Amex RAT on the Prowl – Clawing Back Self Referral Bonuses
American Express made referrals easier last year. They now let you refer to any credit card, even if you do not have that card yourself. So many people could squeeze even more points out of their American Express cards. But when they introduced this new feature, it also became possible to refer yourself for a new Amex card. Mark feared this might happen when the new system was set up.
We warned that referring yourself could be risky business, and that has turned out to be true. There’s already plenty of reports on Reddit where points were clawed back from American Express.
They are also letting affected members know why the points were taken away, kind of:
We are writing to let you know that, after careful review of your Membership Rewards® account activity, we have removed points in your Membership Rewards® program account. Please ensure that any Additional Card Members who are authorized to redeem points from your account are notified of this change in your Membership Rewards balance.
Why we are removing these points
We recently noticed point accrual or redemption activity on your Membership Rewards program account that indicates an effort to obtain or use points in a manner that is not appropriate. It’s important for you to know that the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions state that “If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse or gaming in connection with earning or using points or that you may attempt to do so, we may:
Take away any points in your program account, Temporarily suspend your ability to redeem points, Temporarily suspend your ability to earn points, Cancel your program account, or Cancel any of your American Express Cards”.
Check your accounts now and let us know if your points were taken away.
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I’m completely onboard with Amex doing this. Pigs get fat, hogs slaughtered.