Getting The Shaft: Amex Edition

In 2016, I wrote a post entitled “How To Not Get Screwed Over.”

Even though I have the memory of a forgetful 80 year old drunk man…I still remember that post.

It wasn’t my best or worst…just one I happen to remember.

Maybe it’s because of my deep-seated feelings about dishonesty.

Or because I hate seeing people get screwed over.

Who knows?

But, in spite of posts like that…even with precautions and a big brain…you’ll still get screwed over sometimes.

It just happened to me in a new and creative way.

Here’s the story…

We all know that American Express is clear with their small print “lifetime language.”

We get it.

Those words (like “bonus not available to applicants who have previously had this card”) prevent us from getting bonuses more than once.

We apply for a card, collect the bonus, and move on to a different card.

That’s how it works with Amex.

But we also know that, sometimes, they have application links available without any lifetime language.

What does that mean (in non-nerdy terms)?

No lifetime language = collecting a bonus on an American Express card more than once.

At least that’s how it’s supposed to work.

But…

  • In January, I applied for a Delta Gold card without any lifetime language.
  • I met the spend.
  • And, you guessed it, no bonus showed up.
  • I made zero progress after speaking with reps and supervisors.
  • Their explanation? “You’ve had this card before and already received the bonus.”
  • My response? “There was no limitation in the terms for this particular application. I have proof.”

They.

Could.

Not.

Have.

Cared.

Less.

It was strange that they didn’t even care about my proof. Is this what talking to a brick wall feels like?

Usually, a CFPB complaint would be the “easy” solution to all of this. It’s not like a bank can advertise a bonus in writing and then refuse to pay it. American Express can’t just invent new bonus terms for me after I get the product…right?

Well, that’s exactly what happened.

  • Even with a CFPB complaint, American Express didn’t budge.
  • They said the terms stated bonuses would not be given to previous cardholders.
  • The crazy part? That’s a flat-out lie. The terms never said that. And I proved it by INCLUDING A SCREENSHOT.

It was weird as hell. They kept saying the same thing about the terms even as they were being proved wrong.

Now, I’m not a lawyer here, but this sure as hell seems like financial fraud to me. To recap:

  • They attracted me by advertising a bonus.
  • I filled out an application and received the card.
  • I met all of the terms for that bonus.
  • They refused to pay it out.

American Express changing the terms after the fact (talking about lifetime language that didn’t exist). What that means is…

Well, to be honest, this is unchartered territory for me.

I’ve never actually had to go beyond a CFPB complaint to get a credit card bonus.

Crazy stuff.

Do I really want to go to small claims court to get a few SkyDongs?

Not sure.

I guess, at minimum, that would be fun to document here.

Time to ponder my next move.

To be continued…

Edit: Looks like I’ll be heading to arbitration.

Promos To Save Miles

  • As unofficial slogans go, “There’s nothing wrong with saving a SkyDong” might work for this one from Delta.
  • That’s probably a catchier slogan than, “American Airlines: our miles blow.” Anyway, American’s new reduced mileage awards list is available.
  • Might be worth checking out Alaska’s new chart. Some potential for miles to be saved there (particularly with short flights).
  • You can also save 20% on United awards (25% if you have their credit card or elite status). This one is limited to flights in 7 cities.

 

National Nick

Thanks to reader Nick for paying such close attention to a 6-month old post (especially considering I barely remembered writing it). At this point, can you think of a good reason for not having National status? Nick can’t. He wanted to update that post by sharing another easy link for anyone to register with. Shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds to get status.

End Of Week Triple

  • If you’re Platinum with Marriott/SPG, you should take a minute to get status with Hertz too. Assuming you don’t have it already.
  • If you’re a VERY big spender who hasn’t an Amex Business Platinum card before, you might want to look at this offer worth 100,000 points. Like most people, if $25,000 in 3 months is crazy to you, then skip it. Plenty of targeted methods (75,000 to 100,000 points) have come along and worked for people without that kind of spending.
  • Interesting email from reader JD:
    I’ve been planning to get the Chase Sapphire Reserve ever since I was denied (over 5 cards in last 24 months) during the 100,000 point bonus period even with lots of money in Chase accounts, sterling credit, applying in-branch with Chase Private Client help, etc. Bummer.
    So a week ago I finally downgraded my Sapphire Preferred to a Freedom Unlimited, and went in-branch to try again. I was told I’ll have to wait for Chase to pick up the Equifax report showing I no longer have a Sapphire Preferred card. This will take (they say) 30 to 90 days. Keep in mind there hasn’t been an in-branch bonus over the standard 50,000 point offer since 3/31/2017.

Have a great weekend, nerds!

 

 

 

Transfer Bonuses

A couple of new ones…

  • 25% bonus transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Air France.
    (I probably won’t take advantage of this one)
  • 50% bonus transferring hotel points to Cathay Pacific.
    (I definitely won’t take advantage of this one)