Has anyone had success (or failure) with getting Barclay's to post something as being eligible for travel redemption when the merchant codes it incorrectly? I realize that Barclay's T&Cs say they are not responsible when a merchant codes something incorrectly. However, I previously had success with this, although now that I am trying again I am having no luck. Below are my two situations (my success and the one I am currently dealing with). It got me curious as to others' success or failures with similar issues.
#1 SITUATION 1: (below is my email to Barclays and their response - shortly thereafter, they simply applied the points to my account as a travel redemption).
My email: On 6/8/14, I charged $85 at Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA). This was for the dolphin/sunset tour while we were on vacation in Charleston, South Carolina. Since it was a tour, it falls into the travel category for redemption purposes; however, it was incorrectly coded as "MISCELLANEOUS AND SPECIALTY RETAIL STORES." Here is the link to COA and specifically to the tour we took - you can see that it is a tour company!! Please re-categorizie it correctly so I can redeem my points for it. Thanks very much!
http://www.charlestonoutdooradventur...dolphin-tours/
This is how it appears on my statement:
Purchased by: ME
Account Ending In: XXXX
Transaction Date: 06/08/14
Post Date: 06/09/14
Amount: 85.00
Description: COA
Merchant Location:* CHARLESTON SC
Merchant Category: MISCELLANEOUS AND SPECIALTY RETAIL STORES
BARCLAY'S RESPONSE: Our records indicate that there is a transaction on June 09, 2014 for COA which was classified as 'MISCELLANEOUS AND SPECIALTY RETAIL STORES'. In order to know if these transactions qualify for redemptions, we will create a case under ID 2383430 and have it investigated. Please allow 7 to 10 business days maximum of 30 days for this to be completed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please be advised that merchants choose their merchant category code, Barclays does not control the category that classifies a merchant; thus, the entire purchase is classified according to the merchant category. When making a purchase, you may ask the merchant which category code do they fall. You may also view additional information regarding your purchase by clicking on the purchase details page of the website and highlight the purchase, additional detail about the merchant will be provided.
(As I mentioned, I was successful in getting them to make it a travel redemption).
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#2 CURRENT SITUATION :
My email: On 9/7/14, I charged $225 at Scoot City Tours. This was for the Red Rock Canyon tour. Since it is a tour, it falls into the travel category for redemption purposes; however, it was coded as “THEATRICAL PRODUCERS (EXCEPT MOTION PICTURES), TICKET AGENCIES". Below is the link to Scoot City Courts - you can see that it is a tour company!! Please recategorizie it correctly so I can redeem my points for it. Thanks very much!
http://www.scootcitytours.com/
Purchased by: ME
Account Ending In: XXXX
Transaction Date: 09/07/14
Post Date: 09/08/14
Amount: 225.00
Description: SCOOT CITY TOURS
Merchant Location:* 7026995700 NV
Merchant Category: THEATRICAL PRODUCERS (EXCEPT MOTION PICTURES), TICKET AGENCIES
BARCLAY'S RESPONSE: The merchants choose their merchant category code, Barclays does not control the category that classifies a merchant; thus, the entire purchase is classified according to the merchant category.
When making a purchase, you may ask the merchant which category code do they fall. You may also view additional information regarding your purchase by clicking on the purchase details page of the website and highlight the purchase, additional detail about the merchant will be provided.
MY RESPONSE: Regarding this transaction, can you please open a case and have it investigated to determine whether it qualifies as a travel redemption (which it does). When I contacted you this past June regarding a similar issue where a different tour I charged was also not charged as a travel expense, you opened a case, investigated it, and then allowed it as a travel expense. I would appreciate you doing the same thing here. Thanks.
BARCLAY'S RESPONSE: In order to provide you with the most individualized service possible, we ask that these requests be made through our Customer Care Department. Please contact us at 1-866-558-1107 anytime, so that we may discuss what options are available on your account. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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I'm not sure what "options" would be available but whatever. I may just drop the issue due to the annoyance factor. Anyone experience similar issues with Barclay's Arrival (good or bad)?