Reduced AMEX earn rates from April 2019

[JohnK]

interesting that they have added the Smartphone screen insurance, I am surprised nobody has mentioned that yet (maybe I didnt notice).
IMO its a worthwhile benefit, almost everyone breaks a phone screen

I drop my phone regularly and the screen has cracks in it almost all the time. The price of screen protectors is from memory now below $10 so I replace the screen protector 2-3 times each year in Thailand and my screen is in very good condition.

 

[SOPOOR]

hypothetical,

if I purchase fully refundable airline tickets on my amex, before april 19, get the points, transfer them out to an airline,
post april 19, get a refund, put my account into negative points balance,

then close the card,

will this work?

I like your thinking

 

[SOPOOR]

I drop my phone regularly and the screen has cracks in it almost all the time. The price of screen protectors is from memory now below $10 so I replace the screen protector 2-3 times each year in Thailand and my screen is in very good condition.

I have a front cover and a case, and dropped it recetly, not too badly, and it cracked the screen,.

i thought the prototectors made them invincebale, oh well

 

[theblank]

hypothetical,

if I purchase fully refundable airline tickets on my amex, before april 19, get the points, transfer them out to an airline,
post april 19, get a refund, put my account into negative points balance,

then close the card,

Have you considered that some airlines will only refund to you the credit card you used to buy the tickets. So now your credit card is in a positive balance, so by what process are you gunna get that money back?

 

[travelnutjohn]

Have you considered that some airlines will only refund to you the credit card you used to buy the tickets. So now your credit card is in a positive balance, so by what process are you gunna get that money back?

of course, there will be no positive balance intended,
so the buy and refund process will be done in one cycle

obviously yes to refunding to the same card,

 

[andye]

of course, there will be no positive balance intended,
so the buy and refund process will be done in one cycle

obviously yes to refunding to the same card,

They'd have to be very expensive tickets for me to even consider it worth the hassle. Wouldn't sit well with me even then.

 

[hossein_au]

hypothetical,

if I purchase fully refundable airline tickets on my amex, before april 19, get the points, transfer them out to an airline,
post april 19, get a refund, put my account into negative points balance,

then close the card,

will this work?

Utilising various techniques to maximise point earn is one thing, actively and blatantly breaking bank rules is another. The very least they can do is to note a very negative remark in your credit history.

 

[hossein_au]

I like your thinking

I don't!

 

[daft009]

Hardly worth it.
Easier to refer a friend or relo or partner and pocket the points

 

[opusman]

I drop my phone regularly

Is there something you need to tell us?

 

[JohnK]

I have a front cover and a case, and dropped it recetly, not too badly, and it cracked the screen,.

i thought the prototectors made them invincebale, oh well

The screen protector has been a blessing for me although the back of the S7 has a crack/hole that needs to be replaced. Will try to get that replaced in Thailand in a couple of weeks.

 

[ALH]

hilarious,

trying to make an official feedback of what I think of the policies,
cant get through to chat, (theyre avaiaible 24/7 according to them)
FB doenst have a message service,
weeks ago got told the only way is by post and they didnt have email

whats the best way folks?

I’ve had this same pop up messsge on our accounts for days.

I did actually get through at one stage. 15 minutes going around in circles for 4 x Shop Small credits. Almost not worth the effort

 

[theblank]

of course, there will be no positive balance intended,
so the buy and refund process will be done in one cycle

obviously yes to refunding to the same card,

great! Please try it and let us know how you go.

The worst that could happen is nothing.

 

[turffy]

Thanks. Hmm in that case I am thinking about cancelling. Question is, is it worth holding to plat edge to get 1.5 airlines miles per dollar for the plat edge annual fee?

Or should I find another VISA or MC that has equivalent or close to earn rate? Does one exist with low annual fee?

Good luck finding a VISA or MC that comes close - especially when you consider the travel credit offsets the cost of holding the card

 

[playbargain]

It seems Amex is taking a take it or leave it attitude towards this change. Apperantly my account is not eligible for the points doubling and they are happy for me to just cancel. So be it.

 

[foggy]

It seems Amex is taking a take it or leave it attitude towards this change. Apperantly my account is not eligible for the points doubling and they are happy for me to just cancel. So be it.

Just use your points before the devaluation and carry on spending/earning at the new rates after April.

 

[JohnK]

Is there something you need to tell us?

Nope. Phone falls out of shirt pocket often.

 

[kkl]

Seems like it's a blanket doubling for premium ascent only

I've put over $500k thru edge this calendar year and no doubling

I'll try call again and see if I apply for plat charge now they will double my points

 

[travelnutjohn]

Utilising various techniques to maximise point earn is one thing, actively and blatantly breaking bank rules is another. The very least they can do is to note a very negative remark in your credit history.

And what "banking " rules are being broken.
Or are you judt being bitter because it goes against your morals?

 

[foggy]

And what "banking " rules are being broken.
Or are you judt being bitter because it goes against your morals?

I'm thinking AMEX will have the person with negative points balance on their files so if the person re-applies, they will be able to either reject them or have the customer start off with negative balance.