Atm

[cbroder]

Is there a ATM on board AOS?

[bUU]

I have read something that leads me to believe you can get cash at the casino, off your credit card, but I haven't gotten a confirmation on that yet. That might be another option for getting cash on-board.

[Shaken_Bake]

Recently on Enchantment, I discovered that you can withdraw cash from your Seapass card in the casino. The advantage is that there's no additional fee such as there would be if you used the ATM. The cash will be part of your bill that's charged to your credit card. I also earn a cash-back bonus on charges on my credit card, so it was an additional incentive to use my card.

[bUU]

That sounds so strange. I thought one of the things credit card companies and vendors were very sensitive about was having charges to your card credited back in cash. If what you're saying is the case, then it almost sounds like you'd be wasting a chance to make some money NOT doing it -- that we should actually plan to do this rather than bring any cash on-board.

[madforcruising]

Sounds strange, but absolutely true.

[bUU]

Wow. Are there any limits? I mean could we legitimately go in and get $75 - $100 each day? Not that we'd use that much money, but heck this sounds like the best financial investment ever. It's practically like earning a 50% interest rate.

[madforcruising]

Not sure but I think the limit is somewhere at 2000/day of course if your personal limit from your cc alows.

[bUU]

And there is no requirement that the money be gambled, eh? Wow.

[madforcruising]

Nobody will ask you to gamble with the money.

[Shaken_Bake]

That sounds so strange. I thought one of the things credit card companies and vendors were very sensitive about was having charges to your card credited back in cash. If what you're saying is the case, then it almost sounds like you'd be wasting a chance to make some money NOT doing it -- that we should actually plan to do this rather than bring any cash on-board.

Getting cash in the casino works differently than getting a cash advance on your credit card. The credit card company has no way of knowing that you're getting cash with your Seapass card. RCCL submits one charge to your credit card on the total amount you racked up, not differentiating how the money was spent. There is no reason you can't withdraw as much cash as your card allows and use the cash to pay your credit card bill before interest starts accruing. Then, you'd have lots of cash-back points or air miles to accrue if that's how your cards work. Don't see why you can't do that!

[Mark_K]

And there is no requirement that the money be gambled, eh? Wow.

I've heard that if you ask for too much, I'm not sure exactly the amount, you will get it in chips (specially designated) that will need to be gambled rather than just turned in immediately for cash. It's definitely more than a $100 or so a day, I know that for sure.

[bUU]

I'd think the casino would be as concerned, if not more so, than the credit card company. While the credit card company is losing the premium for cash advances, the casino is actually paying a fee to the credit card company based on the amount of the transaction.

[Shaken_Bake]

I'd think the casino would be as concerned, if not more so, than the credit card company. While the credit card company is losing the premium for cash advances, the casino is actually paying a fee to the credit card company based on the amount of the transaction.

 

A credit card company does not know what the charge to the Seapass card was for, so they'd have no idea that they're losing out on a potential cash advance. The casino is very eager to hand out cash because most people turn right around and lose it in the casino. As to any fee they'd pay to a credit card company, it's RCCL overall who pays the fee, not just the casino. Considering that the casinos are the biggest profit center on any ship, I don't think RCCL has any problem whatsover paying any measly fees associated with charges made in the casino.

[TomCat32174]

And, as far as the fees goes that the credit card companies charge RCCL, why do you think it costs $5 or more for a drink? They recoup the credit card fees by uping the prices on the items that you are buying.

[laurieny]

Just thought I would point out that there is an ATM typically located right next to the Guest Relations desk and while it does have the ridiculous fee associated with it (right now I can't remember but it was either 5.50 or 7.50) it is always available(barring mechanical failure or running out of money which I have heard does happen once in a great while). Note that the casino IS the best place to get cash, but you have to plan ahead. If you are in port than the casino is closed. If you go in to get your $100 a day of cash or whatever then make sure you do it the night before when at sea and not in the morning as you are leaving for town.

[imsulin]

The casino charges YOU the amount your credit card charges for a cash advance, if you use your CC, and then pays the CC company. The casino is not paying anything for your cash advance...you are.

[bUU]

Uh, that contradicts what Shaken Bake said, that getting cash at the casino is just a charge on your Sea Pass, and so works like all other charges to your Sea Pass.

 

Anyone know which is it for sure?

[Shaken_Bake]

Uh, that contradicts what Shaken Bake said, that getting cash at the casino is just a charge on your Sea Pass, and so works like all other charges to your Sea Pass.

 

Anyone know which is it for sure?

What the heck are you talking about, Imsulin?! I know what I said is true because I JUST got my credit card statement which includes a one line charge listed as "Enchantment of the Seas FL" equal to the Seapass statement we received from RCCL on the last day of our cruise. Although we certainly had dozens of items charged to our Seapass card, it's only one charge to my credit card. There are absolutely no cash advance charges on my card or on the Seapass statement. How would the casino know what my credit card charges? How would they know if I'm settling up in cash? The casino only wants people to easily have money in hand in order to hopefully lose it there. If a few people actually walk out of the casino without dropping one dime in the slots, then so be it - there are plenty more who won't!

[laurieny]

Yes, I have done it (too often). It is just a charge to your sea pass, no extra fees.

[Mark_K]

The casino charges YOU the amount your credit card charges for a cash advance, if you use your CC, and then pays the CC company. The casino is not paying anything for your cash advance...you are.

At one time some RCI ships (the ones I was on) charged a 3% fee for cash advances at the casino. There was a very small sign at the cashier's announcing it. The policy, and the sign, seem to have disappeared.