Topic Wiki

DEAD - 10/13/14

READ THE WIKI! IT IS VERY CLEAR!

The Basics:

You can send up to $1,000/month directly from your CCs or GCs, and receive the same amount, which can then be withdrawn to your bank account. (No, you don't withdraw the money to your CC or GC.) These limits reset on the 1st of the calendar month at 12am Pacific Time.

Setup:

1. Although AP requires a SSN, you will not get a hard pull against your credit. You will not get a 1099-K unless you are receiving over $20k per year AND have done 200 transactions.

2. The driver's license number on the account need not be a real number, only the same format.

3. You need to connect and verify a bank account to be able to send $1,000/month. Otherwise, only $500 will be allowed. (Also, you will have difficulty withdrawing money to your bank account if it is not connected to your account.)

4. Verification can sometimes be instant if you log into your bank account through Amazon, but sometimes (particularly with smaller banks or CUs, it seems) the only working option is to allow AP to make two small deposits to you account (less than a dollar, often much less) and then reporting the exact amounts thereby verifying that the account is yours. (If you want to use AP as described here, don't even think about trying to profit from the small deposits by opening up a ton of accounts. You have been warned.)

5. The receiver account must add a credit card to be able to capture the funds sent.

Sending Money

1. Make sure to select "Goods and Services" when sending money. This is important so that the transaction codes as a purchase (for which you will get CC points/miles) and not a cash advance (for which you will not).

2. For some reason, when sending the value from GCs, AP will often prevent the full value from being sent unless, when connecting the GC with your account, you first enter the wrong expiration date and then change it to the correct one. <blinkblink>... <shrug>... but it works.  Or wait a week after putting the GC into your account for the hold to be removed from the funds.

3. And no, Amazon Gift Card balance cannot be used with Amazon Payments.

Multiple accounts:

1. It is highly recommended not to access both accounts of a transaction from the same IP address. Please see the IP Information section below for more... IP Information.

2. Most people didn't have problems opening two accounts per SSN even if they link to the same bank account, but it is risky to send money back and forth between them. Some report a similar risk with sending or receiving with a spouse who has the same bank account linked to their account.

3. Sending money using the same CC from different accounts is a known cause of shutdown.

Error messages and potential delays

1. If you get a message stating "We are unable to complete your transaction until further review. It can take up to 24 hours to complete this transaction. We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause," relax and be patient. It is perfectly normal.

2. Withdrawals are never authorized immediately. Be patient. It usually doesn't even take a full day. Likewise it's perfectly normal for you to get a message that your withdrawal has succeeded but it doesn't show up in your bank account yet even as pending. It will be there soon. Be patient.

3. Verifying a bank account via the deposit method can take a few days. Please anticipate and account for the extra time needed for the deposit method if you are planning to set up and use an account for the first time late in the month.

IP Information:

1. To check the IP address of the device you're using, Google "how to check my IP address"

2. All devices using the same WiFi router have the same IP address.

3. A computer connected to the Internet with a router has a different IP than it does if connected to the Internet without a router.

4. Browsing incognito or in private mode does not change your IP address.

5. To change the IP address of a computer, turn off the computer, wait a few minutes, then turn it back on. Check if you have a new IP address. If not, turn it off for 8+ hours (overnight or something) and check again. You will likely have a new IP address.

6. On a phone or other device (with it's own data) switch WiFi off. To change IP addresses, switch to 'airplane mode' and switch back and you will usually have a new IP address. Note: If your phone or tablet has WiFi only, it will always have the same IP address as other devices that connect through the same WiFi.


PBaruch's suggestions:

1. It is no longer generally considered safe to have multiple AP accounts for the same person.  Yes, there are exceptions and some people have had luck but I would caution against it.  If you are the reckless type go to number 2 below.  If not, please proceed to number 3 below.

2. If you do decide to try your luck and open 2 or more AP accounts for the same person, do not send $ back and forth between these two accounts.

3. Do not send $ back and forth between people in the same household.  Again, there are exceptions and some people have had luck but it is a trigger for a shutdown.  The way AP views it is if you are in the same household, give em cash. 

4. If there are multiple AP users in the same household, do NOT use the same IP address.  If you do, be warned.  You will very likely be shut down.

5. If you are shut down, you may have luck reopening your AP account by varying the spelling of your name and changing your address. 

6. If you want to send $ to a spouse, it helps if he/she has a different last name and address.

7. I would caution against any complete circles or triangles.  For instance, do not send A-B-C-A.  Rather, send A-B-C-D.

8. If you need bank accounts to link to AP, it is VERY easy to open multiple accounts (with no fee) by using Capitol One 360: https://home.capitalone360.com/ (Be aware that this is likely a hard pull.)

9. Do NOT do instant account verification. Let them send deposits instead to verify the account.  By doing so, I do not believe that they know who owns the account. This may be useful if you use some of my other suggestions.

These are my suggestions based upon personal experience and my gleaning of other posts.

Poll

Were you shut down?

Yes, but i got it back! :)
7 (2.9%)
Yes. :(
55 (22.5%)
No, B"H!  :)
149 (61.1%)
Yes and No (I have more then 1 account)
33 (13.5%)

Total Members Voted: 244

Author Topic: Amazon Payments Master Thread (RIP 10/13/14)  (Read 1138422 times)

Offline askmoses

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2760 on: October 16, 2013, 12:46:44 PM »
which part?
The pending or instant transfer thing. Pending is exactly ad they write, it's under further review. They do this on some of my transactions being paid to/from valid accounts with no shtik. It usually goes through. You might be right that any pending gc does indicate pending closure of the account.

I'm still not sure why no one could get those account reopened by simply asking what you did wrong and playing dumb?

Offline cozmohoot

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2761 on: October 16, 2013, 01:48:07 PM »
Are people only being shut down for unloading the Chase gift cards, or all prepaid visa/mc/amex?
all

Offline milechazzer

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2762 on: October 16, 2013, 01:50:54 PM »
The pending or instant transfer thing. Pending is exactly ad they write, it's under further review. They do this on some of my transactions being paid to/from valid accounts with no shtik. It usually goes through. You might be right that any pending gc does indicate pending closure of the account.

I'm still not sure why no one could get those account reopened by simply asking what you did wrong and playing dumb?


My accounts have been "on hold" for over a week. Oe one of them, they sent me an email saying it was under review, and then sent another email that it's been closed. On another one, I've called them up 4-5 times and spoke to supervisors. They have absolutely no information, and every time, they tell me I'll hear from an account specialist within 24 hours. I still have not received an email, and it's getting very frustrating because I have some purchases that I need to return, as well as a signficant Amazon gift card balance in the account. I don't know what else i can do at this point, but i just sent an email to Jeff Bezos to complain.  (On that note, I highly recommend the Bloomberg Weekly article about Bezos, which is where I got the idea to email him.)

On another one of the accounts that was closed, I have a significant cash balance, and they froze the account two weeks ago, but have not sent me any emails, or responded to any of my emails asking how I can access my balance.

Offline HP58

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2763 on: October 16, 2013, 02:02:42 PM »
BTW you have Bezos' email address? Did you post it in Corporate Contact Info?

Offline Drago

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2764 on: October 16, 2013, 03:19:42 PM »
Has anyone gotten AP to reopen and account by asking them why it wasn't able to be used with GCs? I think an honest approach might work asking them if GCs used to pay your friends (which is the stated purpose of Amazon Payments), is in violation of terms and conditions? Maybe you can simply say there are no points with gc and play stupid...
Anyone tried this out?
I tried via email, but they ignored what I wrote.

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2765 on: October 16, 2013, 03:26:09 PM »
They closed one of my accounts but let me transfer the balance to the linked bank account.  No explanation was offered for the closure.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Super Speed

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2766 on: October 16, 2013, 03:46:54 PM »
AP sounds like GP just took them a little longer to catch on!


Offline milechazzer

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2767 on: October 16, 2013, 05:20:10 PM »
They closed one of my accounts but let me transfer the balance to the linked bank account.  No explanation was offered for the closure.

For the past two weeks they've been holding a $1k balance hostage in one account, and a $400 Amazon credit in another account. No response to emails, no answers over the phone, and no end in sight.

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2768 on: October 16, 2013, 05:22:13 PM »
For the past two weeks they've been holding a $1k balance hostage in one account, and a $400 Amazon credit in another account. No response to emails, no answers over the phone, and no end in sight.

I would call back and politely go over the history.  If all else fails, threaten legal action and tell them you will file a NY GBL consumer fraud claim against them as well.  That should get their attention.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline milechazzer

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2769 on: October 16, 2013, 07:08:18 PM »
I would call back and politely go over the history.  If all else fails, threaten legal action and tell them you will file a NY GBL consumer fraud claim against them as well.  That should get their attention.

I can't even get anyone on the phone. These holds, suspensions, etc. are handled exclusively by "account specialists," who do not receive phone calls, or respond to emails.

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2770 on: October 16, 2013, 07:14:00 PM »
I can't even get anyone on the phone. These holds, suspensions, etc. are handled exclusively by "account specialists," who do not receive phone calls, or respond to emails.

Talk to a regular customer service rep.  Don't they have a call back service?  Threaten legal action when you speak to them.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline CountValentine

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2771 on: October 16, 2013, 07:23:49 PM »
Threaten legal action when you speak to them.
They rank right behind PP/eBay, they don't care.
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Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2772 on: October 16, 2013, 07:27:31 PM »
My accounts have been "on hold" for over a week. Oe one of them, they sent me an email saying it was under review, and then sent another email that it's been closed. On another one, I've called them up 4-5 times and spoke to supervisors. They have absolutely no information, and every time, they tell me I'll hear from an account specialist within 24 hours. I still have not received an email, and it's getting very frustrating because I have some purchases that I need to return, as well as a signficant Amazon gift card balance in the account. I don't know what else i can do at this point, but i just sent an email to Jeff Bezos to complain.  (On that note, I highly recommend the Bloomberg Weekly article about Bezos, which is where I got the idea to email him.)

On another one of the accounts that was closed, I have a significant cash balance, and they froze the account two weeks ago, but have not sent me any emails, or responded to any of my emails asking how I can access my balance.

I have another idea.  Can you call and report your gift cards as lost or stolen - the ones used to send the $ trapped in AP?  Perhaps then you can get your money back.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2773 on: October 16, 2013, 07:30:20 PM »
Is anyone still sending GC over AP?
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline CountValentine

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2774 on: October 16, 2013, 07:31:19 PM »
I have another idea.  Can you call and report your gift cards as lost or stolen - the ones used to send the $ trapped in AP?  Perhaps then you can get your money back.
Not a good idea.
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2775 on: October 16, 2013, 07:31:55 PM »
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline CountValentine

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2776 on: October 16, 2013, 07:40:40 PM »
You have any ideas?
Other than wait, no. Everyone will get their funds released. You need to understand this is SOP for me and not a big deal.
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Offline Red

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2777 on: October 17, 2013, 04:14:27 AM »
Other than wait, no. Everyone will get their funds released. You need to understand this is SOP for me and not a big deal.
-1
I have had it twice already where they refused to do anything and there was no one to talk to. I ended up disputing the charges and got my money back that way, it's over a year and those accounts are still blocked with the money stuck inside.

Offline CountValentine

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2778 on: October 17, 2013, 06:52:59 AM »
-1
I have had it twice already where they refused to do anything and there was no one to talk to. I ended up disputing the charges and got my money back that way, it's over a year and those accounts are still blocked with the money stuck inside.
What reason did you use to dispute? Why was your account closed?
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline bobthebuilder

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #2779 on: October 17, 2013, 07:13:29 AM »
Im getting nervious using AP with all these posts. Is it really as bad at it seems?