership Rewards and they will be happy to link your transfer partner account, as well as process the transfer order.

so it normally takes a month for them to unpend?how many times can i call for them to UNPEND?

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

Open123 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:20:45 GMT

@mojobones89 wrote:
i havent really messed with any of that cus i dont want to end up messing something up,are they free or do you have to pay for them?

All free!

Except for the cost of time and effort to actually sign up and link them.

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

mojobones89 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:26:11 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
i havent really messed with any of that cus i dont want to end up messing something up,are they free or do you have to pay for them?
All free!

Except for the cost of time and effort to actually sign up and link them.

and im guessing i go to the website to do this?

btw what is that term travelers.....something

i kept reading post of people mentioning to make sure to apply for it,i thinks its something about foreign traveling.

as you can tell,im still new with amexi just spend and pay the bill.

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

Open123 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:48:34 GMT

@mojobones89 wrote:
@Open123 wrote:
@mojobones89 wrote:
i havent really messed with any of that cus i dont want to end up messing something up,are they free or do you have to pay for them?
All free!

Except for the cost of time and effort to actually sign up and link them.
and im guessing i go to the website to do this?
btw what is that term travelers.....something
i kept reading post of people mentioning to make sure to apply for it,i thinks its something about foreign traveling.

as you can tell,im still new with amexi just spend and pay the bill.

Here's how I do it.

I don't like using points.com or other sites which combines everything for you. I prefer to sign in to each individual FF site and/or credit and manage it on my own with different logons and passwords. It's easy for me to keep track, but I can where it's more difficult for others. Actually, I have a an almost exact idea how many miles and points I have in just about every program, along with the ideal redemptions values.

I suspect, once you start signing up and looking at redemptions, you'll develope a list of programs that are the best for you.

Re: AMEX POINTS RACK UP QUESTIONS.

Anonymous — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:12:05 GMT

I used to love using my American Express cards, I used to push through a couple thousand a month. First came the excise taxes to transfer to their partners. As much as i hate paying extra fees, I understood its the cost of doing business. Then they lost Continental as a transfer partner and flying out of EWR almost exclusively it was a big deal but I could live with that. Then came the degradation in customer service. And finally came the increase in fraud. I know that's not entirely Amex's fault, but it seemed like at least once a month I was getting my cards replaced due to fraud. I would get calls at work asking me if I was in Akron Ohio shopping at Target. When I said no, they had me sign an affidavit that it wasn't me that did 5 transactions for $300-400 at Target on the same day. It started to get really annoying having to update my automatic payments all the time. Finally after the 4th fraud, I decided to stop using my Amex and move on to Chase. I still use my Amex only when I have to (at Costco and other places that only take Amex) but other than that it says sock drawered.

I really like the instant transfers through Chase to United and Hyatt (my favorite airlines and hotels), like not having to pay any taxes to do so, and haven't had any fraud on my cards in over 3 years (knock on wood).