Purchase Virgin Gift cards with AMEX

[Johnno101]

What points after the July change in AMEX points will we get for purchasing the Virgin Gift Cards. If it is 3 for 1 then the following scenario for those having TWO4ONE through Virgin money. Buy $500 of gift cards using AMEX (1500 points) use on 2 flights say Brisbane to Cairns get SC and points from flights. As not using card then no surcharge on flight sectors. If this is case then having AMEX and 2 Virgin money cards will be a good earner. After lurking here for 6 months I am getting from red to gold within the next 2 months then platinum through judicious use of 8 sectors in the TWO4ONE scheme.

 

[medhead]

Technically you won't be able to use gift vouchers to purchase two4one flights. The conditions say you have to use the Virgin money card to purchase the two4one flights. Of course, the phone centre staff sometimes forget this requirement.

 

[Plutonus]

I might be looking at old Terms and Conditions but it has "Virgin Australia Group AUD Gift Vouchers" under acceptable forms of payment for TWO41.

 

[Fruitcake]

The conditions say you have to use the Virgin money card to purchase the two4one flights.

This used to be my thinking too, but another member here pointed out to me in an earlier thread that the T&C do allow use of vouchers:

virgincreditcardterms| Velocity Frequent Flyer

Payment with Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card, Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card and/or Virgin Australia vouchers required.

Given that makes at least two us who firmly believed it was Virgin money cards only, I assume the T&Cs must have changed at some point.

 

[medhead]

This used to be my thinking too, but another member here pointed out to me in an earlier thread that the T&C do allow use of vouchers:

virgincreditcardterms| Velocity Frequent Flyer


Given that makes at least two us who firmly believed it was Virgin money cards only, I assume the T&Cs must have changed at some point.

I might have been confused with clause 12 here and simply glossed over the voucher payment bit: http://virginmoney.com.au/downloads/credit-cards/Buy_one_seat_get_one_free_Terms_and_Conditions.pdf

Maybe I just didn't notice.

2. This offer cannot be used for bookings made via the Internet and all bookings must be made via theVirgin Australia Guest Contact Centre (13 67 89). Your Virgin Flyer Credit Card number or Virgin HighFlyer Credit Card number and the following code must be quoted at time of booking: [snip].

 

[Cynicor]

Can you still purchase gift card with AMEX?

If so, could someone post or PM me with how?

Just tried through virgin this AM and on the payment page I get this:
"

For security purposes, you may be required to provide ID to verify your order.
Amount	AUD 250.00
We apologise for the inconvenience but we no longer accept American Express as a payment method"

 

[Johnno101]

Damn Cynicor there goes that option now I will have to just use the Virgin Money and only get 1.25 per $.

As to using gift cards they are definetly worth it. Apparently if you need just a small amount to breach the gap between gift card and actual cost then you can use your card and NOT pay the $7.70 per person surcharge.
Another saving.

 

[bcworld]

As to using gift cards they are definetly worth it. Apparently if you need just a small amount to breach the gap between gift card and actual cost then you can use your card and NOT pay the $7.70 per person surcharge.
Another saving.

I think the $7.70 doesn't apply if the cash component to be paid is less than $50...this would apply to reward flights too where the taxes were < $50.

 

[DeKa]

Can you buy Virgin Australia Group gift cards at supermarkets?

 

[Johnno101]

No but you can buy visa/mastercard with amex in woolworths. Round about way of doing this ; wonder if it is worth the hassle

 

[JohnK]

I think the $7.70 doesn't apply if the cash component to be paid is less than $50...this would apply to reward flights too where the taxes were < $50.

Does this mean if you use a Virgin gift voucher to book flights the $7.70 charge does not apply?

I am thinking of booking some $69 one-way flights and getting slugged $7.70 is way over the top.

 

[JohnK]

Does this mean if you use a Virgin gift voucher to book flights the $7.70 charge does not apply?

So the answer to this question remains a secret....

 

[robd]

So the answer to this question remains a secret....

I'm going to say no booking fee on voucher. Per VA website:-




Appears to be only on credit or debit card.

 

[Johnno101]

It has been answered above. The use of a voucher overcomes the requirement for a booking and service fee. Also a majority payment by voucher with remainder by credit card (up to $50 I think) results in no booking fee.

 

[JohnK]

I'm going to say no booking fee on voucher.

Agreed.

But

- if residual value on voucher is used and the remainder is payable by credit card then a $7.70 surcharge will apply as long as the remaining amount paid by credit card is >$7.70
- 2 vouchers can be used to pay for a booking so if $30 residual value on one voucher then use another voucher to pay the difference
- it appears vouchers cannot be used online so need to call each time. Not sure.

Either way sounds like a good way to avoid the exhorbitant $7.70 surcharge....

 

[lang_13]

do the vouchers show as Virgin Australia or a third party merchant on a CC statement (as would miss out on bonus points on Amex)?

 

[Johnno101]

Again look above: AMEX cannot be used for purchasing virgin gift cards so there went my best laid plans

 

[JohnK]

What is the story with the sneaky 2% handling fee on the purchase of gift vouchers?

If not careful you can end up paying handling fee and booking fee!

 

[oz_mark]

What is the story with the sneaky 2% handling fee on the purchase of gift vouchers?

I think you mean, "Why is the credit card surcharge being called a handling fee?"

 

[quokka77]

For cheap domestic economy I book through an online travel agent - it's irritating as it makes the Virgin website even less functional in terms of ability to manage the booking. Can't do that for two for one fares though. I really hope the Feds do something about these exorbitant charges. They're getting as bad as Cabcharge.