10,000 bonus points per 20 transactions

[Rambo]

I phoned and was told the same as Lord Garlic.
If you enrolled pre 20th Sept and received the postcard original T&Cs apply.
If you enrolled pre 20th and were not targetted (even if you did not receive the postcard you may have been on the target list) the cap will apply.
Pre 20th enrolment cardholders will be notified by Amex of the change to their T&Cs.

My reading of the T&C's would suggest that anyone enrolled pre 20th Sept will receive unlimited bonus points as per the T&C's link that was posted.

http://www.americanexpress.com/australia/campaigns/bonuspoints/bonuspoints_faq.shtml

The amended Terms and Conditions, including the maximum of 10,000 bonus points per month, apply to all Cardmembers who enrolled in the offer from Saturday, 20 September.

 

[LDJordan]

My reading of the T&C's would suggest that anyone enrolled pre 20th Sept will receive unlimited bonus points as per the T&C's link that was posted.

American Express, Bonuspoints FAQ

The amended Terms and Conditions, including the maximum of 10,000 bonus points per month, apply to all Cardmembers who enrolled in the offer from Saturday, 20 September.

To qualify for this promotion, eligible Cardmembers must register with American Express before12pm (AESDT) 31 December 2008 An eligible Cardmembers is one who has received a personally addressed direct mail invitation, and registers in the program. Only one registration per Cardmember account is permitted.

 

[baz123]

okeydokey, here we go. after reading of lots of hypothesis from some people, and different stories coming from CSR reps in different people's conversations, I just got off the phone from CS and confirmed the following in a recorded phonecall - and yes, the CS person OK'd the recording, which is probably why they kept going away to confirm for certain lots of details


- I didn't receive the postcard
- I enrolled online on the 18th Sept
- I am still enrolled in the scheme and I'm uncapped

I'd suggest other people record their conversations in the event of any future confusion. Initially the CS person said I wasn't eligible. They changed their tune when I said that I'd been accruing points from the 18th, and that their new T&Cs said people enrolled prior to the 20th were on the old T&Cs. Hopefully this information may be of some help to people.

 

[lovestotravel]

okeydokey, here we go. after reading of lots of hypothesis from some people, and different stories coming from CSR reps in different people's conversations, I just got off the phone from CS and confirmed the following in a recorded phonecall - and yes, the CS person OK'd the recording, which is probably why they kept going away to confirm for certain lots of details


- I didn't receive the postcard
- I enrolled online on the 18th Sept
- I am still enrolled in the scheme and I'm uncapped

I'd suggest other people record their conversations in the event of any future confusion. Initially the CS person said I wasn't eligible. They changed their tune when I said that I'd been accruing points from the 18th, and that their new T&Cs said people enrolled prior to the 20th were on the old T&Cs. Hopefully this information may be of some help to people.

I give you credit as you said the CSR okayed the recording, which surprises me!

The pre 20th Sept crew defaintely have either really good or bad news coming

 

[snufl]

My reading of the T&C's would suggest that anyone enrolled pre 20th Sept will receive unlimited bonus points as per the T&C's link that was posted.

American Express, Bonuspoints FAQ

The amended Terms and Conditions, including the maximum of 10,000 bonus points per month, apply to all Cardmembers who enrolled in the offer from Saturday, 20 September.

Yes Rambo, me too. But that link refers to the 2nd T&Cs, if the info I was given is correct (and it really sounded like the CSR was confident) there is now a 3rd for pre 20th Sept non-targetted cardholders.

My only regret is phoning and asking, I wish I had waited for Amex to contact me. As of today I'd say I have been advised.

 

[snufl]

baz123 did you phone "customer service" or "membership rewards". These contradicting answers from Amex phone staff are driving me nuts. I phoned 1300 363 276.

 

[cardiology]

Update with CS

Just called up the AMEX CS and confirmed the situation.
I enrolled online on the 18th Sept, no postcard.

I am still on the old T&C (with no cap) and the points will be credited once they manually scan through the transactions to make sure that I am not abusing the bonus program.

So I am still on old T&C even without a postcard, as long as you enroll before 20th Sept.

Have recorded the time and date and name of the CS (no actually digital recording of the conversation) just to make sure they honor the no-cap bonus.

 

[file51]

I'd suggest other people record their conversations in the event of any future confusion. Initially the CS person said I wasn't eligible. They changed their tune when I said that I'd been accruing points from the 18th, and that their new T&Cs said people enrolled prior to the 20th were on the old T&Cs. Hopefully this information may be of some help to people.

A word of warning!!!

I state this based on experience, unless American Express' Legal Department or Senior management approve this, the recording is null and void and is highly illegal.

Under the Australian Telecommunications Act you can be prosecuted for doing this. You need specialised equipment that is audited and checked by authorites to ensure it is not being abused, and you need permission from various government bodies before being able to do this. As per what banks etc have to go through before they administer recording devices on their phone systems.

If I were the person who recorded it, I would not let it see the light of day, let alone say any more about it.

The penalties are severe and courts are very strict on such illegal recordings.

Take this as a friendly warning, if ignored, good luck...

The federal Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979 and State and Territory listening devices laws may both apply to this activity. The general rule is that a call may not be recorded. There are exceptions to these rules in very limited circumstances including where a warrant applies.

 

[nlagalle]

A word of warning!!!

I state this based on experience, unless American Express' Legal Department or Senior management approve this, the recording is null and void and is highly illegal.

Under the Australian Telecommunications Act you can be prosecuted for doing this. You need specialised equipment that is audited and checked by authorites to ensure it is not being abused, and you need permission from various government bodies before being able to do this. As per what banks etc have to go through before they administer recording devices on their phone systems.

If I were the person who recorded it, I would not let it see the light of day, let alone say any more about it.

The penalties are severe and courts are very strict on such illegal recordings.

Take this as a friendly warning, if ignored, good luck...

I believe you can only be persecuted if you do not notify them the conversation is being recorded. It's the same as when you call a call centre and they say the call is being recorded/monitored you can decline this too.

 

[file51]

I believe you can only be persecuted if you do not notify them the conversation is being recorded. It's the same as when you call a call centre and they say the call is being recorded/monitored you can decline this too.

That is not the case.

To be able to record a telephone call, you either need a warrant, or a licence/authority to do so from various government bodies.

There are 3 main exclusion clauses apart from those required for law enforcement, and none of those include personal use or gain.

You also MUST have a secondary line immediately available that is unrecorded, which is an issue if using a hand held, or phone based recording device.

Monitoring (listening in to), or recording of telephone conversations, is a matter tightly controlled by law.

Please don't take this as being rude, but after having over 10 years experience in an occupation enforcing these laws, I will assure you, you can and will be prosecuted if caught.

I feel it is prudent that members here know that, and dont get caught up in any hysteria over trying to prove something which may get you into a lot of hot water.

 

[Flashback]

That's my point. Just because I shop there several times a day, what's to stop amex accusing legitimate shoppers of being abusive towards the promo?

I know i'm doing regular shopping. They may think i'm buying lots of gum and candy.

It's tricky for them on this.

*edit*
as pointed out, I'd hope they'd see 2-3 transactions spaced hours apart as being legitimate rather than 2-3 in a 15 minute period. I hope common sense prevails here.

As noted before, I don't understand you guys. AMEX pays 1.5 points to $1, and thus even before this promotion I put *everything* possible on the AMEX, even if I have cash or VISA on hand. Why would you do otherwise? It just makes absolutely no sense to me.

Also, just because the transactions are spaced apart, does not make it any more legitimate. Which I believe, is what people such as yourself would be counting on.

 

[baz123]

That is not the case.

To be able to record a telephone call, you either need a warrant, or a licence/authority to do so from various government bodies.

There are 3 main exclusion clauses apart from those required for law enforcement, and none of those include personal use or gain.

You also MUST have a secondary line immediately available that is unrecorded, which is an issue if using a hand held, or phone based recording device.



Please don't take this as being rude, but after having over 10 years experience in an occupation enforcing these laws, I will assure you, you can and will be prosecuted if caught.

I feel it is prudent that members here know that, and dont get caught up in any hysteria over trying to prove something which may get you into a lot of hot water.

Up to you, but I asked the CSR if they were OK with me recording the call, and they said yes. I think that recording the conversation if both people are aware it's being recorded is acceptable, it's not bugging a call and is no different to recording a meeting. Ultimately the important thing is they clarified that enrolling pre 20 September means that the unlimited points T&C are valid

 

[lovetravellingoz]

As noted before, I don't understand you guys. AMEX pays 1.5 points to $1, and thus even before this promotion I put *everything* possible on the AMEX, even if I have cash or VISA on hand. Why would you do otherwise? It just makes absolutely no sense to me.

.

Why would you do otherwise (outside of the promotion)?

A/ Business has a higher minimum than for VISA. ie my local Celleabtaions who will allow me to put small amounts on VISA (ie one bottle) whereas Amex is a $20 minimum

B/ Business has a surchage of 2 % or more on Amex. I wil normally pull out the Citibank instead. (However as I may now start redeming for Business Class I may alter this practice in future.

C/ The purchase is minor..and the cash only line is much shorter (ie my time has a value).

But overall I try and use the Amex first...

 

[holo]

Ultimately the important thing is they clarified that enrolling pre 20 September means that the unlimited points T&C are valid

and so they should, enough Amex staff confirmed that to be so, including Luisa !

Thanks for sharing, trust my letter confirming this is sent very soon or I will ask them to confirm in writing.

I joined 18 Sept, have received 50,000 points and didn't get a postcard. However I have funnelled all expenses through my card, no naughty stuff and even walked out of non amex stores and sent their details to amex. I have done my bit, and will continue to do so, I expect them to do "their" bit as well. Otherwise I would have no hesitation in taking appropriate action.

 

[file51]

Up to you, but I asked the CSR if they were OK with me recording the call, and they said yes. I think that recording the conversation if both people are aware it's being recorded is acceptable, it's not bugging a call and is no different to recording a meeting. Ultimately the important thing is they clarified that enrolling pre 20 September means that the unlimited points T&C are valid

I guess you did not read my first reply.

The CSR has no right or authority as an employee of American Express Australia Limited to make such a decision or ruling.

Only Amex legal or senior management can make that decision, on top of the fact that your recording does not comply with what is required by the telecommunications protections code (i.e. recording on an authorised device, the device is stored is a secure environment with appropriate logs, etc etc)

Obviously you wish to ignore the advice given, I guess one can only do so much to try and help people stay out of trouble and shooting themselves in the foot

 

[lovetravellingoz]

okeydokey, here we go. after reading of lots of hypothesis from some people, and different stories coming from CSR reps in different people's conversations, I just got off the phone from CS and confirmed the following in a recorded phonecall - and yes, the CS person OK'd the recording, which is probably why they kept going away to confirm for certain lots of details


- I didn't receive the postcard
- I enrolled online on the 18th Sept
- I am still enrolled in the scheme and I'm uncapped

I'd suggest other people record their conversations in the event of any future confusion. Initially the CS person said I wasn't eligible. They changed their tune when I said that I'd been accruing points from the 18th, and that their new T&Cs said people enrolled prior to the 20th were on the old T&Cs. Hopefully this information may be of some help to people.

An observation....

Recent history would suggest that Amex CSR's are bady briefed and quite variable and unreliable in answers once you get away from the "standard" script.

For example when I rang last Friday the CSR said that all people would be capped and I was sent for example sent a postcard and registerd on Sept 17.

The Amex IT staff obviously now have to do a software fix for the capped and uncapped...and it could quite probably be that this has not been completed yet. ie CSR's may well not be able to see on their screens who is capped at this stage other than by date...which would mean that if there is a preSept 20 cap group that their screens may not show it yet. Hence you may get a positive answer (because yes there is nothing showing a cap) even if you perhaps should have been given a negative one.

Some answers given (not necesarilly to you) are clearly about the Membership Rewards Program rather than this specific program. The MR program is an "uncapped" points program.

Therefore until you (and I) see some thing in writing or have talked direct a senior person I would not rely on what a CSR tells you or me.

When this "mythical" letter arrives to each of us personally we will then know where we stand.

The ever-changing T&C may also shed some light..so stayed tuned for next version of the T&C.

 

[simongr]

Why would you do otherwise )outside of the promotion)?

A/ Business has a higher minimum than for VISA. ie my local Celleabtaions who will allow me to put small amounts on VISA (ie one bottle) whereas Amex is a $20 minimum

I have an issue with the quality of your wine choices

Personally I paid cash for anything under roughly $20 - now that is $10 simply due to time and convenience.

Also if buying big at DJs I will use their interest free and Christmas options.

 

[baz123]

I guess you did not read my first reply.

The CSR has no right or authority as an employee of American Express Australia Limited to make such a decision or ruling.

Only Amex legal or senior management can make that decision, on top of the fact that your recording does not comply with what is required by the telecommunications protections code (i.e. recording on an authorised device, the device is stored is a secure environment with appropriate logs, etc etc)

Obviously you wish to ignore the advice given, I guess one can only do so much to try and help people stay out of trouble and shooting themselves in the foot

The CSR represents Amex, they provide information to Amex's customers (us) and we act in good faith upon the information that they provide. I don't believe the law makes a distinction between the salary or management level of the employee as to whether the information they impart is relevant - the CSRs are providing information based upon company decided policy. Perhaps I ask to speak to Mr Amex CEO to clarify the situation? Or maybe you could try being a little more pragmatic

 

[oz_mark]

An observation....
The Amex IT staff obviously now have to do a software fix for the capped and uncapped...and it could quite probably be that this has not been completed yet. ie CSR's may well not be able to see on their screens who is capped at this stage other than by date...which would mean that if there is a preSept 20 cap group that their screens may not show it yet. Hence you may get a positive answer (because yes there is nothing showing a cap) even if you perhaps should have been given a negative one.

Part of the fix is that if you follow the links for registration, you will find that the optin codes have changed. So the capped and uncapped are different promotions behind the scenes.

 

[Hubbins]

Hi All

I just faxed my letter to ASIC to complain about AMEX

Main point of my complaint was people are incurring debt to increase the number of bonus point which could be detriment to their current financial position and therefore ASIC must act as a matter of urgency

I suggest to all to either Fax write or email ASIC the more people that do this the more ASIC will Act

ASIC only like to catch big fish as small fish dont reward them with new budget allocation of money Get ASIC attention and they will act

For other out their who are franticly trying to redeem points with Velocity for the competion to win one of 5 trip to the USA business class to LA my advice is dont

As 1 October to 30 november you receive 25% bonus points when transfering to Virginblues Velocity Pitty I wont have bonus point to redeem !!!

American Express | Virginblue#


Hope this update helps

cheers