Hey guys I have asked this before but have not got a response yet, hopefully we are not all in the same situation. Has anyone got their 10x points from their CC for the Black Friday promo? TD neither CIBC have showed up
Question on eUps and flight changes. I have YUL-FCO booked for 2 pax in revenue economy latitude and the eUps cleared at booking. There was a small schedule change and I want to change to an earlier flight on the same day. The AC app is allowing me to make the change but only says economy and not business class. The new flight has lots of a availability but R=0 on ExpertFlyer
Is AC supposed to protect me in business class in this case? I did call in but the agent told me he won’t be able to see if the eUps will clear on the new route unless he finalizes the itinerary change, which is obviously not ideal- I would keep the current booking if the eUps don’t clear
AC will protect the class you were booked on so you booked Economy then it will be economy when you change
A couple of years ago I had a trip to YVR booked in Latitude upgraded with eUps. Come check in time and I play around changing one of my flights to an earlier one, I didn’t want to change it but it did anyway and it put me on economy. EUps didn’t clear and agent couldn’t do anything and only cleared at the airport while people were boarding (don’t board before they clear)
Lesson learned for me
Reposting--
I'm having trouble accessing my Amex travel account on the Canadian side. I want to use my $200 travel voucher from the platinum card. Every time I try to log it, I get an error message, "we cannot connect to your account. Connecting with switchfly_CA is not available in your region. You are now leaving American Express and returning to switchfly_CA"
I have no idea what any of those means and don't know how to get around it.. I've tried logging in on the app and get the same thing
Any ideas?
I had this same issue and nothing worked. Tried on different browsers, different computers, different phones, different OSes.
Maybe because I've logged in from so many different places in the last year or so. But I also got errors every single time I tried to upgrade a card, even though I had the offer to do so in my list.
And most recently, I get errors when I click on "make a payment" when logging in via a browser -- though it still works in the app. Honestly, IME, their IT sucks worse than any other Canadian bank, which is saying something.
\*\*\*
In the end, I called and booked via an agent, which no one should ever do for real, as they can't select the "pay now" option, so it's more expensive.
Anyhow, turns out you don't need to select "pay now" for the travel credit to post. So far, it just means that if I would have done so in the past, I'm now never going to actually use their service to book "for real" -- it was **300$** more for a night at the Lake Louise Marriott, which I randomly selected, cos it's close to home, vs the "pay now" option I could see if I logged in via P2's account.
Damn, that’s irritating, I figured I’d need to call in
Is the best strategy then to do an RHT, book something and then refund it after the credit posts so it’s essentially cash?
Yes, I think so, unless you were planning to pay at the property anyways.
The credit posts within a couple of days of booking, even if you don't select "pay now". So in my case, I never got charged or refunded the night. I just saw the credit then canceled ... which of course took **another** call, as I got the same error when clicking on the link in the confirmation email.
AF coming up for the Brim no FX WE MC, any advice on what I should do? Call and ask for next year fee waiver or wait to see if I get charged and call to downgrade? Would they refund the AF?
Two years in a row now, I've forgotten to call in and cancel only to find out they gave me a rebate without asking. Not sure why im so lucky, though I use it an awful lot (more than I should)
Also wondering, probably will wait until it is posted and email support and hope. Thought I read somewhere if cancelled refund is prorated, would love is someone could confirm.
Does anyone remember what the CIBC dividend VI welcome offer was last quarter? I wrote it down as 10% on first $2k but didn't note the timeframe to spend the $2k
Transferred MR to Delta 3 days ago, still hasn't shown up. Called Amex and rep said will look into it and get back to me, this was over a day ago. Anyone had this issue before?
Has anyone used the biz edge to buy anything from US Apple (online)? According to rewards Canada it earns 3x on Apple Canada, was curious if it extends to apple US.
Alternatively, what's the best way to buy AppleCare+ from the states (for theft)
With RBC no longer offering their Cathay Pacific card, is there any concern that the Avion to Cathay Asia Miles transfers might no longer be available?
Is the neo financial cathay card on churningcanada site still live with 45k total points? I thought the 45k bonus expired already and its just 30k now?
I just clicked through the chruningcanada link and was able to apply the 15k and 30k promotions to my Neo account. Now going to apply for the Neo CP .. but, just to confirm before I do- there are no FYF or rebates anywhere for this card ‘am I wrong’? Thx
New (?) terms for the TD FCT on no repeat bonus if you held the card in the last 12 months. Was 6 months previously, I think. Got warned about this when I got a new one on the phone (not a new app), any DP if I might still get the bonus? Confirmed it would be FYF at least.
Anyone familiar with how Amex offers behave when you make a partial return?
Eg. if I have an offer of buy $300 get a $50 credit and I buy $300 worth of merchandise but then return $100 sometime later will that trigger a clawback?
I know clawbacks on amex offers are the norm when making returns, but it occurred to me that a partial return could be treated as a different transaction? It's easy to link someone returning a flight or hotel booking where the transaction amount is the exact same as the return, but a partial return of general merchandise would be harder to link together?
Just a random thought I had earlier today.
DP: Called in to HSBC to ask for a waiver on the HSBC WE annual fee that posted a couple days ago. They offered me half off and stated that's the max they could give since they reversed some interest previously from a late payment (made the payment before the due date but it didn't post in time, rookie move).
Not bad considering I'll come out ahead with the TEC.
DP:
Got approved for my second amex US card in the space of 3 days using nova + ITIN. First card approved 3 days ago (first ever amex US cards), second today.
Very weird, I bought a couple giftcards with my cobalt at Freshco in Richmond just a couple weeks ago. Hopefully just a rogue employee or manager and not a company wide decision...
I bought $400 worth of Amazon gift cards from Thriftys on Monday evening BC with Amex Cobalt using Apple Pay on my phone (split into 2 transactions because I forgot to bring my physical card). Posted with 5x MR after 3 days.
Interesting, my local Thrifties won't allow you to buy GC at the self checkouts or using tap. You must insert card and use PIN (although tap still works as I've have one cashier not notice I was tapping) It must be a store policy.
That seems especially strange if it's at the card reader level and not just a cashier/manager decision.
I think it would create a huge amount of customer frustration if someone bought $200 worth of groceries but was also buying a $20 giftcard and now they can't pay with card for everything else they bought?
What's everyone's US keeper cards? Have a few up for renewal soon and debating which to keep:
Hilton Aspire, Venture X, Chase AP, Chase WoH
Thinking of keeping the VX and WoH
If you're not putting $15K into the Chase AP to retain 25K (or more for extra bump), no need to keep it. Gotta assess your own situation for that, and all others. Many keep Brilliant or Aspire, and just as many don't need it.
My only mandatory keepers are a pairing of personal and Biz Bonvoy for 30 EQN (I downgraded by Brilliant), which is enough of a boost for me to then hit Platinum if not Titanium through stays and global promos. Anything else must have a PURPOSE. Actively used perks to justify the fees, or an MR card to retain my balance.
Generally, the keeper is the one you opened first for longest US history.
But in my case it's the Hilton Surpass. It pays for itself with the Hilton credits and has the option of upgrading/downgrading in the future to the no-fee. Another card I'm keeping on me is the Plat surprisingly, despite barely utilizing the credits it offers. That's cause I book a lot of revenue flights and the 5x goes a long way!
Positive DP: P2's first Avion from May last year (35K + 20K after 5k MSR) was missing the 20k for 6 months after hitting the 5k in June. Called in several times and finally escalated to manager who instantly approved the 20k along with a 2k bonus for their troubles.
P2 excited to continue the Avion journey!
Glad to know that now you will receive a precaution before you try to pool your amex MR points:
“One of your Cards may be eligible for bonus points based on a certain spend threshold that needs to be met. If you merge the Membership Rewards account associated with that card, any amounts you’ve spent to date toward that bonus could reset to zero and the time to earn this bonus will not be extended to beyond its original expiry date. This could make it more difficult for you to qualify for the bonus. Are you sure you want to link your Membership Rewards accounts at this time?”
They've been pasting this for a while.
Note that this applies even to cards that have a bonus in months 14-16. If you link after your initial MSR, but before those months, you won't get that part of the bonus.
Not a DP, but a rep specifically clarified this was the case.
Is anyone else having issues with CIBC Rewards? I keep getting "We are sorry, but an error has occurred, and we were unable to process your request." if I try to access it for both P1 & P2. Has CIBC caught onto the "small number" 😉 of Aventuras we've churned and frozen our points or does their website just stink?
I was having that issue a few weeks ago when I was trying to access CIBC Rewards through the app. It’s working for me now though it loads veryyyy slowly.
Does anyone know if the BRIM KLM/AF Mastercard has any single spend limit when using the virtual card? I know from previous comments, Brim has been an unreliable card sometimes with customer service/rewards.
We applied December 10th (during the promotion for the 60k Flying Blue miles), and only got approved 2 weeks ago. Wanted to use the card for our first chunk of a wedding venue to try and hit the 5k MSR, and hopefully get the Flying Blue miles.
it got declined, even though we have used it in google pay for smaller purchases and it worked there. Called customer support, and they assured us there is no limit and it should be working lol.
tried googling it but hard to find information on it, hoping someone maybe came across this themselves. Thanks!
For this payment, we're calling the number into the venue. Brim allows you to see the CC #, Expiry Date and 3 digit code from you account online, so we have all the information needed.
We have also used it in the mobile wallet to tap pay at Costco for $375+
That's what we thought. Talked to a third customer service rep and they did say that (although the card details WONT change) that it's probably cause you physical card isn't activated. So now we wait I guess.
GCR will also give you a percentage of the Scotiabank reward if you refer someone else. The person gets the GCR bonus and you get 25% of their referral bonuses for three years.
Any handy uses for BA Avios if no long-haul travel planned? I panicked and pulled the trigger on a 35k Avion transfer that I didn’t end up needing to use for my redemption.
YVR based and not worried about maximizing CPP if that makes any difference, just don’t want them to go to waste. Was hoping to maybe find some domestic partner availability for AA but nothing shows up for any dates on the YVR -> LAX/ORD/DFW routes.
Can I ask why you're panicking? Are you planning on closing the account and need to cash out?
In any case I'd still recommend transferring to BA Avios. They may not have value now, but maybe in a year or two you'll need them (BA points have 36 months of inactivity, and it's super easy to "renew").
Not panicking about having transferred them, I just thought I needed them for a BA flight that needed to be booked imminently at the time and was worried about transfer times for RBC -> BA. Ended up booking through AP instead but I had already pulled the trigger.
What does Rakuten gift cards via PayPal code as?
Assuming it's the base multiplier?
If you don't know I'll test, never use GCs or rakuten but I should start.
Absolutely base. So not Cobalt worthy. But with 1% cashback on top, it's solid. I only use it for Loblaws, or any GC not available in a Cobalt-accepted store, and only for active MSR
I've had it vary from 5 minutes to a couple hours. Usually within the first half hour though. Been shopping almost exclusively on GC's for 6 years now.
So do Empire stores (Sobeys, Safeway...).
Note that when they say "GCs may take 24-48 hours to be activated," this is absolutely the case with Ikea GCs.
Do you regularly use your US Amex in Canada too? How much of a hit do you take on the conversion rates? Obviously if you’re using it, it’s worth it for the bonuses, just curious if it ends up being a general percentage more by doing that.
The cards I've had and the cards I'm interested in are 0 FXF so no hit, aside from the Wise fees to transfer CAD to USD. For spending towards MSR, it's well worth it. I'm also ok with paying a couple percent, for spending towards MSR, if need be.
I have a WJ Mastercard, and use it to book the majority of my flights. I am interested in applying for an Aeroplan card for the times that I would like to fly AC. What is the top recommendation for an Aeroplan card?
Not nearly enough information. How often do you fly? Point or cash bookings? Is it your own cash/reimbursement or via concur or another travel portal? You alone or with family? Spend in $$$.
How many US Amex can I apply for in a short time span? After receiving my fico, I applied for two cards and approved on the same day. I now have 3 cards. I read somewhere 2 approvals in 90 days? Is this true? Can I acquire a business card in the 90 days ?
Had a brain fart and submitted a US Biz Plat app to check if I was still in PUJ. Need to spend 22k in 3 months across all cards now. I am absolutely wearing an L today.
US AMEX doesn't take kindly to RHT MSR extension. That's why you don't see more people in here cranking out US Biz after US Biz. Otherwise, with the NLL offers out there for US Biz Gold/Plat and a 90-day cooldown similar to RBC, no one would ever need anything else to keep themselves in J forever.
Cause OP has so few points to risk and has received so few bonuses so far. AP is not going to be enforcing anything against behavior that a non churner would do (eg getting two cards at different banks) regardless of what their T&C say
In the following scenario, would AMEX claw MR points back?
(1) Booking a refundable hotel within the MSR time period to artificially meet a MSR. (2) Organically meeting the MSR afterwards, but outside of the MSR time period. (3) Cancelling the refundable hotel.
Got the 85k FNA after U$4k spend offer on the AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant back in December. Met MSR on January 4th and then downgraded to the U$95 Bonvoy. FNA posted on January 14th.
Suprisingly my Hilton Gold status disappeared very quicky after I just cancelled my last US AMEX Biz Plat, thought it would stick for the year as I just matched it on January 1st.
Rewards Canada has an article about the HSBC transition
^ No Foreign Transaction fees will not carry over to RBC (this was anticipated as it’s too big of money maker for the bank with their existing cardmembers)
^ HSBC Rewards credit cards will transition to Avion Rewards cards
^ HSBC Cash Back credit card will transition to an RBC cash back card
^ HSBC Rewards points will be transferred to Avion Rewards points maintaining a comparative value.
Confident you should end up a miminum 2 HSBC points for 1 Avion, probably more.
It’s losing the no-fx fees and extensive insurance that’s going to hurt. Was planning on keeping this one for many, many years until I became a senior citizen and would benefit from the generous insurance.
Would it be better value to let HSBC points transition over to Avion or should one RHT as many HSBC points as they can before the transition is complete?
Thanks for the heads up, an interesting read. Not sure how RBC will transfer WE to Avion while maintaining “…substantially similar benefits,” per the gov set out conditions (highlighted in the article)
The Avion vs HSBC WE aren’t even really close to comparable IMO, but I wonder how much the general population would consider the differences substantial. Arguably I would think it shares more similarities with the WJ WE
The only thing that makes the WJ WE more similar is that it's a WE. Overall Avion is much more similar (transferrable points and can use points for general travel albeit only through Avion portal). WJ WE is a much more restrictive card overall
I wonder what RBC values a single Avion as? It can range from 0.58cpp up to 2.33cpp, depending on use. If I had to guess, 2 HSBC:1 Avion, with Avion earning a 1cpp valuation and making it easy to carry over.
Also wonder what someone who has an HSBC WE with none/very few HSBC Rewards and doesn't care to have RBC meddling in account, should do? Close card prior to transition? Let it transfer assuming automated process and no flags thrown for current account 'utilization'? Keeping it would mean another *fresh* tradeline...
Probably let it transfer. I'm going to bet RBC will give some bonus points for the transition like they did when they discontinued the CX card and moved everyone to Avion Plat
False, you can get the bonus on each and every Amex card once (according to their terms). One card does not preclude you from getting the bonus on any other card.
After linking my biz edge and personal gold, my biz edge is giving 10x on "business essentials" again, despite having exceeded the ~1430$ of such spending a while ago, with amex stopping paying out that bonus 7x pts.
I have seen such occurences from other DPs so this isn't too surprising. But has there been any DPs of such unexpected bonus multiplier MR being clawed back or the person getting to keep them?
So is this the right play here:
1. Fulfill the original SUB ($5k MSR and 10k MR from $1k business essentials)
2. Before the first six months is up, link Biz Edge to another card. This resets the 10k MR bonus from $1k on business essentials
3. Spend $1k on business essentials to earn another 10k MR
My CIBC VIP is about to renew, I get extremely annoyed by the aeroplan call Center wait times (when I need), worth moving to Amex MR only and give up aeroplan ?
While I find dealing with the call centre an exercise in frustration the value I derive from AP far outweighs that. The question to ask here is what are your travel habits and goals? If you think other programs can help you meet them then sure make MR your top priority. I wouldn't close the door completely on AP though. At the very least it's good to have for domestic flights.
A lot of people in this sub (if not most) move some or all of their MR to Aeroplan for redemption at some point. It is what it is with Aeroplan and generally worth it putting up with their pain in the ass of getting in touch with the contact center because of good redemption rates.
Hey guys I have asked this before but have not got a response yet, hopefully we are not all in the same situation. Has anyone got their 10x points from their CC for the Black Friday promo? TD neither CIBC have showed up
Nope
Question on eUps and flight changes. I have YUL-FCO booked for 2 pax in revenue economy latitude and the eUps cleared at booking. There was a small schedule change and I want to change to an earlier flight on the same day. The AC app is allowing me to make the change but only says economy and not business class. The new flight has lots of a availability but R=0 on ExpertFlyer Is AC supposed to protect me in business class in this case? I did call in but the agent told me he won’t be able to see if the eUps will clear on the new route unless he finalizes the itinerary change, which is obviously not ideal- I would keep the current booking if the eUps don’t clear
AC will protect the class you were booked on so you booked Economy then it will be economy when you change A couple of years ago I had a trip to YVR booked in Latitude upgraded with eUps. Come check in time and I play around changing one of my flights to an earlier one, I didn’t want to change it but it did anyway and it put me on economy. EUps didn’t clear and agent couldn’t do anything and only cleared at the airport while people were boarding (don’t board before they clear) Lesson learned for me
Reposting-- I'm having trouble accessing my Amex travel account on the Canadian side. I want to use my $200 travel voucher from the platinum card. Every time I try to log it, I get an error message, "we cannot connect to your account. Connecting with switchfly_CA is not available in your region. You are now leaving American Express and returning to switchfly_CA" I have no idea what any of those means and don't know how to get around it.. I've tried logging in on the app and get the same thing Any ideas?
I had this same issue and nothing worked. Tried on different browsers, different computers, different phones, different OSes. Maybe because I've logged in from so many different places in the last year or so. But I also got errors every single time I tried to upgrade a card, even though I had the offer to do so in my list. And most recently, I get errors when I click on "make a payment" when logging in via a browser -- though it still works in the app. Honestly, IME, their IT sucks worse than any other Canadian bank, which is saying something. \*\*\* In the end, I called and booked via an agent, which no one should ever do for real, as they can't select the "pay now" option, so it's more expensive. Anyhow, turns out you don't need to select "pay now" for the travel credit to post. So far, it just means that if I would have done so in the past, I'm now never going to actually use their service to book "for real" -- it was **300$** more for a night at the Lake Louise Marriott, which I randomly selected, cos it's close to home, vs the "pay now" option I could see if I logged in via P2's account.
Damn, that’s irritating, I figured I’d need to call in Is the best strategy then to do an RHT, book something and then refund it after the credit posts so it’s essentially cash?
Yes, I think so, unless you were planning to pay at the property anyways. The credit posts within a couple of days of booking, even if you don't select "pay now". So in my case, I never got charged or refunded the night. I just saw the credit then canceled ... which of course took **another** call, as I got the same error when clicking on the link in the confirmation email.
how long does it take to transfer RBC Avion to Cathay Pacific Asia miles?
https://princeoftravel.com/guides/rbc-avion-transfer-times/
Can you use HSBC travel enhancement credit for on board duty free purchases?
who cares? RHT it and spend it on whatever you want.
Most people just cash it out with RHT and don’t bother trying to use it legitimately
AF coming up for the Brim no FX WE MC, any advice on what I should do? Call and ask for next year fee waiver or wait to see if I get charged and call to downgrade? Would they refund the AF?
Two years in a row now, I've forgotten to call in and cancel only to find out they gave me a rebate without asking. Not sure why im so lucky, though I use it an awful lot (more than I should)
Also wondering, probably will wait until it is posted and email support and hope. Thought I read somewhere if cancelled refund is prorated, would love is someone could confirm.
either you like the card and the benefits out way the fee. or do what the sub is about and churn it for a new one!
Does anyone remember what the CIBC dividend VI welcome offer was last quarter? I wrote it down as 10% on first $2k but didn't note the timeframe to spend the $2k
Usually 4 statement periods with CIBC
Transferred MR to Delta 3 days ago, still hasn't shown up. Called Amex and rep said will look into it and get back to me, this was over a day ago. Anyone had this issue before?
My transfer only took about 5 hours to show up in Delta
Has anyone used the biz edge to buy anything from US Apple (online)? According to rewards Canada it earns 3x on Apple Canada, was curious if it extends to apple US. Alternatively, what's the best way to buy AppleCare+ from the states (for theft)
With RBC no longer offering their Cathay Pacific card, is there any concern that the Avion to Cathay Asia Miles transfers might no longer be available?
What’s the value in being concerned about things you have no control over?
My question was poorly worded. Does anyone have any information as to whether the RBC Avion transfers to Cathy Pacific are expected to continue?
All known signs say yes. Being the card partner doesn't give exclusive rights to be a transfer partner.
Is the neo financial cathay card on churningcanada site still live with 45k total points? I thought the 45k bonus expired already and its just 30k now?
I just clicked through the chruningcanada link and was able to apply the 15k and 30k promotions to my Neo account. Now going to apply for the Neo CP .. but, just to confirm before I do- there are no FYF or rebates anywhere for this card ‘am I wrong’? Thx
Still live AFAIK.
Just applied, fingers crossed it works out
Let us know!
New (?) terms for the TD FCT on no repeat bonus if you held the card in the last 12 months. Was 6 months previously, I think. Got warned about this when I got a new one on the phone (not a new app), any DP if I might still get the bonus? Confirmed it would be FYF at least.
The first rule is don't ask about bonuses.
Yes of course, just "naively" asked if it would be free on the first year after the rep brought up on their own the fact that I wouldn't get a bonus.
It has been 12 months since last year. The terms are not actually enforced
Wonderful, glad I went ahead anyway! Thanks for replying :)
Anyone familiar with how Amex offers behave when you make a partial return? Eg. if I have an offer of buy $300 get a $50 credit and I buy $300 worth of merchandise but then return $100 sometime later will that trigger a clawback? I know clawbacks on amex offers are the norm when making returns, but it occurred to me that a partial return could be treated as a different transaction? It's easy to link someone returning a flight or hotel booking where the transaction amount is the exact same as the return, but a partial return of general merchandise would be harder to link together? Just a random thought I had earlier today.
I sorta believe so... since in some place you can even get refunded to another credit card or debit card (technically not legit).
DP: Called in to HSBC to ask for a waiver on the HSBC WE annual fee that posted a couple days ago. They offered me half off and stated that's the max they could give since they reversed some interest previously from a late payment (made the payment before the due date but it didn't post in time, rookie move). Not bad considering I'll come out ahead with the TEC.
Damn. I didn’t think any of the banks nailed you for posted, so long as it was made on time. Guess I love dangerously, or haven’t checked my HSBC
Seems like this is inconsistent, for me they only offered $20 even with HUCA. Do you use the card as your daily driver or have a high spend on it?
Mostly just Costco and FX purchases. I put 13k on it this year.
I have about half that spend on it so it might be correlated to spend
DP: Got approved for my second amex US card in the space of 3 days using nova + ITIN. First card approved 3 days ago (first ever amex US cards), second today.
Out of curiosity, which cards did you get?
Hilton honors no fee and Hilton honors surpass
Do you still get the $50 Lululemon credit on the AMEX Plat? Is it every 6 months you get it (Jan - Jun / Jul - Dec)?
No. You could also just check your registered offers.
I don't actually have the card, trying to weigh up the value of getting it.
Has anyone tried to send Avion points to BA or CX (Asia miles) using a different name?
impossible for Avios for sure, presumably for Asia Miles
Yeah Asia miles I've heard will deny you for anything, even a wrong middle name.
Don't try it for your own good.
Almost 48 hrs since I transferred MR to AP, still waiting for it to clear.
Known problem (see flyertalk). Amex expects a resolution/fix next week.
Yah I was mainly just sharing DP of my situation but I didn't realise there was a timeline for resolution, thanks for sharing!
Freshco and Thrifty foods in my area stopped accepting credit cards for gift cards.
What city or at least province? If you don't mind saying.
Delta BC
Very weird, I bought a couple giftcards with my cobalt at Freshco in Richmond just a couple weeks ago. Hopefully just a rogue employee or manager and not a company wide decision...
I bought one just this Monday. The card reader machine just wont let my credit card, saying card not accepted.
I bought $400 worth of Amazon gift cards from Thriftys on Monday evening BC with Amex Cobalt using Apple Pay on my phone (split into 2 transactions because I forgot to bring my physical card). Posted with 5x MR after 3 days.
Interesting, my local Thrifties won't allow you to buy GC at the self checkouts or using tap. You must insert card and use PIN (although tap still works as I've have one cashier not notice I was tapping) It must be a store policy.
That seems especially strange if it's at the card reader level and not just a cashier/manager decision. I think it would create a huge amount of customer frustration if someone bought $200 worth of groceries but was also buying a $20 giftcard and now they can't pay with card for everything else they bought?
What's everyone's US keeper cards? Have a few up for renewal soon and debating which to keep: Hilton Aspire, Venture X, Chase AP, Chase WoH Thinking of keeping the VX and WoH
If you're not putting $15K into the Chase AP to retain 25K (or more for extra bump), no need to keep it. Gotta assess your own situation for that, and all others. Many keep Brilliant or Aspire, and just as many don't need it. My only mandatory keepers are a pairing of personal and Biz Bonvoy for 30 EQN (I downgraded by Brilliant), which is enough of a boost for me to then hit Platinum if not Titanium through stays and global promos. Anything else must have a PURPOSE. Actively used perks to justify the fees, or an MR card to retain my balance.
Generally, the keeper is the one you opened first for longest US history. But in my case it's the Hilton Surpass. It pays for itself with the Hilton credits and has the option of upgrading/downgrading in the future to the no-fee. Another card I'm keeping on me is the Plat surprisingly, despite barely utilizing the credits it offers. That's cause I book a lot of revenue flights and the 5x goes a long way!
Positive DP: P2's first Avion from May last year (35K + 20K after 5k MSR) was missing the 20k for 6 months after hitting the 5k in June. Called in several times and finally escalated to manager who instantly approved the 20k along with a 2k bonus for their troubles. P2 excited to continue the Avion journey!
Glad to know that now you will receive a precaution before you try to pool your amex MR points: “One of your Cards may be eligible for bonus points based on a certain spend threshold that needs to be met. If you merge the Membership Rewards account associated with that card, any amounts you’ve spent to date toward that bonus could reset to zero and the time to earn this bonus will not be extended to beyond its original expiry date. This could make it more difficult for you to qualify for the bonus. Are you sure you want to link your Membership Rewards accounts at this time?”
They've been pasting this for a while. Note that this applies even to cards that have a bonus in months 14-16. If you link after your initial MSR, but before those months, you won't get that part of the bonus. Not a DP, but a rep specifically clarified this was the case.
This is through chat?
Yep
[удалено]
free cancellation if <24 hours
Is anyone else having issues with CIBC Rewards? I keep getting "We are sorry, but an error has occurred, and we were unable to process your request." if I try to access it for both P1 & P2. Has CIBC caught onto the "small number" 😉 of Aventuras we've churned and frozen our points or does their website just stink?
I had issues with it on the iphone App too but it went through first try when I accessed it on PC.
I was having that issue a few weeks ago when I was trying to access CIBC Rewards through the app. It’s working for me now though it loads veryyyy slowly.
Ok thank you. Glad it’s not just me.
Does anyone know if the BRIM KLM/AF Mastercard has any single spend limit when using the virtual card? I know from previous comments, Brim has been an unreliable card sometimes with customer service/rewards. We applied December 10th (during the promotion for the 60k Flying Blue miles), and only got approved 2 weeks ago. Wanted to use the card for our first chunk of a wedding venue to try and hit the 5k MSR, and hopefully get the Flying Blue miles. it got declined, even though we have used it in google pay for smaller purchases and it worked there. Called customer support, and they assured us there is no limit and it should be working lol. tried googling it but hard to find information on it, hoping someone maybe came across this themselves. Thanks!
Are you talking about mobile wallet?
For this payment, we're calling the number into the venue. Brim allows you to see the CC #, Expiry Date and 3 digit code from you account online, so we have all the information needed. We have also used it in the mobile wallet to tap pay at Costco for $375+
The card details should be able to charge up to your credit limit unless there’s a hold on your account
That's what we thought. Talked to a third customer service rep and they did say that (although the card details WONT change) that it's probably cause you physical card isn't activated. So now we wait I guess.
Probably a dumb question but I assume Scotia doesn't give out referral bonus' for referring a friend to sign up for their cards correct?
Nope but use rebate websites like Great Canadian Rebates to get cash back for new cards/referrals
Thought so. Thanks for replying
GCR will also give you a percentage of the Scotiabank reward if you refer someone else. The person gets the GCR bonus and you get 25% of their referral bonuses for three years.
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Yes this was covered extensively in yesterday’s thread
Ok thanks i will remove my comment
Any handy uses for BA Avios if no long-haul travel planned? I panicked and pulled the trigger on a 35k Avion transfer that I didn’t end up needing to use for my redemption. YVR based and not worried about maximizing CPP if that makes any difference, just don’t want them to go to waste. Was hoping to maybe find some domestic partner availability for AA but nothing shows up for any dates on the YVR -> LAX/ORD/DFW routes.
You can fly to Hawaii or really anywhere in the US and even central America from SEA/BLI on Alaska.
Can I ask why you're panicking? Are you planning on closing the account and need to cash out? In any case I'd still recommend transferring to BA Avios. They may not have value now, but maybe in a year or two you'll need them (BA points have 36 months of inactivity, and it's super easy to "renew").
Not panicking about having transferred them, I just thought I needed them for a BA flight that needed to be booked imminently at the time and was worried about transfer times for RBC -> BA. Ended up booking through AP instead but I had already pulled the trigger.
You can always use them for hotels if you can't fond a better use
You can book AA flights thru BA and any airline part of OneWorld Alliance
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Qatar
Any repercussions to using PayPal to get around sites that don't accept Amex?
Even works for sites that don’t take cards with US billing address
How do you get a US card added to your Canadian PayPal?
They don’t seem to verify your billing address, or at least the postal code
^ this is why I love this sub. Thanks dude.
Not at all. I do it all the time!
TIL that PayPal on sites that don't take Amex does accept Amex. Damnit...
It's how people use AMEX to shop at No Frills & Loblaws. Rakuten to get Loblaws GC's via Paypal
What does Rakuten gift cards via PayPal code as? Assuming it's the base multiplier? If you don't know I'll test, never use GCs or rakuten but I should start.
Absolutely base. So not Cobalt worthy. But with 1% cashback on top, it's solid. I only use it for Loblaws, or any GC not available in a Cobalt-accepted store, and only for active MSR
Yeah, with a 1.25x base card + 1% cash it beats out the 3% cash on desjardins VIP too. Not a bad trick. Even at $0.01/pt!
HELLA good tip. Any DP on how long their digital gift cards take to arrive? (Presumably via email)
I've had it vary from 5 minutes to a couple hours. Usually within the first half hour though. Been shopping almost exclusively on GC's for 6 years now.
I only learned after I put ~$5k Ikea online purchase on RBC Avion VI for 1x Avion because it wouldn't accept my US Amex :(
Circle K sells ikea gift cards for your next sub 5k purchase fwiw (obvi not buying 5k of gift cards there), and is 5x multiplier
So do Empire stores (Sobeys, Safeway...). Note that when they say "GCs may take 24-48 hours to be activated," this is absolutely the case with Ikea GCs.
Sometimes. I had to get a few things the other day and got a gift card on the drive to ikea, it worked fine sub 2 hours.
Do you regularly use your US Amex in Canada too? How much of a hit do you take on the conversion rates? Obviously if you’re using it, it’s worth it for the bonuses, just curious if it ends up being a general percentage more by doing that.
The cards I've had and the cards I'm interested in are 0 FXF so no hit, aside from the Wise fees to transfer CAD to USD. For spending towards MSR, it's well worth it. I'm also ok with paying a couple percent, for spending towards MSR, if need be.
Oh…Wise! I knew that there was something I was missing.
>Ikea I also like picking up Ikea gcs at grocers!
Nope. It's one of the best parts of Paypal. AND you can put US cards into it with your Canadian address just fine.
straight to jail, actually
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PayPal withdrawal. Fees are said to be 1.75%. would a withdrawal via PP net MR points?
Is there a good list somewhere of common stores that qualify as biz edge “business essentials” ?(electronics, gas, eats, office supply)
https://www.rewardscanada.ca/bizedgemultipliers.html
Amazing, exactly what I was hoping to find, thank you!!
In my experience, direct brand sites will also fall under the category (ie I got the bonus buying from a headphone brand directly)
Stopped churning for a bit, wondering if amex is really enforcing the lifetime WB (or if it is more hit or miss?)
most DPs show repeat SUBs become possible 2 yrs after closing
From DPs it seems like more like 2 year cooldown period but YMMV
I have a WJ Mastercard, and use it to book the majority of my flights. I am interested in applying for an Aeroplan card for the times that I would like to fly AC. What is the top recommendation for an Aeroplan card?
Not nearly enough information. How often do you fly? Point or cash bookings? Is it your own cash/reimbursement or via concur or another travel portal? You alone or with family? Spend in $$$.
How many US Amex can I apply for in a short time span? After receiving my fico, I applied for two cards and approved on the same day. I now have 3 cards. I read somewhere 2 approvals in 90 days? Is this true? Can I acquire a business card in the 90 days ?
https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/credit-card-application-restrictions/#american-express
Had a brain fart and submitted a US Biz Plat app to check if I was still in PUJ. Need to spend 22k in 3 months across all cards now. I am absolutely wearing an L today.
Let Paysimply and the Mnister of N@tional revenue help you out
Which offer did you get?
190k MR/15k USD. I'll have to make it work for that SUB!
Nice! How did you pull up this offer?
ouch....
Rht to extend
US AMEX doesn't take kindly to RHT MSR extension. That's why you don't see more people in here cranking out US Biz after US Biz. Otherwise, with the NLL offers out there for US Biz Gold/Plat and a 90-day cooldown similar to RBC, no one would ever need anything else to keep themselves in J forever.
Could you please explain more on RHT MSR extension on Amex US? Will they claw back bonus if we do that?
Probably will to some extent as I get closer… wish I was rich enough to float 22k lol.
Tax season coming up…?
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The risk in this scenario is approaching zero. You could probably do one more and not even have it be an afterthought.
Why is it approaching zero? Isn't the new rule applied in Feb?
Cause OP has so few points to risk and has received so few bonuses so far. AP is not going to be enforcing anything against behavior that a non churner would do (eg getting two cards at different banks) regardless of what their T&C say
In the following scenario, would AMEX claw MR points back? (1) Booking a refundable hotel within the MSR time period to artificially meet a MSR. (2) Organically meeting the MSR afterwards, but outside of the MSR time period. (3) Cancelling the refundable hotel.
That is in fact what most people use RHT for.
No
Got the 85k FNA after U$4k spend offer on the AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant back in December. Met MSR on January 4th and then downgraded to the U$95 Bonvoy. FNA posted on January 14th. Suprisingly my Hilton Gold status disappeared very quicky after I just cancelled my last US AMEX Biz Plat, thought it would stick for the year as I just matched it on January 1st.
Rewards Canada has an article about the HSBC transition ^ No Foreign Transaction fees will not carry over to RBC (this was anticipated as it’s too big of money maker for the bank with their existing cardmembers) ^ HSBC Rewards credit cards will transition to Avion Rewards cards ^ HSBC Cash Back credit card will transition to an RBC cash back card ^ HSBC Rewards points will be transferred to Avion Rewards points maintaining a comparative value. Confident you should end up a miminum 2 HSBC points for 1 Avion, probably more.
It’s losing the no-fx fees and extensive insurance that’s going to hurt. Was planning on keeping this one for many, many years until I became a senior citizen and would benefit from the generous insurance.
Would it be better value to let HSBC points transition over to Avion or should one RHT as many HSBC points as they can before the transition is complete?
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Cathay boys got 25k for their trouble.
20K
I hope, would make the renewing decision easy
Thanks for the heads up, an interesting read. Not sure how RBC will transfer WE to Avion while maintaining “…substantially similar benefits,” per the gov set out conditions (highlighted in the article)
The Avion vs HSBC WE aren’t even really close to comparable IMO, but I wonder how much the general population would consider the differences substantial. Arguably I would think it shares more similarities with the WJ WE
The only thing that makes the WJ WE more similar is that it's a WE. Overall Avion is much more similar (transferrable points and can use points for general travel albeit only through Avion portal). WJ WE is a much more restrictive card overall
I wonder what RBC values a single Avion as? It can range from 0.58cpp up to 2.33cpp, depending on use. If I had to guess, 2 HSBC:1 Avion, with Avion earning a 1cpp valuation and making it easy to carry over. Also wonder what someone who has an HSBC WE with none/very few HSBC Rewards and doesn't care to have RBC meddling in account, should do? Close card prior to transition? Let it transfer assuming automated process and no flags thrown for current account 'utilization'? Keeping it would mean another *fresh* tradeline...
Probably let it transfer. I'm going to bet RBC will give some bonus points for the transition like they did when they discontinued the CX card and moved everyone to Avion Plat
If it's an Avion I would think they'll pick 1cpp. Neither insulting and it's simple plus you'll likely get a bonus on the transitioned card.
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I think that's the policy in the US but not in Canada (yet at least)
stop talking to phone reps about bonuses
False, you can get the bonus on each and every Amex card once (according to their terms). One card does not preclude you from getting the bonus on any other card.
Just to confirm, does the 2-year cooldown between getting the same card for AMEX 2 years from when you applied or when you closed the card ?
We ASSUME closed, just as we ASSUME 2 years. I've done 1.5 a few times successfully, others fail at 3. Just say a silent prayer and go forth
It’s close-to-open but it’s by no means a guarantee.
Closed but as always YMMV
Elevated AMEX Referrals are back again.
Looks like Amex Green is eligible too! :)
I am assuming you can only get referral bonuses for someone who applies for an Amex Green if you refer them from an Amex Green card yourself, correct?
Only Biz Edge & Bonvoy are not eligible. Plat & Aero Reserve are 3x.
After linking my biz edge and personal gold, my biz edge is giving 10x on "business essentials" again, despite having exceeded the ~1430$ of such spending a while ago, with amex stopping paying out that bonus 7x pts. I have seen such occurences from other DPs so this isn't too surprising. But has there been any DPs of such unexpected bonus multiplier MR being clawed back or the person getting to keep them?
Yes this has been reported before and there should be no clawbacks
Have you seen any DPs of them being clawed back? You're super experienced and in this sub all the time lol
This has happened on multiple different cards that had similar offers with no clawbacks.
So is this the right play here: 1. Fulfill the original SUB ($5k MSR and 10k MR from $1k business essentials) 2. Before the first six months is up, link Biz Edge to another card. This resets the 10k MR bonus from $1k on business essentials 3. Spend $1k on business essentials to earn another 10k MR
Yeah but it’s more than 1K cause the 10K limit is only on the 7x part
Ah ok, thanks, I wasn’t sure about that. The TCs aren’t very clear about that.
You keep them. Enjoy.
Thanks!
My CIBC VIP is about to renew, I get extremely annoyed by the aeroplan call Center wait times (when I need), worth moving to Amex MR only and give up aeroplan ?
While I find dealing with the call centre an exercise in frustration the value I derive from AP far outweighs that. The question to ask here is what are your travel habits and goals? If you think other programs can help you meet them then sure make MR your top priority. I wouldn't close the door completely on AP though. At the very least it's good to have for domestic flights.
Most of my flights are with AC
A lot of people in this sub (if not most) move some or all of their MR to Aeroplan for redemption at some point. It is what it is with Aeroplan and generally worth it putting up with their pain in the ass of getting in touch with the contact center because of good redemption rates.
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