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3/22/2003

To the financial genius/moron that calculated "effective" rebate percentages (posted 3/16): did you really think you would get something for nothing? Your gas purchases are being paid for by rebates month after month and you want them to give you a rebate on your rebate? If you'd bother to read how they calculated the rebate in the first place then we wouldn't have to serve you any complimentary cheese with your free box of Kleenex and whine. And your non-gas purchase rebates weren't affected by your rebates because they were "gas" rebates; therefore, they'd be subtracted from your "gas" purchases. So, you were still getting 1% for your non-gas purchases. Finally, if you were going to bother charging $88,000 on a 1% card, then you just lost out on almost $900 in rebates from a 2% card...real smart there while you're busy crying about a few pennies elsewhere.

I also received a letter stating that Juniper was ending its 2% cashback program. I called and asked to be reinstated in the program, and the representative told me that was not possible. As of my 3/20/03 statement, however, I am still receiving rebates. Does anyone else have any information what is happening with the Juniper cashback card?

Saw some comments that starting August 2003, 'new GM card program' will be 1%. Where this info coming from? Any detail?

Concerning the GM card. If you have the black and gray original card it has not changed. $500 a year for 7 years. You can use the entire $3500 on a new car. The change is for employees or relatives that get employee discounts. The change will be in Aug for only employee discounts.

re AAA gas card. make sure you read the fine print. you only get the rebate if you pay at the pump - if you have to pay inside for any reason, you do not get a gas rebate.

re Chase Shell and Chase Freedom gas cards.Note that Chase Freedom DOES NOT deduct the prior month's rebate before calculating this months rebate, so you get your full rebate every month on this card. Chase Shell card did deduct the prior month's rebate before calculating the current rebate as described in the previous grapevine note.

re: "Caution: deceptive advertising! To those who think they are getting 5% off their gas purchases (with Citi Shell) or 3% off (with Chase Freedom), follow the math." I think you're looking at it the wrong way. The rebate each month is applied to purchases and reduces the amount that will get a rebate, yes. But, isn't that what you do with a rebate anyway? You use it instead of using your credit card. So, whatever you use your rebate on (except if you bank it), you are, in essence, using it instead of your credit card. Therefore, if you normally spend your rebate checks, getting it applied to purchases each month is the same thing and doesn't reduce the cask-back benefit.

I talked to a customer service rep for the Chase Freedom card, and the only way to apply for it right now is by calling the toll-free number 1-866-800-FRDM (3736).

In response to the 2/12 post about using both GM Card rebates and Driver's Edge rebates on the same purchase, I did that on my last car purchase. It was several years ago but I had no problem. Driver's Edge requires that you mail in for the rebate providing a copy of your sales slip. They then send you a check for your rebate.

Could I please have the link to apply for the Chase Freedom Card? I can't find it anywhere. I am currently do not have the Shell card. Thanks.

Does Ford Motor Company have a credit card whereby a percentage of my purchases goes toward the purchase of a Ford Vehicle? This would be similar to the GM Card. Thanks.

3/16/2003

From the new AmEx Cash Rebate Agreement: " For the first $2,000 in annual Purchases, you will receive a rebate of 0.50% for Everyday Purchases and 0.25% for Non-everyday Purchases. For the next $4000 in Annual Purchases you will receive a rebate of 1% in Everyday Purchases and 0.50% in Non-everyday Purchases. For Annual Purchases above $6000, you will receive a rebate of 3% for Everyday Purchases and 1.5 for Non-Everyday Purchases." Does this mean that for the purpose of the rebate calcutaion, the Annual Purchases will be split into two groups? For exmaple, in order to get into the 1.5%/3.0% category, I will have to spend at least $12,000 ($6k in Everyday Purchases and $6k in Non-everyday Purchases). Thanks.

What happened to the Farm Bureau 2% cash back VISA card? I have one and they have paid out $700 on $35k purchase twice. Good deal! I haven't gotten any cancelation. However, it appears on their website that this is gone. If you have one, will they still honor it?

Does anyone have information on the terms of the new Amex Blue Cash rebate card?

Anyone have the link for the Chase Freedom Card? I can't find the link anywhere. I have never had the Shell card. Thanks.

Anybody have any details about the New "Blue Cash from American Express" card. I was told that it was replacing one or all of the other AmEx Cashback cards. It says "Your annual cash reward for everyday purchases at stand-alone U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, drugstores, and home improvement stores is up to 3%. Your annual cash reward for all other purchases is up to 1.5%. You will receive an additional rebate of up to 2% in months in which your account carries a balance." I'm not sure if this link will work or not, but give it a try: https://www66.americanexpress.com/cards/Fmacfservlet?csi=67/7011/b/3/0731636774/073133901501/22/n&from=7

What do you think of the Upromise card?

I have been using the American Express Platinum Cash Rebate Card for a number of years. I recently heard about the Chase Freedom Card and noticed the subjective analysis did not cover this card. It would be helpful if you updated the subjective analysis to cover it.

This is not directly related to credit card goodies, but I think important information for all of regardless. I want to share my experience with privacyguard.com. Not only does their system show information that is inconsistent with what the credit bureaus actually hold, but the combined IQ of the customer service "consultants" does not register. Stay away from this service, less you feel like to waste a lot of time. Don't take shortcuts, just order a credit report directly from the bureaus. After my experience I truly hope privacyguard crashes and burns...

Caution: deceptive advertising! To those who think they are getting 5% off their gas purchases (with Citi Shell) or 3% off (with Chase Freedom), follow the math... Taking the Citi Shell card for example, suppose you only use it for Shell gas, and you spend exactly $100 per month on gas. In your FIRST month statment it will show $5 rebate - and you think, "great!". But in the next month they first subtract the previously earned rebate from you gas total before calculating the next rebate. So in month 2, your rebate will be ($100 - $5) x 5%, which is $4.75. Turns out you wind up getting effectively 4.75% rebate, NOT 5%. The situation gets far worse if you have alot of non-gas purchases. The rebate amount is always subtracted from your monthly expendentures BEFORE the rebate amount is calculated. In my case, in 12 months of using Chase Shell, I charged $88,241.89 and received rebates totalling only $875.24 - which is not even 1%. I just wish I found this site earlier and was using AmEx.

I just called Juniper, and they told me there are no changes in the works...the assured me my 2% is still on.

AAA Diamonds Reward card offers 5% gas rebate at any pay at the pump location, any brand of gasoline credited towards your monthly statement. Plus any other purchases you make you earn points towards AAA vouchers. You need to be a AAA member.

We are currently using the PayPal Debit Card which gives us a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase. True, it's not an actual credit card but it also saves people the hassle of running up credit card debt by taking the money right out of your PayPal money market account. You have to be an eBay seller to get it, but it's worth it and is one of the better deals out there in the cashback/credit card arena. Only downside I can see is that it can take up to 3 to 4 business days to transfer funds from a regular bank account to your PayPal account and visa versa. But for overall cash back rewards I give it a thumbs up.

Hey everyone, I've been a credit card collector junkie for quite a while. There's always a new deal to be had. If you want to be able to search for exactly the credit card you want consider using this site: http://www.numberonecreditguide.com This site has a searchable database.

I will miss my Juniper Card. Only got about a three week warning about the dropping of the 2% reward. Luckily it was just two weeks into a new yearly cycle. I maxed out at $500 on that one. The new AmEx Cash Rebate card is confusing. The web site gives one impression and the "fine print" that comes with the card gives another. If the IDIOTS would only give one simple example on their web site then we could all figure out what all the mumbo-jumbo actually means. But noooo! The web site gives the impression that if you have spent a zillion dollars on Non-Everyday items and then make your first Everyday purchase, say a gasoline fillup, that the cost of the fillup is rebated at the lowest tier, that of .50%. But that is NOT TRUE according to the Agreement that comes with the card. The cost of that fillup goes into the ONE PILE that already contains a zillion doillars worth of purchases and it gets rebated at the 3% level. Try calling customer service. You get Bombay India. I can't understand their accent. Try putting a "pdf" file out on the web so you and cusomer service can both look at the same example and you find that customer service can't access the web. Imagine, they can't access the web! So you write an e-mail to customer service asking for them to take a look and simply tell you whether Example #1 or Example #2 is correct. A very simple request. And they tell you to call customer service. Do-dah! Do-dah! (By the way, if you go a while without using your old Platinum Cash Rebate Card, AmEx may come through with a $20 reward if you simply charge $500 in a two month period.) Back to new cash rebate card ... There was a web site that gave an example and showed a $117 rebate which could only come from all the spending going into ONE PILE, not two. It goes into ONE PILE but at two different rates. Now to try and figure what they mean by "You will receive an additional 2% rebate ... in any billing period for which you do not pay in full the outstanding balance." What if I pay all but one cent? Doesn't make sense.

This is for the person who posted on 1/28/03 who wanted to use the $3500 that they had accumulated on the GM Card (after 7 years) and was wondering whether they should be worried about any GM trickery. First, you won't be able to use the full $3500 on that pick-up. GM pulled a fast one a while back and limited your card dollars to $1,000 or $1,500 per vehicle depending on the model. Also, if you plan on using it, you had better do so before August 2003 because your current card program will revert to the 'new GM card program' after that time. The $3500 you now have will be greatly reduced (automagically) and all future purchases will only earn you 1 percent after that time. However, they don't limit you to the $500 per yr maximum accrual although you would have to spend a small fortune to get back to the $3500 you now have. Don't feel bad as I've had mine for 8 years and have nearly $3700 accumulated (can't seem to get excited about anything GM ! nowadays). I now have the Chase Subaru card and plan on going that route. The way this one works is similar. You earn 3% on all purchases and, after accumulating $100 worth of purchase credit, you are sent a certificate in the mail that you can use on the purchase of a new Subaru or service/parts for it. You are also limited to $500 max per annum and I believe $2,000 max per vehicle purchase. At least it's more than the $1,500 GM limit.

GM boosted card points under 2,003 up to $2,003, and have a $2,000 rebate, a $1,500 loyalty rebate and upromise has a special of an additional $450 from GM into a upromise account, a total of $5,953 potential savings for certain consumers! I;m getting the card and hope they do ti again next year!

I was reading the AmEx card terms, and it includes the following: " All transactions are subject to a 3% or $5.00 fee, whichever is greater, with no maximum." Is this a charge on each charge you make?

If I transfer a balance from a cashback card to another card (such as a 0% interest card) do I still get the cashback on the balance transferred (i.e. paid in full, but by the second credit card issuer)?

Hi, I'm glad you have this site. I'm looking for a new card since GM has changed their cards rebate program. Do you know of a card that offers frequent flyer miles without a yearly fee?

I just got a notice from Wells Fargo that they are changing the 1% card that I have. This may portend future changes in other cards so it's worth noting: The rebate will now be calculated on a MONTHLY basis: 0-$100 each month earns No rebate, then the next $150 earns .25%, .5% and .75% respectively. After you have spent $550 in a month you get 1% on the rest and then it starts all over again next month. Total rebates are limited to $500 each year and are paid in $20 increments when you request them.

I had an account with a bank and I did not receive any bills after the first month. Come to find out, the company had the wrong address. after correcting the problem after almost a year I still have not heard from them. What should I do now.

I bought a Ponitac Vibe and found a website where people discussed what they had paid. One guy said that GM icreased his accrued balance from $600 to $2003 in January that could be applied to a new GM. With the $2,000 rebate and the $1,500 loyalty owenrs thing some people could get a lot off the MSRP with no negotiation!

Thanks for your service. I will be mentioning your website in a free newslettr that I publish and it will go nationwide Friday or Saturday to 600-700 who also share with a similar number, I'd estimate.

"Just wanted to see what you thought of this card, which supposedly pays 2% cash back for all charges above... $2001,http://www.nationalcity.com/personal/creditcard/cashbuilderdetail.asp" I think you can't read. I've had that card for a while. It's 2% over $40,0000 not $2000.

3/9/2003

The correction to Peter's chart is almost correct. It is restricted by assuming you can only use one card per year. As I calculate it, a 1% card is better for someone who's expenses are up to $11,000 per year; Fleet is better for expenditures $11,000-$30,500. Assuming you max your Fleet rebate during the year your *second* card should be a 1% card if your total expenditure is under $41,500 while Amex still scores for the really big spenders.

I've heard of a credit card that pays rewards that are applied toward paying off your mortgage. Has anyone heard of such a card?

LLBean credit card is stated in your analysis as yielding 1%..My experience with mbna-Visa-LLBean is that you get .5% on all purchases and 3% on LL Bean purchases..Please check this out and let me know what you find.

the FICO question. If you make sure that you do not max all out your cards. Keep a few with no balances... and then get the 0% card, pay it back over time (or by the time 0% exp) then you will actualy improve your FICO score. Because it shows that you are able to repay large balance.

MBNA WorldCard offrs 1% after you spend 20k+. MBNA does have a 1% card for all purchases, no cap, and 0% apr (for Balance Transfers) for fist 6 month. The card kind of looks funny, but its full 1% back - paid to you on your anniversary date (the day you opened your account). For more info visit http://www.applyonlinenow.com/us/motleyfool/rewards.html#

MBNA is going extra liberal. MBNA purchased the Rainbow/Pride portfolio from Citibank... MBNA will start to market the Rainbow/Pride card this year.. marketed towards the Gay & Lesbian Market.

thanks for the really high-quality site for all these years. Just wanted to see what you thought of this card, which supposedly pays 2% cash back for all charges above $2001, capped at $1k http://www.nationalcity.com/personal/creditcard/cashbuilderdetail.asp

Try this new credit card site for good information on UK credit cards: http://www.creditcardexpert.co.uk

In response to the possibility that the chart might be incorrect: I think the chart is simply doing a flat 1.5% for AMEX. Not taking into consideration that the first $2000 and next $3000 are .5% rebate and 1.0% rebate respectively. Probably just a mistake when the chart was put together. When you magnify the chart, you see for example that Amex at the $2000 level returns $30. At $3000 it returns $45. At $5000 it returns $75 etc. Plus AMEX's graph line is totally straight the whole way through (no curve at all) So it's probably just a mistake. You are right though, Fleet starts to beat AMEX already at anything greater than $11000. Not to mention it beats a straight 1% card (like CITGO for example) at $11000 also. But like Pete says, if you charge up the wazoo and burst past the $37000 level in a year, then you're better off using AMEX.

Please update your website. The Fleet CashBack card, as mentioned on your site, is no longer offered by Fleet. It has been replaced by the Fleet Dividend Rewards card, which offers cash back at a much lower rate than the CashBack card. It is calculated as follows (which comes from rules booklet dated 1/02):

"Dividends will calculate and accrue montly as of your billing cycle closing date and will be earned in the following increments: .25% on the first $1999.00 of your total annual qualifying transactions, .50% on the portion of your total annual qualifying transactions from $1999.01 to $3999.00, .75% on the portion of your total annual qualifying transactions from $3999.01 to $5999.00, and 1% on the portion of your total annual qualifying transacations which exceeds $5999.00. You can also double your earned Dividends (thereby earning up to an additional 1% Dividend on qualifying transactions), for any billing cycle in which your Account carries over an unpaid balance from the prior billing cycle."

As with the old CashBack card, there is an annual maximum of $500.00. This new card offers a worse cash back schedule than even Discover (unless you carry balances). I specifially inquired about the old card and was told it was no longer being offered to new customers.

Walt Disney Co. (disney.com) Visa credit card from Bank One Corp. (bankone.com) via First USA Bank, N.A. (firstusa.com).

Disney Enhanced Visa Platinum ($5k+ credit line) (name of non-platinum card(s)?) ($500-$5k credit line) http://www.disneysecret.com/ http://disney.go.com/visa/index.html http://www.disneyapplynow.com/

Disney Dream Reward Dollars: Earn about 1% in program benefits from credit card purchases. For every $100 "net purchase", receive $1 Reward Dollars that can only be redeemed toward designated Disney goods/services at participating Disney locations. (ie: "...most Disney merchandise, park tickets, hotel nights, food and more at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts - including theme parks, and Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store, Disney catalog and DisneyStore.com."). Occasional promotions that will double and/or triple the percentage will be available to select goods/services/card holders.

Limitation: $750 Reward Dollars/year. ($75,000/year in "net purchases"). Reward Dollar must be redeemed prior to usage. NOTE: NO DETAILS ON: DEFINITION OF "NET PURCHASES", REBATE DISBURSEMENT. (net purchase: accumulated total of eligible purchases? vs. billing cycle total of eligible purchases rounded down to nearest $100s?); (rebate disbursement: see below).

Unconfirmed: Redeemed Reward Dollar must be used within 12 months from date of issue (with 6-8 week delay to receive benefit?); unredeemed Reward Dollars valid for 60 months (from date of accumulation?); redeemable: in $20 units? for anything over $20?.

Caveat: It is possible that First USA will redeem the newest Reward Dollar first, in line with the policy of "we will credit the lowest APR first".

(Feb-26-2003) Review: http://www.mousesavers.com/misc.html

PR/Media:

http://usa.visa.com/personal/about_visa/newsroom/press_releases/nr125.html

http://www.corporate.visa.com/mc/press/press92.html

http://usa.visa.com/personal/about_visa/newsroom/press_releases/nr150.html

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=disney+bank+one+visa

To apply (via disneysecret.com/disney.go.com): (888) 688-4868 (note: Card Code will vary); (via disneyapplynow.com): (877) 252-6576 and mention Card Code 7BVP; (via: visa.com): (888) 878-7222

Before applying, know that there are sites like this: First Scams

http://members.tripod.com/fusa1/

EOF

To the person who thinks the ExxonMobil "gas" card is not a good deal-- What you want is an ExxonMobil Platinum Mastercard -- it's a good deal. The way to use it is to charge EVERYTHING you buy with the card and you will get "free" gasoline at Exxon and Mobil stations. For each $1.00 you charge, you get one cent worth of "free" gasoline. I usually charge between $1,500 and $2,500 a month -- groceries, everything -- and get $15 to $25 worth of free gasoline. If the Exxon and Mobil stations in your area sell expensive gasoline, buy gas at the cheaper stations -- and pay for it with an ExxonMobil Mastercard. Your monthly statement will let you know how much free gas you can buy the next month -- and buy only that amount. I've had an ExxonMobil Platinum Mastercard for eight years and have received about $2,500 worth of "free gas" during that time. That's about $300 of free gas a year.

I think Chase really screwed up with the 3%/5% system. I'm a charter member (since 1996), average $1000 everything/month and $70 gas/month (mostly Shell). I wasn't thinking about going with Citi until I heard about the 5% rate, and I was only getting the 3%. Just received the Citi Shell card last Friday. Probably won't use Chase again for anything other than non-Shell gas.

I'm rather perturbed by news of Juniper terminating the rewards program - How were you notified of this? I just received my statement, dated March 21, 2003, and it did not include any notification to that effect...

3/3/2003

I think your comparison chart is in error. The AMEX card is not the best choice in any circumstances (assuming you do not carry a balance). A flat 1% is a better deal up to $11,000 per year in charges. Above $11,000 per year the fleet card is a better deal than amex, unless you charge more than 37,000 per year then amex becomes better due to the $500 cap on the fleet card. Am I missing something, or was the chart intended to be based on carrying a balance?

Just a question about FICO score: If one takes advnatge of the 0% interest offer and max out in one (of many) credit card account, does one suffer in the FICO rating? Thanks!

i think we should first understand the basics of how credit card industries works: mc/visa: normal charge to vendor 1.5-1.7%. issuer (your) bank (1.3%) vendor (merchant)bank ( .2%) agents for vendor bank (.05%- .2%) amex 1.5%-3.75% discover 1.5-1.75% (corporate card rates goes upto 5.5%) amex/discover has no vendor setup agents, also they finance charges using their own money mc/visa works thru franchisee banks for annual licensing fee. they get special rates from franchiess (like shell/ge/gm) to promote their products. mc/visa normal transaction fees which our banks collects is 1.2-1.3%. so they cannot afford to give more than 1% in cash back to us. however, when they offer in merchandise like airline miles, they pay them only .5% (for 1% merchandise value.) and thats why they push more for merchandise instead cash(by keeping various restriction on cash) so when you do your math, you can presume your future normal benifits. any thing more than 1% is bonus and will come with cap or extra conditions. discover has some partnes like barnes/ftd.com/blockbusters where you can double your rewards upto 2%. (1% paid by discover and 1% by partners to promote their products)

your web site is good as to informative materials. however i think you should also focus on high end rewards and "high chargers". kast year we have charged over $3,000,000 on cards. we have all major "rewards" cards you name it. personnaly i feel amex (no matter whichever color)is best as thats the one which truly has no limit on rewards with very generous cards limit. besides we value rewards air miles @ 1.5 cents(1.5%) any time which we can cash it out thru our travel agents (eventhough illegal). travel agents they use it for business/1st class @ 1.8/2.3 cents. so any card with air miles is best for super high users. should you need more info, pls do not hesistate to contact us.

Just confirmed with the Chase CSR that as a charter member as indicated on my statement I will receive the 5% after the 6% promotion is over. The card does not need to indicate this. So we will have to wait and see.

Juniper bank used to have a nice rebate program. As of March they are discontuing it. They say their costomers are better served with a lower interest rate instead. Since I don't carry a balance, the interest rate isn't important to me, but the rebate is. So this is one card that I'll be dropping soon in favor of a card that offers a nice rebate.

Enjoyed your site after I found it on yahoo. I just got notice from Juniper MC that my 2% card rewards program is ending. I started searching for another one and I cannot find one to match that program. Last year when I found it there seemed to be many cards offered with similar rewards. Not this year - unless I am looking in the wrong sites. Any advice? Not everyone takes AMEX like Mastercard.

The Chase 3% gas/1% other total reward depends on what % of you credit casd purchases is on gas. The math works this way- for every 5% of your total credit card is spent on gas, you get an extra 0.1% reward total. Thus if 10% of your purchases are gas, then the end result is an avarage 1.2% reward.

I've used the AmEx and CitiCard combination and it's been quite good but as mentioned in an earlier grapevine, the new MBNA/Fidelity 529 card seems a clear winner.

I use the American Express Corporate Optima Platinum cash back card. It has a structure similar to the Amex Platinum you use, but allows rebates up to 2% uncapped without carrying a balance. Check it out if you are self-employed, or any member of your family is.

Hi there I pay my balance off in full every month. I currently use a AMX platinum business delta sky miles card because of the benefits it offers. I am often turned away from people that do not accept AMX, so I am looking for a visa or mastercard that might offer the same benefits I am getting with my current card. Please let me know of any good cards like that. Thank you

Hi, I just learned about your website and explored it. I like your whole style very much---it is sooo friendly.

One comment: I believe your cashback numbers for Discover are outdated - or are we looking at different cards, apples and oranges? My Platinum Discover rebates 0.25% up to $1,500; 0.5% for $1,501 to $3,000; 1% above $3,000. The card gave the rebates that you state until some time ago, but changed to the above setup, abandoning the 0.75% bracket altogether.

One question: Could you investigate the new offer from MBNA? I hold their platinum card and received an offer for a "better" card with rewards including cash rebates over the phone. I did not bite right then and looked at their website. It seems to offer 0.8% at all purchasing levels, but on the phone it had sounded like 1%! It might be helpful to include it in your beautiful graph. After all, MBNA is a big card issuer. I got a second call, so they seem to be marketing it actively.

Starbucks rewards program (via bankone.com & visa.com). Details to be announced in Fall 2003. (only in USA, unknown for Canada and elsewhere)

The Starbucks Card (click on Next Generation Starbucks Card) https://www.starbucks.com/card/default.asp

(Feb-21-2003) Articles from various media http://www.reuters.com/printerFriendlyPopup.jhtml?&storyID=2267113 http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Business/ap20030221_2147.html http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/printStory.pl?news_id=7990 http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=Starbucks+Bank+One+Visa

I had originally posted this several weeks ago but it never appeared on the board so thought I would submit it again! I have applied and received the MBNA World Master Card and intend to start using it this summer. Currently my wife and I use the First USA British Airways Visa which we have held for several years. We have gotten FREE trips to the UK as well as FREE trips to the West Coast. British Airways are partners with American AirLines and a few others so one can use the miles to book domestic flights as well as transatlantic flights which is very convenient! However there is an annual fee of $50 which we have barely tolerated and now it has been raised to $75. That is enough for me to want to drop the First USA BA Visa but I have always been curious if anyone has ever been able to get an exemption from the annual fee. Have any card issuers ever granted a waiver to any of their card holders? If so please let me know! Anyhow, most likely we ! will drop the First USA Card and switch to the MBNA World Master Card which seems to be a very FLEXIBLE card in my opinion. You can get miles, rewards or cash for everything you charge ($1 equal 1 point). 25,000 points will get a roundtrip ticket anywhere in the USA on any airline with no black out dates. One thing to consider is the maximum dollar value for 25000 points is only $400. If the airline ticket costs more you would have to pay the difference. And the points are good for only 5 years. Other than those 2 disadvantages I think the World Master Card would be my choice. There is NO annual fee! And finally if any of you belong to a frequent flyer scheme by all means join their Dining Club! In most cases the dining club membership is free and you get 10 miles for every dollar charged at participating local restaurants. Spending at these restaurants seems to get an impressive percentage rate of return when compared to getting just one percent or even 5% with some other c! ards. If you consider that an airline mile is worth about 1.5! cents or more then that means you are getting at least a 15% rate of return when you dine at these restaurants! If anyone knows of a more pleasant way of earning airline miles please let me know! I enjoy reading the Grapevine very much and look forward to learning about New Credit Cards and more reward benefits!

I, too, noted the seeming lack of discernible difference between Green and Platinum AMEX cashback (and, boy, was I mad) BUT: I think THIS is the key: Platinum rebate schedule applies to ALL purchases; the Green schedule, I am guessing, STACKS the schedules, that is everyday rebate of .50% up to $2000 PLUS all else rebate of .25% up to $2000 equals AT MAX SPENDING rebate of 0.375% up to $4000 (What, you thought AMEX was just GIVING cash away?!), and so on. So, actually, you reach the higher step more quickly w/Platinum. If I'm wrong, well, I'm sorry...but I don't think I am.

I just called Fleet on their card. They informed me that cash rewards are only earned on balances carried forward!! So I pay interest and get back a part of it "back" as a reward???!! Surely I'm missing something here.

Received my Fleet rebate checks on 2/19/03 (mine is $500/my wife's is $482). Lesson learned: Even though the Fleet reps told me repeatedly that rebate period is until the end of 2002; No, No! It is according to the last statement period (Dec.) of 2002; that may stop early December. Approach: Try to accumulate up to the maximum $500 as early as possible during the year, but no later than the closing date of the December statement.

"Charter Member" means that you do NOT receive the same benefits as a NEW member (yes, counterintuitive, I know). Specifically, a new client receives the double-bonus for 90 days; a charter member receives the double bonus until March 31 only. Other than that...no difference.

I e-mailed Shell customer service and got this reply: "The 5% rebate structure was given to a limited number of customers that displayed a strong brand loyalty toward Shell gasoline. This was an effort to keep those customers after the conversion. As to the exact percentage or number of transactions per month of Shell gas, that is not known to Customer Service. We are not trying to hide anything and will not hide anything from our customers. All transactions and policies are detailed in the customer agreement that is sent with each account." So it appears that there are certain customers that they do not want to defect so they're giving them a higher incentive to stay.

which cards pay you back and what are the benefits of each for people who pay balances each month in total.

I would like to confirm what someone contributed several days ago: I received a $500 rebate from Fleet. Last year it was unclear whether existing cardholders would be grandfathered into the more limited new conditions, after a full calendar year of experience it is clear, and the answer is yes. I understand that this provides no comfort for potential new subscribers....

I learned about the AmEx cash rebate card through your site - thank you! After reading the fine print and talking to them, I think it is a good deal, but I thought it may help your readers to see a summary: 1. For big spenders, the card blows the competition away. 2. For regular people, circumbscibed use makes it a great deal. Use it for gas,groceries, and home improvement stores; and keep a $1 balance. Using it this way will give you a 2.5% cash rebate for the first $2000, 3.0% for the next $4000, and 5.0% on purchases after that, up to $50,000. Finance charges on the $1 balance you carry will be $6.00/year(their minimum). I have always shied away from AmEx, since I figured that the high vendor use fees would come out of me eventually. I'm bought :-) Superb site! Thanks again. Cheers, Eric

LOVE Your site! The info you provided is exactly what I've been looking for without having to do a bunch of research on my own. I already use Discover and Amex cash rebate cards, but there are a couple companies which don't accept them, therefore I'm out the 1%+. One of these instances is paying my home owners ins and taxes. Together they are over 5K, so if I'm able to get 1% back, what a deal! I also handle my own escrow and faithfully put the money into a savings acct each month to draw interest (instead of giving the mortgage comp the escrow money so they can draw interest on it!). So with the cash back and the interest from savings, I would come out even better. Again, thanks for your website!

Just got my 1st Chase Freedom card statement. It says "charter memeber" on the statement. I guess this means we are "charter member" of the Chase Freedom cards?!? It also came with a piece of paper that explains the layout of the new statement. But it only says rebate for any gasoline (no percentage specified) + 1% on all other rebates. Does anyone know how is the rebate calculated exactly? My calculations don't add up to Chase's rebate amount... Thanks.

OK. I went back and looked at my old Shell MC statements and it does say "CHARTER MEMBER" right above my account number. I don't know if it said that on the card or not since I shredded it after I got the replacement Chase Freedom card. I guess I should call and ask if I qualify for the 5% instead of the 3% rebate on gas.

Note on AMEX new cash rebate card with higher rebate rates for "everyday spending": There are two rebate rate tiers depending on the classification of your purchases, and those two tiers are absolutely independent of each other. Spend $6000 in everyday purchases and you've hit the big time, 3% rebates on further everyday purchases. But your non-everyday tier is still at $0 and returning 0.25% (or whatever the rate is). I got it and promptly cancelled it when I saw the tier structure. I'll keep my old Platinum AMEX Cash rebate card.

The AAA rewards will be avalable to AAA Financial members in May/June.. currntly only selected AAA groups have it. Rebate will post to your account with in 24 hours of the gass transactions.. (rebates do not post on sundays, wll post the next bussiness day)

I called Chase... it says "Charter" member on all my statment.. The rep said that "Charter" means that you only use Shell gass - wtf??? what did you all do to switch to a 5% card if you are a charter member?? yell and scream a lot???

WoW! good for MBNA... all the people who poseted the AAA info must be working for MBNA.. LOL!!! This site is owned by MBNA America Bank??!! [No! :-)]

To the person asking for a straight-forward 1%, no tiers, no fees, no gimmicks, etc., I recommend the Citgo Preferred Visa. It gives your rebate each month automatically on your statement, and allows payments from its web site. The only limitation is a $40 rebate cap per month (i.e. $4,000 in purchases per month). Details at http://www.citgo.com/CreditCash/CITGOCards/CITGOPreferredVISA.jsp

2/18/2003

This is what it means to be called a "charter" member from chase. This is what I got on my e-mail: Please note that the 5% rebate was offered to a small group of former Shell cardmembers who displayed a particular purchasing pattern. We believe that by offering you 3% on ALL of your gasoline purchases, you'll be receiving more value out of your Chase Freedom card than you did with your Shell MasterCard or Visa card from Chase when you earned 5% on only one brand of gasoline. We hope that you'll enjoy your new Chase Freedom card by earning a 3% on all of your gasoline purchases and a 1% rebate on everything else. Unfortunately, the online application is not available at this time. However, you may apply via phone by calling 1-866-800-FRDM (3736). Thank you, E-mail Customer Service Representative

On my shell credit card it use to say charter member. I got the card back in 94. Now I'm a 5 point charter member on the freedom card

I also don't know what is considered to be a "charter member" of old Shell MC. I remember seeing the word "charter" on my old statements. When I called Chase, Chase said I'm not a "charter member". Since I shredded all my old statements, I could not prove to Chase that I had the word "charter" on my statements. All the past statements online just list the transactions, not a copy of the paper statements. Oh well...

AAA Midatlantic's Visa offer includes: A $20 credit after making your first qualifying transaction. A 5% rebate on gasoline purchases that is credited to your account each month, One point for every purchase dollar spent. Each time you reach 5,000 points, we'll send you a $50 voucher that is redeemable at any AAA branch for virtually anything available at AAA, and up to a 2% discount on all travel purchases made through your AAA Mid-Atlantic Travel Agency.

I've been using the Amex Cash Rebate Platinum Card for years (. I recently visited the Amex site and now see that they have a NEW Amex Cash Rebate Card (Green, not Platinum). Besides the rebate, the only discernable difference is that the Platinum card offers Price Protection while the Green card does not. Everything else looks to be exactly the same. As to the rebate, the Platinum card's rebate is actually LESS than the Green card's (which makes no sense to me). The Platinum card rebate tiers are as follows: .25% (0-$2K); .50% ($2-$5K); 1.50% (>$5K); additional .50% if you carry a balance. The Green card has two rebate tiers -- one for "everyday spending" (stand alone supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, and homem improvement stores) and one for everything else. The rebate tier for "everyday spending" is terrific: .50% ($0-2K); 1.00% ($2-6K); 3.00% (>$6K); additional 2.00% if you carry a balance. The "everything else" rebate is just below that of the Platinum card: .25% (0-$2K); .50% ($2-$6K); 1.50% (>$6K); additional .50% if you carry a balance. The difference in rebates between the Platinum and the Green cards is that the second tier is raised to $6K, which translates into a $10 difference. But it seems to me that charging more than $3,000 for everyday purchases will make-up for the that loss. So, the determination should be as to whether you will spend more than $3,000 in "everyday" purcahses. If so, then the Green card will be more beneficial to the Platinum card. Am I missing something???

Hi Peter! Watch the continual saga of Chase Freedom 3%/5% confusion at fatwallet.com...My takes on it: Chase really do not care for those of us that spend little no matter how long we held the card. It is purely a "business decision." I have changed my views on Chase from their action this time. OK, I still have their 3% Subaru card. BTW, enjoyed the comments on the best cash rebate cards and the cons about frequent switching. Another point to watch out: If one takes up too many offers on the 0% rate, that will also impact the FICO score because one max on the limit. FYI.

RE: AmEx cashback (old) tier I have the old cash back card (the grey platinum, not the new green with a max of 5%) and was also wondering about the tiers changing and e-mailed the customer service. This is the reply I got: "Although new membership to the Platinum Cash Rewards Card is no longer being offered, the tier structure will remain the same on existing cards. We have made no changes to your account." So it looks like the tiers for the old cardholders are going to remain the same and AmEx has no intentions (right now) of changing them.

2/17/2003

Hey, what does "charter member" mean as far as the Chase Freedom card is concerned? I had the Shell card that got converted to the Chase Freedom card. Does that make me a charter member? Also, where is the "charter member gets 5%" reference on their website? THANKS!

re: amex cash rebate card Stand-alone means stores like Kroger, Ingles, Publix, etc. You will not get a higher rebate for buying your groceries at stores like Wal-mart or Costco since these aren't "grocery stores" exactly. They just happen to sell groceries.

Several AAA.com Visa rebate offers.

1) Auto Club Platinum Plus Visa ($5k+ credit limit)
Auto Club Preferred Visa ($5k- credit limit)

http://www.aaasouth.com/ (FL, GA, western TN)
http://www.aaa-calif.com/ (central and southern CA)

AAA.com this week (Feb-10-2003) has mailed all(?) members (within a given geographic region?) a gasoline rebate card offer from mbna.com. (5% rebate on any brand gasoline purchases only) [eg: $25 rebate/year for $10/week of gas; $100 rebate/year for $40/week of gas]

Offer may not be available to all AAA members throughout US/Canada. After checking about two dozen local auto club homepages, only two (aaasouth.com, aaa-calif.com) mentioned this gas rebate card. And only one (aaa-calif.com) has the link of the offer to the bank. (others only mentioned the older non-rebate Visa, also from mbna.com)

Limitation: Only "pay at the pump" gasoline credit card purchases qualify. (no rebate for: "pay inside the store", if gas station misconfigured the pump transaction data) $3 rebate/day ($60 gas purchase/day). For personal (non-business/fleet) use only. Offer can be amended/terminated at any time without notice.

NOTE: FREQUENCY OF REBATE DISBURSEMENT IS NOT MENTIONED.

To apply (mail/print version) 866-789-2284 (TTY 800-833-6262)

To apply (online version -- via aaa-calif.com) 800-932-2775 (TTY 800-833-6262) mention priority code F3HB

AAA Platinum Plus Visa ($5k+ credit limit)
AAA Preferred Visa ($5k- credit limit)

http://www.aaany.com/ (NY)

3% rebate on AAA cruise or tour (until Mar-31-2003).

3) AAA Diamond Rewards Platinum Plus Visa ($5k+ credit limit)
AAA Diamond Rewards Preferred Visa ($5k- credit limit)

http://www.aaawa.com/ (WA and northern ID)

"1 point per $1 purchased" Visa rebate. After redeeming points for vouchers, no details on what the vouchers can be redeemed for.

I am an American Express CashBack customer. Your website made mention of the fact that the terms were changing in 7/2002. My rebate this month was in line with the terms (.25% for the first $2,000, .5% for the next $3,000, and 1.5% in excess of $5,000) Wondered if there was any more news regarding this card and if so could you post on subjective analysis section of the site. Thanks for the great web site. It has been very useful finding the right card.

I have a question - my priorities for a credit card have to be the extended coverage on items with warranties and ability to buy extra coverage beyond. Visa has the Warranty Manager Service which does just that. Any suggestions on what Visa card to go with - or anything better out there? Thank you for this site only wish it had a search button.

HI--I just received my yearly check from New York Life Visa Credit Card Rebate Program from First USA Bank, N.A. and it says the check represents 1% of all net purchases(total of $ 500 or more) that I made during the enrollment year. Thought you might be interested as I have not seen this card mentioned before nor a card for 1% of all purchases of total over $ 500. Enjoy your site. Thanks.

Shell mc. I just got my shell MC converted to the Chase Freedom Card. Apparently I got the 3% cashback on gasoline purchases, not happy! My co-worker got the "Charter" 5%. Called customer rep, no luck in getting the 5%, couldn't get a number to complain, but instead I could get an address where I can send my comments. Not happy! Will cancell the card. Member since 94. Applied for the new Citi Shell card, at least I'll still get my 5%

Is there such a thing as Chase FREEDOM card? http://www.chasefreedombenefits.com wouldn't open, and http://creditcardsatchase.com/portal/site/marketing/?pgTitle=pg_comparecards shows a bunch of cards but not the one for gas. Any hints?

As far as cashback cards go, it is hard to say which is the best. A lot depends on individual circumstances and preferences. MY preference is the AMEX cashback card. It gives you the highest return for your charging if you charge over $30,000 a year (as I do) and pay everything in full monthly. I use the Citibank Dividend Mastercard as a backup for places that don't take AMEX. It pays a straight 1%, but you need to accumulate $100 in dividends (rebates) before they send you a check. This is $10,000 in charges. They also have an annual cap of $300. Citibank may not be the second best cashback card, but when 85% of your charges go on AMEX, any #2 card doesn't really get used enough to make a big difference. The worst cashback card, in my opinion, is Discover (since they changed their reward tiers and made the minimum redeemable rebate $20). Unless you use the card ALL THE TIME you will never get the rebate. The thing to keep in mind is that cash r! ebate programs come and go, get revised, disappear, and reappear again. Don't keep switching cards (canceling one and jumping to another), or you will drive yourself nuts, as well as screw up your FICO and credit rating. Find one or two cards, use them, and stick with them (unless, of course, they cancel their rebate program). The differences between all the cards is not so much that it is worth jumping all around. Believe me, I know---I've done that! Hope this --> --helps.

The Barnes & Noble Mastercard changed its signup reward. It used to be $50 of B&N Gift Certificates. Now it is a $10 Gift Certificate and a B&N Tote Bag. The people who signed up under the original deal will still get the $50 in gift certificates. -- People should know that B&N has two different types of gift certificates: in-store and on-line. By default, they will send you the in-store certificates (cannot be used on-line). Some people may prefer the on-line certificates, since the on-line store also sells DVDs and Music CDs. To register your preference for the on-line certificates, go to certificates.bn.com and fill out the form. (This works for the sign-up certificates as well as rewards certificates, according to their customer support).

To the person complaining about the lack of benefits with the new Citi Shell card - I have an application in hand which clearly states that the Gold and Platinum have the usual MC benefits including auto insurance, extended warranty, etc. Looks like a great card for Shell gas fans.

Someone wrote that all Chase Shell Mastercard cardholders got switched over to the Freedom Card. Not true. A new Chase Mastercard arrived in my mail a few weeks ago. It had a different account number and was for something called their Cashbuilder Reward program. Seems to be a straight 1% cash-back program on all purchases; no special treatment for gas purchases. When I inquired, the customer service rep said Shell cardholders were converted to various programs based upon their prior use of the old card. Although I had been a Shell Charter Member since the program began in the early 70s, I never used the old card much, whether to buy gas or otherwise, and never carried a balance. That evidently makes me one of Chase's least valued (i.e., least profitable) customers.

MBNA does offer a credit card that gives you full 1% back in cash... to sign up go to http://www.applyonlinenow.com/us/motleyfool/cash.html

The Chase Freedom card, which is a great deal, is no longer mentioned on their web site. But, you can still apply for it by phone at 1-866-800-FRDM (3736).

MBNA, AAA Financial, NEA Financial and Individualized Bankcard services do not charge a foriegn conversion fee.. (other then the fee charged by MC/VS)

AAA Financial, a division of MBNA America Bank will soon be offering 5% rebate on gassoline transactions, any gas station.. as thia time it is selective... by May it will be available to all AAA Financial Card Holders, and to any MBNA/BankCard Services card holder who wants to switch their card.

Okay, here goes...I am tired and frustrated with all the nonsense these credit card companies come up with! Many people may like to play these games, but I do not! For me, all of the restrictions and conditions are a waste of time! This is not a sense of enjoyment for me! I find myself searching for hours and hours to save $50 dollars a year. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth the hassle. Having said that, if you know of a card out there, without a tier, without restrictions or conditions (other than a cap), that pays back a flat 1% (CASH rebate), from the get go, please tell. I would appreciate that information, because I can't find one. My best to you all. Thanks!

I´m looking for a credit card that gives me automatic cash discounts when you pay in any number of establisments (stores, restaurants, hotels etc). Could you send a list of suggestions.

2/12/2003

To the person with $4000 GM card earnings to redeem. Yes, you can redeem more than $3500. Within the last 2 weeks I redeemed $5000 on a brand new 2002 Pontiac. I assume we were grand-fathered in on our earnings before they changed the annual limit from $1000 to $500. Sticker on vehicle was $27,200, dealer gave me a price of $20,000, minus $5000 earnings = $15,000!!! Plus interest of under 5% for 5 years. Like you, I also redemmed earnings once before, and both times have had no problem at all. I have not heard anything about being forced to switch to the terms of the new card. If they do that, I think it will be time to look for another card. One thing I've been wondering is -- has anyone tried redeeming both GM earnings and Drivers Edge or other earnings on one car? Thanks.

To whom it may concern What a great site thanks for all of the leg work I am having trouble figuring out the current recommendation for cash back cards. It seems the Amex Cash Rebate Card is number #1 with the Fleet Visa as backup for merchants that do not accept Amex. But then there is mention of the Farm Bureau card - I did some research on the Farm Bureau card and it seems that they are only offering 1%. So I guess this is a long winded way of asking for the current recommendation for those who pay off their balances and only are interested in cash back. Thanks

Shell's Mastercard used to be handled by Chase. All those Chase cardholders got switched over to the Freedom Card which will pay 3% back on all gas (not just Shell) and those that got switched are also enjoying the benefit of 6% back on all gas for Feb/March and it is no longer connected to Shell. Meanwhile, Shell has gone with Citi to provide a new Mastercard: www.866getshell.com Their new card will credit the account for 5% back for Shell gas only and 1% back for all other purchases and carries a $20 annual fee which is waived so long as you can make 9 Shell gas purchases in a year. They also are offering a 60 day introductory rebate of 10% on Shell gasoline purchases

IMPORTANT UPDATE - Someone had mentioned that it was possible to buy a Costco Cash Card and then recharge it at Costco's website using a Mastercard or Visa (so you could get airline miles) but this is NO LONGER POSSIBLE. I just tried recharging my card at Costco's website and they indicate the service is no longer available. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!

I was looking for an exxon-mobil credit card application.

Article in Feb 10 WS Journal states that under a judge's preliminary order VISA/MC may have to refund the 1% foreign exchange surcharge on all transactions since 1996 because the currency-conversion fees weren't adequately disclosed to cardholders. The judge also mandated that card-issuing banks must disclose their own fees in the future. The total is at least $240m for VISA/MC and $360m for the issuing banks.

THanks for such an interesting site. Based on your recommendations a year or so ago, I chose a cash back card instead of airline points. I have had nothing but good experiences with the folks at Farm Bureau Bank. It is a small enough business that they call us frequently when they see what they worry is 'suspicious' activity with our card. It isn't suspicious, it is just us being quirky and making a purchase then realizing we forgot something in the same store and making another purchase. They have been good to deal with but I recently found out that they stopped offering the 2% cashback that so tantalized us when we started up with them. They now offer only 1% cash back and a variety of banking services with discounts that they seem to think will make up for this change. It doesn't. Now I am thinking of switching to another cashback card, but to my dismay it seems very few are offering as good a deal anymore. I do recommend Farm Bureau! .

Charter members get 5% (instead of 3%) cash on gasoline purchase for Chase Freedom card. I had the card since 19993 (with Chemical Bank). I do not know how "charter" I have to be to receive the 5% rebate. It gives me a bad feeling like second-class citizen. I will not use it at all. Just my case.

Regarding the B&N Gift Certificate, you have to call customer service from www.bn.com. It worked for me. I don't even try with with mbna because they just deal with the points not rewards. You should also try getting the certificate through the online site because the regular store doesn't provide dvds or such entertaiment medias.

got my citi shell card in two weeks, same benifits differnt bank. will cancel freedom card not as good of a deal, citi bank has a overal better reputation amyway.

anyone else having problems with their new Chase Freedom card? on our first bill, a green grocer was classified as "gasoline", while two charges at Shell were NOT classified as gasoline. We called cutomer service,but she was most unhelpful. she insisted that either we purchased diesel fuel, or that we purchased something at the attached convenience store. in fact, one purchase was gas only, and another purchase was gas and a car wash. as I said, the service rep was most unhelpful and said it would be "researched" - but she was unable to tell us how we would know the results of the research... does anyone know someone in particluar to call?

"I have been a user of the GM Card since its inception. Going from the initial card to the gold card when it went to a $1000 per year rebate. I used it seven years ago to help pay for a car. Since then the maximum rebate per year has decreased back to $500 per year and I have in just over six years accumulated $4000 which I plan on using this summer. With all the shake-ups in GM's card I have two questions. My first question is, "Am I going to be able to use the whole $4000 or will it be limited to $3500?" And, my second question is, "Can GM make me transfer to 'today's GM Card' which is not so generous?""

I asked GM these questions not too long ago, and will answer them for you. If you have the original Gold GM card, your rebates are not limited at all, and you can use the entire amount you have saved up all at once. However, if you have a Blue GM card, you are limited to whatever they allow, which is available online, at www.gmcard.com. If you apply for a new card today, they will only allow you to have a Blue card, or what they call The New GM card. If you are a current Gold member, they can not force you to change to a New GM card, unless they downgrade the program, but when I had talked to them in January, there was no sign of doing so.

Good Luck.

In case you don't already know...

CIti has taken over the 'Shell' mastercard franchise, offering the same deal (5% on Shell Gas, 1% on everything else, rebated monthly only if you buy Shell gas). They are offering double Shell rebates (10%!) for your first 60 days.

Chase has renamed the Shell card the 'Freedom' Card because the rebate is credited toward any future purchase. You now get only 3% but it is on all gas purchases, 1% on everything else, and existing Shell cardholders get 6% on gas through 3/31.

I read here that Chase Shell Charter users get 5% for gas purchases on the new Freedom Card. Well I'm a charter member and I’m only getting 3% after the initial 6% introductory period. I called customer service and was told that I’m entitled to 5% and that it will take about 30 days to correct it. I’m perplexed, since they no doubt knew that I was a charter member, as it says so on every statement. I wonder if some other factor, such as light usage for purchases other than gasoline, came into play? I don’t carry a balance either. Chase simply doesn’t love me!

For some reason, the Chase Freedom card is no longer listed on the website at www.chase.com. However, here is a link for the online application. https://www.chasecreditcard.com/app.asp?target=freedom&creative=90090 It is a good deal compared to other rebate cards. Discover with its tiers lower your overall rebate. The freedom card is the only one that I know of that credits your account the following month, which is a fantastic deal (as opposed to waiting until you accumulate an amount, etc).

Regarding the questions about the Principal Card: Actually, my understanding is that the rewards are given quarterly NOT annually. Also, the reward can be applied directly to the credit card balance (which in my book is essentially cash as long as you are using the card). I will probably keep the Chase Freedom card for now along with AmEx. I must admit that I am a little disappointed, however, that Chase is giving 90 days of bonus to new customers and only two months to old "Shell" customers. Why did they not just give 90 to everybody? I continue to be baffled by all the games of the Am Ex cash rebate card, but I did find out today that there are not two different tiers for "everyday" and "noneverday." You advance up the tier simultaneously. The rebate you earn is just different within the tier. I hope this clarifies some for everybody. Although I found a representative today that was fairly helpful, the statement itself is clear as mud.

Another tip, I like to carry both Mastercard and a Visa with me because of their coupons and offers. Like most of you, I pay off my balances monthly and have the Fm Burea Visa (looking for another provider) and the old Shell Chase MC for free gas (waiting on the details for the new one). For example, the newspaper carried a $10 off a $20 purchase at Uno's pizza last month ONLY when you pay with a MC. That translates for a sit down dinner for 2 w/leftovers at a nice restaurant for around ten eleven bucks! Other coupons that have been included with my statements have free shipping codes for online merchants or % off certain retailiers. Visa and MC always have different promotions.

I have the new MBNA 'World Points reward card' After hearing of the Chase Freedom card, don't think I will activate the World MBNA card. You do get points with every purchase to use for gifts, miles,etc, and cash, but....and here's the not so good news.....you have to have 20,000 points before it is a 1% redemption. It is tierd for cash beginning at $40/5,000 points. (0.8%) No annual fee, points good for 5 years, you request rebate check. It sounds like you all are saying the Chase gives 3% on gas and 1% right off the bat, credited monthly to your bill. That's a cleaner, better deal in my opinion.

Just had my card switched from Citi Divident to Citi Shell card.. keep in mind the following: - the card has NO auto insurance - the card has no extended warranty - the card has no purchase protection - credit protection is not available. you do get the rebates... but seems only MBNA offers quality benefits.

The problem with MBNA is that there are 1200 diffrent card offers and just one customer service team to handle them all.. sure there are offices in Maine, Delaware, Georgia, Ohio, Maryland, California and Flordia there are just too many programs for evey rep to know exactly how it works. MBNA used to have dedicated satisfaction teams for some cards. AAA Financial used to have their own customer service. NEA Financial used to have their own customer service. Quantum used to have their own customer service... LL Bean cards had their own customer service... now its all one customer service department - and more then 1200 diffrent rebate/program points.

MBNA minimum monthly payment change: Currently The lesser of 2.5% of your new balance or Finance Chagre + fee + $15 New Mimimum Payment The lesser of 5% of your new balance or Finance Charge + Fees + $15

Re: AMEX Plat. Cash Rebate card: In their phrase, "stand-alone US supermarkets...", what does "stand-alone" mean?? thanx & great site!

Re the person who thought using a separate card for gas and one for everything else. It depends on how they calculate the rebate on the gas purchases. The Amoco VISA used to credit your rewards against Amoco gas purchases. But they always calculated the rebate for new gas purchases against the entire amount of any purchase *before* any rebate was applied.

The BP Visa rebate has one gotcha hidden in the fine print. If your earned rebates aren't redeemed by the end of your Anniversary Year (i.e., you haven't reached an exact multiple of $20) you forfeit that reward. "[A]ny rebate which has not been issued by distribution through a BP Cash! card as provided herein or any other reward method the bank may use by the end of the Anniversary Year in which it is earned will expire and no longer be available"

2/2/2003

The Amoco Visa from the Associates (Citibank) is being replaced by the BP Visa card from First USA. You earn 3% on purchases of BP and Amoco gasoline and 1% (rather than the former 2% with a cap) on all other purchases. Rewards are still redeemed as BP Amoco gas cards in $20 increments.

If anyone out there is interested in an interest free loan, read on. All you have to do is to open an account with any of the numerous issuers that are offering 0% interest on balance transfers. For the most benefit, choose the one that offers the longet period for the 0% benefit. Once open, call the issuing bank and have them transfer $ to an existing credit card. Once the payment has been processed and you have a large credit balance, call that credit card bank and tell them you want a refund of your credit balance. Most of the 0% interet cards require a 2% of the balance paid each month. Not much of a negative for the benefit received.

You might want to mention that most MasterCard and Visa issuers add 2% on top of the 1% charged by MC or Visa (3% total) for charges in foreign countries (i.e. non US $ charges). American Express, which does its own foreign exchange, charges 2% total. Discover is generally not usable abroad. MBNA is the only major card issuer that does not tack on the extra 2% fee. This makes MBNA cards the best deal on foreign charges for most people, as the 2% fee others charge overwhelms any points or rebate. Also, have you looked at the REI credit card? 1% back on all purchases (higher at REI). Don't think it has a top limit. Issued by US Bank: http://www.usbank.com

Fidelity Investments and MBNA announced a new credit card offering this week that provides a 2% flat, uncapped reward to card holders. The catch? Rebates must be directed toward Fidelity sponsored 529 college saving plans. Still, if you have children you hope to put through college someday, this would seem like a good card to have in your wallet.

I applied for the new Citibank Shell card online and was surprised to see that it might take 3 to 4 weeks to receive. In view of all the ads from other banks saying "Approved while still online" this seems inordinately long. Guess I will have to use the Chase card in the meantime.

for the person having the problems with the interest charges on Fleet balance transfers. Be careful that you are not falling into the following trap: You go to your bank and they agree to decuct the outstanding interest. so far so good. When the next statement comes DO NOT deduct the intestest your branch refunded! This because a "credit" will NOT be included as part of your payment. Hence, the next bill will AGAIN show an interest charge. The only way to break this vicious cycle is to pay the FULL amount on your card. Then the next month the card will show the credit for the interest payment and your amount due for that month will be less. This is a very vicious trap if you are not expecing it.

Just got a letter from Fleet. Excerpts from the letter follow:

“Your rebate check will be mailed on February 14th, 2003.”

“ …….. to take full advantage of your maximum rebate available for 2003………..you can earn up to 2% on qualifying transactions which could mean up to $500 in cash back”

Hi, Can you suggest the best air miles card that has 10,000 bonus miles just for signing up, and 5000 miles for recommending friends. Also with low interest rates, intro 0% for 6 months or more etc. Thank you

I have been a user of the GM Card since its inception. Going from the initial card to the gold card when it went to a $1000 per year rebate. I used it seven years ago to help pay for a car. Since then the maximum rebate per year has decreased back to $500 per year and I have in just over six years accumulated $4000 which I plan on using this summer. With all the shake-ups in GM's card I have two questions. My first question is, "Am I going to be able to use the whole $4000 or will it be limited to $3500?" And, my second question is, "Can GM make me transfer to 'today's GM Card' which is not so generous?"

There's one bit of information left out with regards to the Citibank Shell Mastercard: " Rebates are not earned nor are they applied to diesel or aviation fuel." No rebate towards aviation fuel is a no-brainer, but to exclude diesel fuel purchases? So much for all of the diesel-powered pickup truck owners (who, in my area, purchase their diesel fuel primarily at Shell).

Concerning the GM Card, there are some non-domestic GM cars for which you can use the rebate dollars. Examples are: Chevrolet Tracker, Chevrolet Prism (2002 model), and Pontiac Vibe (last two are not foreign cars, but are very much like the Toyota Corolla and Matrix). In Canada, the list is bigger. I've switched to Chase Subaru because GM Card (5%) is good only for new car purchase. Chase Subaru (3%) can be used for new car purchase, service, and parts at the dealer. There is no annual fee, and one can earn up to $500 per year in rebate dollars. But Subaru is a niche car, and is usually more expensive than other comparable vehicles. I bought an Outback using $2,000 rebate money, and much of the future maintenance cost is paid for by the rebate dollars. Reward program can be seen at: http://major-brand-credit-cards.8m.com/chase-subaru.html

Hi, all. Just a reminder, something I figured out with the old shell card which will apply to shell or freedom card. If you make any other purchases (and get the 1% back on them) - you will get overall less of a rebate than the 5% or 3% respectively. This is because they take the rebate off of the gas purchase first for the next month and then calculate your rebate on the remaining gas and purchases. I have used a shell card strictly for gas (which I'll continue to do since shell is around the corner and is always cheapest) and a flat 1% citgo rebate card for everything else besides gas. If I'm wrong, let me know.

I'm contacting you in hope that you might have something in your webpage with this offer as it was in Jan 2002.

I discovered your site last Jan (2002) while shopping for a cash rebate card. I learned of the Juniper Platnum Mastercard, which I believe offered a rebate of up to 2% (cap of $500). A year has passed & I contacted them regarding my rebate only to learn that my card is not "enrolled" in their program. I applied online & don't have anything in writing to support the fact that I had been given a cash rebate card. I was under the assumption that they only had 1 card... my mistake. I'm trying to gather info & working with thier customer service.

Thank you in advance for your fabulous page & any help/suggestions you have.

CHASE FREEDOM CREDIT CARD - 2 CLASSES OF CARDS! Some people have posted receiving 3% off gas and a handful have said they get 5%. THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED! I called customer service who begrudgingly after a few minutes of questioning finally admitted to 2 types of cards being out there. New applicants and most converted Shell get 3% of any gas purchase. Shell "Charter members" receive 5%. SHAME ON CHASE for not giving everyone the better card! I hope people call Chase on their 2 tier gimmick! Maybe with enough pressure they will change their minds?

Someone asked about the Chase Toys R Us card. We got the card shortly after our son was born and it has been fabulous. They send checks every time that you accumulate $20 or more. They will issue you a certificate (it is always in $10 increments). You take it into the store and use it like a gift card. You only get 4% when you buy at Toys R Us though. Anywhere else you buy will earn you only 1%. I still think it's a great card, though now that my son is getting a little older, we use the R Us stuff less and less and we are now looking for another card. We used to have a Bell Atlantic card which earned us money toward our telephone bill. That was a great one, but they discontinued it. If you know of any other great deal cards, suggestions are welcome. Good luck.

hi guys.. MBNA is offering a new "World Card"... you get 1 point for every dollar spent... you can exchange it for airline tickets or for cash... it is very similr to the AMEX Rewards program, with NO annual fee... the "details" of the mbna card sounds better than the Chase Freedom card.. check it out at mbna.com, and please post your comments... i have not yet applied for this card....

I have been using a Shell card for a long time now. Shell less 4% is often the cheapest gas, and the rebate is credited to your bill monthly, so it really is pretty close to cash. We'll see what Chase does with these cards. Is Shell Citi card essentially the same? I just got the Amex Cash Back card. They say up to 5% now -- double on 'everyday' purchases like gas and groceries and an extra 2% I believe if you carry a balance (so, it may pay to carry a small balance!). Thank for the referral to Farm Bureau. Sam's club doesn't take Amex or MC, so I need a Visa for them at least, and this one isn't tiered. Thanks again!

To the MBNA customer "satisfaction" rep who said "MBNA says "8 weeks for B&N Certificates. Most likely you will get it with in 2-3 weeks. I work for MBNA Customer Satisfaction - we all ways over state how long it will take just in case we are out of B&N Certificates" How wrong can that be! I have had the B&N card since october 2002 and have NOT received my B&N gift cert rewards yet! I have called 4 times and never get any "satisfaction" despite your name! They now tell me that I "should" get them in ANOTHER 8 weeks...total time 6 MONTHS-not 2-3 weeks. MBNA WORST customer-no service I have ever had. The phone reps have no clue!

Please continue to the grapevine archive of this continuing Saga!