Question
I recently discovered (the hard way) that Visa/MC has a 3% currency conversion charge for non-$ purchases. No more big yen charges on that card for me!
Just as I was lamenting that I didn't have a yen-based AAdvantage card and might have to use my NW yen card (even tho I don't fly them), a special offer for AA Elites arrives in the mail yesterday: 5,000 bonus AA miles for signing up for a Sumitomo AA card! How'd they know I needed one? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
The problem will be to see if they will actually give me a card, as it is still difficult for foreigners to get J cards. They rejected me once before, despite an impeccable credit record. (Yet still send an application with every AA statement. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif )
So I'll apply today. If I get neg'd, my wife will apply for one using her maiden-name bank acct info. -Kinda sad that such a process might be nec. this day and age.
But there's nothing like people giving you 5K miles to do what you wanted to do anyway!!
-KP
PS If you travel a lot int'lly you prob'ly knew this, but look out for 3% charges on foreign currency purchases.