There is enough evidence (this forum and others, even the government web site) that purchase of savings bond against a credit card is considered a "purchase" and not cash advance.

Last week I bought savings bonds using SkyMiles AMEX card. As of today, the charges have not appeared on my account. When asked, I am told that these charges have been "authorized" but have not been presented yet for a payment, so the funds are locked but not paid yet.

Fine...but

when I inquired about mileage accrual, I WAS GIVEN A SHOCK.

The CSR told me that these purchses are considered "cash advances", will be charged 3.5% transaction fee, will not earn miles, and will start interest from the day charged. when i asked for a supervisor, ALL WERE BUSY. She was pretty confident about her answer, so I did not argue.

Someone please tell me she is wrong!!!