How to Spend $1500 through AmEx as Cheaply as Possible?

d003r on 07/08/2017 - 01:25
Last edited 07/08/2017 - 01:52 by 1 other user

Hi All,

Looking to signup for the AMEX Explorer deal but believe I will struggle to spend the $1500 in 3 months required for the 100k bonus points.

What would be the best way to "spend" this without having to purchase goods/services.

My initial thoughts are:

  • Woolworths gift cards through Entertainment book (but I can get these for 7% through an Ozb member).
  • HECS debt repayment (but attracts a 1.45% surcharge)
  • Prepaid gift cards? (Looks like Coles and Woolworths have both closed these down).
  • Paypal? (Though unsure of what I could buy that's worth it).

All of my utilities require a surcharge also so cannot link these.

Thanks

Financial

Comments

  • Findo on 07/08/2017 - 01:59
    +4

    Surely you can spend $500/m easily!

  • Andrew2485 on 07/08/2017 - 03:08

    The only habit you need to change is in the method of payment for all your transactions….cash is now card and in 3 months you will have meet the min

  • Stoozer on 07/08/2017 - 07:42
    +2

    Do you not have the usual costs such as fuel, groceries, house insurance, car insurance, heath unsurance, internet, alcohol, eating out, pay tv, electricity/gas bills, mobile, school fees but to name a few that would easly spend $1500 in just one week.

  • grasstown on 07/08/2017 - 07:58
    +1

    You can pay health insurance upfront,overpay your post pay Internet and phone, do your or some of your charity donations for the year now,

  • Some Human on 07/08/2017 - 09:24
    +1

    Yeah, you could get your woolies cards for 7% off from an ozbargain member, or you could go through cash rewards, get 5% off and claim your 100k points with very little hassle. Ask yourself, is saving that 2 percent really more important than meeting the $1500 spend?

  • CLoSeR on 07/08/2017 - 09:44
    +1

    Health Insurance?

  • Easton on 07/08/2017 - 10:17

    There are several utility companies that allow you to pay via Amex through PayPal without surcharges (e.g. AGL, Sydney Water). Some others waive the surcharge if it's through a direct debit arrangement (e.g. Optus).

  • pantsparty on 07/08/2017 - 10:18
    +1

    You don't spend $500 a month?

  • GangGang on 07/08/2017 - 10:23

    Its $500 a month to be eligible. Do you drive to work? that is at least $200 a month on petrol. You eat at home,work & out. At least $300 a month on groceries/going out. Too easy

    • [Deactivated] on 07/08/2017 - 11:54
      +1

      dude probably lives at home with the folks

      • d003r on 07/08/2017 - 21:32

        Sickening.

  • schmucky on 07/08/2017 - 21:11

    Check out the Westfield Eftpos XS gift cards. Can use anywhere Eftpos is accepted. Card activation fee is small if you buy the 1,000 cards.

    • kerfuffle on 07/08/2017 - 21:12

      $4.95 a card

      • tess1988 on 12/08/2017 - 21:56

        The $2.95 card is also a eftpos card just doesn't have logo on it

        • kerfuffle on 12/08/2017 - 22:05

          Do you mean the red card? Is it? I tried using it in a DJs that wasn't attached to a Westfield a few years ago and it got declined.

        • tess1988 on 18/08/2017 - 19:36
          +1

          @kerfuffle: yes , I have used the red one at MacDonalds, Woolworths, woolworths petrol all outside of Westfield with no problem

  • d003r on 07/08/2017 - 22:35

    Thanks all, Health Insurance is through work and only accept direct debit, definitely do not drive to work.

    I might overpay some bills and buy Woolworths gift cards to make up the balance.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2017 - 22:03

    Early xmas/birthday presents is also an option.

  • demiurge on 13/08/2017 - 23:38

    Switch your electricity and gas to AGL, then you can pay via paypal and amex.

  • Team Ozgiftcards on 18/08/2017 - 18:56
    +1

    Prepay council, statra, water, insurance, Or pay for a friend and get them to pay you back. Top up opal cards

    • kerfuffle on 18/08/2017 - 20:08

      Multiple Opal cards ahahaha since it's max $250 per card

      • tess1988 on 18/08/2017 - 20:55

        Do you have to touch on for the money to go onto the card?

        • kerfuffle on 18/08/2017 - 22:29

          Not if you top up over the counter or on a Opal top-up machine I think (the machine doesn't take AMEX though)

        • Team Ozgiftcards on 19/08/2017 - 08:00
          +1

          @kerfuffle:

          Buy woolies gift cards through cash rewards. Then top up at Woolworths.

        • Noicedie on 20/08/2017 - 23:22

          @Onroute: Woolworth stopped the prepaid visa card.

  • anotherone on 20/08/2017 - 18:27

    Has anyone done GMBHA health insurance payment at australia post ? Can you pay using Amex.

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