Learn from Mistake Re Amex Bonus Offers

[navyox]

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@Revelate wrote:

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@navyox wrote:

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@lg8302ch wrote:

So when you have 1 Amex you will never get the sign up bonus for a new card even if it is a different product ?

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If you are logged in, most likely not.   Your best way is to clear cookies or use a different web browser so they don't recognize you.    The last CSR I spoke to said I could get the 25,000 MR bonus in a year (assuming they were still running it) if I cancelled and applied again.   It's almost like they are actively encouraging you churn.

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I'm not certain about that: simply because you get the offers in the online interface doesn't mean the backend system is going to recognize it; end of the day you have a unique member number which is assuredly tied to your SSN somehow, and unless you're using a different SSN or TID, I rather strongly doubt this would get past their systems.

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I would have never thought something like clearing cookies would make a difference, but after a lot of poking around on point chasing sites, apparently that's all there is to it.   Very frustrating. 

[youngandcreditwrthy]

Just don't be logged in when you ap Amex! Simple as that! Lol

[slap_happy]

I was logged in when I applied for my BSP and they did not give me the 15000 point sign up bonus and all I have is the Zync, I had no Amex revolvers at the time either, they said that I was already a "member"

[navigatethis12]

You don't have to clear cookies, just don't log in. American Express is not known for matching offers or giving the bonus if the application didn't have it attached. You can ring and message until you can't ring and message anymore, and they will still say no. They never like giving out decent bonuses and they like even less to give them to people that have given them business over the years.

[Walt_K]

The issue is not one of them checking your SSN or member number or anything like that against their systems.  It is simply that when you log in, and sometimes when you have certain cookies, you get taken to a different application page.  You think you're applying for one offer because you've seen it elsewhere and you do not notice that the offer has changed when you log in.  

At least that is what appears to be going on.  Which explains why the Amex reps are telling you that you didn't apply for the offer you think you applied for.  And it also explains why people who clear cookies and/or don't log in or use an incognito browser have no issues getting their bonus.  It's not that they are defeating any kind of back end security check by Amex.  It's just that they don't have the offer pulled out from under them during the application process.  They actually do end up applying for the offer they believe they clicked on.  

[navyox]

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@Walt_K wrote:

The issue is not one of them checking your SSN or member number or anything like that against their systems.  It is simply that when you log in, and sometimes when you have certain cookies, you get taken to a different application page.  You think you're applying for one offer because you've seen it elsewhere and you do not notice that the offer has changed when you log in.  

At least that is what appears to be going on.  Which explains why the Amex reps are telling you that you didn't apply for the offer you think you applied for.  And it also explains why people who clear cookies and/or don't log in or use an incognito browser have no issues getting their bonus.  It's not that they are defeating any kind of back end security check by Amex.  It's just that they don't have the offer pulled out from under them during the application process.  They actually do end up applying for the offer they believe they clicked on.  

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+1, thanks for explaining it better than I was. I kind of want to cancel the PRG, so I can start the window to apply again and get the bonus, but I JUST added an AU.   I also like the idea of a different type of account in my mix and no utilization reporting.  If I can find an EO email I will try one more time, and if that is unsuccessful, cancel.  

[youngandcreditwrthy]

Yeah, just don't be logged in when you app.
Do it from a diff computer lol or diff phone or diff browser. They have far too many accounts to not be dependent on their auto-systems.

[Anonymous]

Same thing happened to me, but I missed out on an additional 15k SPG points. Lets just say moving the majority of my spending to this card only to be denied the additional bonus had me livid. I have been going back and forth with them regarding this disguisting policy...reward non-customers vs. current cardholders. I will be closing the card (maybe all) and will make sure I get the bonus that motivated me to apply in the first place.

[navyox]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Same thing happened to me, but I missed out on an additional 15k SPG points. Lets just say moving the majority of my spending to this card only to be denied the additional bonus had me livid. I have been going back and forth with them regarding this disguisting policy...reward non-customers vs. current cardholders. I will be closing the card (maybe all) and will make sure I get the bonus that motivated me to apply in the first place.

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I wouldn't go scorched Earth, just PC to no fee cards and sock drawer them.    I am leaning heavily towards cancelling the PRG, even though I love it, 25000 MR is just too much to pass up.   I will reapply in Nov 2014.

E: I think the only card you can PC SPG to is Blue Cash.

[Anonymous]

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@navyox wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Same thing happened to me, but I missed out on an additional 15k SPG points. Lets just say moving the majority of my spending to this card only to be denied the additional bonus had me livid. I have been going back and forth with them regarding this disguisting policy...reward non-customers vs. current cardholders. I will be closing the card (maybe all) and will make sure I get the bonus that motivated me to apply in the first place.

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I wouldn't go scorched Earth, just PC to no fee cards and sock drawer them.    I am leaning heavily towards cancelling the PRG, even though I love it, 25000 MR is just too much to pass up.   I will reapply in Nov 2014.

E: I think the only card you can PC SPG to is Blue Cash.

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In closing and re-applying I will boost my AAoA either way...and make sure I don't make the same mistake this time. Even CSR's recommend closing and re-applying. I just need to make sure I don't apply too early....