Following.

Seems like a lot of work to monitor transactions worth less than $2,000.

Are they tracking people on tourist visas? What a mess. Landlord must still report, but tourists don't?

I am also planning to get Elite visa. Seems to make life there so much easier. I can apply online. I do not need to return to US. And it may be best bet against ongoing tightening of immigration requirements.

I use an online electronic card service.

Context here.

Ramadan in the Arab Gulf ended over a month ago, so this post is confusing.

I will probably buy the 5 year visa. After that, I will probably move to another country. I see myself as a retirement nomad at this point.

I am planning to get one before I retire in the summer of 2020. Yes, I could get a retirement visa, but even it comes with hassles. I'd have to take an expensive trip back to the US from the Middle East, where I currently live, to apply for the retirement visa. The Elite visa I can do online. Plus, it will likely "grandfather" me in despite ongoing changes to visa policy. The VIP treatment is also attractive.

Could be.