How to “scale up” on your monthly MS

First off, let me apologize to all of you readers for yesterday’s 150K fiasco.  I wasn’t aware until DoC told me that AMEX moved to single-use codes (possibly due to the fiasco last time).  I had always thought they were one-time use, and so it was odd that the last code was re-usable.  Maybe a programming error perhaps?  It was really irresponsible blogging on my part though; I should have had a couple of readers try it out before I posted.  So, I’ve learned that for next time.

How do people get these offers?

A couple of people asked how some people are targeted for these offers.  Well, I believe you have to have a real business for one.  FM posted about how to get on AMEX’s radar a short while ago, but it seems the offers aren’t huge ones.  I know an IRL (“In Real Life” – this is an acronym online “gamers” use – so there’s your TIL (“Today I Learned” – popular on Reddit)).  Wait, where was I?  Oh yeah, I know an IRL person who opened up a dentist’s office, and he was offered both the 150K Plat and 100K Gold cards.  So, there you go, go open up a dentist’s office!   No degree in dentistry?  Well import these bad boys from China and resell them as a legit business!

How to scale up your MS without money orders

Anyway, a lot of readers asked me how to spend $20K or to scale up their MS.  I usually tell them to go the MO route, but they are hesitant in doing that.  So here’s another way – I think it’s safe to assume all of you have a Serve/Redbird card.  Well, here’s how to scale that up, but be warned – you will feel like a dirty used car salesman.  Have you tried asking your family, friends, neighbors, or even coworkers to open up a Redbird card?  You will need to wait for the right timing.  For instance, if a friend’s aunt just died, this might not be a good time to bring it airline miles.  However, if they just got back from a trip, BINGO!  Pounce on them like a lion on a wilderbeast!  So here’s how the conversation could go:

• Me: Oh yeah?  How was Hawaii?
• Them: [cue Charlie Brown teacher’s voice] Blah blah…nice and sunny… blah blah
• Me: Hey, how about I book your next flight anywhere in the US for you?
• Them: [intrigued] Huh?
• Me: Yeah, you know how I have a crapload of miles and points right?  I can use them for your next flight.
• Them: What’s in it for you?  What do I have to do?
• [Quick aside – this is the moment of truth.  You know those 60 second elevator pitches that people talk about?  Well, you’re about to have one right now!  What’s the difference between a real 60 second elevator pitch and the one you’re about to throw out?  YOU ALREADY KNOW THIS STUFF AND YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE!  Go get them Eminem!]
• Me: You know how I go to Target like 5 times a month?  It’s because I’m loading this thing called a Target Red Card.  It helps me generate all those miles and points.  The problem is there is a limit on how much I can load per month.  If you can get this card for me, then I can book your next flight for you.  IT’S NOT A CREDIT CARD.  IT’S A PREPAID CARD.  IT DOESN’T HIT YOUR CREDIT SCORE AND IT DOESN’T GO ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT.
• Them: Okay, then why do you need to sign up?
• [Quick aside – this is the part where you throw out the fine print terms and conditions, so you’ll have to have finesse for this part.  It’s like fishing – you’ve hooked the fish, and now you have to slowly reel them in, else they’ll break free.]
• Me: You will need to sign up using your SSN, and you’ll have to give me the login credentials, but I will never be able to see your SSN.  We can use your email and create a password something like ‘Melovesyouforev3r.’  Like I said, it doesn’t go on your credit report at all since it’s a prepaid card.  And when you want to start collecting your own miles, I can give you your card back.

At this point, you’ll either win the deal or you’ll know who to rub it in to when you fly Suites class.  This usually works with good friends as well as close coworkers.  I wouldn’t do this to a Facebook friend I’ve only met twice.  I wouldn’t do this to someone who believes downloading music is a criminal offense (I would never do this!)  You get the picture.  Eventually, if they get interested enough to get into the game, you can give them the card back.  Remember, you are generating `$200 in ‘profit’ with their card per month so paying for their airline ticket breaks even in 2 or 3 months.  And they’re probably never going to get into the game because I’m sure they already know you play the game, and if they haven’t joined by now, they’re never going to join.