Alaska ending Bank of America Debit Card signups on 11/10/13
Nov 4, 13, 8:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 194
Alaska ending Bank of America Debit Card signups on 11/10/13
I just recently opened my new account with BoA and signed up for the Alaska card. Because BoA is staffed by putzes, I never heard about whether they opened an account for me with Alaska or not (I didn't already have one) so I decided to call Alaska to find out. Upon activating my new account, the lovely woman from Alaska informed me that they were no longer issuing new debit cards after 11/10. She had no idea if Alaska was switching to a different bank, or the program might be back on at some point. I figured you guys might want a heads up, in case you need a Bluebird funding source or have a lot of taxes to pay.
Last edited by rambro; Nov 5, 13 at 5:18 pm
Nov 4, 13, 9:55 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Exploralist, Marriot Silver
Posts: 2,062
One blog example:
http://thepointsguy.com/2013/08/upda...m-debit-cards/
Nov 4, 13, 10:42 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Western US
Programs: WN CP, WN A-List Preferred, AS MVPG 75k, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 554
Do you happen to know if cards issued prior to 11/10 are going to be grandfathered in for a period of time? Or are they going to be effectively useless after that date?
Nov 5, 13, 12:35 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 194
I was specifically told that cards issued before the 11/10 cutoff were going to be grandfathered in. As to how long THAT will last for, I can't say. I suspect it'll be a good while though.
Nov 5, 13, 11:59 am
#6
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 34
BoA AS BS
I just opened a new checking account, called and asked if I could order an AS debit card, and was told they were not issuing the cards after 10/31. This was following being transferred to someone associated with AS (as their hold music described in flight wifi, etc). Should I try HUCA? Any insight/advice? TYIA!
Last edited by Deking; Nov 5, 13 at 12:05 pm
Nov 5, 13, 12:07 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, Delta PM, HH Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Etihad Gold, Amtrak Select
Posts: 129
I just squeaked in a few days ago! Applied 31st, card received today^. But I had to jump through many hoops...
I received the regular BoA debit card first, and had to call CS. They must have pulled the Alaska debit card option from the "Request Debit Card" page the day after I signed up because the CSR could not confirm its existence. I had to fight tooth and nail, provide screenshots of my confirmation page (very lucky I took it), and challenge multiple CSRs to first confirm the existence of the Alaska Airlines debit card program, then confirm my application, and then finally, get the right card to be sent. I was on the phone for 50 minutes, with 3 CSRs, and some high blood pressure moments. The last CSR I spoke with said it "should not have received the card" and that this was "discontinued product". I am not sure about the 11/10 date though.
Another datapoint: CSR said previous Alaska DB card holders should be able to apply for it again. Not sure what previous means and if it is okay if you cancelled it previously; I didn't push further.
In sum, if you already have a BoA account, this may be the last chance to get the Alaska DB card. YMMV, good luck!
I received the regular BoA debit card first, and had to call CS. They must have pulled the Alaska debit card option from the "Request Debit Card" page the day after I signed up because the CSR could not confirm its existence. I had to fight tooth and nail, provide screenshots of my confirmation page (very lucky I took it), and challenge multiple CSRs to first confirm the existence of the Alaska Airlines debit card program, then confirm my application, and then finally, get the right card to be sent. I was on the phone for 50 minutes, with 3 CSRs, and some high blood pressure moments. The last CSR I spoke with said it "should not have received the card" and that this was "discontinued product". I am not sure about the 11/10 date though.
Another datapoint: CSR said previous Alaska DB card holders should be able to apply for it again. Not sure what previous means and if it is okay if you cancelled it previously; I didn't push further.
In sum, if you already have a BoA account, this may be the last chance to get the Alaska DB card. YMMV, good luck!
Nov 5, 13, 5:15 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 194
Actually, its based off a phone call with an Alaska Airlines rep, who literally read me the memo verbatim. The BoA reps are putzes.
Nov 5, 13, 7:21 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Western US
Programs: WN CP, WN A-List Preferred, AS MVPG 75k, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 554
I was able to hopefully sign up for the AS debit card today. I signed up for a BofA checking, and while the banker had difficulty and had to call to find out what to do, she finally found it.
For all of those looking to sign up, a banker in branch should be able to do it if they go to your "card maintenance" option regarding your checking. From there she found it in 10 secs.
For all of those looking to sign up, a banker in branch should be able to do it if they go to your "card maintenance" option regarding your checking. From there she found it in 10 secs.
Nov 5, 13, 8:42 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 147
Nov 5, 13, 8:53 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Western US
Programs: WN CP, WN A-List Preferred, AS MVPG 75k, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 554
I wish they'd keep it and just change the earnings ratio if they are losing money. At even one mile per $3 it's still cost effective to use in debit transactions.
Nov 5, 13, 8:55 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 147
