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You can send up to $1,000/month directly from your CCs or GCs, and receive the same amount, which can then be withdrawn to your bank account.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 1137760 times)

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3820 on: January 01, 2014, 09:25:10 PM »
How did u get them to give u access to withdraw the $$$.  They've been holding mine for nearly a month.

How many times have you called them?  For me, 3x was the charm.  Call every day until you get your money.  Don't be bashful. 
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Devorah

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3821 on: January 01, 2014, 09:27:00 PM »
How many times have you called them?  For me, 3x was the charm.  Call every day until you get your money.  Don't be bashful. 
called twice, sent a bunch of emails - no response.

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3822 on: January 01, 2014, 09:29:33 PM »
called twice, sent a bunch of emails - no response.

In my experience, emails are useless.  Keep calling every single day until you get your money.  Do not give up.  As I posted above, I called 3x and then got my money. 
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline sguitarist18

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3823 on: January 02, 2014, 06:33:59 AM »
Call, speak to a supervisor...if they hadn't given me my money, I would have complaine to the BBB and attorney general, and whoever else I could find.

My only question now is if I should still do that, or if they'll retaliate by closing down my regular amazon account.

Offline jwood55812

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3824 on: January 02, 2014, 04:04:09 PM »
So I've been reading a lot about the safest ways to do it, and just got done with ym first payment cycle, so I wanted to chip in my experience and get some advice.

My Account
Chase Business SW Card Linked
BofA Checking Linked

Wife's Account
Authorized user of SW Chase Personal Card Linked
INGDirect Checking Linked (This is a joint account for us, but with both names, ING allows you to have two unique logins and access codes to the account)

On 1/1 I sent my wife $1000 from the Chase business, showed up in her account immediately (I did this from my cell)
Today (1/2) I withdrew $1000 from her account to the checking account (I did this from work, so new IP)
Today 1/2, I had my wife send me $1000 from the Chase personal, it sat in pending for about 4 hours and then appeared in my account, planning on withdrawing it tomorrow

My main question is, is this consifered passing back and forth if it is two separate CC's and two checking accounts?  We both have the same address on the cards and checking accounts obviously, but I'd always interpreted this method of two cards as safe.

Offline Redbull3

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3825 on: January 02, 2014, 04:20:27 PM »
My main question is, is this consifered passing back and forth if it is two separate CC's and two checking accounts?  We both have the same address on the cards and checking accounts obviously, but I'd always interpreted this method of two cards as safe.

My understanding is that is risky.

Offline ckmk47

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3826 on: January 02, 2014, 05:43:25 PM »
Get a friend involved.
My favorite cause: cssy.org

Offline jwood55812

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3827 on: January 02, 2014, 05:51:15 PM »
Thanks, I thought since they were separate accounts we would be good.  I'll get a friend involved or just only do $1000 a month it looks like! (As long as my accounts stay open...)

Offline zandray35

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3828 on: January 02, 2014, 07:08:36 PM »
Thanks, I thought since they were separate accounts we would be good.  I'll get a friend involved or just only do $1000 a month it looks like! (As long as my accounts stay open...)
I got shut down yesterday for exactly that :(

Offline shaul

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3829 on: January 02, 2014, 07:53:52 PM »
So I've been reading a lot about the safest ways to do it, and just got done with ym first payment cycle, so I wanted to chip in my experience and get some advice.

My Account
Chase Business SW Card Linked
BofA Checking Linked

Wife's Account
Authorized user of SW Chase Personal Card Linked
INGDirect Checking Linked (This is a joint account for us, but with both names, ING allows you to have two unique logins and access codes to the account)

On 1/1 I sent my wife $1000 from the Chase business, showed up in her account immediately (I did this from my cell)
Today (1/2) I withdrew $1000 from her account to the checking account (I did this from work, so new IP)
Today 1/2, I had my wife send me $1000 from the Chase personal, it sat in pending for about 4 hours and then appeared in my account, planning on withdrawing it tomorrow

My main question is, is this consifered passing back and forth if it is two separate CC's and two checking accounts?  We both have the same address on the cards and checking accounts obviously, but I'd always interpreted this method of two cards as safe.
I'm doing this for almost a year
The money from my account goes in to my bb account, and wife's to her bb account
I do the withdraw right away
SFSG BH hope for the best

Offline jwood55812

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3830 on: January 02, 2014, 08:59:36 PM »
Aah two conflicting stories! Well thanks for the input, I'll carefully document what I do and when, so if I get shut down we can start piecing together what exactly the triggers are.

Offline churnbabychurn

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3831 on: January 02, 2014, 09:07:10 PM »
Aah two conflicting stories! Well thanks for the input, I'll carefully document what I do and when, so if I get shut down we can start piecing together what exactly the triggers are.
why wait to withdraw the funds? Get em out and safe asap always!

Offline dovy2

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3832 on: January 02, 2014, 10:01:53 PM »
So who from the many closures on the 31st got their "duplicate" accounts back open?

Offline cozmohoot

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3833 on: January 02, 2014, 10:47:18 PM »
2 months ago I had ap and regular a shut down. Real pain but I got regular a opened again.
Today I placed an order for my company and added a new cc... 20 minutes later I get dreaded email.. Now I gotta try again to open it.

"This message is to inform you that we have closed your Amazon.com account.We have taken this action because we found this account to be related to previously closed accounts. In addition, all open orders have been cancelled.We are unable to discuss other accounts with you but please contact us should you have any other questions; we'd be glad to assist you"

Offline shneur99

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3834 on: January 02, 2014, 11:12:59 PM »
I tried ordering something from amazon tonight (the shabbos set) and it seems like amazon placed a hold?? On both my Personal accounts plus my wifes account within the last 24 hours does that mean that I was caught for AP?

Offline Redbull3

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Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3835 on: January 03, 2014, 09:28:23 AM »
I have 4 ap accounts that I have been circulating for a long time, 2 for me and 2 for dw. this month I needed to liquidate 2x500 visa gc and 1x3k Amex gc. Did both visa yesterday and withdrew, the second one pended for a few hours. Did all 3 Amex and they all pended. A few hours later one of them went through and I withdrew. Went to sleep with other 2 pending. Woke up and 1 went through.. withdrew it.. and the other failed. For failed (recipient) account, I see "suspended" state when I go to send, telling me I have limitations. No email.
Logged into other 3 and they all seemed safe. Is this a shut down? Are the other 3 likely to follow?

Fwiw The first 3 that went through were:
A to b
B to c
C to d

And not until I completed the circle did I get a problem.. d to a (a is suspended)
« Last Edit: January 03, 2014, 09:31:41 AM by Redbull3 »

Offline daylight365

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3836 on: January 03, 2014, 09:36:56 AM »
If I understand correctly, you used the SAME Amex gift card (with $3000 value) on 3 different AP accounts.

I try to avoid this at all costs - every AP account using a different credit card or gift card.

I tend to order say 6 x $500 Amex GC - lots of codes around for no card fees. Also, if you order the $500 cards, without your name, in the morning, quite often, I get the UPS delivery next day.

Hopefully your accounts not closed - good luck.

Offline jwood55812

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3837 on: January 03, 2014, 10:22:31 AM »
why wait to withdraw the funds? Get em out and safe asap always!

Well I was trying to not raise any more flags by withdrawing on the same day it was sent, but I did withdraw it last night.  The initial deposit I sent my wife was successfully withdrawn to our bank account (verified it sitting in the account this morning), the amount she sent me, after I initiated the the withdrawl it sat in 'Initiated' for a few hours, and now shows completed as of this morning.  Not in the bank account yet, but hopefully it will be in the morning!

Offline MnM1130

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3838 on: January 03, 2014, 11:06:31 AM »
they opened my account just to withdraw the money (after 2 months) they forgot to close it.. not sure if i shud use it fast for the month OR wait it out and maybe ill get off the radar..

Offline Shmulie

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Re: Amazon Payments Master Thread
« Reply #3839 on: January 03, 2014, 01:55:49 PM »
I just got this email today when i tried to open my first AP account a few days ago any advice?

Quote
Greetings from Amazon Payments,

Unfortunately, we have been unable to confirm your account information which is required in order to utilize this service.

We regret we will not be able to allow your account to transact in the future and cannot provide any additional insight into this matter.

Further correspondence regarding the restrictions of your Amazon Payments account may not be answered.

Thank you for your interest in Amazon Payments.

Sincerely,

Account Specialist
Amazon Payments
https://payments.amazon.com
===========================