AmEx Shop Small - Spend $20 and Get $10 Statement Credits (up to 5 Times) [November 2017] » All Comments

  • What's a good AMEX card

    • +13

      No fee - American Express Essentials
      Low fee - Platinum Edge
      Higher fee - Explorer card/Qantas Ultimate/Velocity Platinum

      HIGHER HIGHER FEE- Platinum Card.

      • what's a good card for an 18 yo ?

        • +1

          Platinum Edge

        • @John Kelvin: thank you

        • +6

          @Savas: Getting one of the high fee cards for the first year might make sense, because Amex only let you get a signup bonus if you haven't held any of their cards for 18 months. (Cancel and apply for the plat edge after the first year, or cancel and wait 18 months.)

        • +3

          @endgame:

          Well it's a bit uncommon for a 18 year old to be earning $65k too, thats one of the requirements for the Explorer Card.

        • +33

          what's a good card for an 18 yo ?

          https://goo.gl/HWvQ8B

        • +2

          I would say the David Jones card is better than the Platinum Edge card just for the points and lower fees.

        • +3

          The Platinum Card, comes with +5 to getting girls stats.

        • +1

          @Speedz: Ah yeah, that's a thing.

        • +1

          @endgame: I got points bonus for upgrading from standard to platinum DJs AMEX ^_^

        • +1

          @Speedz:
          Yeah more near impossible, they're still in school.

        • +2

          None; don't get a credit card if you're 18.

        • +1

          @nightelves:

          How do you figure that? DJ Amex points aren't worth as much as Ascent Amex points. When the points are converted to a common denominator, the DJ Amex only beats the Edge for spend at DJ's (which you can work around by using the Edge to buy DJ gift cards), and service station spend (which you can work around for Coles and WW). EDIT: This assumes that you take the Qantas points option. It looks even worse otherwise, unless you're chasing Starpoints.

          As for the annual fees, $195 for the Edge, and you get a $200 travel credit. The DJ Amex is $99, and you only get a couple of basic perks at DJ's.

          Or am I missing something?

        • @suicine94:

          Not sure what you're talking about.

        • @nightelves:

          I would say the David Jones card is better than the Platinum Edge card just for the points and lower fees.

          He was asking you in relation to this comment. How did you come to the conclusion that DJ card > Platinum Edge?

        • @illumination:

          Then what do you make of this comment? The Platinum Card, comes with +5 to getting girls stats.

        • @Colin2905:

          You're correct I'm chasing starpoints so I value DJ Amex more.

        • @nightelves:

          Clearly a joke comment and wasn't taken seriously by me.

          Do you mean you were joking about DJ AMEX > Plat Edge?

          edit: Ah, from a Starpoints pov. Otherwise I definitely think Plat Edge > DJ Amex

        • +1

          @illumination:

          I've had great success with Starpoints and close to getting my 3rd Marriott travel package so hence why I favour starpoints more.

        • @nightelves:
          Hi Nightelves,

          May I know which airline miles do you get with Marriott package? I am looking into this now and feel hard to choose between BA Avios and Alaska.

        • @kenl:

          I suggest reading about the advantages and disadvantages of those two airlines on pointshack

        • @nightelves: I love starpoints too…though haven't used the Marriott package yet, but have booked a 5 night stay in an Island cottage at Maldives which is currently going for A$5K over xmas for 111K SPG or about 212 Amex MR points and have booked another 5 night stay at Disney World Orlando for about 80K MR points fetching approx A$2K.

        • @endgame:

          Does this apply to bank issued AMEX card?

        • @Craze: Generally, no. If you only have a bank-issued Amex you can often apply for an Amex-issued Amex and get the bonus points.

        • @endgame: best advice. I only wished I had seen this before. My only regret with amex is applying for essential card first and thus ineligible for the huge sign-up bonus for explorer. Beating my head everyday for this rookie mistake

        • +1

          @Jared17: Yeah well I missed the 110K explorer bonus in favour of taking 80K velocity through a mate's referral link. We all make mistakes while we're learning.

          It's shop small season this month but after that it might be worth dropping the amex and waiting the 18 months to get a signup bonus. Or calling up Amex and saying you're thinking of moving to a better card but only if you can get the bonus. (I don't know if it actually works, but it's worth a try.)

        • @endgame: I was tempted to drop it after the last SS. But chickened out as I wasn't sure the huge bonus points offer would still be available after 18 months and/or if my application would get accepted at that time. My employment.situation can be volatile.

          Might try the second option but I did ask CS before abt the bonus points and they reaffirmed only for new customers unfortunately.

      • +1

        Can one person apply two different cards?

        • +2

          Yes.

          You can have a maximum of 2 AMEX Primary Credit Cards issued by American Express.
          You may also have an additional one "Charge" Card issued by American Express.

          Bank-issued credit cards do not count towards this quota.

        • +3

          and to add what the gentleman above is saying, you can also add someone else as supplementary to your amex cards, no limit to that and each one has different card numbers and should be eligible for the offer.

        • +1

          @tajid: Is there any age limits? My kids are younger ;)

        • +1

          @AG1304x: seems to be 18 minimum. The cat is almost eligible.

    • +7

      I'd also add the Qantas Discovery and Velocity Escape cards in the no fee category too :)

    • Jumping on this - what would be the AMEX with the lowest income requirement? For someone without another credit card (I've only used Mastercards).

      • Lowest is 35k.
        Qantas Discovery

      • +1

        Amex with the lowest income requirements are the no-fee cards : Qantas Discovery ($35K), followed by Amex Essential or Velocity Escape (both $40K). Only Amex Essential gives a $50 bonus ($75 bonus via referral) to the applicant (after $750 spend in first 3 months). Info about Amex Essential and Qantas Discovery.

        The current Velocity Escape post is a bit inaccurate - there is no longer 7500 Velocity points given Edit: reported and post now expired.

        Check the website direct if interested in the Velocity Escape card.

        Note that income is based on household gross (pre-tax) annual income.

        • Can I use my parents' income to bolster my own? I live under their roof but my income is a little short of $35k.

        • -1

          @niggard: I would think so - according to this

          Household income is a measure of the combined incomes of all people sharing a particular household or place of residence.

          But just to be sure, perhaps give Amex a call to confirm.

        • @bluesky: it would be good to get some new cards to offset the abysmal CBA awards card/s I currently hold under my own income and name. If I can use my old man's income to supplement mine, I can have much nicer credit cards!

        • +1

          @niggard: use his money too and you can have much nicer things!

        • Note that Amex does not just assess household income; I tried to refer my stay at home mother wife to get the Velocity Platinum a year or so back during a promo (100k for her, 60k for me) and they wouldn't let it go through, in spite of the household income being well over that.

          Also looking at the eligibility on the platinum edge right now it's explicitly mentioning personal income

          I have a personal gross (pre-tax) annual income of $50,000 or more

        • @elyobo:

          Website says different

          I have a personal or household gross (pre-tax) annual income of $50,000 or more

          https://www.americanexpress.com/au/content/platinum-edge-cre…

        • +2

          @elyobo: Most likely for circumstance where applicant's income satisfy a large portion, and a small portion from household income to cross threshold required. I cannot imagine them allowing the majority income to be from other household members. I looked within Amex site for exact definition/clarification when niggard asked the question, but found none. That is why I suggested to check with them.

        • @bluesky: Not sure how accurate/true this is (although it sounds logical) because I have a friend who got an AMEX approved for her mum as the primary applicant even though she earns $0 income (i.e. it was approved based on household income).

        • @illumination: Very interesting …

        • @bricabrac89: My quote was also from their website

          https://idap-e3.americanexpress.com/refer/mgmee/au/en/PEPCPT…

          I have a personal gross (pre-tax) annual income of $50,000 or more

          My point is not that they won't necessarily take it, just that it's a grey area and that they will use their discretion; household income alone is not necessarily enough.

        • @niggard:

          Unfortunately no. I called them to ask exactly this, but they define "household income" as joint income between you and your spouse.

        • Please note as of today (31/10/17) Amex Essential no longer gives the $50 bonus ($75 bonus via referral).

    • Amex Explorer is great. $395 annual fee but you get $400 travel credit per year anyway. I'm sure all of us travel even for a weekend at least once a year so it's great value.

  • +3

    Nice, reminder is set.

  • +7

    Finally!! Almost the whole year without Amex shop small.

    • I thought we had our usual weekend mini one in June or July.

      • +1

        Not this year we didn't. Last year was awesome. This year seems to have died down.

        • Ahhh yes. I got confused with the Mid Year deal. Doh.

  • +1

    2 months away?

    • +1

      Yeah I know, and closer to the actual registration start date and November itself we will be reporting heaps of duplicate posts etc. Sometimes I'd like to just have the ability to bring older posts like this back up to the front page as it it was freshly posted on the first day of the registration.

      As it is, I have to rely on the subscribe and register buttons to keep front of mind.

      • It is in the front of my mind every minute of everyday. I will be exhausted by 31 Oct. :(

        • It is good to give notice so people can organise additional card holders. I will for sure add wife for some of my cards I accumulated in the mean time.

        • @noskich: I agree. I will also be researching my shop options well ahead.

        • @Peck:
          Yes, also looking at adding David Jones card to my collection of 3 cards plus 2 supplementary.

  • -4

    Remind me in 2 months

    • +9

      There's a reminder button at the top.

  • Is the map working for anyone else?

    • +2

      turn off your ad-blocker to see the map

      • that was the first thing I did, to no avail

        • +8

          Chuckle, 'the map' has always been the Achilles heel of the whole Amex SS experience. Even when it 'works', it kinda' doesn't. You can read all about it in previous OzB posts over the years… I have now concluded that there is some sort of ulterior motive behind the fact that it is basically inherently dysfunctional/misleading/almost unusable etc. Many peeps have complained to Amex about it over the years, and supplied detailed accounts of the problems that need fixing; to absolutely no avail. So the bottom line is, you cannot trust any information at all that is yielded by 'the map'. Specifically, the fact that a place is featured on 'the map' is not in fact a reliable indication that that place is part of SS (or even still exists!), and conversely, the fact that a joint does NOT show up on 'the map' is no indication whatsoever that they are NOT part of SS.

          The bottom line is that while perhaps you may find 'the map' to be a little bit useful for some initial screening/if you just have one card/lots of local places to use it etc., otherwise it's essentially useless. As it has always been, for many reasons other than those mentioned above.

          Don't get me wrong, I love SS. I just hate 'the map'/can't understand why Amex chooses not to fix the very basic problems with it that remain year on year. It makes no sense!

        • +2

          @GnarlyKnuckles: You know how you spent a lot of time/effort collecting and collating all the issues with the map last year? And both you and I, and possibly others had called them, to forward them your write-up of the issues found. The Amex Manager with Email Servicing I spoke with sounded genuinely interested, and assured me that the next time this come around, most of the issues would have been resolved. Well, it will be interesting to see if any improvements result from it.

          Your write-up was very clear and detailed, if they are serious about fixing the issues, they should be able to do so.

        • The need to both improve the website map and also have a dedicated app that (similar to Entertainment Book) will allow you to search for the nearest potential stores via map or list view etc. Basically what the Entertainment Book app does in terms of filters, displays and favourites.

        • +1

          @bluesky:

          Hi Blues, yeppers I remember it well… after creating a fairly detailed summary of the issues with the 'infamous SS map' I was a bit exhausted/had to go to bed, and it was with great joy that I subsequently learned that you had personally forwarded it on to someone of relevance at Amex!

          Sadly though, my bet is that nothing will change this year/ever, re the infamous SS map. The fact that some of the problems with it that have persisted over the years would be so simple to fix (they could be fixed by one savvy IT dude in a single afternoon) but never have been suggests that the flaws in it are not actually accidental. For example, as well as the 'publicly declared'/advertised purpose of SS, maybe Amex is using SS as a cunning mechanism to use card-holders as cheap 'secret-shoppers' who will report specific retailers back to them who do not in fact accept Amex payments, despite claiming a payment each year from Amex on the basis that they supposedly do. Other possibilities spring to mind re why it may be in Amex's best interests not to actually fix the map. For example, currently the fact that it is so crap and they openly admit that means that it has no actual legal implications/connotations whatsoever (everything is 'may or may not').

        • +1

          @GnarlyKnuckles:

          … maybe Amex is using SS as a cunning mechanism to use card-holders as cheap 'secret-shoppers' who will report specific retailers back to them who do not in fact accept Amex payments …

          You know what, Gnarly, you probably hit the nail on the head … Last year, I remember being encouraged to spread the word (which I did on your post), that there was a $10 goodwill credit, for anyone who called a certain line and did a survey informing on the shops with issues. The issues being a very limited number of multiple choice options, such as not accepting amex, impose surcharge etc.

          SS map improvements probably unlikely. But they may do this survey again, so I guess $10 goodwill credit could be on the way :-)

        • @GnarlyKnuckles:
          Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by incompetence.

          That, or large companies.

          SS will be something that the marketing department dreamed up, they won't get feedback directly from the end-users, the IT guy who dodged up the map five years ago has moved on and marketing don't have their own… it requires someone high enough up the tree to recognise there's a problem and tell people to fix it. Hopefully this email has done just that!

          (I did appreciate the very large spreadsheet someone created by scraping the map last year, that was most useful)

        • @jasonb:

          'SS will be something that the marketing department dreamed up…'

          Maybe so, but given the millions of collars it costs them to run it/advertise it every year, it cannot be summarised as simply a 'marketing gimmick/ploy'; in their eyes, it must serve some legitimate function.

          '… they won't get feedback directly from the end-users'

          Incorrectomondo. In fact every year they receive a great deal of feedback, directly from end-users (refer to posts here on OzB from previous years for numerous examples).

          'Hopefully this email has done just that!'

          I am not sure what 'email' you are referring to, but there have been many sent over the years by various peeps, to zero effect. There is no reason to believe that anything will have changed this year.

        • @GnarlyKnuckles:

          New to Amex SS, and was just checking out the map and surprised to see some listed in my area that I'm fairly sure does not accept AMEX. Glad I read this, so what is the best way to verify the businesses are part of SS (apart from asking when onsite)?

        • @Craze: Just sharing what I would do: (a) either ring the shop first, to find out if they accept Amex, or (b) if you don't mind taking a risk, pay by another means, contact Amex with proof the shop is listed in SS. So far, Amex has always been very reasonable.

    • Nope.

    • Works for me on iPhone

    • Works for me (Chrome)

      • Works on Firefox but not Safari.

  • so this has to be amex direct issued card?

    • +1

      no, both bank and amex issued (take a look at the website)

  • Is there a direct link for bank issued cards?

    • direct link to what? to register for shop small or details of the specific bank issued cards?

      for shop small, link will be the same as amex issued card.

    • go to amex connect au

  • +18

    RIP ANZ AMEX :"(

  • Only 5?

    • +5

      5 is enough for my 12 Amex cards.

  • +1

    So many of my favourite restaurants are on, yesssss!

  • +2

    Only 5 per card this time.
    If you haven't done so, u should get as many supplementary cards if you're with AMEX AMEX.

    • +1

      Or NAB (which is the only big four bank that does different numbered Amex Supp cards now that ANZ dropped it).

      • I thought NAB only allows you one supplementary card per credit card account, has anyone had a different experience?

        I have the Platinum Qantas Amex card and a Velocity Amex card, both through NAB, with a supplementary card for each of them and in the website it doesn't let me apply for a third supplementary… :(

  • +6

    C. Transactions that are not eligible
    The following transactions are not eligible and will not count towards your spend for the purposes of the offer:

    x transactions where you buy a gift card, store credit or voucher, or purchase/reload money into travel
    cards such as Opal, Myki

    Has this always been on the Ts and Cs?

    • +3

      I think that's new.

      Last year's T&Cs simply mentioned:

      C. Transactions that are not eligible

      Transactions where you buy a gift card, store credit or a voucher.

    • +2

      Wah so no opal ?

      See you next year :(

      • +9

        I don't think Amex have any way of knowing exactly what you're paying for, so you might as well give it a go.

    • hhmmm this will be interesting. hopefully they can't tell what we're buying.

      i wait all year for shop small to load up on opal!!

    • Still working of my excessive Myki credit from last time around :D Which is good, because I don't currently have any Amex card :-/

    • It's called "Shop Small" for a reason!

    • +1

      Terms and conditions have been updated and they've scrapped the bit mentioning Opal/Myki top ups.

    • +5

      Why were you getting negged??? upvoted to neutralise.

  • +3

    OMG !!!!

    Free money!!

    • OMG!!!

      Free Sydney property!!!

      Thanks AmEx!!!

      • +1

        I'd like to split payment onto my 50,000 Amex cards, thanks.

  • it's back again!!! time's flying!

  • +1

    Looks like Velocity Escape Card and Qantas discovery have no more bonus points on sign up?

    • Yep looks like it. Referral still give points I think

  • +1

    No opal top ups? What?!? How can they check?

    • +1

      well at least suits aren't excluded.

    • Need someone to test it out.

    • +2

      How can they check?

      I doubt that they can/will, via their current systems. Give it a shot. My guess is the only way they could realistically 'disallow' Opal top-ups would be to politely ask vendors not to allow peeps to pay for them using an Amex card during the SS period. Which would be ridiculously counter-intuitive (i.e. it would make zero sense to run a promotion designed to encourage merchants to accept Amex, then instruct them not to accept it).

      • One of the newsagency from last year wasn't happy when I topped up with Amex. Almost to the point of refusing my payment.

        • +1

          Almost to the point …

          Only an amateur/naive/silly retailer would 'almost' refuse to do something. Any reasonably trained retailer/staffer would simply either do something, or POLITELY state that they could not do it. There is nothing worse for business than ambiguity/'almost'. In future, just ask them in advance if they will be HAPPY to do it/take your money, or not.

        • +7

          Android pay is wonderful for those situations.

          "And just on the card thanks.". Hold phone at eftpos terminal. BEEP

          Bored cashier never needs to know if it's Amex or not.

        • @jasonb:

          problem is android pay - amex, usually can't pay pass at alot of retailers. i think the terminals require you to insert card. one retailer told me it was so they could see or you couldn't get away with paypassing amex where it isn't accepted.

          That and does this work through android pay given the t & c says no intermediaries e.g. paypal - i assume android pay doesn't count?

        • +1

          @SaberX:
          Only places I've ever had a problem with Paypass (and thus Android pay) not working on my Amex is the post office, and petrol at BP and Puma. None of these are going to qualify for shop small :-) YMMV obviously but I've been able to do it almost all the time anywhere else.

          Android Pay still processes the transaction as the merchant itself (they process through their own facility, using the virtual card number Android Pay gave their terminal), unlike Paypal which processes through their own system (and comes up on your statement as Paypal) - so yes, Android Pay definitely triggers Amex offers including Shop Small.

    • just read the terms and conditions again, no mention of opal tops not allowed. so happy topping up =)

  • They might instruct the merchant - No Amex card for opal top up.

    • No sweat; I'll use my AMEX at Woolies and Coles for my Opal card and use the five offers on food xD

      • i don't think amex counts at woolies and coles as the small biz merchant, does it?

        • Well no obviously. I meant that since apparently we can't use the Shop Small for Opal, I'll just use my five Shop Smalls on food instead and continue to top up at Coles and Woolies …

        • @kerfuffle: coles can topup opals?

        • @caomei: Yes but the number of stores that do it is miniscule compared to Woolies.

  • Thanks

  • +1

    With the new law shops can't charge us $2 or 3 to top up just $20 into opal.

    • +3

      This is actually probably the kicker.

      As people above have pointed out, AMEX likely have no way to actually know whether an opal card top up has been done, but can only tell merchants to not accept AMEX for opal top ups.

      Furthermore, the days of charging $1-3 for opal top ups should be over as they are not supposed to be allowed to do that anymore…..

      in which case, a merchant either charges us 2-3% surcharge (i.e. $0.40-0.60) as stipulated, or has to refuse to allow AMEX.

      Interesting.

    • +5

      This does not apply to AmEx issued cards, only bank issued AmEx cards.

      Merchants are still allowed to apply surcharges to payments using BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club and American Express cards if they wish. While these payment surcharges are not subject to the ban, and therefore the ACCC cannot take action if they are excessive, these payment systems may have rules or terms and conditions that seek to limit the surcharges merchants can impose. If you have concerns about a surcharge for paying using one of these systems you should contact that system directly.

      Source: ACCC

      • Do you really think retailers will know/bother to check if your card is bank issued or not?

      • Actually, it doesn't apply to any American Express cards.

        The exclusion applies to the network, not the issuer.

      • "Covered payment types are:

        American Express “companion cards” (American Express cards issued through an Australian financial service provider, rather than directly through American Express)."

        Looks like bank issued Amex cards are covered?

  • i can only see the premium bank issued cards what about the classic and platium amex bank issued cards aren't they eligible any longer?

    • nope they are not. Please see Willy's comment above, he included links of the eligible cards.

  • Love my Amex Plat edge card, Now I just shop around for visa master card cards with bonus offers for some bills and surcharges etc.

  • Can you bump the deal again before 31 Oct? Would be better if it's brought to everyone's attention instead of using the reminder.

    • The deal will be stickied on the homepage when registrations open.

  • Pity the ANZ Amex is no longer valid.. there goes 2 x 5 x $10 rebate options!! Had a look and good to see some regulars still listed. Hoping they honour the $10 rebate without me chasing Amex every time as previously.

  • hi post….see you again in 2 months ;)

  • +1

    To my recollection if you spend say $20 you get reward points for $20 even though they have rebated $10 to your account.
    Also, just for interest - I spoke to a couple of the shop small stores before and asked them how they can afford the amex fees and they said that they get a special lower fee from AMEX. And so possibly all of the shop small stores get a special lower fee from AMEX.

    • +1

      To my recollection if you spend say $20 you get reward points for $20 even though they have rebated $10 to your account.

      Correct.

    • I know small business retailers who pay less for Amex than Mastercard and Visa due to the lower fee.

  • -5
    1. adiós, adieu, addio, adeus
      Besides adieu in French, there are also adiós in Spanish, addio in Italian, and adeus in Portuguese. Adieu comes from the combination of a + Dieu (‘to God’); adios, addio, and adeus have similar etymologies.

    2. aloha
      This Hawaiian word is used as both a welcome and farewell, but also for expressions of good wishes, love, and affection. Because of how often the term is used Hawaii has taken on the nickname of the Aloha State.

    3. arrivederci
      In Italian, arrivederci means ‘until we see each other again’. You might be tempted by the arrive- to think that the word has something to do with a greeting, but the word actually comes from a (‘until’) + rivederci (‘we see each other again’).

    4. ciao
      Ciao has an intriguing origin: in the 1920s, ciao arose as a dialectal alteration of schiavo, which translates as ‘(I am your) slave’. Like aloha, ciao does double duty as both a term of greeting and parting.

    5. auf Wiedersehen
      A common send off in Germany is auf Wiedersehen. This farewell directly translates into ‘until we see again’.

    6. au revoir
      Similar to auf Wiedersehen, au revoir directly translates as ‘to the seeing again’, anticipating a meeting in the future.

    7. bon voyage
      Another common French term with widespread usage is bon voyage, ‘good journey’, used to express good wishes to someone who is about to embark on a trip.

    8. sayonara
      Short for sayō naraba, which literally translates as ‘if it be thus’, sayonara is used, according to the OED, to ‘qualify desire to meet again so as not to tempt fate’. Additionally, sayonara is used in English to suggest that something has been finished with, abandoned, or consigned to the past in more general usage, as in ‘you can say sayonara to that those tasty plums’.

    9. shalom
      The Hebrew word can be used as both a welcome and farewell. Shalom is the widespread Hebrew goodbye that translates as ‘peace’, but a more formal parting would be to say shalom aleichem or ‘peace be with you’.

    10. totsiens
      South Africans might send each other off by saying totsiens, which means ‘until we meet again’. This word entered English from Afrikaans in the 1930s, originating from Dutch words tot ‘until’ and zien ‘see’.

    11. vale
      Another interesting valediction is the archaic farewell vale, meaning ‘goodbye’ in Latin. The word comes from the second person singular imperative of valēre, ‘to be well’.

    12. zàijiàn
      A common send-off in China is 再见(zàijiàn). The verb ‘to bid farewell’ is expressed with 辞行 (ɡàobié).

  • How do you enroll?

    • wait till 31st October and a link to enrol will be in the opening post.

      • -1

        31st october 2018?

  • Very early notice

  • +4

    For those people who redeem their Amex Essential points to pay off the bill, they're worth significantly more when paying off Shop Small purchases - $9.63/1000 points vs $7.41 normally.

    • Thanks for that. I was going to use some to pay a bit off my bill, but held off.

  • AmEx ShOp SmAlL - So nice. See ya!!!

    • +1

      are you 12?

      • Over 15.

  • Only got 2 amex cards.. died a little after seeing the, up to 5…

    what opal or myki???

  • Hi everyone,
    Very new in the game of Amex as i received my first amex card with two supplementry last week. Why is everyone so excited abt this deal?? If you go by the article you need to to spend money at the small shop then you will be rewarded or rebate. What is opal??
    Hoping for someone reply with explantion.
    Thanks

    • It's exciting because you effectively get ~50% off your purchases/services. Think dry cleaning, shoe repairs, meals, the list goes on….

    • +2

      Welcome to the world of amex.

      Have a + vote to balance out the - that someone else gave you.

    • Opal cards are used for public transport in NSW (Trains, Buses and Ferries).

  • So who pays the $10 - is it AMEX or the retailer?

    • +3

      AMEX will pay this $10; like PayPal will give discount codes and they offer the discount.

      Many restaurants allowed bill split - we always ask for it. And it's win win for restaurant + us as we pay half price.

      • +1

        It's only a win for the restaurant if the promo dictated your decision to dine there, otherwise if you were gonna dine there anyway, arguably there's a slight time loss of having to split the transaction :P

  • +5

    The dude that extracted the locations into a txt format last year - are you around? That was awesome what you did!

    • +8

      Thydzik was the genius who exported to excel, saved all of us considerable time.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/266732

    • Indeed, paging thydzik!

    • +43

      leave it with me. I'll try to release something next few days.

      • -1

        You are da bomb.

      • +1

        Have a plus vote. The world needs more people like you thydzik.

        • plus plus from me. Thanks Thydzik.

      • You are a gentleman and a scholar.

      • Thanks thydzik. Shop Small starts in 56 days. Take your time!

      • bump :-)

        it's below this about 20 posts

  • I'm hoping they have a mini shop small in September like they did last year.

  • Can someone help me verify whether the DJs amex is a participant? It hasn't been excluded in the past but the terms state "David Jones Storecards are excluded"

    • Yes. David Jones Storecard and David Jones American Express are two different cards.

      • Oh I see - thanks for helping me clarify! Strange they would put that in their terms as the Storecard isn't an AMEX at all…

        • The Storecard is essentially an AMEX that can only be used in David Jones, hence the distinction.

        • +1

          @kerfuffle: Right, got you. Thanks :)

  • -8

    is there a manual link?ive just checked all my cards and no offers in sight

    • +6

      did you even bother to read the title or the description?

      • -9

        yep, and your point is?

        • +8

          you're stupid?

        • -6

          @Jason Genova:

          congratulations, did I make your day?

  • +2

    old wiki on shop small

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/amex_shop_small_guide

    hopefully we have some people update it once deal goes live.

    • +1

      That IS interesting. I see that the RSPCA has been verified 2 years running, and I see that it is currently showing on the shopsmall map. When I tire of running around the shops I will donate there. $20 X ? tax deductions coming up! Save the woodpecker!

  • IT IS FINALLY HERE!

  • Thanks OP. Been waiting for Shop Small November 2017 ever since they skipped both May and September!

  • Well, should be interesting this year given the T&C updates around Opal and Myki, and the law change regarding surcharges…

    I think the T&Cs should at least now give merchants the right to refuse to process Amex top-ups even though there's nothing TECHNICALLY that would prevent them from doing so.

  • My local newsagents is on the list so I will buy $20 of lotto/scratch-its and hopefully win big!

    • +1

      Sometimes buying lottery tickets with a credit card charges you the cash advance fee and is exempt from the interest free period. Got stung by that a couple of months ago, not sure if it applies to all cards but it definitely does to some so might be worth checking first

      • +1

        If you get it from the newsagent, Amex would have no way of finding out what you bought. If it was online lottery, well that is a different story altogether.

        • Depends on the machine that they put it through. Certain lotteries are charged through a specific machine, not the newsagent POS.

        • in my case it was from a newsagent I'm afraid

  • Noticed in the old SS wiki and old comments that people donate to charities, effectively giving the charity $20 but costing you $10.

    For the purposes of tax time, does the primary account holder claim a deduction for all the cards (including supp cards)? Or would the person named on each supp card have to make the deduction?

    • +1

      Not financial advice: my guess would be under the primary cardholder.

    • My Opinion:-
      When you contribute to the charity, you insert 1. Any name & details that you like as the contributor. (A receipt will be sent to THIS person)
      And then
      2. You use any card in any name that you are authorised to use.
      Deduction will go to 1. IE the name of the contributor who is not necessarily the card holder.

    • +1

      I am not trying to give financial advice. But I feel comfortable organising my own affairs this way (unless/until I find out otherwise, from an expert/actual ATO rule etc.)

      It does not matter, so long as you do not double-claim. Claim it against the person which yields the most deduction. Just keep the actual donation receipt with the tax return of whoever you are claiming against.

      My reasoning would be: this supp card holder is already someone the primary card holder is willing to bear expenses for. They themselves can have agreements, arrangements and understandings etc.

      E.g. if the supp holder pays, but claimed under the primary card holder, if queried, just explain that supp card holder was asked by primary card holder to do it on his/her behalf. And other scenarios/arrangements … you get the drift …

      • You can only claim a deduction for the donation if you are the person listed on the official tax invoice you get from the charity.

        so if your name is the "donor" then you can donate, even if the supp card was used to pay. but if there's another name, then no you can't just give it to the person who gets the biggest deduction.

  • Shame it's only 5 transactions per card this year and not 10!

    • x3 different amex and booyah!

  • +1

    Is there the possibility that we could start a suggestion list say under forums of what to buy in general. And people can add to the list. Like a table? But just a list without comment etc. ??

    • +4

      Agree, but it is also going to be hard as not all retailers participating will be in all states and even then might just be one store in a whole state so not accessible for all.

      As is mentioned in the Shop Small Wiki;

      Scroll down to What are the best things to buy?

      This is somewhat subjective. To my mind though, the 'best things to buy' are any things that you WOULD HAVE BOUGHT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE PROMOTION WAS RUNNING OR NOT'; but from a 'verified SS vendor', instead of your usual source. Because that way, each transaction is like $10 cash in your pocket (think petrol, pet-food, public-transport-card-top-ups, standard-priced groceries, pharmacy goods, etc). If you find yourself buying things you would NOT NORMALLY BUY, just because the SS promotion is running, then maybe you are not actually benefiting financially from it.

      • this is why it's gonna be hard if the opal hack does't work this time around. here's hoping though.

  • -1

    are sub cards eligible ? so main card + sub = 10 times? is that right?

    • As long as you can activate the deal for each either via Amex Account or via a manual link.

    • different card number required.

  • When I click on the link for participating businesses, nothing appears on the map!

    • +2

      much appreciated mate.

    • You are the MVP thydzik. Doing this is absolutely amazing. Thanks heaps mate.

    • +1

      Definitely seems like a lot fewer convenience stores and newsagencies on the list this year than last year (for doing Opal recharges etc.) Still, with only 5 credits instead of 10, they only need half as many as last year :(

      EDIT: Actually, going by postcode, and assuming the map is accurate (which has been problematic in past years), there seems to be only roughly half the number of businesses participating this year as compared to last. I just did a quick search on postcodes 2000, 2010, 2011 so it may not be representative of every town and suburb.

      • i only found one potential store in the city may have opal topup facility this year around sydney 2000 😢

        • +1

          which store is that pls ?

    • Thank you so much for this. Really appreciate the effort. There should be an OZB badge created for you.

    • Thanks thydzik for your great work. I did find a few weird ones.
      For example, Kopi Tim (SA) is on your map but not in AMEX map.
      CIBO ESPRESSO GOUGER ST (SA) appears on the AMEX Map but not yours.
      Did you use the lat and lon to generate the list? If yes, it may have picked up the store nearby?!

      • thanks, it may have been updated after I posted.

        I do use lat and lng, but amex returns max 100 entries per request, so it should be captured.

      • CIBO ESPRESSO is an interesting one,
        if you search '41 Gouger Street, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia'
        which is its address, 100 listings come up but not that one.
        Only if you search the name does it appear.

        Is this what you have found?

        I can only populate based on addresses.

    • 8bit burger doesn't seem to be on the visual map for Victoria.

      • I couldn't seem to find it at all on the amex map?

        • Comes up on your list for Victoria. I was surprised when a local IGA came up, after it got taken over by a administrator.

    • +1

      a number of users have pointed out a few places are not in the list, I'll update it shortly.

    • I think the list is wrong, search for sushi hub on amex page and the result is not the same as the excel file.

      • can you let me know specifically which places?

        I have noticed some weird thing where a place an be found by searching, but doesn't spear using the address search.

        • All sushi hubs have disappeared from Amex, I actually spend 20 at QV Melbourne and didn't get an email.

      • +2

        'I think the list is wrong…'

        I don't think it is at all. Last year, the similarly (and selflessly) prepared list generated by Thyds was WAY more reliable/accurate/sensible/informative than anything actually supplied by Amex. I think it is much more likely that AMEX is changing their 'list' of participating merchants (and perhaps 'The Map') on the fly, as they receive information from shoppers/vendors/etc.

    • +5

      I have updated the spreadsheets (not htm or map).

      12,716 places have been removed
      17,940 places have been added

      • I noticed for example that Adriano Zumbo stores were removed from their site (and subsequently removed from your spreadsheet).
        But I can confirm that these stores still trigger a cashback.

        Should the two data sets maybe be merged?

    • Found one not on the list for amex-stores-nsw but exists on the map.

      Morris & Sons, they are in Sydney CBD and Melbourne CBD

      https://maps.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/name=MORRIS-&…

  • +6

    Hats off to AMEX. Most pleased.
    A $10 AMEX Shop Small credit just popped into my account two days ago (on Thursday 18 Oct 2017).
    I had thought I had only got 9 of the 10 credits from last year but didn't bother following it up as I was not sure I'd matched all the businesses correctly.
    Perhaps Shop Small have just done a system reconciliation in setting up for this year's Shop Small. Bonus. Thanks AMEX.

    • +1

      I was checking to see if the shop small this year is ready to register yet this morning and found the same thing!

      Not looking at it properly I thought I was charged $10 at a shop I didn't spend money on since last small shop and scratched my head trying to find out why I had that transaction LOL.

      Anyways thanks AMEX haha

    • Can you and @turd https://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/2272 recommend a few cards with a 0$ yearly fee that will work for this? I really need to get 2 or 3 more, I only have 1.

  • +4

    I wonder whether it will be a completely FREE meal if $20 was spent at Sushi Hub at QV (which is one of the shop small venues) as there is another AMEX offer running for spend $20 get $10 back valid until 4/11/17 so the dates will overlap. Are AMEX offers stackable anyone?

    • Wow good idea. logically should be stackable. however, we used up all credits!

    • In the past AMEX offers have been stackable, so chances are good. e.g. A HN offer stacked with Mobile Wallet offer last year.

    • quite possibly! It should stack! Please try it out!

    • Don't forget Entertainment Book voucher for an extra 25% off!

    • Are you sure Sushi Hub at QV is on the list? I can't seem to see it.

      • Sushi Hub, Shop K0001 QV Melbourne, is on the list. However I didn't get an email after eating there today.

        • I thought he's talking about QVB in Sydney lol

    • +1

      Based on my experience last year, AMEX offers stack up. I took advantage of the AMEX Marriott offer (spend $300, get $150 back). Paid for my hotel stay in November 2016 and, to my surprise, received a $10 credit on top of the $150 credit. Gotta love AMEX! I'll test your Sushi Hub suggestion this week and report back :)

    • How are you seeing Sushi Hub at QV?

    • zumbo (chatswood) is similar too! so potentially $20 and paying $5

    • after sushihub central purchased, got 2 separate email, one sushihub one shopsmall, nearly free dinner

      • Just purchased at Sushi Hub in QVB. Received the Sushi Hub email but no Shop Small email. When I search for Sushi Hub on the Amex map, only the one at 815-825 George Street shows up.

        • yes that is sushihub central (check hub website). shop small map may not be accurate, use the actual address to be sure.

    • Purchased $20 worth of sushi from Sushi Hub in Victoria. Got the e-mail for the Sushi Hub special but no e-mail for Shop Small.

      Will wait till next week to determine if the Shop Small credit comes through.

      • Can confirm the Sushi Hub offer does NOT stack (perhaps only in Vic). Only received one 10 dollars credit.

  • Keen as for this

  • don't forget…

  • Just looking at the map for the Shop Small and there are numbers or smaller dots for the businesses. Is there a difference?

  • Any Shop Small partners that do Metrocard top-ups?

    • Update: Rundle Street Convenience

      • Any surcharge? Got an address?

        • I'm yet to go and do it so will let you know if there is a surcharge.

          From AMEX Shop Small Map:

          RUNDLE STREET CONVENIENCE
          252 RUNDLE STREET , ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5000

          Tel: 0413 999 911

          Can see that it's a metrocard agent from here: http://goo.gl/maps/n80Yo

        • @realfancyman:

          Went there today. No surcharge, got the emails for all my cards.

        • @iscooljoey2: Great. My metrocard got like $5 left so I'll top it up soon

        • @realfancyman: Have you been to anywhere else in Adelaide that does Metrocard as part of shop small?

        • @iscooljoey2: No. I'm sure there are some, just go to the shop small website and check the shops against the Adelaide metro retailers map

        • @realfancyman: It's Convenient on Waymouth St was happy to do it, but bring matching ID if you're using more than 1 or 2 cards. No surcharge.

        • @iscooljoey2: And they're a Shop Small partner?

        • @realfancyman: yep got all the emails.

        • @iscooljoey2: Great

  • midnight tomorrow night

    • Ditto! I expected AMEX to be more accurate.

  • +1

    nothing happening…

  • +1

    From the Amex conditions looks like not active until 00:01 AWST, Western Australia time. A bit over two hours to wait

    • Too fast for me. Last time was AWST. Could not see time zone in t&c's for this offer though.

  • Enrolments Open.

    • For some reason it appeared on my Platinum card in online services but none of the others. Slowly opening perhaps?
      I could use manual enrolment but I'm at work and the majority of my Amex cards are at home in a drawer…

      • Got it online for all Amex cards (Velocity and Edge). Had to use manual link for Westpac Amex. Check online later or get onto it when you get home.

  • +1

    Yep. https://merchantgeo.secure.force.com/enroll/EnrollmentSitePa…

    Just sign up! one of our amex card strangely message mention it is Oops, already registered… no confirmation email yet all other cards do…

  • Enrolled all of our 4 cards successfully with confirmation emails..now to double dip with other ozbargin offers

  • Registered all 13 cards. November 1st is my Birthday too!!!

    • +5

      Happy birthday for tomorrow Mr Sydney property!

    • +1

      Only 13??? pfft

    • Serious? I thought the record was a dude with 8 cards on here……

      • +1

        There are definitely some with more. I'm on 27 and I've heard of someone with close to 40

        • I honestly didn't think there were that many Amex cards available in the country.
          You must have several of those on a yearly fee, rather than 0$ per year, surely?

          (I also kinda don't believe you, seriously?) take a pic - blur out some stuff.

          It must cost you in excess of $1000 a year in fees?

        • +4

          @hamwhisperer:

          So when I say 27 they are not necessarily:

          • In my name
          • Me as the primary cardholder

          The others who do this like me would we be well aware of how it works, but it's roughly like this.

          • Gather your family - those easily accessible to you, preferably those you have access to on a daily basis (in case anything goes wrong)
          • Get them on a primary AMEX card if eligible
          • Get as many supplementaries under those cards (free). Ideally, get them all in your name. If not possible (usually not allowed), then get it in the name of other family members
          • Repeat the process

          By doing this you can quite easily end up with a large number of AMEX cards.

          Yes, some of them have annual fees but I will only pay it if I feel there is value in it.

          Full breakdown of the primary cards I currently have access to:

          • AMEX Explorer
          • 2x AMEX Platinum Edge
          • AMEX Velocity Platinum
          • BMW AMEX
          • NAB Velocity Rewards Premium
          • NAB Qantas Rewards Premium
          • Westpac AMEX

          Yes, looks like the total annual fee is in excess of $1000 but as I said I would've only signed up if it made sense (i.e. there was a deal for it at the time or there is significant ongoing value).

        • +1

          Chiming in here with my experience too:

          As a primary cardholder, I have a Platinum Edge and an Explorer.

          My Plat Edge has 5 supplementaries (so I have 6 Plat Edges).
          My Explorer has 3 supplementaries (so I have 4 Explorers).
          That's 10 cards there.

          My partner has an Explorer, and has me a supplementary cardholder on her account.
          That's 2 more cards.

          So I'm currently on 12 cards between my partner and me, and we're planning on getting a few more supplementaries (3 primary cards so that's up to 15 total cards).

          Quite easy really, just do everything online, try and stay away from talking to/interacting with AmEx CSRs while doing this, let everything be done by the computer systems (so that you don't hit roadblocks like CSRs saying "you can't have a supplementary card in your own name", etc, etc, etc…).

        • @illumination:

          I thought you were only limited to hold 2 "direct" Amex accounts as your primary accounts. I can see you have at least 4 on your list, how did you manage to get so many?

        • @JLQC5899:

          I'm not the primary cardholder for all the cards.

          Sorry I do notice that I've bolded primary, but I meant "primary" as a synonym for "main". i.e. I attained 27 cards total from applying for supplementaries under those primary cards.

        • @illumination:

          Thanks for confirming :)

        • @illumination:

          Whats a BMW Amex. This is the first I've ever heard of it.

  • register now guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • -6

    Any Gift card I can get on this offer?!!!! SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!

    • +1

      Yes, an opal card with $20 credit.

    • I get $20 gift vouchers from lots of places including restaurants, a fishing tackle shop, and a coffee shop. What is it you wan to buy?

    • and why the hack i got -6 by asking this..

      • No idea, I voted you up, fair question TBH.

      • It's either the OTT exuberance or the SHOUTING or the inference that you're looking to get gift cards (like wish, CM) associated with shop big places, as opposed to shop small places. It's hard to tell really.

  • someone said cant top up opal (and myki)?

    • who said? I've been able to previously - and unless the newsagency state "no Amex for top-ups" we should be right.. no?

      • Try it on one AMEX and see if you get the email acknowledgement.

        • Newsagent 500 bourke street

      • +1

        Any participating newsagency in Melbourne CBD?

        EDIT: nvm. There's none

  • Registration now open.
    Just got in.

  • Thanks, Op

  • Thanks. Registered 4 cards.

  • Guys - my browser is telling me this is not a secure site, so entering your amex card into it, is it safe - it does not even hold the Amex domain

    • Try the link attached this topic, looked legit to me. And one of essential card equipped with this off itself.

  • +7

    Here is my Amex list for Amex Shop Small Melbourne and areas I personally congregate. This is not a fully comprehensive list and I just picked the places that I thought were potentially good for me. Please note that this information was taken from the Amex Shop Small website on 30 October 2017 and that there may be (and probably are) a few places which will NOT accept Amex despite being on the list.
    I'm going to post this up roughly suburb by suburb below this post to make it easier for people to find their local places as well as for editing purposes.

    • +11

      Melbourne CBD and Immediate Area

      Dining

      BOCATTA - 1/28 FRESHWATER PLACE , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      BOTTEGA RESTAURANT - 74 BOURKE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      BRESLIN - 2 SOUTHBANK BVD , MELBOURNE Victoria 3006
      Brioche by Philip - 500 LITTLE COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      CAFE BACI - 8 WHITEMAN STREET CROWN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX SHOP 21 , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      CAFENATICS - 13R FRESHWATER PLACE , SOUTHBANK 005 3000
      CERVO - CROWN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX SHOP 28 LEVEL 1 , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      COLLINS QUARTER - 86-88 COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      COMMERCIAL BAKERY - 360 LITTLE COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      COOKIE - 252 SWANSTON STREET LEVEL 1 , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      ELEMENTS CAFE - 120 COLLINS STREET VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      ENA GREEK ST FOOD - 9 SOUTHGATE SHOPP PREC SHOP MR4 , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      ETTO ST JAMES - 6/535 BOURKE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      EUROPEAN BIER CAFE - 120 EXHIBITION STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      FAMISH'D - 130 LITTLE COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      FATHER'S OFFICE - 249 LITTLE LONSDALE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      KOZPAT - CROWN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      MADAME BRUSSELS - 59-63 BOURKE STREET ABOVE SPAGHETTI TREE RESTAURANT! LEVEL 3 , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      MAMAK - 366 LONSDALE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      MAMASITA - 11 COLLINS STREET LEVEL 1 , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      MAN TONG KITCHEN - 8 WHITEMAN STREET , VIC 3006
      MASON DIXON AMERICAN SANDWICH BAR - 480 COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      MEATMAIDEN - 195 LITTLE COLLINS STREET BASEMENT , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      MR MASON - 530 COLLINS STREET ENTER VIA LITTLE COLLINS SHOP 10 , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      PURE SOUTH DINING - 3 SOUTHGATE AVENUE , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      RARE STEAKHOUSE - 12 GOLDIE PLACE , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      SARTI RESTAURANT & BAR - 6 RUSSELL PLACE , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      SEOULJA BOY RESTAURANT - 108 BOURKE STREET SHOP 9 , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      SHANGHAI DRAGON DUMPLING HOUSE - 163 RUSSELL STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      SIMPLY SPANISH - 555 BOURKE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      SPAGHETTI TREE - 59 BOURKE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      STALACTITES RESTAURANT - 177-183 LONSDALE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      SUD FOOD AND WINE - 219 KING STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      SUPPER INN CHINESE RESTAURANT - 15 CELESTIAL AVENUE , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      THE DECK RESTAURANT - UPPER LEVEL U1/2 SOUTHGATE , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      TRUNK BAR & RESTAURANT - 275 EXHIBITION STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      TUTTO BENE - SHOP M28 SOUTHGATE 3 SOUTHGATE AVENUE , SOUTHBANK VICTORIA 3006
      WAGAYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT - 200 BOURKE STREET SHP 201MIDCITY AR , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      Dry Cleaning

      RUGGLES DRY CLEANERS ON COLLINS - 600 COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      Entertainment

      HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE - 219 EXHIBITION STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA - 180 ST KILDA ROAD , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3004
      PRINCESS THEATRE - LEVEL 13 1 COLLIN ST , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      Grocery

      TANG THE ASIAN FOOD EMPORIUM - 185 RUSSELL STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      Health

      EYES ON COLLINS St - 600 COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      Meat

      AMOTT QUALITY MEATS - STORE 38 CRN ELIZABETH VICTORIA ST , MELBOURNE VIC 3001
      PRIMO VIC QUALITY MEATS - SHOP 6 QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET , MELBOURNE VIC 3000
      RALPH'S MEATS - SHOP 8-9 SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET 116 CECIL STREET , SOUTH MELBOURNE VIC 3205

      Pharmacy

      MELBOURNE CENTRAL PHARMACY - SHOP 152 211 LATROBE STREET , MELBOURNE VIC 3000
      QV PHARMACY - 210 LONSDALE STREET QV BUILDING , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      Shopping

      AUSKI - 9-11 HARDWARE LANE , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      PEN CITY - 215 ELIZABETH STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      Sweets

      ADRIANO ZUMBO PATISSIER - LEVEL 1 EMPORIUM MELBOURNE 287 LONSDALE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      DOUGHBOYS DOUGHNUTS - 535 BOURKE STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      KOKO BLACK - 52 COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      LAURENT BOULANGERIE PATISSERIE - 306 LITTLE COLLINS STREET , MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
      THE PANCAKE PARLOUR BOURKE ST MALL - BOURKE STREET MALL 283-297 BOURKE STREET SHOP B7, MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

      • thanks, Daniel. Got to get some good meat from PRIMO VIC QUALITY MEATS

    • +3

      Chadstone Area

      Dining

      BOUCHEE CAFE - SHOP K11 CHADSTONE SC 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      CAFE SAPORE - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      FONDA - TENANCY 1 - 003 , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      HANGAR CAFE - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE SHOP 265 , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      HUNGRY JACK'S - SHOP 349 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG RD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      LAURENT BOULANGERIE PATISSERIE - SHOP 129 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG RD , CHADSTONE VIC 3148
      LITTLE SPARROW MELBOURNE - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE SHOP 142 , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      MERCHANT - SHOP 356 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      MEZZ FOOD AND WINE - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD SHOP 1007 , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      MR PILGRIM - SHOP FO39 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG RD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      NEW SHANGHAI - SHOP 1-005 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      ORIENTAL TEAHOUSE - SHOP 015 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      PRESSED JUICES - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD SHOP B-116 CHADSTON SHOPPING CENTRE , CHADSTON 005 3148
      SAUCED PASTA BAR - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD SHOP NO B-345 , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      WOODSTOCK PIZZICHERIA - B CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE SHOP 1-002 , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148

      Shopping

      KING OF KNIVES - SHOP F012 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VIC 3148
      MELBOURNE PEN DEPOT - SHOP 363 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG RD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      THE AFL STORE - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD SHOP B 143 CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      UNDER ARMOUR - SHOP B-201 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148

      Sweets

      DURIAN YIPIN - K0077 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      JOY CUPCAKES - SHOP K081 CHADSTONE SC 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      KOKO BLACK - SHOP B118 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG ROAD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148
      SWEET AS - SHOP F009 CHADSTONE S/C 1341 DANDENONG RD , CHADSTONE VICTORIA 3148

    • +2

      Camberwell Area

      Alcohol

      DIVINO CELLARS - 526 CAMBERWELL ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

      Dining

      BAO & BUN CAFE & TAKEAWAY - 770 RIVERSDALE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      BLOCK 7 KITCHEN - 726 RIVERSDALE ROAD VICTORIA 3124 AUSTRALIA , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      CAMBERWELL CHARCOAL CHICKEN - 541 RIVERSDALE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      CAMBERWELL CURRY HOUSE - 509 RIVERSDALE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      CUCINA ORSINI - 205 CAMBERWELL ROAD , HAWTHORN EAST VICTORIA 3123
      FIORELLI RESTAURANT - 209 CAMBERWELL ROAD , HAWTHORN EAST VICTORIA 3123
      JASPER COFFEE CHADSTONE - 1341 DANDENONG ROAD SHOP 310 , MALVERN EAST VICTORIA 3145
      MISS KOREA KITCHEN - 845 BURKE RD , CAMBERWELL VIC 3124
      MONK & ME - 9 EVANS PLACE , HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3123
      SAUCED PASTA BAR - 1341 DANDENONG STREET , MALVERN EAST VICTORIA 3145
      XUN LIU - 615 CAMBERWELL ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

      Dry Cleaning

      DYNAMIC DRYCLEANERS - 688 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      THE BUTLER DRY CLEANERS - 180 CAMBERWELL ROAD , HAWTHORN EAST VICTORIA 3123

      Grocery

      CAMPBERWELL MARKET FRUIT - 519 RIVERSDALE ROAD SHOP 12 , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

      Hardware

      PAGE SECURITY DOORS - 390 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

      Health

      CAMBERWELL JUNCTION DENTAL - LVL 1/2 PROSPECT HILL ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      GREAT EARTH SUPER DISCOUNT HEALTH SHOPS - 497 RIVERSDALE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      GREAT HEALTH FOOD STORES - 795 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      TOORAK ROAD VET CLINIC - 964 TOORAK ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

      Meat

      BELMORE MEATS - 706 GLENFERRIE ROAD , HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122
      BURWOOD VILLAGE GOURMET MEATS - 1371 TOORAK ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      CAMBERWELL MARKET POULTRY - 519 525 RIVERSDALE ROAD CAMBERWELL MARKET SHOP 3 , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      CAMBMEAT - 519 RIVERSDALE ROAD SHOP 13 , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      GLENFERRIE GOURMET MEATS - 720 GLENFERRIE ROAD , HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122
      LENS QUALITY MEATS - 469 TOORONGA ROAD , HAWTHORN EAST VICTORIA 3123
      LENS QUALITY MEATS - SHOP 1 , MALVERN VICTORIA 3144

      Music

      MUSIC JUNCTION - 204 CAMBERWELL ROAD , HAWTHORN EAST VICTORIA 3123

      Newsagency

      CAMBERWELL LOTTO & NEWS - 741 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      CAMBERWELL NEWSAGENCY - 628 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

      Pharmacy

      CAMBERWELL DISCOUNT DRUGSTORE - 660 BURKE ROAD SHOP 2 , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      CAMBERWELL PHARMACY - 622-624 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

      Sweets

      CHOCLATTE - 827 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      HAHNDORF'S FINE CHOCOLATES - 99 CAMBERWELL ROAD , HAWTHORN EAST VICTORIA 3123
      LAURENT BOULANGERIE PATISSERIE - 610 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124
      THE CHOCOLATE BOX - 761 BURKE ROAD , CAMBERWELL VICTORIA 3124

    • +3

      Doncaster Area

      Dining

      BUN VIETNAMESE - SHOP G201 WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      DUMPLING KING CHINESE RESTAURANT - 572 STATION STREET , BOX HILL VICTORIA 3128
      DUMPLING KING CHINESE RESTAURANT - 572 STATION STREET , BOX HILL VICTORIA 3128
      FISH AND GRILL - SHOP G216A WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      GYOZA GYOZA - DONCASTER ROAD & WILLIAMSO SHOP 1008 , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      SECRET KITCHEN - SHOP 2003 WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER RD , DONCASTER VIC 3108
      THE PANCAKE PARLOUR - 550 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108

      Dry Cleaning

      DAISY DRY CLEANING - 617 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108

      Grocery

      BOX HILL ASIAN FOOD CENTRE - 562 STATION STREET , BOX HILL VICTORIA 3128
      WHITEHORSE HU HUI ASEAN GROCERY - BOX HILL CENTRAL NORTH 17 MARKET ST , BOX HILL VIC 3128
      WHITEHORSE HU HUI ASEAN GROCERY - BOX HILL CENTRAL NORTH 17 MARKET ST , BOX HILL VIC 3128

      Meat

      GOURMET MEATS ON BRIDGE - 399 WHITEHORSE ROAD , BALWYN VICTORIA 3103
      KERRIMUIR QUALITY MEATS - 521 MIDDLEBOROUGH ROAD , BOX HILL NORTH VICTORIA 3129
      LAGANA QUALITY MEATS - 119 THOMPSONS ROAD , BULLEEN VICTORIA 3105

      Pharmacy

      WHITEHORSE PHARMACY - 810 WHITEHORSE ROAD , BOX HILL VICTORIA 3128

      Shopping

      DARK RYE - SHOP 218A WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      TAFTS THE PEN PEOPLE - 619 DONCASTER ROAD SHOP 242 , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      THE AFL STORE - 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108

      Sweets

      ADRIANO ZUMBO PATISSIER - LEVEL 1 WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER RD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      JOY CUPCAKES - KIOSK K102 WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      KOKO BLACK - SHOP 1086 WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      LAURENT BOULANGERIE PATISSERIE - SHOP T1087 WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      SWEET AS - SHOP 1120 WESTFIELD DONCASTER 619 DONCASTER ROAD , DONCASTER VICTORIA 3108
      SWEET AS - SHOP 30 BOX HILL CENTRAL 1 MAIN ST , BOX HILL VICTORIA 3128

    • Geelong Area

      Dining

      ARANI Thai Restaurant - 136 MALOP STREET VICTORIA 3220 AUSTRALIA , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      DENNY'S KITCHEN - 26 MOORABOOL STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      EDGE - 6-8 EASTERN BEACH ROAD , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      GET BURGERED - 3/6 EASTERN BEACH ROAD , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      LA PORCHETTA - 29/31 MALOP STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      LE PARISIEN FRENCH RESTAURANT - 15 EASTERN BEACH ROAD , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      MEI LING CHINESE RESTAURANT - 169 MALOP STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      NEO CAFE RESTAURANT - 119 LITTLE MALOP STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      PANACHE CAFE & CREPERIE - F7 7 LVL 1 MARKET SQUARE SC , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      SAILORS REST TAVERN & RESTAURANT - 3 MOORABOOL STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      SPANISH BLACK BULL TAPAS - 48 MOORABOOL STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      SPORTING GLOBE BAR AND GRILL - 175-177 RYRIE STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      WHARF SHED CAFE - 15 EASTERN BEACH ROAD , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220
      YANG JI DUMPLING - 4 MUNDY STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220

      Grocery

      PAKO CONVENIENCE STORE - 96 PAKINGTON STREET SHOP 3 , GEELONG WEST VICTORIA 3218

      Pharmacy

      GEELONG SOUL PATTINSON - 148 MYERS STREET , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220

      Sweets

      WENDYS SUPA SUNDAYS - KIOSK 1 MARKET SQUARE , GEELONG VICTORIA 3220

      • Thanks for doing the list!!!

    • Daylesford Area

      Dining

      86MANE - 86 MAIN ROAD , HEPBURN SPRINGS VICTORIA 3461
      BELVEDERE SOCIAL - 82B VINCENT STREET , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      BOATHOUSE - 2 LEGGATT STREET , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      DAYLESFORD ROYAL HOTEL - 27 VINCENT STREET VICTORIA 3460 AUSTRALIA , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      HIMALAYA BAKERY AND CAFE - 73 VINCENT STREET , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      KAZUKI'S AT THE RAGLAN - 1 CAMP STREET , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      LAKE HOUSE - 4 KING STREET VICTORIA 3460 AUSTRALIA , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      MERCATO - 32 RAGLAN STREET , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      PERFECT DROP - 5 HOWE STREET , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      THE EMPRESS & WOLF - 35 VINCENT STREET , DAYLESFORD VICTORIA 3460
      THE GRANDE HOTEL - 1-3 CHURCH , HEPBURN SPRINGS VICTORIA 3461

      Health

      ACQUA VIVA DAY SPA - 5 TENTH STREET , HEPBURN SPRINGS VICTORIA 3461
      DAYLESFORD AND HEPBURN BOOK YOUR BREAK - 2 PARK AVENUE , HEPBURN SPRINGS VICTORIA 3461

      • FYI. Boathouse no longer accepts Amex (it did last May according to my records) and the Lake House restaurant, even though they accept Amex and my receipt said it was from the Lake House, the electronic transaction was processed as Wombat Hill House on my CBA online account so no Amex shop small message nor credit for me unless I bother to email Amex and complain.

    • Other areas (as I could not be bothered separating them out)

      Dining

      PappaRich Nunawading - SHOP T56 BRAND SMART 288 WHITEHORSE ROAD , NUNAWADING VICTORIA 3131

      Meat

      IAN'S QUALITY MEATS - PRAHRAN MARKET U 507 , SOUTH YARRA VIC 3141

    • +2

      Thanks Daniel. This is really helpful. Cheers

    • Thanks a lot. Do you know which ones have Myki topups

      • Sorry not sure but I would think that you could go to a newsagency and maybe purchased a newspaper as well as a Myki top-up and put it on the Amex card. Might get around the usual objections about no CC for Myki/Opal I tend to hear.

  • +1

    Two major reasons that AMEX is awesome:
    * Free supp cards
    * Shop small
    There's many plenty so many more, but damn, they really make a case for people to want to hold their cards.

    • +1

      but one super duper main crucial major disadvantage: shops doesnt like amex because they pay higher compare to visa.

      • +2

        Times are changing, so many places accept AMEX now since they've significantly dropped fees.

        • +1

          I just hope that they don't devalue their rewards program to recoup the lost money from these reduced fees, as that would be a sad day indeed.

        • @MathNerd: I don't see it happening, I think AMEX are just taking advantage of the current market where the rewards programs from banks have all been reduced and AMEX doesn't have the same restrictions.

        • +1

          @CLoSeR: So they're still able to make money from paying airlines for FF points when people want to convert MR points to FF points? I'm not too privy on the details of their business model but it's awesome if they're still able to make considerable profit even though they're reducing fees for merchants to make it more tempting to accept the card. Wow, I love these guys more and more every day!

        • @MathNerd:
          They already took away the free flight on the Platinum Edge and replaced it with the crappy travel credit.

        • @mathnerd:
          Why is it crappy? I thought it was better as now I can use the credit on an international flight that I wanted anyways instead of a domestic flight for the sake of it. Have I missed any snags with the new credit offering?

        • @boab88:
          The $200 credit is worth significantly less than the flight was (coming from Perth) and having to book through Amex Travel means it's hard to find good value.

          I tried to use it for a family trip to Thailand. International flights were an extra $106 booked through Amex compared with Expedia. 5 nights at a Holiday Inn was an extra $439 vs booking direct with the hotel. Domestic flights were an extra $294. These numbers don't include the cashback from Cash Rewards.

        • @StevePER: Yeah, unless you're getting it for $149 (through an association), the $200 travel credit is not value for money. It's marginal value to keep it at $149, but the bonus points and supermarkets and servos (which can be converted to Krisflyer at 1:1), as well as the numerous Amex offers available, make it good value.

  • +1

    Registered many cards.

  • Page is down?
    "System currently unavailable or Please check the URL and try again"

  • -4

    The website is weird, how do you register the card number with only 3 input boxes?

  • This time not valid for DJ amex.

    • +1

      I have successfully registered my DJ Amex

      • I will try using website instead of amex app again. Thanks

  • +1

    4x cards loaded and ready to go :)

  • is the map working for anyone else?

    • works for me in firefox. didn't work in chrome.

    • Worked for me on IE but not Firefox last night (30 Oct).

    • Works for me in chrome, windows 10

  • I heard in the past a $19.99 spend triggered the SS rebate. Anyone know if this was still the case during the last SS?

    • +5

      I personally wouldn't risk it. 1 cent for a more than likely missed $10? Not a gamble I would hedge on.
      But hey, I'm not an analyst at Westpac who has $80k to splash on high yield investments of premium cars, so I really can't talk in these matters.

    • +1

      The shop probably rounded it up to 20 in the machine. I wouldn't risk it.

    • +1

      When chasing other AmEx credits, I was told twice in the last fortnight "computer says no" when I asked the cashier to make it a round $20 or $40 and was forced to buy gum or something.

      • +2

        Depends: if the eftpos terminal is linked to the POS then no, but some small shops don't have this and they have to manually enter the amount in.

  • Myki?

  • I've been waiting so long for this!

    • +5

      Let me guess…. about 11 months?

  • just registered my plat edge, thx OP :)

    I am surprised there are any spots left, with some many people seems to have 50 AMEX cards each………. (not just here, also on AFF and other forums as well)

    • many people seems to have 50 AMEX cards each

      Shit, that's nuts… But I guess where there's a will there is a way

      • ok 50 is slightly exaggerated :) but it is not unheard of in AFF forum where people claim to have 15+ cards, and the same for their partner, so that is up to 30 per household……..

        • I just registered 19 between myself and my wife. Based on those numbers we're not even trying.

        • @jasonb: Haha likewise. Thought I was doing well with 12 cards, but yeah, it's worse than not even trying :P

        • @MathNerd:

          you guys are nuts :)

          I only have one AMEX card and CBF'ed applying for anymore…….

  • +2

    It feels like Christmas morning!

  • +3

    Does it stack with zumbo spend $10 get $5 back since expiry for that is 4/11…

    • +1

      Yeah it should :) So spend 20 bucks there, get 10 bucks back from Shop Small and another 5 bucks from Zumbo offer :)
      WINNING!

      • +1

        Or Spend $20 + $10 and get $10, $5 and $5 back. You can use the Zumbo offer twice.

        • That's smart. Awesome work!

  • +12

    lol I'm an idiot. Just managed to top up Myki card 4x times which I was very pleased about, just to realise we're still in OCTOBER!!! Feel a but stupid.

    • hehe! Sounds like something that I would do.

    • -1

      Its active today from 31st oct…

      • +4

        Only starts from 1 November this year (31 October last year).

        "Save the offer to your eligible Card between 31 October 2017 and 30 November 2017. Limited to the first 100,000 Cards to save the offer. Spend $20 or more on that eligible Card in one transaction, in-store only at participating small businesses listed on maps.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small between 1 November 2017 and 30 November 2017 to receive a $10 credit"

        • Oops…. should have read more closely.

    • There there, have a +1

    • can i ask which newsagency you topped it at?

    • Where?

    • Where was this gimme? Would really appreciate knowing where myki can be topped up, it's a bit sparse compared to Sydney Opal topups :P

  • I don't really buy much besides groceries and fuel. Besides Opal, what's the best way to take advantage of this (besides of course spending where you would normally anyway)?

    • +2

      Lots of bottle shops in my area listed. I go to their specials catalogue (As they usually belong to a buying group) and look for deals 2 bottles of wine for around the $20 mark. That way I can often score an average of a $15 bottle for around $5.

      • You just gave me a great idea! Maybe I should pick up some bottles of wine as a housewarming gift.

        • You could also buy a gift card or 2 to a cafe or restaurant as a present.

        • @anna10:

          Gift cards always feel weird to me since rationally it's strictly worse than giving money.

          But you're right, one of the most fun meals I've had was when I was given a gift card to a higher end restaurant than I would ever visit if I had to pay for it myself. :)

    • +2

      quite a few restaurants/pubs/cafes are listed in my area, maybe treat yourself to a nice feed? :)

      • True true, at least it's not going to waste. Well I guess it is after a day or so but you get my point.

    • +2

      newsagents, chemists, and gift stores could be a potential source for dept. store/chain store gift cards.

      • That's another good idea. I will do another browse of the database.

  • +3

    Perfect timing as I needed a massage. My physio charges $85 for 1 hour remedial massage. Minus health insurance (65% refund) + $10 brings it down to $19.75 for a 1hr physio massage. Good thing about going to physio for a massage is that they take from the physio limit not the remedial/acupuncture limit :)

    • Mate can you please message me this Phsio details. I have got lots of limit left on Physio but exhausted massage limit so might get a remedial massage from them as well.

      • +1

        Haven't been for 6 months so not sure if they've changed prices or people. Ask to make a booking with Jules here

        • Thanks Mate. that is not too far from home so might book an appointment for this weekend, also will dig around if I can find some physio in CBD who does it so can go there in weekdays at lunchtime or after work

        • +1

          @lokesh7:
          I go to cityphysio
          They’re located in the mlc building
          Ask for Nicola
          https://maps.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/name=CITY-PHY…

        • @Heybargain: Thanks Mate for recommendation. I actually booked an appointment with these guys yesterday for tomorrow and was going to report back here after my appointment so that I know for sure they use the physio limit. Hopefully i get Nicola otherwise i would be sure to ask for her next time

        • +1

          @Heybargain: Had an appointment with Nicola and can confirm she is awesome

  • Looks like the participating Small Business map link not working!

    • +1

      It's working!

    • Try a different browser. Chrome wasn't working for me

  • +1

    I'm surprised but pleased this hasn't been negged for "only having 5 times" to get the credit this time as opposed to 10.

    • +2

      Yeah, I think the community here is still appreciative of the money-saving incentive by AmEx, whatever little it is, because it does go a long way :)

    • +1

      It is a bit of a relief for me. If it were 10 x 4 cards I would have to fulfil my OZB membership commitment and do 40 transactions :( 20 is much easier! hehe!

    • +1

      Good thing I have twice as many cards now than I did last year.

  • Is there a map for topping up Opal in Sydney this year please?

  • Dumb question here.

    I look at the map. Are the shops without bubble numbered (just small blue dot) included in this promotion?

    Thanks all

    • Yes. Zoom in, and hover your mouse over the dot. Also look at the list on the left hand side, as I think that it lists all of the shops in your viewing window at any one time.

    • See the last FAQ for tips on using the map.

      • Thanks for the FQA link.

  • No Shop Small offer on my Gold. Have I missed the bus before it arrived?

    • +1

      Register for it manually.

    • +1

      I rang up and they directed me to shopsmallaustralia.com… and it worked…yew!

    • Gold?

      • Amex gold. After 11 months I closed my plat edge and they offered me a gold card with no annual fee for life so I could keep my points as long as I want for Kris flyer, Asia miles, velocity etc (versatile).No real perks on the gold though.

        • Oh I see, I have a feeling that might be the same Gold card AMEX offers to members of some professional organisations…

        • @KaptnKaos: that's the one. CPA.

  • does anyone know if Westpac gold card will get credits ? I registered it ok with out a problem but on the amex website It only lists premium cards like the black cards.

    • Unless you received an email confirmation that you have registered, then I would say that it is a BIG risk.

      • i registered a non premium bank amex card ok . i got email "your Offer is ready. Shop and get back up to $50" so i think it should work. has anyone gotten a confirmation email on a purchase or credit applied to account using a non premium bank amex card please report here?

        • +2

          I registered my bank Amex too.
          I can't see any chance it not been accepted if it's been registered

    • -3

      Bank issued Amex cc do not normally get these good deals. (this is a reply to the post above @coolsteps :)

  • -1

    YAY!

  • Is spending $20 each at KFC at two different stores considered as two spends to get $20 back? Noted I just simply make up KFC as the store for the question.

    • +2

      Each store is a different POS as far as Shop Small is concerned.

      So if you were to (say) spend $20 at KFC Melbourne and $20 at KFC Sydney, where both individual stores were Shop Small eligible, then yes you would receive two $10 credits (one for each purchase).

      • So if I spend $20 at KFC Melbourne today and $20 at the same shop tomorrow, I can only get $10 back. Is that correct?

        EDIT: nvm. 51ngh below answered my question

        • +1

          Yes, one credit per POS.

    • FYI. Just to clarify, are you implying that KFC is part of shopsmall?

      • I would like to know this too.
        I can't find it on my local KFC or Melbourne city kfc

      • +2

        Noted I just simply make up KFC as the store for the question

        I don't think any KFCs would be "small" enough to be considered as part of Shop Small!

        • Maybe not KFC, but you'd be surprised…

          A Hungry Jack's store in Melbourne is on the list.

        • @KaptnKaos: Wow that's interesting. Maybe their AmEx turnover classifies it into a "small" shop.

        • @MathNerd: merchant facility may also be in the name of the franchisee, not HJs/KFC proper? I can see a single store putting less than $1.3m/year through on Amex easily.

        • @jasonb: That's true. If their POS is registered under their franchisee PTY LTD or franchisee trust etc, rather than under head office, then it is certainly possible they're turning over less than the $1.3 million a year.

        • +1

          @MathNerd: that $1.3m is specifically on Amex too.

        • In the past Daiso had participated in a few Shop Smalls. Muji was down for one.

  • Just confirming from the T & Cs In case I've misinterpreted.

    So each card Max is 5 credits total.
    But only one per business.

    • +2

      correct

  • Up to 20+ AMEX cards…
    1st Nov now… Let's go…

    • How is that possible may I ask? Isn't the limit 4 supplementary cards?

      • +2

        If you have 3 primary cards, so you have 43=12 supplementary cards.
        If your partner has 2 cards, so you have 4
        2=8 supplementary cards.
        If you're as your brother's supplementary cards, extra 1 more card, etc…
        If you're as your sister's supplementary cards, extra 1 more card, etc…

  • -2

    Topped up opal no surcharge. Woot!

    • Where did you get the top up from?

    • +4

      Now to buy all the Sydney property with the cashbacks!

    • when do u top up from?

    • yes where mate

    • +4

      Are there any real estate agents that are part of small shop? Half price Sydney property if you have enough cards.

    • can you share where please?

  • I accidentally tapped my amex card twice when topping up my myki! I guess it's not that big of an issue since I have to use public transportation anyway.

    • That doesn't make sense… tapping your card twice should make no difference as the transaction would only accept the first valid tap.

      • I know. It’s just that I don’t get to take advantage of the offer twice.

  • -7

    Any ideas in terms of gift cards?

  • Chatswood Nextra (Westfield) is not in the list anymore - has anyone got credit from there successfully this time around?

    • +2

      If it's not on the list this time around, should we be expecting a credit…??

    • Nextra Chatswood Chase is on the list this time. Last time it wasn't. Will check to see if they do Opal top-up.

      • +1

        They do with 2% surcharge. I am going now there on my lunch break, I called them previously.

        • +4

          Used 6 different cards, they accept with 40 cents surcharge per 20 dollars Opal top up.

        • @noskich: did you receive email confirms after purchase? nextra only shows up through a text search. otherwise it doesn't appear on the map or listing for an area even when fully zoomed in.

        • +2

          @tveye:
          Yes, I got all 6 emails straight away.

        • But the owner was not very happy when doing this for me. I suggest you guys should better do it during off-peak hours.

        • @andylch: Owner is now implementing a 1 AMEX per customer policy. He whinged to me that people have been coming in with 6 or 7 AMEX cards. I asked him why he would turn down the business and he had no answer. Still the 2% surcharge but he has preprinted signs stuck to the desk (Visa/MC 1%, AMEX 2%) outlining this so hopefully he doesn't change this on the run.

        • @SydneySwan:

          Maybe owner is grumpy cos they missed out on registration of their Amex cards

        • +1

          @tveye:

          '… nextra only shows up through a text search. otherwise it doesn't appear on the map or listing for an area even when fully zoomed in.'

          LOL, so 'The Map' is the same as it ever was then…

        • @andylch: The old asian guy? I think that's just the way he appears most of the time.

        • Yes he is an old guy who was in charge of the counter, but I could not recall he is an Asian or not.

        • @noskich: Did you use Paypass / apple pay or physical card.. I dont have all physical cards on me - only have them on apple pay..

        • +1

          @tghtarse:

          I used physical cards.

      • Nextra Opal machine not working today - seemed pretty genuine but who can tell?

  • +1

    B&J newsagency 187 Thomas St, amex not accepted.

    • which suburb?

      • Haymarket

        • Sad.
          How about Pitt st city convenience and broadway city convenience? guess you're close to these

        • @alanyang:
          Haven't tried those yet

    • I distinctly remember they accepted it last year. Wonder why they opt out this time

  • any one try android or samsung pay and did it qualify for the credits?

    • Yes, as long as the merchant's machine allows the payment, it qualifies for shop small.

      See this comment from @jasonb for all the juicy detail reasoning behind why :)

      • You're welcome :-)

    • yes got email straight away

    • Can also say yes to that; just had dinner at Eastbank at Circular Quay, paid with Android Pay and got the e-mail immediately.

  • Have non-direct issue cards always been included? I always thought Shop Small was only available for direct issue cards. Anyway, I registered my Westpac Amex successfully :)

    Section B of the T&Cs says:

    Cards issued by American Express Australia Limited or by the following licensed network partners:
    - Commonwealth Bank of Australia;
    - National Australia Bank Limited; or
    - Westpac Banking Corporation;

    • Yes, no problem using bank issued in the past. You just have to register them manually.

  • +4

    Oxford St Newsagent and Oxford St 888 tobacconist charge 20c surcharge and they are OK with multiple cards.

    Wu's pharmacy George St has 60c surcharge and OK with multiple cards as well.

    • +2

      Thanks. These guys have always been a good choice since the first Shop small till now. Too bad Connaught convenience store on Oxford Street is gone.
      Did you get the email confirmations straight away?

    • +2

      I didn't get an email at Wu's pharmacy - and just noticed it is not on the Amex map anymore.

      • -4

        Yes you're right. Double checked it and no email from Wu. But I'm not worried about the map. I'm sure we'll get it one way or another.

        • +3

          You should not have said you got the emails straight away than and lead people on to possibly don't get anything.
          The only reason I went there was your confirmation.

        • +1

          @noskich: True that, very misleading, almost wasted money, negged,

        • +2

          @alanyang:

          I did waste because I have Woolworths gift cards I get 5% off from Opal, Woolworths staff 5% off and also 0.60 cents lost per card for recharge, had 6 cards. Altogether I lost 15 dollars for nothing. So can't believe anyone and have to check everything three times.

        • +1

          @noskich:

          Just to confirm that Wu's pharmacy is most likely not included in Shop small this year. I already got cashback from two other shops where I went a few days after Wu's pharmacy while for Wu's I got neither emails or cashback. Please take it off the list.

    • +1

      I don't think Oxford St Newsagent is on the map anymore..

      Did you receive the email for that store this year?

      • wonder the same

  • +1

    The map is a shambles. I can't check which business are involved this year

  • You guys getting emails from Amex after spending $20 at a listed small business?

    I didn't get one. They are on the list and last year I received emails.

    • Did you PayPass or insert and pin? I find that insert and pin has a higher chance of getting 'pinged' on the amex systems.

      (People in the know, is there a difference in how PayPass purchases are sent to the interchange networks compared to swipe or insert and pin)?

      • Yes it was insert and pin at a chemist.

      • +1

        Low value contactless transactions are sometimes (varying wildly on a lot of factors) stored to be processed later rather than authorised immediately.

        • Haha thanks mate. Are you by any chance jaseb on Whirlpool?

        • +1

          @MathNerd: I've been outed!

        • @jasonb: Haha I lurk on the Finance forums quite a lot and love your informative posts. Keep it up mate!

      • +1

        Based on my experience, last year 90% of my purchases were paypass, got all emails immediately. This year during the vogue promo if I remember correctly, I never got any emails. But a couple days later, got the cash back. My advice to OP is wait a few days and keep the receipt.

  • +7

    City Mart (Now Allied Mart) 389 Pitt Street - 1.5% surcharge
    Millenium (289 Sussex Street - $1 per card surcharge
    Darling Park (201 Sussex Street) - 2.5% surcharge
    City Essential (171 Clarence Street) - $2 per card surcharge

    • +2

      City Essential (171 Clarence Street) - $2 per card surcharge

      $2 per card? That's 10% surcharge on a $20 purchase! Daylight robbery!!

      I wonder what the ACCC has to say about this excessive surcharging, surely it doesn't cost that much to process a card transaction

      • Excessive surcharge doesn't apply to Amex issued amex, only bank issued Amex

        • So if we complain to ACCC they'll just say "sorry the new rules don't apply to AmEx proprietary cards, sorry we can't help you"?

        • So do one on a bank issued then complain.

          Or not.

        • ACCC ban on excessive surcharges has nothing to do with the form of payment used. Rules apply to every shop in the country.

        • +1

          @Jaymuz:

          Actually the regulations don't apply where there's no interchange system. So Amex issued Amex (as opposed to bank issued Amex) where there's not a separate paying and acquiring bank aren't covered.

          That's theoretical though. Good luck to any store who tries to differentiate between bank issued and Amex direct issued Amex cards.

        • @jasonb:

          You’re mixing up 2 different regulations. There’s interchange regs that don’t apply to amex issued Amex cards, but the surcharge rules apply to alll businesses

        • @Jaymuz:
          Unfortunately (and for some unknown reason, because it's ridiculous not to cover everything), the surcharge rules don't apply to Amex direct issued cards.

          Those payment types that are not covered by the ban include: BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club cards, American Express cards issued directly by American Express, cash and cheques.

          https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/prices-surcharges-receipts…

          Like I said though, that's the case in theory. In practice, no business is going to try and differentiate between bank issued and Amex issued.

        • @jasonb:

          Interesting, my mistake then. I guess then you’re right, no business is going to try to differentiate between various types of Amex

      • tried to complain to AMEX, they simply were not interested

        • Wow really? I've always had at least a compassionate ear to talk to. Maybe just a CSR having a bad day?

        • Complained to amex about a store doing something potentially against the law. Not sure exactly what amex can do… the whole reason the airlines changed their fixed $ surcharges were because it’s against the law.

    • King of the Pack (888 Wholly Tobacconist) Shop 26/ 61 Oxford St Sydney - still 1% surcharge
      City Convenience 136 Castlereagh St Sydney - 2.5% surcharge

      could anything above 3% be illegal now?

      • I guess it depends on how much it costs to process for a business. If a business was mostly small transaction based, the % might be higher to cover the fixed-base fee.

    • whereabouts is Allied Mart? 389 Pitt st seems to be Rydges hotel? Also it doesn't show up on this year's map

      • +1

        Its the corner of Liverpool and Pitt st, the old City Mart - now renamed to Allied Mart. Its showing up on the map under their old name.

        Its 379 Pitt - sorry! typo

    • Darling Park (201 Sussex Street) - 2.5% surcharge

      This place only accepts AMEX where you have the physical card :( i tried to pay with my apple watch and they rejected it!

      • +3

        They must be still be using the Suncorp terminals where it's insert card only.

        • +1

          Yeah, they were using suncorp terminals.

    • City Essential was 50c today

  • Is it the same participants as last year?

    Anyone have the link to the database table? I don't like the map view. It only shows 10 things at a time.

  • +1

    Used it 5 times today,
    received emails within a minute or even seconds

    A warning to those using amcal chemists

    the cream I was looking for was $17.99 at amcal
    $11.99 at woolworths
    and $10 at Kmart,

    Struggled to spend $20 at amcal

    • Stock up on toothpaste.

      I'll need to get a bit more than last year this time around, last year's shop small haul only lasted me until August.

    • I'm stocking up on household essentials at Amcal. Last year, i bought Quilton for $2.50 a pack

    • Amcal is a waste of Shop Small if buying items at regular prices. Even their specials can be everyday prices for discount chemists.

      There are several chains of discount chemists participating in Shop Small. Most of them are franchises so you can hit several stores. Personally, I'm waiting to see if Cincotta release a catalogue this month. Last Shop Small they were selling Claratyne 60 tabs for $20.

      • I in Vic but can't seem to find any franchise chemist's in the list.
        They all seem independant

  • I rego’d DJs AMEX and got a confirmation, spent at a nominated business today, but no email confirmation or refund showing. Anyone else tried a DJs AMEX card yet?

    • +1

      Email confirmations are flaky at best.

      You won't see the credit until the day after the transaction posts. Which won't have happened yet (it will still be pending in your online services/app) if you made the purchase today.

    • In my experience with statement credits.
      Yes different to shop small
      But they generally email. Instantly.

      That's been my experience
      Ezcept for the dimmi ones. Which took days

    • Yes; paid for my dinner tonight with my DJs AMEX on Android Pay and got the e-mail confirmation immediately.

  • CITY CONVENIENCE STORE 173-179 BROADWAY , ULTIMO; Opal top up cash only not accepting Amex. I told the owner "you're losing business big time" Anyone knows how much commission they get from opal top up?

    • +4

      But why challenge the owner? just walk away peacefully and report to amex if bothered. challenge them make them even more arrogant in result, unless your case is really bad that they piss you off too much

    • +2

      Very small, apparently:
      https://www.newsagencyblog.com.au/2016/08/26/news-corp-wrong…

      "newsagents are paid a commission of only 23 cents for a $10 top up and 45 cents for a $20 top up"

  • Anyone tried Sushi Hub? Is it part of shop small? It has Amex cash back spend $20 and get $10 back, combine with shop small you get another $10 back from Amex. Free $20 worth of sushi from Sushi Hub!

    • This has been discussed upthread. It is not yet clear if Sushi Hub are part of SS or not. I tried at QVB and did not receive SS email.

      • Works at 815 George st, just had my free sushi dinner tonight. That's the only Sushi Hub that you can double dip!

        • Any other sushi hub place we can do this in Sydney cbd?

        • @arctan: unfortunately not

    • Nevermind. Just asking if you could double dip, which apparently you can at one location only.

  • +1

    Got refused for Amex at City Convenience 136 Castlereagh St today.

    • +1

      i just asked him to charge me the 2.5% that he said he was being charged and he topped mine up yesterday

    • +1

      Went into to get an opal recharge. Must have accidently flashed my AMEX. Guy says the Opal Machine is down. Yeah right, these machines go down that easily. Looks like the prick unplugged it.

      Are they losing money even on the 2.5% surcharge?

    • +1

      @neil please mark this as down

      • +1

        Updated.

  • in a previous post there is a mention of an excel list, is there a way to export the participating business list?

    • Just search on thydzik in this comment thread, by clicking the "Comments" link in the top of the post, then doing an in-page search.

  • Anyone else find that businesses are disappearing from the map/list?

    Eg Adriano Zumbo Macquarie Centre used to be there I swear!

    • Sushi Hub has completely vanished now. 815 George St in the City showed last night - not there now.

    • Yes… I spent at one this morning unknowingly and tried to find it on the map…. I got the credit email but it's not showing on AMEX map…

      So basically is it any shop that is obviously not a huge operation that accepts AMEX?

      • I am planning to go to sushi hub later today. Are you still getting the shop small credit email even though the shop has dissapeared from the map ?

      • Should clarify "spent at one" being spent at a store accepting AMEX, not a sushi hub.

    • It still was a few weeks ago when thydzik pulled together his list…

      • zumbo stores were on the map yesterday. i'm guessing they were pulled because another offer was stacking.

        • Went to Zumbo QVB today at lunch time and received the credit email..

        • @rogsamsy: Hmmm I wonder if we can just go off the spreadsheet that was posted then

        • @rogsamsy: were you also registered for the $10 spend/$5 rebate zumbo offer?

        • @tveye: yes, paid $20 got emailed a $10 credit for both.

        • @rogsamsy: so you didn't get the $5 credit too?, ie the offers didn't stack?

        • @tveye: I received an email for 2 $10 credits. 1 for shop small and 1 I can only assume for both Zumbo $5 credits put together.

        • @rogsamsy: I just bought at Zumbo QVB this evening and also received 2 emails mentioning $10 credits, assuming 1 from shop small & 1 from Zumbo offer

        • @strawberrybug: Zumbo offer is only $5. I spent $10 at Zumbo Chatswood this evening and still waiting for the email!

        • +1

          @SydneySwan: Yeh that's what I thought so I was pleasantly surprised when the Zumbo email stated $10 credit, must be because I spent $20 so 2 x $10 purchase each, $5 back up to 2 times was the offer as an above poster mentioned

        • @SydneySwan:

          May be a problem with the Chatswood store? I had to ring to get my 2nd $5 applied manually. I got the first one ok but they seemed to have changed the merchant name since then.

    • Yes, same as Adriano Zumbo Emporium. Saw it last night, but disappear today.

      • Yes can no longer find any zumbo stores on the map :(

  • Awesome deal!

  • Can anyone still register through the manual link? I keep getting system unavailable when pressing 'Submit'.

    • Same for 2 days for me

  • +4

    Topped up my Opal card at Darling Harbour View Convenience Store (7 Erskine Street, Sydney). Google Maps has the address as 24-26 Erskine Street, which is incorrect.

    Surcharge $0.50 per credit card.

    EDIT: I received the emails straight away - Amex issued Discovery card, and Westpac issued Amex card.

    • +2

      I just came back from there, the manager has increased the surcharge to $2 per card :(

      • I went at lunch today and it was $1.50. Needless to say I walked out

        • Told him that it was 50c a few days ago but he wouldn't bulge and showed me a handwritten note (presumably by the manager).

    • I went this arvo at about 3.30pm and paid 50cent surchage for each card, not sure where the $2 came from. how annoying!

      I also went to Darling Park newsagency, 50 cent surchage but each card needs a pin, they cant paypass (not sure why, annoying).

      Got emails for both

      • Because Darling Park use the really old Suncorp terminals.

        • +1

          true! they charge about $5 for a 125g bag of lollies so I guess the profits aren't going towards the POS systems

  • +3

    Probably repeating what others have said, but can't hurt to confirm emails from the following in Sydney:

    King of the Pack (888 Wholly Tobacconist) - Shop 26/ 61 Oxford St - 1% surcharge
    Allied Mart - 389 Pitt Street - 1.5% surcharge
    Oxford St Newsagency - 1/18-32 Oxford St - 1% surcharge

    Other than these, has anyone found places that charge 1.5% or under in the same area (near Wynyard or Town Hall) + email confirmation?

    • Are you sure it's not 379 Pitt St?

      • Sorry, yes you are right. I was copy/pasting from the list.

        • no worries. did you use multiple cards at 379 Pitt St and they were ok with that?

        • +1

          Yep 4 cards, the guy was very nice

        • As in its 379 pitt st, rather than 389 pitt st ?

        • Yep 379

        • @krazek:

          The guy I got wanted all cards in my name :(

          Will try a different guy later on.

        • @lemon:
          Are u guys still getting email confirmations from Oxford Street Newsagency? Gone from the map.

    • couldn't find Oxford St Newsagency on the map this year. did you get the email?

    • how did you find Oxford St Newsagency on the shopsmall map? Can't find it type in Oxford St. Yes, if you get confirmation email what name of the shop they show up on email?

      • I didn't, I just went on other people confirming they received the email. Shop is "OXFORD STREET NEWSAGENCY" according to the AMEX email

        • Did u get email confirmation today from them?

        • @noskich: Just for everyone confused, I can confirm I get the email for OXFORD STREET NEWSAGENCY even if I couldn't find it on the map.
          My colleague got email for St Martins Newsagency which was not found on the map.

        • @hongd:
          Was this today? I asked that question when I was passing by the place and I didn't dare walk in as I already had lost money on Wu s pharmacy.

        • +1

          @noskich: yes, I did today. Tried one card first and waited for email. Then spent the rest cards after getting first email.

  • Urban News Shop TR8, 1-25 Harbour St, Sydney; On the shop small map but they had a sticker on their EFTPOS saying not accepting AMEX; go elsewhere for opal top up guys

  • We're sorry, this offer is no longer available.

    Want to register our last two cards but its now amex done with more cards…

    • +2

      oh, no, the enrolment maxed out fast this year. I remembered last year the enrolment remain open until end of shop small promotion period.

      • +1

        Well, with some people having 20+ cards, and more people signing up to AmEx in 2017 (courtesy of ANZ, NAB etc scrapping their partnerships), it makes sense that more cards are being enrolled hence it going faster.
        Just thinking - 100,000 cards, $50 total rebate each, that's… $5 million! Wow that's huge, but still not even a drop in the ocean for a large international multinational corporation like AmEx :)

    • +1

      Hi leehungfei, amex re open for shopsmall enrolment, go to register your last two cards NOW:

      https://merchantgeo.secure.force.com/enroll/EnrollmentSitePa…

      • Thanks for that :)

  • +3

    Can confirm that Victoria Harbour Pharmacy (Docklands, VIC) still accepting AMEX for myki reloads (no surcharge), however they are limiting to one card per customer only (I only had one!)

    Very friendly ladies at the counter too I must say :)

  • +1

    Can confirm opal top up at CITY CONVENIENCE STORE (1-7 CASTLEREAGH STREET , SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES 2000)

    Note the merchant name on my statement is "ALG FOOD STORE & WAHWAH FOOD S"

    Emails received and has a $1 surcharge.

  • +1

    Am finding good value in small local bottle shops
    Obviously higher priced than dans

    So if a 40 dollar slab costs 45
    As long as you can split it into two payments.
    That's a 40 dollar slab at Dans for 25 after two credits.

    Good enough for me

    • Only one credit per retailer, unless you split payment and use separate cards

  • +1

    Have updated the Opal Wiki & Google Maps. Keep the comments coming about all your successful (or unsuccessful) top-ups. Some surcharges get raised the further into the promotion.

    Also any Myki updated but only 1 updated entry for this year.

    • Maybe Mark Wu's pharmacy as yellow as several people haven't got emails for it.

      • I did other day @ wu pharmacy but didn't get email

      • Marked it as a red question mark.

    • I went to the Fastway convenience at 4/27 Park St and City convenience at 1/525 George Street . I received email straight away for both location and 30 cents surcharge.

      • You didn't try 44 Park across the road?

        • The shop in 44 Park street is no longer there

      • I can't find this place on the shop small map anymore, but i gave it a shot today and still got my email!

      • City convenience at 1/525 George Street charged $0.05 surcharge only today. But the machine stopped working after 2 top-ups. (serious??)

      • Fastway's surcharge is now 40c , clearly displayed at the counter

  • Darling Park newsagency refused as it was lunch time.. Wtf

    • I went to Darling Park yesterday, the older lady asked me how many cards, I said 4, she said "NO" (very unfriendly way too), we can only do maximum 2 cards, we have to attend to our regular customers and we are busy. NO CUSTOMER WAS IN THE SHOP EXCEPT ME!! It was quiet (3.15pm) when I were there.

      • I got the same response about 2 cards max. I told them I came all the way from Circular Quay and no1 else was in the store. They let me do 3 but told me if anyone else comes they wouldn't do it. Not very friendly reception at this place

      • Yeah that's the one.. She was so rude and there were hardly more than 2 ppl in the shop..

        • I was limited there to only one card.

    • ah, it worked for me this morning.
      525 george street says machine not working :(

      • I just went there again and the staff said the machine is not working

        • Same.

        • @noskich:
          I went there at lunch and it still down ……

        • @neohazard:

          I doubt it truly is. More likely the owner instructed staff not to do it.
          Should be taken off the list.

        • @noskich: These machines tend to magically repair themselves come Dec 1.

        • @SydneySwan: I think when they max out their recharge limit their account gets locked up and can take days to work again. This happened years ago at Woolies when their Opal machines were newly installed and they had a promo for it. IIRC it only took a few hours to get Ozbargained.

  • +5

    The enrolment cap has just been changed, it's now 118,000 cards compared to when it started where it was 100,000. So they've allowed 18,000 more cards to join, which is great.

  • +2

    ezymart 58 pitt st sydney did not charge fee for opal but don't let you do more than a few
    ezymart 15-23 bligh st sydney charge 40 cents 2% surcharge for opal

    • You got confirmation emails for both? Can't seem to find them on the AMEX map

  • I did a quick search but didn't find anyone posting it - if anyone happens to be at Sculptures by the Sea @ Bondi, the food store (there's only really one) at the top of the hill is a Shop Small location. I bought lunch and got a rebate unexpectedly. Hadn't planned it so it was a nice bonus.

  • Since zumbo is removed from map, has anyone tried after?

    Wondering, as i will plan to try to buy $20 and see how. But of course would like to know whats the outcome beforehand.

    Thanks.

  • The one at St Martins Tower - 31 Market Street - ST MARTIN'S CITY NEWSAGENCY 31 MARKET STREET ST MARTINS TOWER , SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES 2000

    Has Shop Small stickers on the outside.

    When asking to top up opal with $20 he said $2 surcharge. That's 10% Surcharge. GET BENT!

    • I just went there and got charged 90 cents surcharge

    • show them the new RBA Card legislation. after 1 september, a 10% surcharge would be illegal. https://www.rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/review-of…

      • +2

        If people start arguing with business owners they'll eventually get sick of it and simply refuse to even take AmEx for Opal in the future.

        As consumers we can refuse these charges and politely take our business elsewhere.

        In AmEx's T&C Opal is excluded from SS. The govt has also lowered the commission for agents on Opal recharges in recent times.

        It's best to move on and not spoil it for others.

  • I don't understand why some places are refusing amex.. If they are charging 2.5% they are not losing anything.. Then what's their problem?

    • It's more like why participate in Shop Small when businesses have to register for it.

      • +3

        They don't register for it specifically. From the FAQs, as long as the business churns through less than 1.3 million dollars with Amex annually, and processes at least one transaction with Amex during July 2017 to October 2017, they are automatically a Shop Small merchant.

        • I called AMEX yesterday and asked why WU pharmacy is not in the list this year, they said it's a voluntary participation and they did not want to participate this year. So it doesn't look like an automatic process.

        • +1

          @Sharp: It is automatic, unless the business specifically opts out.

        • @Reveen:

          OK Cheers

  • Amcal lygon st (Demarte's Amcal Chemist). Do not go there. Owner is straight up rude and arrogant. Ridiculous price even with this deal.

    • +1

      Older lady?

    • What was the surcharge?

    • Amcal is usually very expensive compared to the rest. Check for chemists like Pharmacy4less, Cincotta/Yousave, or even Terry White/Chemmart on the Shop Small map. TW/Chemmart are more middle of the pack in pricing but they can have good catalogue specials from time to time.

  • +2

    Top up Opal at the following:
    Ezymart 20 King St Sydney $1 surcharge
    Ezymart Wharf 2 Circular Quay $1 surcharge
    Ezymart Wharf 5 Circular Quay $1 surcharge

    • Ezymart Wharf 2 - declined to do any recharge or sell the blank Opal card, asked you to go to Wharf 5.
      Ezymart Wharf 5 - topped up once only, and told you the machine is not working again.

      Both were $1 surcharge.

  • I've enrolled to Shopsmall but it disappeared on my 'Saved Offer' tab. Anyone having the same issue?

    • Same happened to me.

      • have you received any $10 credit? I've used my card in the morning (1/11) but no email and no credit yet.

        • Yes, I got $10 credit on a few transactions that I spent on 1-2 Nov.

        • I used my card on the 1 Nov morning, received email from Amex but still no credit yet.

  • T&Cs say gift cards are excluded. But if the amount is "rung up" at the retailer on their POS how does AMex know whether it was a gift card or not? Given paucity of Myki topup availability, have others had success buying gift cards (apple, google, wish) at newsagents and getting the $10 rebate?

  • +1

    Zumbo can be used! Got one card, 2 emails. One for $10 cashback and the other $5, expire today!

  • +1

    newsagency at Meadowbank doesn't charge any amex fee when u recharge your Opal

    They're ok with me using 8 different cards but just need move away for other customers

    • do you happen to have an address or can you share the name? thanks!

      • Meadowbank Newsagency, right next to Meadowbank train station

        • thanks 64 Constitution Rd, Meadowbank NSW 2114 according to google, guess you got shop small email confirmation?

        • +1

          Thanks, also Wanted to know if you received cash back email, since the shop not found in the list

    • purchased today but no email, did you receive any emails or credits?

    • Did anyone get any email or credit back?

    • Did anyone get any email or credit back? I didnt receive anything..

      • amex can't find it but their people will double check
        rang the newsagency and they confirmed they are shop small

        • oh well let me know if they credit back.. cause I did 9 transactions and no email was received.. so i am kinda scared now..
          good thing is that there is no surcharge so technically did not lose any money.

        • did you get the credits? from my experience, credits appear after 3days or 4 days if transaction was made after 3:30pm.

        • amex must have fixed the map it reappeared again and I have saved a screen shot of it too, amex chat agent said credit will appear within 3-5 business days
          https://maps.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/name=MEADOWBA…

        • @henestto: have the credits appeared yet?

        • +1

          @tveye: all meadowbank newsagency arrived in the last few days

        • @tveye: instant email confirms. fyi, for those looking to do last minute spends this week.

  • Just finished chatting with Amex representative. They advised that if you purchase from a participating shop and decided to pay using non-Amex card because the shop was not accepting Amex, there will be only 1 credit as an exception per account. So if you have 5 cards including 4 supplementary card, you can only receive 1 manual credit. They want you to report these shops but they won't apply credit.

    I find it very unfair as the customers will ether have to spend fuel and time travelling to these shop to confirm whether they accept Amex card or they will be waiting in a queue and the teller/machine refuses to accept card at the time of payment.

    This is very poor effort from Amex!

    • +2

      I find it very unfair as the customers will ether have to spend fuel and time travelling to these shop to confirm whether they accept Amex card or they will be waiting in a queue and the teller/machine refuses to accept card at the time of payment.

      Alternatively, you could actually just ring the joint before you set off… if they say 'no AMEX', then you do whatever you need to do, then tell Amex about it, and Amex gives you 10 clams. It ain't exactly rocket science, and it's a bit odd that you seem to expect that AMEX will give you $50 for free, because you claim you tried unsuccessfully to make a single purchase using 5 AMEX cards at a given location. Or am I misunderstanding your post?

    • This is like going to Coles for a catalogue special but it's out of stock. So you buy it at Woolies instead at regular price and now your asking Coles to refund the difference.

      • -3

        Not really, you still bought at Coles

      • You can ask Woolies to price match a Coles special.

    • I do agree with the frustration in this, for example what if you ate at a restaurant on the basis they were part of shop small and you would be getting $10 off then amex is declined - you're stuck paying anyway, and were attracted there on false pretences. If they are on the list of participants I expect I can rely on that.

      • That's exactly right. I have a little rage inside when I insert my card and the terminal says "Card Not Accepted", then the person says "Oh is that AmEx? Oh no, we don't accept AmEx", and they say it with that frustrated look on their face…

        • No need to rage.. if on the map Amex gladly offers 'goodwill' credits anyway. Just do a quick online chat and it's sorted. (keep receipt to be safe)

  • Hi,
    Does anyone know the direct link to contact Amex ShopSmall team if a merchant list on the map doesn’t accept Amex and you pay by another card?

    • Report those shops to Amex:
      By email: [email protected]
      By Web Contact form: http://amex.co/1AzScGC

      • Sorry, I know I’ve seen the post before but can’t find it - is this for both Amex and bank issued cards?

        • Yes but registration are already capped

        • +1

          @lokesh7: I’ve already registered. My question was more about whether the email and webcontact form could be used to report for both Amex and Bank issued cards. Though I’ve since found out the web contact is for bank issued only.

        • @Chookt: I used the web contact form for my comm bank amex when a local store refused to accept Amex even though they were on the map. Got a $10 credit the next day.

        • @ham0718: Thanks! They just confirmed they would honour the $10 on my westpac Card.

      • I'm guessing from the email you provided, it's for ANZ cards only?

        For AMEX issued, you can't even use your web contact form. It tells you to call the number on the back of the card, and I can't be bothered.

        • Honestly not sure as I used the web form - but I'd agree with your guess that the email in for ANZ card… note I got the details above out of the wiki.

  • +17

    Wiki update:

    Opal (Confirmed Nov 17)

    Name Address Suburb Description
    EzyMart 20 King St Sydney $1 surcharge
    City Convenience 1 Castlereagh St Sydney $1 surcharge
    Allied Mart 379 Pitt Street Sydney 1.5% surcharge
    Darling Harbour View Convenience Suite 24, 5A Erskine St Sydney 50c-$2 surcharge
    Darling Park Newsagency 201 Sussex St Sydney 2.5% surcharge
    Nextra Chase Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre, Shop B-011/345 Victoria Ave Chatswood 40c surcharge
    City Essential 171 Clarence Street Sydney $2 surcharge
    EzyMart 58 Pitt St Sydney No surcharge
    Oxford St Newsagency 1/18-32 Oxford St Darlinghurst 20c surcharge
    EzyMart Wharf 5 Circular Quay $1 surcharge
    EzyMart Wharf 2 Circular Quay $1 surcharge
    EzyMart 15-23 bligh st Sydney 40c/2% surcharge
    St Martin's City Newsagency 31 Market Street Sydney 10%/$2 surcharge
    Fastway Convenience 4/27 Park St Sydney 30c surcharge
    City Convenience 136 Castlereagh St Sydney 2.5% surcharge or reject
    King of the Pack (888 Wholly Tobacconist) Shop 26/ 61 Oxford St Darlinghurst 20c/1% surcharge
    Meadowbank Newsagency 64 Constitution Rd Meadowbank No surcharge
    Millennium Convenience Store 289-295 Sussex St Sydney $1 surcharge
    City Convenience 1/525 George Street Sydney 30c surcharge

    Google Map

    Myki (Confirmed Nov 17)

    Name ▾ Address Suburb Description Last confirmed
    Brunswick St News 185 Brunswick St Fitzroy 60c surcharge 1, 2 Nov 2017
    Cigarette Express Convenience (YE MAO PTY LTD) 109 Brunswick St Fitzroy No Surcharge. Multiple allowed. 1, 2 Nov 2017
    Foodworks (Gertrude St Mini Mart) 169-171 Gertrude Street Fitzroy $1 Surcharge. Multiple allowed. 1 Nov 2017
    Malvern Authorised Newsagency 114 Glenferrie Road Malvern 3% surcharge Nov 2017
    Victoria Harbour Pharmacy 66 Merchant St, Docklands No Surcharge 1 Nov 2017
    Zouki Royal Melb Hospital 300 Grattan Street Parkville No Surcharge 1 Nov 2017

    Sourced from this thread.

    Google Map

    • Thanks, this is great work! Just put next to 1/525 George Street that now they claim that 'machine is not working' to save people from wasting time going there.

    • +1

      I was lucky I went to Darling View on Erskine St yesterday and no surcharge !

    • Can confirm Montmorency Pharmacy works too for Myki too up. Used 2 cards no problem.

  • While trying to see how I could use my card.
    I noticed a lot of butchers on there.

    Beef obviously, varies greatly in price. However I found chicken to be same priced. And good to freeze.

    So $20 in meat for $10 is a great deal.

    Anyone else other than opal/Myki top ups?

    • I thought about this last year, but all the small butchers don't advertise their prices online.

      I'm not going to drive around looking for the cheapest price of meat.

      Amcal chemist has been my goto.

  • an interesting found on shopsmall map is Dendy Cinema is part of this. maybe handy if anyone wish to get half price movie tickets this month from them or renew membership for two years https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/281654

    sometimes would prefer their small theatre experience over the Event or Hoyts

    • I am not familiar with Dendy's, and don't even like going to watch movies at cinemas. BUT, this would seem to me to be a great suggestion to those that are, if Dendy's happens to offer 'general tickets'/vouchers with a long expiry date (say, 1 year)…

  • Is it just me or is the Amex map of participating shops not working correctly? There are hardly any shops on there this year. About 5 in Balmain and none in Rozelle. All the ones in Balmain are rubbish. Last year it was great.

  • Anyone else found that the offer has disappeared from the saved to card tab.

  • +2

    Have been to 3 places on the Amex map this weekend only to find they do not accept Amex! Is this some kind of scam by retailers to entice customers in!

    • which places did you go to?

  • +1

    Mamak's Chatswood is not SS-friendly. They won't split payment, there is a 2% surcharge and a minimum spend of $30 to use Amex. Rather bizarrely a single purchase generated 2 identical Amex emails!

    Last year they also had the 2% Amex surcharge but were fine on splitting and no minimum Amex spend.

  • Has anyone who split payment 5+ times in one shop received the credits?

    • You can only use a card once per shop. If you have 5 separate cards, then I don't see the problem?

      • … 'then I don't see the problem?'

        Mmmyeah, the issue is that many vendors 'see a problem' Zeds, in that it takes a lot of extra time for them, sometimes the 'newby on the register' does not know how to do it, and occasionally (where relevant) other customers waiting in line to pay can get a bit stroppy (they tend to take it out on the vendor, not you the troublesome '5-card-AMEX-SS-player')… One way to at least minimise the chances of such outcomes is to choose a 'quiet time' to make you payment/s.

        • +2

          Oh I totally agree with you, but that's got nothing to do with the question I was addressing…

        • @zzyss:
          Yeppers, point well-made/taken, I guess I was 'extrapolating' a bit… to answer that original question, in previous SS promotions I have split payments at numerous stores on different cards, and there is no problem whatsoever (it always 'works') as you correctly speculated. There is no 'big brother' AMEX system in place to alert them to 'split transactions'. Is there even anything in the TCs saying that it is not allowed? I can't be bothered perusing them to check, but the fact is it can be done.

  • +1

    Amex is really slow posting the statement credits this year, Last year it was Like 1-2 days. I’ve made lots of transactions and received the emails but not one credit yet and I made some on the 1st. I’m almost a little worried.

    • Same here. Did you happen to split payment? I think they may be onto this. I can't even see the offer anymore under the saved to card tab.

      • No split. Genuine transactions, I’ll wait until Tuesday until I really worry.

        • +1

          My credits all came through overnight. Love Amex SS

      • +1

        'I think they may be onto this.'

        Erm, with all due respect you would have to be completely naive to think that AMEX is (or frankly, has ever been) unaware that the deals they themselves are offering/negotiating with vendors are resulting in split payments/multiple discounts on the same/single purchase. Regardless of what is said in the TCs, AMEX will continue to do nothing whatsoever about it, one reason being that it would be completely impractical for them to attempt to do so in any way, shape or form. They can ask the vendor not to allow it, but I suspect that even this would be done 'tongue in cheek'; in other words, I think that AMEX does not care if it goes on, as long as the vendor also does not care/the practice does not get the vendor off-side with them.

        • I got cashbacks for the cards issued by AMEX themselves (David Jones and AMEX Qantas), not on the bank issued AMEX yet (Westpac Black). It took around 2-3 working days plus the weekend.

        • @noskich:

          Got cashbacks now for everything, all cards except Wu's pharmacy which was a rotten apple.

    • Ditto (no split payment). Transactions have been finalised and are showing up and e-mails received, however no $10 credit yet.

  • +2

    For lovers of Japanese food living in Heidelberg, VIC, I used the following STACKED deal to get numerous very cheap (good quality) bento boxes from 'Momoko Sushi San' last year, and I strongly suspect the same deal will be easy to avail oneself of again this year… though I haven't tried it yet.

    Step 1. Go to the local COLES (or is it a Woolies?) in the Warringal Mall a few hundred metres down the road from Momoko, and using any method of payment you like, buy a couple of things you would buy anyway (think catfood, bread or milk, etc.) and be sure to get the receipt. On the back of the receipt, there is likely to be an offer of 'buy any bento box, get one of the same or lesser value for free'. In the unlikely event that there is not, simply pick up a receipt (or two) that will inevitably be 'lying around' at the self-checkout area that does feature the deal.

    Step 2. Take that receipt to said place up the road, and order two bento boxes, for the price of one. See this link for the descriptions/prices of their bento boxes:

    https://www.zomato.com/melbourne/momoco-sushi-san-heidelberg…

    Note that these boxes contain good quality stuff, they are evidently created by a good chef who knows what they are doing.

    Step 3. Pay with your 'SS-registered AMEX', to receive $10 cash-back from AMEX.

    Via this method, you end up paying about $5 each for bento boxes worth about $20 each; provided you order two of them. It's a pretty good deal, because these bento noxes are genuinely pretty high quality. One word of warning though, if you are phoning in an order for boxes that include sashimi, ask them to pack that sashimi separately, and not stack it on top of the boxes of 'piping hot' other stuff… otherwise if you are even just a few minutes late to arrive/pickup, your 'sashimi' will actually be steamed fish. Obviously this consideration does not apply if you intend to eat-in.

    As I said I have not tried this yet this year, but it certainly worked a treat many times last November (2016) … If anyone reading this has a go at it, I'd be interested to know how they fare and what they think of the quality of the boxes. Last year, the quality was great (as was the service BTW).

  • +7

    Top Ryde Shopping Center - Nextra Newsagency Opal Topup - no surcharge

    • did you get your credit back yet?

      • +4

        I got all mine, very helpful and nice operator

  • +2

    If anyone needs bike stuff, ProBikeKit (http://probikekit.com.au) is part of the promo. I just got a surprise $10 back.

    • You mean the website itself ?
      I thought Shop Small was only for in-shop purchases … ?

  • +1

    For those in melb. Did a myki run on Sun.
    No surcharge at:
    1. Zouki
    2. Amcal in surreyhill
    3. The summit in southbank.

    Surcharges in:
    1. Ye mao- 50c per card.
    2. Foodworks - 1st card free.then $1per card.

    I think it depends on the person serving. U gotta be nice to them.

    • Thanks for the update.

      • Ye Mao is actually Cigarette Express Convenience (109 Brunswick St). I didn't get charged a surcharge on Sunday (4PMish). Strange that you did. Surprised you didn't hit Brunswick St News just a few stores down.
      • Amcal in Surrey Hills is also known as Wattle Park Pharmacy.
      • Brunswick news was closed on sun at 4pm when i was there :(.

        Yemao's asian lady charged us 50c per card. Last year she charged 60c! I remember her quite well.

        • +1

          Brunswick news was closed on sun at 4pm when i was there :(.

          Ah, perhaps I was there Saturday. (Was in Fitzroy both days). She tried to sell me a lotto ticket. No chance of that.

    • Foodworks did you ask no surcharge?

      • only 1st card is no surcharge.
        i guess u could go there multiple times if u have more than 1 card.

  • Anyone found anywhere in Melbourne for petrol?

    • For all the SS promotions up until 2016 there were a great many petrol stations included. Then this changed suddenly and absolutely for the November 2016 SS; not a single petrol station at all in Melbourne, that I (or any others) could locate/successfully utilise. Either the industry 'colluded' (which they are well-practice at doing! LOL!) and all withdrew themselves from SS 'en masse', or for some reason AMEX actually excluded them from it. The latter seems more likely because the vendor does not pay the $10 from what I can gather, it is paid entirely by AMEX, but it is beyond me as to why AMEX would decide to exclude petrol stations. It's bizarro. It was really remarkable that such a big change was made 'across the board', so suddenly/efficiently.

      Can anyone in the know speculate as to why AMEX would decide to exclude all petrol stations, assuming that this is in fact what happened in 2016/beyond?

      Can an AMEX rep please shed some light on this? Or is the reason a 'secret'?

  • +2

    5x credit really dent hope doing much this year. used up already top up essential opal credits and fills shop on grocery and chemist. need to bring back 10x or at least 7x credits

  • Opal top up NSW Lane Cove - Convenience at the Cove - 80c surcharge for $20 on AMEX. Shop small sticker outside but haven't received email.

    • +1

      It was SS last year but couldn't see it on the list this year.

  • enquiries only
    Society 169 Phillip St Sydney 5%/$1
    EzyMart 58 Pitt St Sydney 2%/40cents
    MLC Newsagency (foodcourt) 19 Martin Pl Sydney 3%/60cents

    • i went to MLC food court where they have soul origin, sumo salad etc. Unable to find this?

      Anyone can kindly assist?

      • I think she means the one on other side at bottom of mlc building. Near cafes. Its past the travel agency and guzman.

  • Went to two place that is listed but didn't accept AMEX payment so had to pay with different card.
    Talk to the chat but they will only give me $10 as good will.
    Not happy

  • +9

    Opal recharge diary…. toughest year to do opal from memory

    Worked for me (instant email):
    * King of the Pack (888 Wholly Tobacconist) - Shop 26/61 Oxford St - 1% surcharge
    * Allied Mart - 379 Pitt Street - 1.5% surcharge (on 2nd attempt)
    * Oxford St Newsagency - 1/18-32 Oxford St - 1% surcharge
    * Lucky Charm - Shop LG15/580 George St HSBC Centre - 2% surcharge

    Don't bother with these:
    * Lucky Charm - Shop 22/500 George St Galleries - On Amex map but no email. 2% surcharge
    * Wu's pharmacy - Not on Amex map and no email
    * Ezymart - 127 Liverpool St - On Amex map, rejected Amex card
    * Ezymart - 117/304-308 Pitt St - On Amex map, no opal recharge

    • +1

      Correction: - this actually worked. Email delayed but did come through
      Lucky Charm - Shop 22/500 George St Galleries - 2% surcharge

      • One card works for two Lucky Charm? Does it count as different shops?

        • Yep, different address therefore counted as different shops. Same goes for all other chains.

        • They are a franchise so different business owners and merchant details

    • is allied mart in the corner of pitt st n liverpool st?

      • Yep

    • Lucky Charm TGV is shonky.. wanting to charge me $2 for $20 opal top card. I suggest avoid this store

  • We're sorry, this offer is no longer available. 18,000 more cards must have enrolled.

  • No notifications from Westpac cards this weekend. Definitely registered. Anyone else? Was instant for the Amex issued card.

    • Used 7 cards at the same time, only received 2 email confirmation.

    • email came instantly today

  • Has anyone tried Lucky Charm inside Westfield Pitt St?

  • I have a question: who end up paying the $10? The merchant or Amex?

  • Curiously has anyone tried WESTFIELD GARDEN CITY shopsmall? buying Westfield GC or something? shopbig prehaps Qldlanders

  • Loftus City Convenience Store 20 Loftus St Sydney no amex surcharge

  • Is anyone able to extract the location data from the entertainment book app and correlate this with the shop small location data from Thydzik? This would make it easier to stack the savings.

  • +1

    Awesome deal! Got $100 Opal credit for about $52. Lucky Charm in The Galleries and Fastway Convenience on Park St were really nice and friendly staff!

    • can i pls know the fee charged at fastway ?

      • 30c

      • They are charging 40c now

    • Is this lucky charm the one next to JB HIFI?

      • I think it would be one next to JB hi-fi. I did a transaction by error at one next to station but that one is marked as 485 George st which is not in the shop small map and I did not get any email for it

        • Thanks yeah I was confused because there is one near the station too.

        • Did you get a credit for the Lucky charm next to the station? I went there by mistake too and no email

        • @ytictactoe: I just did it yesterday. If credit will come it will come on Monday/Tuesday. will report back next week, although I am not that hopeful

      • +1

        Yes, it's next to JB Hi-Fi on the lower ground floor, near the food court (I think Subway is the closest shop)

  • 26 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction accepting Opal - 70 cent surcharge.
    Guy was a bit confused at first but the boss was cool with it

    • And just confirming you got the email too?

      • Yep got the credit.

        Lucky Charm in the town hall tunnel (think it's listed as 508 pavillion) also good and super nice about it with 40 cent surcharge

        The newsagent next to woolies in bondi Junction made me argue (nicely) to get them to do it but he really didn't want to so I'd go there last/not at all

  • Has anyone not getting the confirmation emails? Last year it was basically instant but I've used cards 5 times now with not even one email but all shops are definitely on the list

    • Sydney here - all emails have come through instantly.
      Purchases made on Thursday with credits coming through by Monday

    • I received all 5 instantly

    • If it's a Gmail inbox you're using check the Promotions tab.

    • I’ve noticed it’s better to insert card rather than tap, Emails come through straight away. I still get credits from tap but I insert while SS is going. Sometimes the tap doesn’t trigger the emails.

      • I find the same mate, must be something with the way transaction is sent through to the network when tapping compared to inserting. I always like to insert for safe measure, even though the merchant sometimes insist on tapping :p

      • haha I find its the other way around last year and thus

  • I guess same question as above, on the confirmation email. I used Shop Small on participating shops, based on the Store Locator a couple of times last week (2 separates shops). I got a confirmation for one, but not the other. I wonder if I need to perhaps wait at least 5 business days before I contact AMEX?

  • +12

    Opal & Myki Update

    Opal
    Updating Opal Wiki - Google Map

    Name Address Suburb Description Last confirmed ▾
    Allied Mart 379 Pitt Street Sydney 1.5% surcharge Nov 2017
    City Convenience 1 Castlereagh St Sydney $1 surcharge Nov 2017
    City Convenience 1/525 George Street Sydney 5c-30c surcharge - Claim Opal machine not working Nov 2017
    City Convenience 136 Castlereagh St Sydney 2.5% surcharge or reject Nov 2017
    City Essential 171 Clarence Street Sydney $2 surcharge Nov 2017
    Convenience At The Cove 114 Longueville Road Lane Cove 80c surcharge Nov 2017
    Darling Harbour View Convenience Suite 24, 5A Erskine St Sydney $0-$2 surcharge Nov 2017
    Darling Park Newsagency 201 Sussex St Sydney 2.5% surcharge Nov 2017
    EzyMart Wharf 5 Circular Quay $1 surcharge Nov 2017
    EzyMart 26 Bronte Rd Bondi Junction 70c surcharge Nov 2017
    EzyMart 20 King St Sydney $1 surcharge Nov 2017
    EzyMart 15-23 bligh st Sydney 40c/2% surcharge Nov 2017
    EzyMart 58 Pitt St Sydney $0-40c surcharge Nov 2017
    EzyMart Wharf 2 Circular Quay $1 surcharge or reject Nov 2017
    Fastway Convenience 4/27 Park St Sydney 30c surcharge Nov 2017
    King of the Pack (888 Wholly Tobacconist) Shop 26/ 61 Oxford St Darlinghurst 20c/1% surcharge Nov 2017
    Loftus City Convenience Store 20 Loftus St Sydney No surcharge Nov 2017
    Meadowbank Newsagency 64 Constitution Rd Meadowbank No surcharge Nov 2017
    Millennium Convenience Store 289-295 Sussex St Sydney $1 surcharge Nov 2017
    MLC Newsagency (foodcourt) 19 Martin Pl Sydney 3%/60c Nov 2017
    Nextra Chase Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre, Shop B-011/345 Victoria Ave Chatswood 40c surcharge Nov 2017
    Nextra Newsagency TOP RYDE CITY SHOPPING CENTRE, LG2 Ryde No surcharge Nov 2017
    Oxford St Newsagency 1/18-32 Oxford St Darlinghurst 20c surcharge Nov 2017
    Society 169 Phillip St Sydney $1 surcharge Nov 2017
    St Martin's City Newsagency 31 Market Street Sydney 10%/$2 surcharge Nov 2017
    The Lucky Charm Pavilion Centre, 580 George Street Sydney 2% surcharge Nov 2017
    The Lucky Charm Shop 22/500 George St Galleries Sydney 2% surcharge Nov 2017

    Myki
    Updating Myki Wiki - Google Map

    Name Address Suburb Description Last confirmed
    Brunswick St News 185 Brunswick St Fitzroy 60c Surcharge Nov 2017
    Cigarette Express Convenience (YE MAO PTY LTD) 109 Brunswick St Fitzroy $0-$.50 Sucharge Nov 2017
    Foodworks (Gertrude St Mini Mart) 169-171 Gertrude Street Fitzroy $0-$1 Surcharge Nov 2017
    Malvern Authorised Newsagency 114 Glenferrie Road Malvern 3% Surcharge Nov 2017
    Montmorency Pharmacy 45 Were St Montmorency No Surcharge Nov 2017
    The Summit 163 City Rd Southbank No Surcharge Nov 2017
    Victoria Harbour Pharmacy 66 Merchant St, Docklands No Surcharge Nov 2017
    Wattle park pharmacy (Amcal) 1123 Riversdale Rd Surrey Hills No Surcharge Nov 2017
    Zouki Royal Melb Hospital 300 Grattan Street Parkville No Surcharge Nov 2017
    • Thanks Neil.

    • Am I going crazy but I can't see the 3 Fitzroy stores or The Summit on the AMEX small shop site. Have they taken them off? Can someone please confirm they got the credit back at these places before I go shop hopping. Thanks

      • They are all confirmed and have received emails. See the wiki for the comments. They are on the shop small map as Fortune Fortune PL (Brunswick St News) and Ye Mao (Cigarette Express Convenience).

  • -2

    Loftus City Convenience Store 20 Loftus St Sydney

    Blatanty refused top up of opal with amex. Despite having the amex sign there. He said no not for amex.

    What a female grntalia

  • +3

    Well, here is my report

    Spent about an hour today around darling Harbour & all done
    44 Park st - Fastway - 30c surcharge
    201 Sussex - Darling park - 50c surcharge
    289 Sussex - Millennium - $1 surcharge
    20 king st - Ezymart - $1 surcharge
    World news agency(1st floor on Harbourside shopping) - charged me 20c on 4 card without realising it's Amex, 60c on other 2 cards knowing it's Amex.

    $600 worth opal for $300(+ surcharges)
    Thanks OP & Amex. See you next year(hopefully 10 next time!)

    • Is that for more than one opal card? I recall the max you can have is about $200 or so

      • +1

        Yes more than one opal card

        Max on a opal card is $250

  • +1

    Must say I'm very impressed by the Amex IT system
    Have used my cards 34 times.
    33 emails
    30 credits within 48 hours.

    Only 1 hasn't tracked.

    The annual fees has paid itself off already :)

    • Success story! :)
      Looking forward to posting something similar by the time next week finishes up!

      • Yes although it's only ten dollars. If you aren't on a six figure income it makes a difference.

        Just disappointed by the Harvey Norman offer :(

        • Did you miss out on enrolling your cards?

        • @MathNerd:

          I enrolled promptly

          But after going to two shops they said their systems were down and couldn't sell me the visa cards. :(

          Looks like it's a state wide thing.

          I just don't have a need to buy anything from Harvey Norman.

          Have you enrolled?

        • @hellohello123: Yeah likewise, I enrolled my cards but don't have a need for anything from HN, so I've been trying to help fellow OzB'ers who don't have an AmEx (or missed out on enrolling their cards) by buying the items for them for them to pickup and it costs them $100 less :)

        • @MathNerd:
          Wow that's very generous of you.
          I've been furiously looking for $400 and above items on their website but without success.

          I will keep on trying though.

          It seems my nearest store doesn't have many Ozbargainers last time as I went there last time and there were no signs saying no Amex and the checkout person barely knew what I was talking aboit.

          Was hoping the same this time. But not so lucky!

        • @hellohello123: Haha yeah once the OzBargain bug hits an area, the stores put up their guard unfortunately and become privy to our ways…

    • Only 1 merchant untracked, no email, but received the $10 credit. Their card machine was through NAB.

  • +2
    Merged from A Few Shop Small Merchants That Caught My Eye

    Blue Mountains Ugg Boots
    515 GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY , FAULCONBRIDGE NEW SOUTH WALES 2776
    http://www.uggboots.com.au/
    Orders are processed manually. Enquire if they can split payment before ordering. Otherwise there are gift vouchers: http://www.uggboots.com.au/catalogue/gift-vouchers/
    Shipping costs:
    $12.50 - Sydney Metro (Postcodes 1000-2263, 2500-2530, 2555-2574, 2740-2786)
    $14.50 - NSW, outside Sydney Metro area
    $16.50 - Interstate
    Ordered day 1. Order processed day 2. AusPost delivered day 3 (Sydney).

    Pharmacy 4 Less
    https://www.pharmacy4less.com.au/we-beat-any-price/

    Unconfirmed Merchants (ie, haven't personally shopped at)

    Good Price Pharmacy
    3 Locations: WINDSOR GARDENS, SA & COFFS HARBOUR, NSW & MINYAMA, QLD
    https://www.goodpricepharmacy.com.au/find-a-store
    https://www.goodpricepharmacy.com.au/claratyne-rapid-60-tabl…
    Claratyne 60 tabs for $21.99 are a catalogue special which ENDS 23 NOV.
    Price match at Pharmacy 4 Less instead? They seem to have a good coverage nationwide except for Sydney where there are no stores.

    Total Tools
    2 Locations: WARNERS BAY, NSW & COOPERS PLAINS, QLD
    Euca Laundry Powder 10kg - $49.95
    https://www.totaltools.com.au/22996-lightning-10kg-euca-euca…

    EDIT: I see I've been reported for sockpuppeting. Best priced Aussie made sheepskin uggs via multi cards, Claratyne 60 tabs for $11.99, and Euca (Eucalyptus) laundry powder for $39.95 or $29.95 through split payment or gift vouchers if available. These are the best available prices out there made even better thanks to Shop Small.

    • Huh?

    • troll

    • +1

      I bought $69 uggs that ended up costing $41.50 incl. delivery.

      Pharmacy 4 Less in Chatswood is listed as Roy Young on the SS map and billed as Roy Young. No email confirmation from RY but credit was received after 3 days.

  • Got a surprise $10 credit email at David's Prahran (the owner of oriental tea house's offshoot). They're not on the map nor in thydzik's excel list, so it was a really pleasant surprise. Was a $300 bill though, if I had known I would have split payment!

      • Wow thanks! I looked and looked for it and couldn't find it! Damn glitchy map!

      • Are you able to see if "DUMPLING DE CHEF" in Cranbourne is showing on your map? I had it on mine, made two $20 transactions on 2 cards and didn't get emails, then looked again and it disappeared. So now AmEx won't give the credit, so if it's still there I'll have a leg to stand on. Thanks mate!

        • No hits unfortunately, with either the map or text search.

        • @tveye: Thanks for the help mate :)

  • EzyMart 20 King St Sydney $1 surcharge Nov 2017

    Was rejected, claimed cash only for opal

    • World news agency(1st floor on Harbourside shopping) -

      refuse amex for opal

      I got 201 Sussex street 2.5%
      and Millenium on Sussex street $1

  • Ezy 58 Pitt St Sydney is refusing to accept Amex

  • Email came through for Zumbo in Macquarie despite the fact that it was removed from the map.

  • +1

    ezymart 58 pitt st sydney did not charge fee for opal but Only allowed one transaction(one card only.)

  • Anyone experiencing the SS credits coming through slowly?

    Since 3/11 I have yet to receive a single credit

    • +1

      MIne were slow but have come through eventually, hang in there

      • Thanks. Some of my shop small purchases didn't even trigger the email, but I will just keep tabs and hang in there.

  • Went off to Ippudo Chatswood with this deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/339476

    combine with amex make this $10 for two ramens . However, don't think one ramen even worth $10. You end up having too much for two bowls or one is not enough.

  • I went to mascot charcoal chicken to spend $24
    But when i give them my card, they said their business is cash only.

    Before i go to that shop, i did the searched and it’s one of the list in amex small shop.

    Anyone has same case ?
    Is this shop pretend to be cash only during this offer?
    Im never been to this shop before

    • Quite a few shops listed on the SS map have closed down for quite a while. So it's far from accurate as we all already know. A couple of businesses I've checked up on Google Maps photos even show hand written "No Amex" signs at their cash registers, lol.

      If you google, mascot charcoal chicken cash only. the first search hit you get is a post from 2015 which claims they are cash only.

    • I've had businesses (cafe/restaurants) on the map that have told me they don't take amex (both last year and this year)…I should have known better this year and asked before I ordered and ate :(

    • Do u still have the receipt?

      • they ask me to withdraw money from atm in their shop, luckily i've got ing .
        i still can proof them the atm is from their shop 100%

    • +2

      Do what I did and contact Amex on the website and let them know the situation. You should get a manually processed $10 transaction from them within a few days.
      The contact is link is hard to find so click here for a direct link.

      • +1

        My card is an Amex Velocity. The form you linked to said to call the number on the back of the card when I select American Express as the card issuer.

        • Ahhhh. I only used it for three bank issued Amex issues plus reporting a place that did not accept Amex even though it was on the Shop Small Plex. I got 4 x $10 credits as a result (I got the fourth credit as I also put in my NAB Amex card details even though I used my Visa).
          I guess if you have an Amex issued card you have to call them up.

  • Any shop in Sydney under shopsmall sells Myer, David Jones or any other gift card?

    • Nope (that I know of anyway)

  • +1

    Absolutely love the deal

    Initially I thought I'm going to struggle to use my 5 per card.
    But after buying and stocking up on meat, alcohol, medication, a few take away orders
    Im actually maxed out all of my cards.

    Wish I had more
    I'm now prioritising which merchant to use now since I'm nearing my max

  • Any posters from St Peters in Sydney? St Peters post office is listed on Shop Small and as an Opal retailer. They could be a potential source for Opal/gift cards but they're also a LPO so might not accept AmEx.

  • +2

    4/27 Park St charged me 40c surcharge per card.

  • Got $20 OPAL top up at Circular Quay Ezymart Wharf 2 ($1 surcharge) and Wharf 5 ($2 surcharge) today 13/11.
    Paid using paypass/paywave, will update when credit comes through.

    • +1

      $10 credit received for each Ezymart on 15/11

  • +3

    Latest opal run (14/11)
    Lucky charm Galleries 40c
    Lucky charm Pavilion 40c
    Allied Mart 379 pitt 30c

    Got emails for all of them straight away

    • +1

      Lucky Charm Galleries - 500 George St, Lower Ground Floor RLG22
      Lucky Charm Pavilion - 580 George St, (Lower Ground 15 ?)

      • +1

        Yes

  • Nextra at Chatswood Chase Opal top-up 2% surcharge, not a just flat 40c fee.

    • My experience also

  • CTC Pendle Hill 60c or 3%
    https://g.co/kgs/HpXhHm
    I got email then $10 received in my account

  • I got declined for using my amex at some stores listed on the map. Trying to contact them through the internal email system as I did last year to get the credits, but it says

    Email servicing is no longer available. You can still access your email inbox and sent messages

    What are others doing to try and contact them? Call up?

    • You have to call if you have an Amex Amex issued card.

    • +5

      They started to hide the link. Here it is.

      • Thanks I'll try it and see if it works

  • +2

    Did my first Shop Small with a myki top-up at Victoria Harbour Pharmacy, Docklands (Mel) today. No surcharge. Only have one card and the assistant was surprised I only had one.

    • Haha that's funny. I'll go there one day and hopefully use as many cards as they will allow to topup myki to about $200 or so. They must be getting people coming in with 20+ cards asking to topup in one shot!

  • +1

    Opal top up at St Leonards:
    EzyMart: $1 surcharge, got Shop Small confirmation email.
    Forum Newsagency: Refused AMEX (reporting them to AMEX)

    Opal top up Kings Langley Newsagency: No surcharge, got Shop Small confirmation mail.

    • I got charged $2 for AmEx use at EzyMart St Leonards :-/

      • Darn, maybe management instructed them to charge higher as the SS promotion went on. I was served by two different people that day and they both surcharge $1. Girl told me they do waive the surcharge if you make a purchase.

  • Pike's Pharmacy in Burwood, NSW is a newsagency and pharmacy in the same shop. I don't know if they are seperate businesses. So would have to ask beforehand if intending to make a purchase at the newsagent part of the shop. According to their website the newsagency sells gift cards.

    https://maps.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/name=PIKE'S-D…
    http://www.pikespharmacy.com.au/

    • interesting. what gift card do they have? owner will have attitude when people use amex?

  • Some of these places I went to pay for it, and they said they don't accept AMEX anymore. Some even advertised that they did. Bastards. They signed up for it, lured me in and then didn't honor the deal.

    Other places I asked first if they accepted, and they didn't, even though they're on the AMEX map.

  • +1

    Latest opal run (15/11)
    Lucky charm Pavilion 40c
    Millennium Convenience Store 289-295 Sussex St $1.00
    Fastway 44 Park st 40c
    Got emails for all of them straight away
    For Meadowbank Newsagency 64 Constitution Rd Meadowbank, I was there on 08/11 but still no credit on the statement.

    • heh millenniux Sussex rejected me, hit and miss I guess

    • Hmm I done a top up at Millennium last Sunday and got no confirmation email. Also, no statement credit for it as of yet.

    • Credit for Meadowbank Newsagency 64 Constitution Rd Meadowbank is received.

  • A convenience store told me they accepted Amex but not for opal transactions. Can they do this?

    • +1

      They can do whatever they want

    • +1

      Well, it's annoying as hell for us, but I don't see why they can't..?

      Just sounds like a business decision and I don't know what you could report them for, or whether you can report them.

  • Bought from the Runningwarehouse deal… sale comes up as tennis on my bank statement… just got a surprise email from Amex small shop for the $10 statement credit

  • Oxford St Newsagency 1/18-32 Oxford St Darlinghurst 30c surcharge today (friendly but said too many came along cannot lose money) got instant email

    • +2

      they arent losing money from opal recharge.

  • +1

    Topped up Myki at Pinewood newsagency in Mount Waverley with my 5 cards, no surcharge. One catch is you need your physical card with you as the terminal that does Myki can't do NFC.

  • +4

    I should get the Darwin award

    Today I split a transaction into 3 and waited for my emails to come through.
    None came.. And then I realised I used the ones I had already used. I just misread my own name:(

    • I did the same too. I topped up Opal at the same newsagency using the same card again, I was wondering why I did not receive any confirmation emails from Amex. later on I logged in Amex web-site then I realised I used the same card to recharge Opal at the same news agency.

    • +1

      Keep a list like I do and you won't make that mistake again! :)

  • +1

    Heads up about Nextra Chatswood Chase. They refused split payment or multiple Amex transactions for Opal top-ups today, citing that it wastes their time. My partner commented that it took them longer to explain to us than it would have taken to just do the transactions. There were also no people waiting in line behind us at all.

    I respected their business decision and just topped op $20 instead.

    • +1

      My partner commented that it took them longer to explain to us than it would have taken to just do the transactions.

      Haha I like that.

      They could always just opt out of shop small..

      • Haha she is the witty one.

        I was tempted to walk out and walk back in as a "fresh" customer but I will just go back another day.

        • Is it the owner refused to top up on multiple cards? I was there last week and the young girl let me topped up 3 cards.

        • @Purple:

          I'm not sure if she was the owner or not but it was a young girl.

          Partner was able to last week as well. Maybe it's a new policy?

  • Did a few Opal run on Fri 17 Nov:

    1- Loftus City Convenience Store 20 Loftus St: CLOSED. Saw staffs dismantled the shop when I walked past.

    2- Oxford St Newsagency 1/18-32 Oxford St Darlinghurst 30c surcharge. The old man was friendly and efficient.

    3- King of the Pack (888 Wholly Tobacconist) Shop 26/ 61 Oxford St 20c surchage. Old lady was efficient. Location is a bit obscure. Few doors behind Chemist warehouse.

  • Pymble Newsagency - "Opal cash only" sign

  • +1

    For the benefit of any other MyWay card users (for the buses in Canberra), here's where I've topped up my card so far…..

    Chisholm Newsagency, Chisholm. No surcharge. Statement credit confirmed. (Guy serving me commented that I have a lot of Amex cards.)

    Top News, Woden Plaza. No surcharge. Statement credit confirmed.

    The Barrow, Akuna St, City. No surchage. Statment credit TBA (only went there today), but they're on the Shop Small list, so should be good for it.

  • Can anyone confirm if these locations accept AmEx for Opal? They're located at Edgecliff station and the adjoining Eastpoint Food Fair. Both are listed on http://www.retailers.opal.com.au/

    https://maps.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/name=EASTPOIN…
    https://maps.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/name=EDGECLIF…

  • if there's a shop in map list, but when pay they do not accept AMEX, how can we still get the $10?

    • +1

      Pay with a different method, get a receipt and raise an issue with AMEX.

    • if there's a shop in map list, but when pay they do not accept AMEX,

      business may have changed hands and Amex haven't removed it from the list.

      • Yes, I experienced this twice so far already, luckily AmEx were very helpful with the second time this happened. Unfortunately the first time it happened they just said "What do you want me to do for you then?", I was expecting a goodwill $10 credit or something, but no didn't get anything like that.

        • +1

          Pretty surprised by the response you got for the first instance, if store is shown on the map. Did you say you expect the cashback, and still they turn you down? Maybe you were unlucky, got a custservice personnel who was not that nice.

        • +1

          @bluesky: Yeah I was surprised too, it was Live Chat rather than call, but I could sense that the customer service person's attitude wasn't the best that day. The particular merchant is now removed from the Shop Small map so they have certainly taken action but to have to fork out 20 bucks cash and not get a reimbursement for false information on the map is disappointing.

        • @MathNerd: Yeah, I would be very disappointed too. Probably an employee on the last day or something … so far everyone I interacted with at Amex has been fantastic.

        • +1

          @bluesky: Yeah that's been my experience too, which made this particular situation just all the more frustrating. Apart from that, couldn't fault them at all. Just makes having an AmEx card so much more pleasant, when the customer service is so good :)

        • Had three places that didn't accept Amex and after filling out the online form, I got emails saying that I would (and have since) get $10 credit for each.

          I have a fourth place that accepted it (Lakehouse in Daylesford) but the bank transaction went to another place called Wombat Hill (which is not part of Shop Small) and Amex said to wait two weeks to see if it comes through.

        • @danielh:

          the online form

          Am I right then in assuming these are bank issued AmExs? As the form doesn't send the message if it's a direct issued proprietary card

        • @MathNerd: Correct. Bank Issued Amex can use the online form while Amex issued cards tell you to call a phone number.

  • +1

    Waitara Friendly Grocer - 3%
    Hornsby Mall Newsagency - 1.8%
    To's Newsagency - 1.8%
    Emails were received immediately.

    • Were these for opal top ups or just usual spend on stuff?

  • The offer seems to have disappeared from my 'saved list' on the site and i haven't yet used it 5 times.

    Anybody else noticed this?

    • +2

      Happened to me as well. Still keep getting the emails followed by the credit as normal.

    • +2

      Happened to a friend who called up Amex about this, was told they could still see that he was registered. They say it is just a glitch, and should be OK.

  • Has anyone bought lotto tickets or instant scratchies from nextra or anywhere else with the shop small promotion? Did you get the cashback on these purchases?

    • +2

      Sure did. Losing $10 on lotto/scratch cards felt better than losing $20. Last year I got 40 $1 cards in a continuous strip just to see how much you'd get back on average. Ended up with $23 in prizes.

  • I topped up Myki at Brunswick St News in Fitzroy today, and the shopkeeper said "Paying by Amex?" in an expectant but weary voice.
    She told me that yesterday someone came in with TWENTY THREE Amex cards to do Myki top up.
    Which of you was this?! :P
    "Finishes at the end of this month, right?" she said with the tone of someone looking forward to that day.

    • Wow that's insane. How many did you use?
      I'd be too embarrassed to ask for a topup over 23 cards, I'd do it over maybe 2 cards then go to another place then come back later etc, not too keen on humiliation haha

      • +1

        I "only" had three cards including hubby's. That already takes long enough!

        • You're right! Each card takes ages to process, and it's awkward while the terminal is connecting back to the AmEx servers, waiting for approval. I do that with 2 cards and I get insanely awkward. Gotta have balls of kryptonite to do that with 23 cards! I'd gladly spread out the topups over a few days to make it easier for the cashier, as I can understand their frustration.
          If only we could self-serve Myki Topups, that would be a dream come true. No awkwardness involved and can take as long as you need (and no death stares for wasting the person's time).

          Also, did you to it via Contactless (ExpressPay) or via Insert + PIN? Contactless may be faster but I find the emails don't come through at times when Contactless is used.

        • @MathNerd: Hahaha I have done 20+ before.

          It can be a little confronting, for both parties I suppose, but I try and be reasonable about it. Generally I do one at a time, and I'll move out the way for other "normal" customers. I also sometimes offer to get the person assisting me a drink.

  • Do they only give a single goodwill credit per account where primary & supplementary are counted as one. Or is it possible to get goodwill credits for each supplementary card as well?

    • +1

      It really depends on the person you get on the other end of the line, sometimes they're really nice and want to please you, so they'd give you multiple credits. If you get a grumpy/crazy person, you won't even get a single credit. It's the luck of the draw I guess.
      I was meant to receive 2 goodwill credits, and they've said it's come through, but I can't see it on my account/statements yet. Already took 2 calls to get this confirmed, hoping I don't need a third call for this, as that would be severely disappointing.

  • +1

    Opal run 24/11/17
    Ezymart wharf 2 and 5 circular quay $1 surcharge each
    58 pitt st ezymart NO surcharge !
    CITY CONVENIENCE 1 castlereagh NO SURCHARGE!
    MLC news agency 60 cent surcharge.

    Winning!

    My trick is to not whip out or show the amex, just have the opal card and say $20 topup. Most then ask cash or card and I just say card and nothing further specifying it's an amex ;)

    • Do any of these stores ask for the physical card? Or do you just discreetly PayPass your AmEx card?
      I find in Melbourne with Myki topups a lot of the retailers physically put their hand out asking for the card, and it's awkward if you say that you're not going to hand it over…

      • I tried Apple Pay on one and it failed. Generally they have the eftpos terminal in a self serve type way.

        • That's lucky. My experience has been the eftpos machine is hidden away behind the counter.
          I do rejoice when I see the terminal on a stand though, facing the customer. That's what you mean by self serve type way yeah?

        • @MathNerd: yup

        • @dammit: this still have an element of luck depend on the operator. chance is you meet one doesn't care to ask further. but if a bad day might not

        • @leehungfei: yup and shift change then the surcharges change too!!

  • Spice Mini Mart no surcharge

    https://g.co/kgs/CwM5hm

  • Is "American Express Promotion Credit" for Shop Small the goodwill credit? I did send an email about a business but there was no mention of credit in the reply.

    • Yes, it is probably the credit they manually put back onto your account, due to your email.

  • +3

    Am impressed. Got a bit confused tracking all my credits and which card had how many left at which store etc.

    Got an email from Amex saying "dear user, you still have chances to use Amex small shop"

    Very helpful!

  • Does anyone have any idea if the Keepcup online store is still part of shop small as indicated on the Amex shop small guide page (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/amex_shop_small_guide#othe…)?

    Only reason I’m asking is last time it was confirmed was 2016. Was looking at getting some cups as presents.

    • +2

      San Churro sells Keepcups and they come with a free hot drink. They are on the Shop Small list.

      EDIT: Looks like just the Docklands one is there, (Chocolateria San Churro -Harbour Town Shopping Centre)

      • That’s interesting. Thanks for that bit of info neil! Cheers. Might have to make a trip there to have a look.

  • Anyone tried 2 locations of the same business which is not a franchise? Still get 2 credits?

    • Yes, accidentally spent twice on the same card at a liquor store (wife and I both used her card). Only 1 credit.

  • Who did $2000? worth of Opal at Nextra Top Ryde? It sounded like they want to pull their name from SS the next time around.

    • +1

      How do you even do $2000 worth? That's eight maxed out Opal cards!

      • +3

        Ozbargain professional

      • +1

        You will need to have 100 Amex cards in order to do $2000 Opal Top up, therefore I think the person is exaggerating it. I do not think anybody will have 100 Amex cards.

        • Doesn't someone here have access to about thirty different AMEX card numbers here? 🤔

      • Maybe not one person, but in total?

  • +1

    this shopsmall with only x5 credits is a let down. can't do much at all. they need to bring back at x7 or x8 credits to get it happy shopping again. used up so quickly and let alone bank issue amex is about the cease.

  • +1

    Another place at Toongabbie with No Surcharge Or 0%Surcharge

    Spice Mini Mart

    6 Aurelia St, Toongabbie NSW 2146

    https://g.co/kgs/CwM5hm

    0%Surcharge
    0%Surcharge
    0%Surcharge

  • -1

    can anyone that has registered a non premium bank issued amex for the promo confirm if they have received the $10 credits yet? ive nearly ran out of amex issued cards so time to start using bank ones if they will get cash back.

    • if you have registered it you would be able to get the credit. If you haven't registered it's too late to register.

    • I've received 3 Shop Small credits on my CBA amex.

  • +4

    I know it's the last day, but update for people if they want..

    • EzyMart - 20 King St - hesitant/reluctant, but ultimately willing. Told me they are increasing the surcharge to $3 for today though (and I told them today was the last day). Generally charging $1 surcharge.
    • City Convenience - 136 Castlereagh St - completely refusing AMEX for opal top ups. I offered to pay a surcharge but he said "sorry, boss says no AMEX at all. Just following rules"
    • Allied Mart - 379 Pitt St - closed when I went by at 10:30pm
    • City Convenience - 525 George St (next to Starbucks) - only allowing 1x AMEX top up per customer at a surcharge of $0.30. I asked if I could do more since it was quiet, or for a higher surcharge, again "boss's rules, sorry."
    • Fastway Convenience - 27 Park Street - The best. Surcharge: $0.40

    Still need to do more today.

    Can anyone (if they know) share some of the opening/close times of the following? Here are the ones I'm curious about:

    • Millenium - 289-295 Sussex St - assume this one opens late.
    • Darling Park Newsagency - 201 Sussex St - assume this one closes early
    • Circular Quay Wharf 2 - assume this one closes early
    • Circular Quay Wharf 5 - assume this one closes early
    • MLC Newsagency (Food court) - assume this one closes early
    • Ezymart - 58 Pitt St - assume opens late
    • Ezymart - 15-23 Bligh St - assume opens late
    • Oxford St Newsagency - 1/18-32 Oxford St - assume opens late
    • King of the Pack - 26/61 Oxford St - assume closes early
    • City convenience - 1 Castlereagh Street - assume opens late
    • Society - 169 Philip St - assume closes early
    • St Martin's City Newsagency - 31 Market St - assume closes 7pm (but screw their $2 surcharge)
    • Lucky Charm - 500 George St (Galleries/TGV?) - assume closes early ~6pm
    • Lucky Charm - 580 George St (Town Hall tunnel?) - assume closes early ~6pm
    • Darling Harbour View Convenience - 5A Erskine St - assume closes late
    • World Newsagency - 1 Darling Drive (upstairs Harbourside?) - assume closes ~9pm

    Thanks in advance!

    And…. where is Fastway 44 Park Street?! Pretty sure this place doesn't exist. It's all construction there. I think those who commented saying 44 Park St works were confusing it with 27 Park St lol.

    Shout out to 27 Park St Fastway. Attendant was so helpful, friendly and patient. Also shout out to madrooster who I bumped into and had a great Ozbargain chat with.

    • Top man. My go to place, still King of the Pack (888 Wholly Tobacconist). Very nice Asian little old lady. 20c surcharge only.

      • Do you happen to know what time they close by any chance?

        • +1

          Sorry, I didn't see this in time. I'm don't know the answer anyway, I was there around 2pm

    • +1

      Wow don’t go Bligh Street. They just tried to charge me $10 when I asked if I could top up my Opal card in 3x $20 amounts. I asked why and they said it’s wasting their time. Wtf

      Also 1 Castlereagh are charging $1 surcharge now. It’s not free anymore

  • Can anyone confirm if they have got cashback from Lucky charm @QVB

  • +1

    Hey guys Allied Mart are saying their opal top up machine doesn’t work. I just went there. Received email confirmation for the Lucky Charm stores at Galeries and 580 George St.

    • +3

      Ask if you can pay now and get them to do the top up when their machine is working again.

      • Didn’t know you could do this. Thanks for the tip. I don’t have time to go back but will remember for the next small shop :)

    • went like 20 minutes ago and it worked just fine.

  • Hi all,
    I have one transaction left on one amex. Anyone recommend a charity that triggers an email? Or any online business?

    Thanks

  • Did a last minute to use up my remainders. Topped up myki with no surcharge at The Summit and Foodworks Gertrude St. Need to get a new Amex soon with Westpac sadly removing them soon.

  • +1

    Did the last shopsmall on tong li supermarket. good fun buying on essential oriental items. and bring back old x10 shops nxt yr

    • Nice! Didn't think Tong Li were Shop Small (at least the one closest to me). Looking at thydzik's chart and see there are a few… ah well, will stock up on Ramen next year.

  • +1

    Glad this is over….had a good run but went crazy managing and tracking 40 (5X8) transactions that I had to make over our 8 cards….this time the focus was less on opal top-ups.
    Sorted out dry cleaning, hair cut, bit of groceries, xmas tree, gift or 2, dessert & coffee and opal (would be donating couple of them at work for Kids xmas charity)…surely Iwon't have these many cards next time around..would be closing couple of westpac one's after year end offer(s) which probably may appear on the app tomorrow or early next week. Hope you all made most of it.

  • +2

    Boomerang Books for last minute online shop small credit and use coupon code 500XMAS for free shipping.

  • is a goodwill credit counted as part of the 5 spends?

    • I don't think so but I'll let someone else confirm

    • No.

      • my goodwill credit was counted as part of the 5 spends. live chat agent said she couldn't due a "manual intervention on this charge" because of that.

    • Yes.

  • I've made a forum post for people to write their wrap-ups. Head on over here!