M$ speed bumps

[futurehomeowner?]

MS is new to me but couldn't I take a card with say 2% cash back, buy $500 VCF at local grocery store which gives fuel perks. Right now you get $6 back on 30 gallons for every $50 so that 12% then use that card on Plastiq for 2.5% to just pay for that card. Sure it us wasting the plastiq fee bUT at least you don't have to deal with cashiers and MO.

[Konrad2012]

Data point - Don't go to Walmart on Saturday

Walmart gets bad this time of year. All the sales, all the returns. Last year I swear one day half the people in the customer service line were returning Christmas lights. Just buy a ton and return what you don't use I guess.

[Kat58]

 

Data point - Don't go to Walmart on Saturday

Walmart gets bad this time of year. All the sales, all the returns. Last year I swear one day half the people in the customer service line were returning Christmas lights. Just buy a ton and return what you don't use I guess.

 

I believe it

[cv91915]

[mendelssohn]

MS is new to me but couldn't I take a card with say 2% cash back, buy $500 VCF at local grocery store which gives fuel perks. Right now you get $6 back on 30 gallons for every $50 so that 12% then use that card on Plastiq for 2.5% to just pay for that card. Sure it us wasting the plastiq fee bUT at least you don't have to deal with cashiers and MO.

My grocery store only counts retail GCs towards fuel points. You're also talking about $5.95 + 2.5%, or a total of 3.6%. Those numbers don't work for me.

[david_weaver]

 

MS is new to me but couldn't I take a card with say 2% cash back, buy $500 VCF at local grocery store which gives fuel perks. Right now you get $6 back on 30 gallons for every $50 so that 12% then use that card on Plastiq for 2.5% to just pay for that card. Sure it us wasting the plastiq fee bUT at least you don't have to deal with cashiers and MO.

My grocery store only counts retail GCs towards fuel points. You're also talking about $5.95 + 2.5%, or a total of 3.6%. Those numbers don't work for me.

 

 

Same here. At Kroger, the Fuel Points only accumulate on retail gift cards and fixed-value Visa/MC, of which they only seem to carry $25 and $100 denominations.

 

Also, I am not sure your process makes sense. I start with a card that has a $0 balance. I charge $500 plus the $5.95 fee at my grocery. I receive $10.12 in cash back from my CC. So far, we are good. But then you use the same card on Plastiq to pay it off. If I had a balance of $505.95 on the card, and I paid that off using the same card on Plastiq, I now have a balance on the card of $518.60. So in addition to the numbers losing money, the process fails as well.

[cv91915]

I'm so happy I'm using some stranger's fuel rewards so I don't have to worry about what spending counts and what doesn't.

[futurehomeowner?]

 

 

MS is new to me but couldn't I take a card with say 2% cash back, buy $500 VCF at local grocery store which gives fuel perks. Right now you get $6 back on 30 gallons for every $50 so that 12% then use that card on Plastiq for 2.5% to just pay for that card. Sure it us wasting the plastiq fee bUT at least you don't have to deal with cashiers and MO.

My grocery store only counts retail GCs towards fuel points. You're also talking about $5.95 + 2.5%, or a total of 3.6%. Those numbers don't work for me.

Same here. At Kroger, the Fuel Points only accumulate on retail gift cards and fixed-value Visa/MC, of which they only seem to carry $25 and $100 denominations.

 

Also, I am not sure your process makes sense. I start with a card that has a $0 balance. I charge $500 plus the $5.95 fee at my grocery. I receive $10.12 in cash back from my CC. So far, we are good. But then you use the same card on Plastiq to pay it off. If I had a balance of $505.95 on the card, and I paid that off using the same card on Plastiq, I now have a balance on the card of $518.60. So in addition to the numbers losing money, the process fails as well.

Yes normally that is the case but in the last month and I believe until xmas the visa cards are included in fuel perks. It is true that they only have them up to $100 so maybe a tad bit more work but I was thiking of running 20k through since I would never be able to use that many fuel perks.

 

$100+5.95 (5.95 counts towards perks too)

Receive $12 in gas (.20 per $50 up to 30 gallons)

Receive $2.12 cash back. I believe I could use my 5% grocery card too as it would be coded a grocery purchase.

Pay $2.65 to plastiq

 

Profit of $11.47 per $105.95 spent

 

We were planning on buying $600 of various cards for black friday shopping. I believe I could buy 6 VCF and turn around and use those to buy 600 in gift cards and effectively get $.30 per 50 on fuel after 5.95 fee.

Edited November 20, 2016 by futurehomeowner?

[Konrad2012]

 

 

 

MS is new to me but couldn't I take a card with say 2% cash back, buy $500 VCF at local grocery store which gives fuel perks. Right now you get $6 back on 30 gallons for every $50 so that 12% then use that card on Plastiq for 2.5% to just pay for that card. Sure it us wasting the plastiq fee bUT at least you don't have to deal with cashiers and MO.

My grocery store only counts retail GCs towards fuel points. You're also talking about $5.95 + 2.5%, or a total of 3.6%. Those numbers don't work for me.

Same here. At Kroger, the Fuel Points only accumulate on retail gift cards and fixed-value Visa/MC, of which they only seem to carry $25 and $100 denominations.

 

Also, I am not sure your process makes sense. I start with a card that has a $0 balance. I charge $500 plus the $5.95 fee at my grocery. I receive $10.12 in cash back from my CC. So far, we are good. But then you use the same card on Plastiq to pay it off. If I had a balance of $505.95 on the card, and I paid that off using the same card on Plastiq, I now have a balance on the card of $518.60. So in addition to the numbers losing money, the process fails as well.

Yes normally that is the case but in the last month and I believe until xmas the visa cards are included in fuel perks. It is true that they only have them up to $100 so maybe a tad bit more work but I was thiking of running 20k through since I would never be able to use that many fuel perks.

 

$100+5.95 (5.95 counts towards perks too)

Receive $12 in gas (.20 per $50 up to 30 gallons)

Receive $2.12 cash back. I believe I could use my 5% grocery card too as it would be coded a grocery purchase.

Pay $2.65 to plastiq

 

Profit of $11.47 per $105.95 spent

 

We were planning on buying $600 of various cards for black friday shopping. I believe I could buy 6 VCF and turn around and use those to buy 600 in gift cards and effectively get $.30 per 50 on fuel after 5.95 fee.

 

 

Your calculations also assume that you will max out the gas reward with every fill up. Do you really get 30 gallons of fuel every time?

[Kat58]

[futurehomeowner?]

 

 

 

 

MS is new to me but couldn't I take a card with say 2% cash back, buy $500 VCF at local grocery store which gives fuel perks. Right now you get $6 back on 30 gallons for every $50 so that 12% then use that card on Plastiq for 2.5% to just pay for that card. Sure it us wasting the plastiq fee bUT at least you don't have to deal with cashiers and MO.

My grocery store only counts retail GCs towards fuel points. You're also talking about $5.95 + 2.5%, or a total of 3.6%. Those numbers don't work for me.

Same here. At Kroger, the Fuel Points only accumulate on retail gift cards and fixed-value Visa/MC, of which they only seem to carry $25 and $100 denominations.

 

Also, I am not sure your process makes sense. I start with a card that has a $0 balance. I charge $500 plus the $5.95 fee at my grocery. I receive $10.12 in cash back from my CC. So far, we are good. But then you use the same card on Plastiq to pay it off. If I had a balance of $505.95 on the card, and I paid that off using the same card on Plastiq, I now have a balance on the card of $518.60. So in addition to the numbers losing money, the process fails as well.

Yes normally that is the case but in the last month and I believe until xmas the visa cards are included in fuel perks. It is true that they only have them up to $100 so maybe a tad bit more work but I was thiking of running 20k through since I would never be able to use that many fuel perks.

 

$100+5.95 (5.95 counts towards perks too)

Receive $12 in gas (.20 per $50 up to 30 gallons)

Receive $2.12 cash back. I believe I could use my 5% grocery card too as it would be coded a grocery purchase.

Pay $2.65 to plastiq

 

Profit of $11.47 per $105.95 spent

 

We were planning on buying $600 of various cards for black friday shopping. I believe I could buy 6 VCF and turn around and use those to buy 600 in gift cards and effectively get $.30 per 50 on fuel after 5.95 fee.

Your calculations also assume that you will max out the gas reward with every fill up. Do you really get 30 gallons of fuel every time?

Yes I do. 15 gallons into the car and 3 5 gallon cans or 20 gallons into the truck and 2 cans.

[spreereview]

Latest OneVanilla version...

 

[futurehomeowner?]

So my other question. Someone mentioned going to an estanblsihemebt and buying GC and getting the cash at the cage. Does anyone do that? My worry is that they may generate a SAR. Same with the bank, if you are depositing cash and money orders for $2-$5 k regularly wouldn't that possibly generate a SAR in fear of structuring?

[Konrad2012]

Don't structure and you don't have to worry about structuring.

[mec]

I don't MS. But I've always heard these guys say to start slow and develop a pattern of activity.

 

Always save receipts and spent VGCs in a shoe box so you can verify your activity. It may violate terms of rewards eligibility, but there is nothing illegal about it.

 

People deposit cash in the bank all the time. If you suddenly started depositing 20k a month it may raise flags so you should prepare in advance if the deposit institution has an issue with your activity. Be ready with those records and have secondary accounts and tertiary accounts set up if you find you need to change banks.

[Konrad2012]

Latest OneVanilla version...

 

When did Discover start making gift cards?

[Kat58]

^^^

 

Valid Only In The United States?

[JeffeVerde]

 

 

 

Yes normally that is the case but in the last month and I believe until xmas the visa cards are included in fuel perks. It is true that they only have them up to $100 so maybe a tad bit more work but I was thiking of running 20k through since I would never be able to use that many fuel perks.

 

$100+5.95 (5.95 counts towards perks too)

Receive $12 in gas (.20 per $50 up to 30 gallons)

Receive $2.12 cash back. I believe I could use my 5% grocery card too as it would be coded a grocery purchase.

Pay $2.65 to plastiq

 

Profit of $11.47 per $105.95 spent

 

We were planning on buying $600 of various cards for black friday shopping. I believe I could buy 6 VCF and turn around and use those to buy 600 in gift cards and effectively get $.30 per 50 on fuel after 5.95 fee.

Your calculations also assume that you will max out the gas reward with every fill up. Do you really get 30 gallons of fuel every time?

Yes I do. 15 gallons into the car and 3 5 gallon cans or 20 gallons into the truck and 2 cans.

 

 

 

Gas at the station that my fuel points are good at, is at least $0.30-40 more per gallon than Costco, so even with the fuel points, it's still a net loss for me.

[futurehomeowner?]

 

 

 

Yes normally that is the case but in the last month and I believe until xmas the visa cards are included in fuel perks. It is true that they only have them up to $100 so maybe a tad bit more work but I was thiking of running 20k through since I would never be able to use that many fuel perks.

 

$100+5.95 (5.95 counts towards perks too)

Receive $12 in gas (.20 per $50 up to 30 gallons)

Receive $2.12 cash back. I believe I could use my 5% grocery card too as it would be coded a grocery purchase.

Pay $2.65 to plastiq

 

Profit of $11.47 per $105.95 spent

 

We were planning on buying $600 of various cards for black friday shopping. I believe I could buy 6 VCF and turn around and use those to buy 600 in gift cards and effectively get $.30 per 50 on fuel after 5.95 fee.

 

Your calculations also assume that you will max out the gas reward with every fill up. Do you really get 30 gallons of fuel every time?

Yes I do. 15 gallons into the car and 3 5 gallon cans or 20 gallons into the truck and 2 cans.

 

Gas at the station that my fuel points are good at, is at least $0.30-40 more per gallon than Costco, so even with the fuel points, it's still a net loss for me.

Aww that sucks. Luckily for us they are among the cheaper ones. Costco is slightly lower but costco is about 20 miles away so we don't go often.

 

Problem with them is there is some discussion about the quality of the gas.

[CTSoxFan]

Data point - Don't go to Walmart on Saturday EVER

 

FTFY

[pwd847]

Post Offices are near dead now (Maybe not everywhere, but expect it soon). They code the MO as cash so the transaction is declined. I confirmed this myself on the phone, and I read several similar accounts.

[bigpoppa09]

Walmart needs to train there Bots better went to buy VGCS Walbot A calls Walbot B over and ask her hey can we sell these he wants $500. If she would have looked it was a variable load VGC $25-500 Walbot B then says u can only buy these with debit or cash i thought she was about to ask to see my card. Then she finally hits the key she needs to then the signature screen pops up for me to sign. SMH This was a adventure today K-Man give these Bots the training they need.

[pwd847]

Post Offices are near dead now (Maybe not everywhere, but expect it soon). They code the MO as cash so the transaction is declined. I confirmed this myself on the phone, and I read several similar accounts.

I. Forgot to mention I confirmed this through personal experience as well.

[Konrad2012]

 

Post Offices are near dead now (Maybe not everywhere, but expect it soon). They code the MO as cash so the transaction is declined. I confirmed this myself on the phone, and I read several similar accounts.

I. Forgot to mention I confirmed this through personal experience as well.

I lost Meta's yesterday.

 

Vanilla's, Sunnies, USB MC's appear to still be live.

[pwd847]

I went to Burger King to purchase a $10 GC to use my Amex offer. CV had told me about the superior quality food that the BK chain serves and I wanted to try it for myself. I told the cashier that I would like to purchase one $10 GC. She said "OK" and just stood there looking at me. After a couple seconds I asked her if she was going to go get the card (That was kinda weird). She looked for the cards and could not find them. Next, she called over the manager and I told him I was trying to buy one $10 GC. He went and grabbed a GC and then he noticed that I was pulling a CC out of my wallet. He stopped and asked if my card had a chip in it. I showed him the chip and he said he was sorry and that he was unable to sell me a $10 GC. I WAS IN SHOCK? I inquired why he couldn't sell me a GC and he said because people had been commiting fraud. He said that since they didn't have the chip reader it would be too easy for me to dispute the charge with the bank and they would get a chargeback. I asked if he would sell the GC to someone who has a CC with no chip in it and he said yes.

 

I'm not sure how that makes sense.... Why deny a chip card (that would have to be swiped), and accept a card that can only be swiped???

 

I WAS ONLY TRYING TO BUY A $10 GC!!!!!

 

At least the cashier who just stood there and looked at me was mildly amusing.

Edited November 25, 2016 by pwd847