ed926: Welcome to Flyertalk!! What you've just experienced is found in practically every airline, hotel chain, credit card service center or what have you:
It's called: 1) Politely hang up, and then 2) CALL BACK!
You were given bad info by the CSR with whom you spoke. MP Visa, as issued by an entity of Bank One, and with whom I am VERY familiar
will treat these purchases as sales transactions rather than cash advances, as another of the posters has correctly pointed out.
So, start spending and Best wishes, Dave