Repeating credit card transfers = unlimited Avios points?
Discussion
Mrs roadsmash just showed me a video on TikTok (I know, I know) where a young lad explains how he flies first class with BA regularly and for free.
Not sure I can link to the video but essentially the lad;
1. Applies for and receives a BA credit card that rewards purchases with Avios points.
2. Makes a “purchase” (but essentially it’s just a transfer) from this credit card to a money transfer service like PayPal (it’s not PayPal but something similar - can’t remember), rewarding him the Avios points on the “purchase”.
3. Transfers the money back to his current account and clears the credit card, essentially making the earned Avios points completely free.
4. Repeats the process until he has the required amount of Avios points to buy a flight for free.
We had a quick look at the comments on the video which were filled with all sorts of nonsense but generally the consensus was that the lad is committing fraud.
I thought I’d put this to PH to ask if this is indeed fraud and if so, how stupid the lad is for plastering this “advice” all over TikTok?
Why do BA not have systems in place to stop this from happening?
Not sure I can link to the video but essentially the lad;
1. Applies for and receives a BA credit card that rewards purchases with Avios points.
2. Makes a “purchase” (but essentially it’s just a transfer) from this credit card to a money transfer service like PayPal (it’s not PayPal but something similar - can’t remember), rewarding him the Avios points on the “purchase”.
3. Transfers the money back to his current account and clears the credit card, essentially making the earned Avios points completely free.
4. Repeats the process until he has the required amount of Avios points to buy a flight for free.
We had a quick look at the comments on the video which were filled with all sorts of nonsense but generally the consensus was that the lad is committing fraud.
I thought I’d put this to PH to ask if this is indeed fraud and if so, how stupid the lad is for plastering this “advice” all over TikTok?
Why do BA not have systems in place to stop this from happening?
I used to do this about 10 years ago.
Problem now is that payments from a credit card to PayPal etc. normally attract a cash advance fee somewhere along the line of about 2% or so, which negates the Avios benefit (unless you were just short of what you needed for a flight, or to trigger the AMEX companion voucher giving 2 4 1).
Was a nice trick in the UK while it lasted... Flyertalk forums are the place to go for more in depth discussions on airline points
Problem now is that payments from a credit card to PayPal etc. normally attract a cash advance fee somewhere along the line of about 2% or so, which negates the Avios benefit (unless you were just short of what you needed for a flight, or to trigger the AMEX companion voucher giving 2 4 1).
Was a nice trick in the UK while it lasted... Flyertalk forums are the place to go for more in depth discussions on airline points
I know you state it’s not PayPal OP.
But would like to point out if anyone is unaware, you can’t balance transfer PayPal credit.
I consolidated all my credit card debt and paid it off a couple of years ago, the PayPal credit I couldn’t because you don’t get a card number.
As someone who uses a credit card but pays it off immediately ( I use it for buyer protection more than anything) what’s the best card to have?
But would like to point out if anyone is unaware, you can’t balance transfer PayPal credit.
I consolidated all my credit card debt and paid it off a couple of years ago, the PayPal credit I couldn’t because you don’t get a card number.
As someone who uses a credit card but pays it off immediately ( I use it for buyer protection more than anything) what’s the best card to have?
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Agree - the value is mainly in flying in premium classes. I managed to fly Heathrow to LA - out In First, back in Business for 125,000 Avios, companion voucher and £800 in taxes and fees. Ticket value back then was £12k total.Not seen a good deal for economy long haul at all, plus availability of flights with Avios is patchy, especially in high season.
Turns out I was the one talking bulls
t, well slightly ... we watched it again this morning and in fact he does pay for a standard ticket plus a flat fee for the cash transfer (not a %).
Still, he’s getting a stonking bargain by just playing the system. Seems mental to me!
ETA: tried to link video but turns out you need the app.
t, well slightly ... we watched it again this morning and in fact he does pay for a standard ticket plus a flat fee for the cash transfer (not a %).Still, he’s getting a stonking bargain by just playing the system. Seems mental to me!
ETA: tried to link video but turns out you need the app.
Edited by roadsmash on Wednesday 26th August 10:01
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