M$ speed bumps

[JeffeVerde]

 

I make a point of being polite as well!

In the case of redbird it's impossible for them not to know what you are doing so why not at least make it a plant experience

 

 

You give the cashier a plant? Wow, you big dollar M$ guys know all the tricks! Is there a particular plant that works especially well, or do you mix it up?

 

Edited March 24, 2015 by JeffeVerde

[Konrad2012]

 

 

I make a point of being polite as well!

In the case of redbird it's impossible for them not to know what you are doing so why not at least make it a plant experience

 

 

You give the cashier a plant? Wow, you big dollar M$ guys know all the tricks! Is there a particular plant that works especially well, or do you mix it up?

 

 

 

When I was younger I had friends that worked at supermarkets...including one that's on my liquidation route. That would be epic if it was still the case. Clear out like $25K in gift cards in 10 minutes, slip them a bud. Everyone wins.

[Konrad2012]

 

 

To top it off, one of the Chain A locations that still works has a butthead manager who is always pissy when I come in to get MO's if I am running multiple cards, even more pissy when I bring my wife and make him do it twice. I could see this location being killed for VGC's as well in the near future.

 

I am almost clairvoyant.

 

Today I waited for the Store Director (guess chain A doesn't have managers) to come to the MO machine. When he came, he brought along his Assistant Store Director. Instantly the topic goes to me possibly having to fill out an SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) in the future because of the volume of MO's.

 

Just looked the guy in the eyes, shrugged my shoulders, and offered to fill out any paperwork he required. Told him it made no difference to me since these MO's were going to be sent to the Dept of the Treasury and the California Franchise Tax Board as prepayments for my Income Tax Extensions (truth) The befuddled look on his face was priceless. Then went into the miles routine, and how I might as well find a way to benefit from expenditures that are going to happen one way or another like rent, kids private school that doesn't accept credit cards, IRS and CAFTB payments etc.

 

The entire demeanor of these two guys changed in 10 seconds. I went from being shady to being the smart guy.

 

As Rorer said...people skills. Similar idea to recon with UW's and such.

[Rorer_714]

One store use to fill out their version of a SAR every time I purchased MO's. They stopped because it was to much work. I have not seen a working ATM/MO machine in some time. That is like a license to print money.

[Konrad2012]

One store use to fill out their version of a SAR every time I purchased MO's. They stopped because it was to much work. I have not seen a working ATM/MO machine in some time. That is like a license to print money.

 

I meant the little Customer Service booth where they print them, not an actual ATM-type setup. That would be too awesome!

 

I could give two craps if they want an SAR from me. I purchased the gift cards with my own credit cards, then deposit money orders in the bank or pay my landlord or my kids school. Absolutely nothing nefarious taking place. I would gladly fill out paperwork if I could get $5K / day / person at one location. Even if the paperwork took 10 minutes to fill out, I'd save a ton of time!

 

Here's a link to the Bank Secrecy Act requirements if anyone is interested: http://www.fincen.gov/financial_institutions/msb/materials/en/bank_reference.html

Edited March 24, 2015 by Konrad2012

[mrjuggalo9er]

 

 

I make a point of being polite as well!

In the case of redbird it's impossible for them not to know what you are doing so why not at least make it a plant experience

 

You give the cashier a plant? Wow, you big dollar M$ guys know all the tricks! Is there a particular plant that works especially well, or do you mix it up?

 

Yes a plant. ...damn auto correct

[cloknem]

I just signed up for a VA MC and have 12K to meet. What's the deal with BofA? Thanks for the thread too. I would rather hang around here than FT.

Edited March 24, 2015 by cloknem

[Wross]

I just signed up for a VA MC and have 12K to meet. What's the deal with BofA? Thanks for the thread too. I would rather hang around here than FT.

I assume you mean Virgin Atlantic (VS). The spend is over 6 months, right? 2k a month probably won't set off any alarms.

[cloknem]

 

I just signed up for a VA MC and have 12K to meet. What's the deal with BofA? Thanks for the thread too. I would rather hang around here than FT.

I assume you mean Virgin Atlantic (VS). The spend is over 6 months, right? 2k a month probably won't set off any alarms.

 

yes, I guess I'll take the snail's pace.

[tweak]

Question.

 

Does Amex/Centurion ever do a soft pull for RB, BB, or serve?

[mrjuggalo9er]

Question.

 

Does Amex/Centurion ever do a soft pull for RB, BB, or serve?

No

[Konrad2012]

I bought $1,800 in MGC's from Staples today. They have a $20 rebate via Staples GC if you buy $300 or more.

 

I bought three sets of $600 each.

 

Filed the three rebates under different names and addresses (Dad, me, wife's maiden name with my business address)

 

9313 UR points for $2.55.

 

Dumped them all through RedBird already since I do not have another place to liquidate non-pin MGC's.

 

To those who say it's foolish to dump GC's to RedBird, I beg to differ.

 

IMHO

[mrjuggalo9er]

I bought $1,800 in MGC's from Staples today. They have a $20 rebate via Staples GC if you buy $300 or more.

 

I bought three sets of $600 each.

 

Filed the three rebates under different names and addresses (Dad, me, wife's maiden name with my business address)

 

9313 UR points for $2.55.

 

Dumped them all through RedBird already since I do not have another place to liquidate non-pin MGC's.

 

To those who say it's foolish to dump GC's to RedBird, I beg to differ.

 

IMHO

Depends what cats you use to pay for giddy cards to begin with

[Rorer_714]

Dumped them all through RedBird already since I do not have another place to liquidate non-pin MGC's.

 

 

They have a PIN. It now should be inside the package and if not you can call and set one.

[Rorer_714]

I always see reference to "VGC's", but never a mention of MasterCard GC's. Are the MGC's not suitable? Or is VGC just used generically to refer to either version?

 

I ask because I've noticed that my local grocery store is frequently cleaned out of VGC's, while the MGC's sit untouched.

VGC's were the go to card for MO's at WM. MGC's needed a work around that many could not master.

[mrjuggalo9er]

 

I always see reference to "VGC's", but never a mention of MasterCard GC's. Are the MGC's not suitable? Or is VGC just used generically to refer to either version?

 

I ask because I've noticed that my local grocery store is frequently cleaned out of VGC's, while the MGC's sit untouched.

VGC's were the go to card for MO's at WM. MGC's needed a work around that many could not master.

 

liquidating gift cards makes me miss one of my credit unions...

[JeffeVerde]

 

I always see reference to "VGC's", but never a mention of MasterCard GC's. Are the MGC's not suitable? Or is VGC just used generically to refer to either version?

 

I ask because I've noticed that my local grocery store is frequently cleaned out of VGC's, while the MGC's sit untouched.

VGC's were the go to card for MO's at WM. MGC's needed a work around that many could not master.

 

 

The MGC's at my local store have PIN's. Was that the problem, or is there another issue?

[Rorer_714]

 

 

I always see reference to "VGC's", but never a mention of MasterCard GC's. Are the MGC's not suitable? Or is VGC just used generically to refer to either version?

 

I ask because I've noticed that my local grocery store is frequently cleaned out of VGC's, while the MGC's sit untouched.

VGC's were the go to card for MO's at WM. MGC's needed a work around that many could not master.

 

 

The MGC's at my local store have PIN's. Was that the problem, or is there another issue?

 

MGC don't work the same for MO's at WM as VGC. It has nothing to do with the PIN. MGC default to credit when swiped so they will fail for MO's. There is a work around for this.

[Inspired]

What CU juggalo and is there an option out there for this?

 

And as far as M$ goes, no matter how much I read, it still seems complicated for me, and I'm.still unsure of how to approach it. I'm just going to have to get my boots on the ground and try.

[Rorer_714]

MS for dummies like me.

 

The easiest way to get started is with a Red Card. If you don't have them in your area you can buy one on DDF for $20. You can load 5k/mo to the RC at Target using any CC. You drain the funds via bill pay or transfer to your checking/savings account.

 

Next would be using CC's 5x categories like G/G/D (grocery/gas/drug stores) to purchase GC's. You then find stores that let you purchase MO's (money orders) with the GC's. Deposit MO's and pay off your CC.

 

Rinse and repeat.

[CreditNewb15]

https://www.visa.com/supplierlocator/search/index.jsp

 

I found this link useful.

[Inspired]

MS for dummies like me.

 

The easiest way to get started is with a Red Card. If you don't have them in your area you can buy one on DDF for $20. You can load 5k/mo to the RC at Target using any CC. You drain the funds via bill pay or transfer to your checking/savings account.

 

Next would be using CC's 5x categories like G/G/D (grocery/gas/drug stores) to purchase GC's. You then find stores that let you purchase MO's (money orders) with the GC's. Deposit MO's and pay off your CC.

 

Rinse and repeat.

Because of certain reasons, I am not getting Redbird yet, so I've got Serve. It is activated but I haven't done anything with yet.

 

So let's say I go to WM and buy a GC, how do I liquidate it and how do I use Serve etc? I've read about this a million times but I think I am oercomplicating it. I also don't have much of an incentive right now because the only strong MS card I have is a BCP, and I have to buy a GC at a grocery store. And then I have to bring the GC to WM and if there is no money machine at my WM, I have to load Serve with the GC at the cashier?

 

I want to try it but I've read myself to paralysis on this topic I think.

[Rorer_714]

You would buy VGC (Vanilla VGC will not work) at a grocery store with your BCP card. Then find a working ATM at WM. You can load your Serve card there for free. You can also load at the customer service desk or cashier but they might not allow you to use a GC.

[mendelssohn]

You would buy VGC (Vanilla VGC will not work) at a grocery store with your BCP card. Then find a working ATM at WM. You can load your Serve card there for free. You can also load at the customer service desk or cashier but they might not allow you to use a GC.

I have been turned away from CS, so I just use Money Center ATMs.

 

http://www.moneypass.com/atm-locator.aspx

 

Use this and then narrow the search by typing in Walmart. Be prepared for the ATMs to be non-functional for weeks at a time by finding several locations near you.

[Konrad2012]

 

Dumped them all through RedBird already since I do not have another place to liquidate non-pin MGC's.

 

They have a PIN. It now should be inside the package and if not you can call and set one.

I figured I had to call in to set the pin. The 2nd Staples I went to was about 1/4 mile from Target. Had to go there anyways to buy diapers.

 

I'm headed overseas next week, so I'm trying to wrap up all the M$ loose ends. Drain the Redbirds down, pay off all these CC's, pay my tax extensions and rent etc. The Staples promotion popped up so I did it in like 5 minutes. I even ran a BofA at 1% through a Redbird since my statement had just cut. Made $7 bucks!!!

 

Edit: And to add to the speed bump portion. The BofA charge was initially declined. So I walked and bought diapers and Burt's Bees Baby wash while I talked to BofA fraud, then went back to the CS counter before I left. I pity the person who plans on an FIA or Alaska card to be part of their Redbird rotation if they have the same experiences I have at Target with BofA products. They've declined $125 charges for shampoo and paper towels in the past.

Edited March 25, 2015 by Konrad2012