Comments on: Reader mail: The bank cut my 25,000-mile credit card bonus to 5,000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:16:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: Glenn http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-20133 Glenn Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:12:27 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-20133 Don't know what the big deal is. I called BoA last year to inquire about the signature card after I came back from a trip to Europe. I called the bank to see which card ($50 with 5K milesor $90 with 25k miles). I was looking for something a little quicker to earn miles and obtain other benefits. Yes--I had to do a little homework to make sure I understood the difference between the two and make sure I was willing to by the annual membership fee. When I spoke to BoA--they said I was eligible for either one (based on the info I gave them). I decided to go for the $90 membership. I got my card and before I new it--had my miles. I agree that it is difficult to use you mileage to obtain a free ticket that why I've never done it. I use my miles to either cut the cost of the ticket or upgrade to a different class. Up to now, I haven't had any problems. The only problem I've had is to get BoA to hurry up and send me a new Visa card with my picture on it. In the end I wonder how many people actually read the (very well hidden) fine print before making the jump. I've heard a lot of different comments on these programs but one thing is certain--it will become harder to redeem anything in the future. The airlines are not in the business of maker your life easy. Don’t know what the big deal is. I called BoA last year to inquire about the signature card after I came back from a trip to Europe. I called the bank to see which card ($50 with 5K milesor $90 with 25k miles). I was looking for something a little quicker to earn miles and obtain other benefits. Yes–I had to do a little homework to make sure I understood the difference between the two and make sure I was willing to by the annual membership fee. When I spoke to BoA–they said I was eligible for either one (based on the info I gave them). I decided to go for the $90 membership. I got my card and before I new it–had my miles. I agree that it is difficult to use you mileage to obtain a free ticket that why I’ve never done it. I use my miles to either cut the cost of the ticket or upgrade to a different class. Up to now, I haven’t had any problems. The only problem I’ve had is to get BoA to hurry up and send me a new Visa card with my picture on it. In the end I wonder how many people actually read the (very well hidden) fine print before making the jump. I’ve heard a lot of different comments on these programs but one thing is certain–it will become harder to redeem anything in the future. The airlines are not in the business of maker your life easy.

]]> By: Gabriel http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19581 Gabriel Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:52:39 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19581 It is typical for banks to issue lower level cards if you don't qualify for a top tier one (but given your stated credit score, it is beyond me). I'm not sure if you have a BofA card already, but that could be the issue for your denial. BofA issues you credit on a portfolio basis (so you can have 20k worth of credit over as many BofA credit cards they'll give you). The issue is, though, that the signature card (I'm a holder of a plain visa signature - I was originally denied and give a worldpoints card or something - and a USAirway DM sig) has a minimum credit limit attached to it that won't let you get the card. FYI, the $90 fee is for the signature card (25k miles) and the $50 is for the US Visa (5k). It's a tough situation, but you may be in luck if you call BofA and try to get a different agent. It is typical for banks to issue lower level cards if you don’t qualify for a top tier one (but given your stated credit score, it is beyond me).

I’m not sure if you have a BofA card already, but that could be the issue for your denial. BofA issues you credit on a portfolio basis (so you can have 20k worth of credit over as many BofA credit cards they’ll give you). The issue is, though, that the signature card (I’m a holder of a plain visa signature - I was originally denied and give a worldpoints card or something - and a USAirway DM sig) has a minimum credit limit attached to it that won’t let you get the card.

FYI, the $90 fee is for the signature card (25k miles) and the $50 is for the US Visa (5k).

It’s a tough situation, but you may be in luck if you call BofA and try to get a different agent.

]]> By: Mark Ashley http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19550 Mark Ashley Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:36:22 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19550 Bruce, thanks for sharing your story, and please don't let j's comments stop you from sharing future concerns. Bruce, thanks for sharing your story, and please don’t let j’s comments stop you from sharing future concerns.

]]> By: Mark Ashley http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19549 Mark Ashley Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:33:21 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19549 J, start acting civil. J, start acting civil.

]]> By: Bruce http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19548 Bruce Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:27:36 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19548 WOW, what a truely ignorant jerk you are. My credit score is 721, what's yours?? I'm positive it is in the 500's. Try and warn people, and this is the crap you get. Never again. WOW, what a truely ignorant jerk you are. My credit score is 721, what’s yours?? I’m positive it is in the 500’s. Try and warn people, and this is the crap you get. Never again.

]]> By: j http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19547 j Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:52:16 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19547 so instead of reading the fine print u believed and took a cc deal from a flight attendant who pushes the card for a job. its called doing your own due diligence n00b read ur card before u activate it..... and ur credit score must suck if you didn't get the better card so instead of reading the fine print u believed and took a cc deal from a flight attendant who pushes the card for a job. its called doing your own due diligence n00b
read ur card before u activate it…..
and ur credit score must suck if you didn’t get the better card

]]> By: Bruce J Simpson http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19488 Bruce J Simpson Sun, 27 Jan 2008 06:33:53 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19488 First of all, there is nothing wrong with my credit score. In fact,it is above average for the average American. That just doesn't fly. Second, the flight attendants begged for the passengers to take out these cards "so that they could make enough to live on." They complained that the airlines was not paying enough for them to live on and they needed the fify bucks they got when a card was approved. That was the fee for the 25K card, and guess what? I was charged the Fifty dollar fee. This IS in fact bait and switch, and I have enough years in law enforcement, but state and Federal, to know a scam when I become victim to one. My only fault is that I believed what I was told by the flight attendants. First of all, there is nothing wrong with my credit score. In fact,it is above average for the average American. That just doesn’t fly. Second, the flight attendants begged for the passengers to take out these cards “so that they could make enough to live on.” They complained that the airlines was not paying enough for them to live on and they needed the fify bucks they got when a card was approved. That was the fee for the 25K card, and guess what? I was charged the Fifty dollar fee. This IS in fact bait and switch, and I have enough years in law enforcement, but state and Federal, to know a scam when I become victim to one. My only fault is that I believed what I was told by the flight attendants.

]]> By: rrgg http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19421 rrgg Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:09:18 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19421 Would this person rather receive no card? Because that's the only alternative. Would this person rather receive no card? Because that’s the only alternative.

]]> By: j http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19418 j Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:39:04 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19418 when you get ur US airways CC you know what kind it is so if your credit score sucks and u didn't get the right card for the bonus its def the cardholders fault for not payin attn. noobs when you get ur US airways CC you know what kind it is so if your credit score sucks and u didn’t get the right card for the bonus its def the cardholders fault for not payin attn. noobs

]]> By: Ken http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19409 Ken Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:57:22 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19409 I got a US Air card a couple of years ago, with 20 or 25K miles (can't remember). The first 2 years were "no annual fee" and after those 2 years were up I called and canceled, saying I no longer wished to have a card with an annual fee. They conveniently switched me to a no-fee card (earning fewer miles). I've since tried several times to get a US Air frequent flyer ticket, with absolutely no success. I'd say WRITE a letter to US Air and B of A customer service (not just a call), ask for a refund, ditch the card, and cut your losses. The only card which I have (of many) with an annual fee is an Alaska Air Visa -- it gave an excellent bonus, and I've always had success with using frequent flyer miles on Alaska. I got a US Air card a couple of years ago, with 20 or 25K miles (can’t remember). The first 2 years were “no annual fee” and after those 2 years were up I called and canceled, saying I no longer wished to have a card with an annual fee. They conveniently switched me to a no-fee card (earning fewer miles). I’ve since tried several times to get a US Air frequent flyer ticket, with absolutely no success. I’d say WRITE a letter to US Air and B of A customer service (not just a call), ask for a refund, ditch the card, and cut your losses. The only card which I have (of many) with an annual fee is an Alaska Air Visa — it gave an excellent bonus, and I’ve always had success with using frequent flyer miles on Alaska.

]]> By: thisworldtraveler http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19405 thisworldtraveler Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:33:06 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19405 Well, taking a quick look at the website. I do notice that the 25,000 mile card looks different than the 5,000 mile card. Usually, a letter is attached with the card telling you that you were not approved for the card that you have applied for, but instead qualified for the level below what you have. I've gotten that letter, but I have never dealt with a BoA credit card either. Although, I do think that there is an element of bait and switch happening here, it really is on the consumer to pay close attention to any credit line or credit card that they are activating. In essence, doing so is like receiving a loan... and not reading the Terms and Conditions upon activation is not considered an acceptable excuse. If he never received this letter, he might have the case. If I were him, I would press this with US Airways, not the bank, they may be willing to come to some kind of mileage compensation compromise. The bank is not likely to deal in miles. Well, taking a quick look at the website. I do notice that the 25,000 mile card looks different than the 5,000 mile card. Usually, a letter is attached with the card telling you that you were not approved for the card that you have applied for, but instead qualified for the level below what you have.

I’ve gotten that letter, but I have never dealt with a BoA credit card either. Although, I do think that there is an element of bait and switch happening here, it really is on the consumer to pay close attention to any credit line or credit card that they are activating. In essence, doing so is like receiving a loan… and not reading the Terms and Conditions upon activation is not considered an acceptable excuse.

If he never received this letter, he might have the case. If I were him, I would press this with US Airways, not the bank, they may be willing to come to some kind of mileage compensation compromise. The bank is not likely to deal in miles.

]]> By: Oliver http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19402 Oliver Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:47:12 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/01/23/reader-mail-the-bank-cut-my-25000-mile-credit-card-bonus-to-5000/#comment-19402 I haven't been on a US Airways flight in a while, but based on this story I fully expect a Starbucks-like tip jar at the exit door of their aircraft now. I haven’t been on a US Airways flight in a while, but based on this story I fully expect a Starbucks-like tip jar at the exit door of their aircraft now.

]]>