Amex D-Day Approaching (14/4/19)!

[SOPOOR]

If you've made the decision to transfer out and aren't expecting a further large addition from last minute spending, I'd move them out early to be safe rather than sorry in case there is some sort of system problem. Whilst this is different to what happened with SPG last year where the gate was arbitrarily closed, it's quite possible for there to be system issues and you don't want to be arguing for Amex to make good on it later.

Whilst AFF doesn't necessarily represent the broader Amex member base, it certainly represents the views of more engaged MR customers. Likely the bulk of points will flow to KF. Some have been holding out for a KF offer - you never know but they're likely going to get the bulk of MR points so they don't need to entice us in the same way as QF and VA have given their businesses are more addicted to the FF point hit for profitability (my 2 cents worth anyway).

11 days out from D-Day, I seriosuly doubt a KF offfer will come through,
Icertainly will make sure that I will be transferring early PLUS nearing to the nearest 5000 points as well, as chances after that my points earn will be virtually zero

 

[MsTee]

I moved the points this morning. They disappeared immediately on transfer. I expect they'll appear at the other end in due course. (Being a tad contrarian, I went with Asia Miles rather than Krisflyer.)

 

[carls888]

My local Woolies has been out of Wish gift cards for the last week...so I have been hitting other Woolies to get my required quota. Now that they have capped the limit to $500 per card I must have a few AFF members living nearby... LOL.
Been paying extra on my electricity, bills, prepaying insurances, and giving the fiscal fiend a few extra $$$. Another 300k+ points before the deadline will be lovely.

 

[bohn]

My local Woolies has been out of Wish gift cards for the last week...so I have been hitting other Woolies to get my required quota. Now that they have capped the limit to $500 per card I must have a few AFF members living nearby... LOL.

You don't buy the WISH cards through something like cashrewards so you can only pay $475 for the $500 card?

 

[carls888]

Do you still get the 3 ppd from the spend on Amex Plat?

 

[andye]

Do you still get the 3 ppd from the spend on Amex Plat?

On the Edge, yes

 

[bohn]

Do you still get the 3 ppd from the spend on Amex Plat?

Yep, you sure do. There's a small delivery fee for the physical giftcards ($5.50 for as many as you want) but I get the eGift cards which are emailed free of charge obviously.
I add the e-giftcards to the Woolworths Money app on my phone.

 

[umberloidster]

I've just about given up on any last minute bonus too, the airlines are likely monitoring how many points are transferring and one would assume it's a busier time than usual, so why incentivise.

I'm taking about 400k Ascent Premium to Emirates, everything else to Krisflyer. Knowing my luck, the second I transfer out, an airline will announce a promo...!

 

[lilkid28]

I've just about given up on any last minute bonus too, the airlines are likely monitoring how many points are transferring and one would assume it's a busier time than usual, so why incentivise.

I'm taking about 400k Ascent Premium to Emirates, everything else to Krisflyer. Knowing my luck, the second I transfer out, an airline will announce a promo...!

Any sweet spot/ideas for Emirates redemptions? Or use them for upgrades?

 

[umberloidster]

Any sweet spot/ideas for Emirates redemptions? Or use them for upgrades?

I like their availability to a lot of Europe that SQ doesn't fly to. I have trips to Zagreb and Budapest this year, so I figure they'll come in handy for award flights there.

Also compared to SQ, Emirates seems to have better availability in J at short notice to LHR. I have older relatives there, so it's good to know there's an option to get home quickly if I need it.

Taxes and surcharges are higher via Dubai than Singapore, unfortunately.

 

[Doctore1003]

I'm taking about 400k Ascent Premium to Emirates

Any advantages to booking via Emirates compared to using Qantas Points?

 

[umberloidster]

Any advantages to booking via Emirates compared to using Qantas Points?

I'm by no means an expert, but the availability on Emirates was showing up heaps more options than I was seeing on Qantas. Not sure if that's a blip, though.

 

[PDog]

Moved points to KF on Monday, leaving 5000 in each account for a last minute sweep next week. Both statements only closed yesterday, so have prepaid Optus & Red Energy this morning and am about to go on an accomodation booking frenzy!

I’ll close my explorer after this month and sit out my 18 month wait, hubby will keep his cause it’s essentially free with the travel credit, good hire car insurance & the referral bonus when I’m ready again. (He’s retired so doesn’t churn)

Anything I’ve missed?!

 

[Tiki]

Getting ready for D-Day. I bought Wish Cards & Coles cards that should cover groceries for 3 months. Prepaid bills that accept Amex. Points should hit tomorrow morning.

SQ is still the best option? I don't need Velocity, get enough of those from Flybuys.

Still have a few AA and BA which I should use soon.

QF comes from Woolies.

I don't think CX, TG or EK would suit, especially if they have high surcharges.

SQ deposited next week will be valid until end April 2022, right? With actual travel ~ 11 months following that?

This is basically my last hurrah as my income no longer qualifies for the good credit cards so I have to keep this one as long as they give the $200 travel credit.

 

[daft009]

I'm hoping there is a KF bonus that gets announced before D day

~1wk to go... looking unlikely

 

[momad]

Has anyone attempted to speak to Amex to double their current points lately?

 

[Saltywings]

Has anyone attempted to speak to Amex to double their current points lately?

Tried it, no dice. I only applied and got the card a couple of weeks ago. They specifically said that because I am a new plat customer, I am ineligible.

Sad and fair enough. Sucks to know that if I had applied just 2-3 months earlier (like some people here who applied in Jan/Feb and got a points doubling after that) I would have stood a chance.

 

[Kevin Chan]

Tried it, no dice. I only applied and got the card a couple of weeks ago. They specifically said that because I am a new plat customer, I am ineligible.

Sad and fair enough. Sucks to know that if I had applied just 2-3 months earlier (like some people here who applied in Jan/Feb and got a points doubling after that) I would have stood a chance.

I joined just over a year ago. Recently hit anniversary. May be I should ask and if they refuse, threaten to cancel?

 

[Saltywings]

I joined just over a year ago. Recently hit anniversary. May be I should ask and if they refuse, threaten to cancel?

There is a ton of anecdotal evidence in the Amex Cancellations thread that would suggest your method will not work.

 

[Kevin Chan]

There is a ton of anecdotal evidence in the Amex Cancellations thread that would suggest your method will not work.

I read them too. Didn't think so too - that would be too easy. But I'm in denial.