10,000 bonus points per 20 transactions

[lovetravellingoz]

Lets all wait till the verdict is in A!!!, then panic if need be:shock:

Indeed...as I mentioned a lot earlier in this thread the only consistency from Amex is that the CSR's are unreliable...and are badly briefed and trained.

It would not surprise at all that it is not for ALL..at all...but is rather the T&C for all new post Sep 19 registrants.

 

[oz_mark]

They can put a cap. They just have to make sure that they choose a big enough number

 

[JohnK]

I have said it before and I will say it again. I am now extremely disappointed that Luisa or an Amex representative has not had further contact with this forum in regards to the promotion but chose to amend the terms and conditions, a number of times, and send letters instead. The only reason I mention this concern is that Amex is aware AFF exists and Luisa through admin advised us that everything will be OK and not to worry. Well all is not OK....

 

[edman]

Indeed...as I mentioned a lot earlier in this thread the only consistency from Amex is that the CSR's are unreliable...and are bady briefed and trained.

It would not surprise at all that it is not for ALL..at all...but is rather the T&C for all new post Sep 19 registrants.

After hanging up the phone with the CSR, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps he had a strange sense of humour and wanted to see what kind of ruckus he could cause on this thread.

 

[edman]

I have said it before and I will say it again. I am now extremely disappointed that Luisa or an Amex representative has not had further contact with this forum in regards to the promotion but chose to amend the terms and conditions, a number of times, and send letters instead. The only reason I mention this concern is that Amex is aware AFF exists and Luisa through admin advised us that everything will be OK and not to worry. Well all is not OK....

Considering what has happened since Luisa's inital contact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Amex staff have been gagged. When management can't even decide for themselves what is happening, even if there was an update it could easily be overridden as they see fit, just like the T&C's!

 

[beardoc]

It's interesting, but there might be a pleasant side effect from this promotion - more and more places are now accepting Amex. It might be from people asking if they accept Amex, or maybe not, but in searching the Merchant map, I have found several businesses that now accept Amex where they didn't before (like Subway Blacktown Mega Centre, just near my workplace).

I will now be eating there much more often. I didn't eat there at all previously.

If this promotion is actively driving businesses to accept Amex, then I will be very happy (as I'm sure Amex will be too!)

 

[Mal]

It's interesting, but there might be a pleasant side effect from this promotion - more and more places are now accepting Amex.

The funniest side I've seen is the places that now have "NO AMEX" taped on their EFT machines. Some of these places are ones where I've been before and it wasn't there previously!!

Perhaps the number of people asking has firmly resolved them into publicising that Amex isn't accepted (and remind the front line staff every time they're about to swipe)

As I've indicated earlier, I've also found several places listed as accepting Amex, but who refuse Amex. Considering dobbing them into the Amex "Not able to use card" site.

I'm also pleasantly surprised how many places accept Amex.

 

[Alanslegal]

The funniest side I've seen is the places that now have "NO AMEX" taped on their EFT machines. Some of these places are ones where I've been before and it wasn't there previously!!

Perhaps the number of people asking has firmly resolved them into publicising that Amex isn't accepted (and remind the front line staff every time they're about to swipe)

Similar situation, this 7-11 that I used quite a few times before my trip o/s previously accepted Amex including a transactions of $0.90 for chewing gum. .. using Amex's belief that "you don't need to spend more, just use Amex instead of cash"

But yesterday, I went to buy a protein shake ($5.40) and my Amex was declined. I asked what was going on? and he didn't know as he looked like a new employee. Anyway left the shop and went elsewhere.

 

[QF WP]

After hanging up the phone with the CSR, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps he had a strange sense of humour and wanted to see what kind of ruckus he could cause on this thread.

That's hilarious in a crazy way - however I'm sure that Amex CRS's have better things to do than watch this thread at present :shock:.

Oh what a tangled web Amex are weaving. Misinformation...a great way to decrease future loyalty as we may be less likely to believe anything they say in the future - the business that cried wolf.

I'm sure that Amex had absolutely no idea of the viral marketing mess they when they dreamed up the promo idea and made the T&C's.

Anyway, on a positive note, their liability for bonus points is growing steadily every day from members on this site. Amex, I'm up to 56 up to and including 27th...with another 3 to post from last night and this morning. Looks like I'll be aiming for 70 transactions this month, as I've got drinks tonight with a couple of AFF'ers in BNE...at a bar specifically noted for it's acceptance of Amex :mrgreen::mrgreen:.

I'd have to say, laybuys are a popular way to buy Christmas presents this year - start shopping now

 

[simongr]

I'd have to say, laybuys are a popular way to buy Christmas presents this year - start shopping now

And popular for buying prams, cots and car seats and change tables...

 

[JohnK]

It's interesting, but there might be a pleasant side effect from this promotion - more and more places are now accepting Amex.

Interesting you raise this point. I have been looking at getting mobile wireless broadband for my laptop and went to visit a 3 store yesterday. I was quite happy with the deal and asked about payment options specifically asking if they accepted Amex. He looked at me and said the first payment is via direct deposit and thinks that Amex is accepted. I mentioned to him that if they do not accept direct debit from Amex I will not be signing a 24 month contract. He quickly inquired with the manager who confirmed that they do indeed accept Amex.

I think many employees, merchants do not realise that some people will not buy from them if they do not accept Amex. And my stance on using Amex only did not start with this promotion....

 

[futaris]

They accept Amex. I've always used Amex to pay my 3 Wireless broadband. NB, make sure you look at coverage maps if you want to use Three. They only really cover Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. You only get 2MB for roaming on Telstra on all Three Broadband plans.

 

[simongr]

The biggest hurdle for universal acceptance of Amex has been mrssimongr rather than merchants - she is now fully on board given that this promo might fund her J flight to the UK - maybe even F if the points really ramp up

now that would be amusing - baby's first flight in F

 

[JohnK]

NB, make sure you look at coverage maps if you want to use Three. They only really cover Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. You only get 2MB for roaming on Telstra on all Three Broadband plans.

I do not need roaming. In fact I will have roaming blocked. I only need to be able to access the internet from my home in inner south-west Sydney and Toowong, Spring Hill in Brisbane. I have the coverage map in front of me and I have been assured that these areas are covered. Also I like the chouice of plans for $29.95/month with 3GB included + $5 for the wireless modem/USB device or $39.95/month with 6GB included and free wireless modem/USB device.

Three has by far the best deals for mobile wireless broadband. I also like the fact that I can suspend the service at any time and just increase the 24 month contract term. It will be good when I am away on holidays and not likely to use the service.

 

[JohnK]

Anyway, on a positive note, their liability for bonus points is growing steadily every day from members on this site. Amex, I'm up to 56 up to and including 27th...with another 3 to post from last night and this morning. Looks like I'll be aiming for 70 transactions this month, as I've got drinks tonight with a couple of AFF'ers in BNE...at a bar specifically noted for it's acceptance of Amex :mrgreen::mrgreen:.

So it is drinks on you tonight Lindsay? We will easily get you to 70 transactions for the month. What time did you say you are going to be there?

 

[AussieMark]

Has anyone signed up any supplementary cards to boost their points?

I wasn't sure if they would count if they are new supplementary cards.


I went to get a gold American Express Qantas Supplementary card but it says $30 on their website. On the qantas site and my original offer it says $0...

 

[js]

AMEX and small transaction values

We've certainly been doing our bit to seek out new merchants taking AMEX and pressure those that don't (either directly or just by walking out when they say "no AMEX" - making sure they know why).

Two thoughts that would certainly help me to use my AMEX a lot more - not just for the promo but on an ongoing basis:

1. No signature required for very low value transactions (say under $10). Actually had my local butcher do this the other day unexpectedly for a $5 transaction. I was waiting to sign and he said "No worries, you don't need to sign for that amount". That would make it more convenient as a cash replacement, saving some time for us and for the checkout staff.

2. If AMEX could do something to discourage minimum spend on cards I'd certainly appreciate it. Obviously it would be nice during the promo, but on an ongoing basis there are at least 3 restaurants within spitting distance of work that I would eat at one of every day if they would allow their lunch specials (about $6) to be put on AMEX. As it is with $10 or $15 minimums I have almost never been for lunch.

The whole minimum spend thing always seems like a bit of a wank really, given that the merchant fees are just pro rata and there seems to be no real reason for not taking say $5 on a card. Sure it's maybe 30 seconds of staff time to handle the swiping, but not really so much different to say issuing change from a $20 note or some such. (And, in combination with the first point, if no signature was needed on a very low value transaction it would save everyone some time too).

 

[oz_mark]

Re: AMEX and small transaction values

The whole minimum spend thing always seems like a bit of a wank really, given that the merchant fees are just pro rata and there seems to be no real reason for not taking say $5 on a card. Sure it's maybe 30 seconds of staff time to handle the swiping, but not really so much different to say issuing change from a $20 note or some such. (And, in combination with the first point, if no signature was needed on a very low value transaction it would save everyone some time too).

I have a vague recollection that there is a micropayment rate, whereby if the transaction is below some amount ($5-$10 maybe), it is actually a fixed number of cents per transaction, rather than a percentage.

 

[drewbles]

Re: AMEX and small transaction values

We've certainly been doing our bit to seek out new merchants taking AMEX and pressure those that don't (either directly or just by walking out when they say "no AMEX" - making sure they know why).

Two thoughts that would certainly help me to use my AMEX a lot more - not just for the promo but on an ongoing basis:

1. No signature required for very low value transactions (say under $10). Actually had my local butcher do this the other day unexpectedly for a $5 transaction. I was waiting to sign and he said "No worries, you don't need to sign for that amount". That would make it more convenient as a cash replacement, saving some time for us and for the checkout staff.

2. If AMEX could do something to discourage minimum spend on cards I'd certainly appreciate it. Obviously it would be nice during the promo, but on an ongoing basis there are at least 3 restaurants within spitting distance of work that I would eat at one of every day if they would allow their lunch specials (about $6) to be put on AMEX. As it is with $10 or $15 minimums I have almost never been for lunch.

The whole minimum spend thing always seems like a bit of a wank really, given that the merchant fees are just pro rata and there seems to be no real reason for not taking say $5 on a card. Sure it's maybe 30 seconds of staff time to handle the swiping, but not really so much different to say issuing change from a $20 note or some such. (And, in combination with the first point, if no signature was needed on a very low value transaction it would save everyone some time too).

I'm not sure if AMEX do it, but I know banks used to at least, and that is have an 'average' transaction amount. When I used to run a business, the percentage-per-swipe charge that the bank was to charge me was based on an 'average' amount per transaction. Back then I had it defined as $35 average, with 100% of my transactions being $35 or more (It was a service based company offering services over $35 only). If I was to fall under the average, the bank would increase my merchant fees accordingly. It could be that places like seven 11's and smallish eateries place the minimum transaction amount based on their average transaction cost they agreed to with AMEX/Banks. I'm sure someone who currently accepts CC's in day to day business could confirm this for me?

 

[js]

Re: AMEX and small transaction values

I have a vague recollection that there is a micropayment rate, whereby if the transaction is below some amount ($5-$10 maybe), it is actually a fixed number of cents per transaction, rather than a percentage.

Interesting, thanks for the comments (and from drewbles).

I was basing my info on an AMEX merchant business I am involved with, which takes regular recurring payments including many that are $2 a month, and we have no fixed transaction fee or anything other than a pro rata.