Dec 13, 2018, 12:13 pm
Last edit by: rasheed
BofA has officially refreshed the Bank of America Cash Rewards card. It does not appear any aspect of the rewards program will be getting worse (only new positive options).
BofA has published a comprehensive document indicating the MCC for each bonus category.
BofA has published a pre-release article about the program for customers.
BofA has published a website detailing the 3% categories.
On a calendar monthly basis, a customer can choose a category from a pre-determined list to receive 3% cash rewards. If you do not change the category in a given calendar month, it will stay with what you picked the previous calendar month (or gas if none was ever chosen). You must make the change before the purchase happens (the term "future purchases" is used) because bonus rewards are calculated immediately when transactions post (unlike AmEx, but similar to Chase and Barclays). It seems possible that you could split the month among two categories if you leave the previous calendar month category and then change it later in the new month.
Category selection happens on mobile app or Online Banking website (not by phone call or chat).
Currently, that list is:
Gas (this will be the default if a choice is not selected)
-Pay at the pump (automated fuel dispensers including Costco Gas, Sam's Club and gas stations at grocery stores that categorize as fuel dispensers)
-Pay inside (when the convenience store is categorized as a service station)
-5172 Petroleum and Petroleum Products (*unique to BofA*)
-5541 Service Stations (includes many 7-11s for example)
-5542 Automated Fuel Dispensers (almost all pay at the pump classifies as this one regardless of brand or retailer)
-5983 Fuel Dealers (*unique to BofA*)
This is confirmed from the 3% category choice explanation website.
Online Shopping
This category is actually the most restrictive of all the new choices. In general, a purchase made "online" via website or mobile should count. However, if the merchant is categorized as a service, it will likely not count. Paypal DOES pass along the MCC of the underlying merchant seller. If you are buying physical goods, it should be okay, but if you are buying any virtual item (gift cards, etc.), be aware that it probably will not count.
It appears that BofA did a NOT to include for this category and selected as many services that will not count (including tuition, taxes, healthcare bills, insurance, memberships). It also appears that BofA did NOT exclude any travel merchants where you make the purchase online (OTA/direct airlines/prepaid hotels?). So, it is an overlap of Travel.
MCCs that have confirmed to work (with Online Transaction flag as Y):
-4722 Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
-5300 Wholesale Clubs
-5399 General Merchandise/Misc
-5732 Electronics Stores
-5912 Drug Stores and Pharmacies
-5992 Florists
-8675 Automobile Associations
Paypal okay via online transaction if underlying merchant is in an allowed category.
Any major gift card use such as BHN (common charge prefix for Blackhawk), Cashstar (back-end for many retailer direct online gift card purchases) has been manually removed/deactivated so that they do not pay the 3% part.
Dining
Includes:
-5812 Eating Places and Restaurants
-5813 Drinking Places/Bars
-5814 Fast Food Restaurants
Not likely:
-5462 Bakeries (this is a fixed 2% category with grocery stores noted below )
-5811 Caterers
This is confirmed from the 3% category choice explanation website.
From another BofA card reference:
Travel
BofA went further than all other BofA cards with travel categories for this card:
Note, it includes many, but not all Entertainment categories found in other cards such as Savor or Marvel. Some of the key ones excluded are Movies Theater-related. This card does include theme park tickets (at the ticket booth), but not retail stores or dining in theme parks. This card also has some unusual ones such as airports and art galleries.
Another BofA card that defines travel purchases indicates the following categories
This information needs to be verified (likely through card experience):
a) Airlines, Air Carriers (MCC Codes 3000-3299, 4511); (b) Lodging-Hotels, Motels, Resorts (MCC codes 3501-3999, 7011); (c) Car Rental Agencies (MCC codes 3351-3441, 7512, 4121); (d) Cruise Lines (MCC code 4411); Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (MCC codes 4722, 4416, 4417); (e) Passenger Railways (MCC code 4112); (f) Transportation-Suburban and Local Commuter Passenger, including Ferries (MCC Code 4111); (g) Bus Lines (MCC codes 4131, 4722); (h) Transportation Services-not elsewhere classified (MCC code 4789); (i) Real Estate Agents and Managers-Rentals (MCC code 6513); (j) Timeshares (MCC code 7012); (k) Campgrounds and Trailer Parks (MCC Code 7033); (l) Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rental (MCC Code 7519); (m) Tourist Attractions and Exhibits (MCC Code 7991, 5971); (n) Amusement Parks, Carnivals, Circuses, Fortune Tellers (MCC Code 7996); (o) Aquariums, Dolphinariums, Zoos, and Seaquariums (MCC Code 7998); (p) Boat Leases and Boat Rentals (MCC Code 4457); or (q) Recreation Services-not elsewhere classified (MCC Code 7999)
Another list for a different program indicates (looks like it overlaps with the above list):
Drug Stores
-5912 (Drug Stores and Pharmacies)
-5122 (Drug Proprietors and Drug Sundries) (*unique to BofA*)
This is confirmed from the 3% category choice explanation website.
Home Improvement/Furnishings
Very broad list of MCCs.
This is confirmed from the 3% category choice explanation website.
Fixed 2% grocery stores and wholesales clubs
BofA's 2% grocery stores category is broader than AmEx's US supermarket category.
BofA does list the relevant matching description of the merchant for the MCC on the website transactions, but does not expose the actual MCC code.
The card will continue to earn 1% elsewhere and that is not included in the $2500 per quarter spend limit.
There does not appear to be any limitation on location of merchants worldwide to earn rewards as long as the merchant is properly categorized (unlike AmEx). Those customers who had the old Schwab 2% Invest First Visa issued by a BofA affiliate that did not otherwise cancel or proactively change the card when it was discontinued may have received a BofA Cash Rewards card thats does not have an added FTF (beyond Visa's embedded FTF rate) which is different than the card currently offered to customers. This version of the card offers international reward benefits for those customers.
There is a limit of $2500 in 2% or 3% category spending per quarter that will receive the bonus rate. Rewards can be redeemed at face value for any amount at any time. As long as account is in good standing, rewards do not expire. The only reason to hold rewards would be if you plan to qualify for Preferred Rewards and wish to get the relationship bonus rate for older spending when you do redeem the balance.
BofA customer bonuses:
All BofA deposit customers can receive at least a 10% bonus when they earn their reward if their total banking relationship indicates that they have a BofA checking or savings account. This is usually associated by having a BofA online account which has both the deposit and Cash Rewards card on the same login.
Customers who have signed up for Preferred Rewards that requires a deposit relationship balance can currently receive a 25% to 75% redemption bonus. This can tremendously increase the value of the 3% and 2% categories when compared to other cards.
Information on the thresholds for that program are located here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/preferred-rewards/
BofA has published a comprehensive document indicating the MCC for each bonus category.
BofA has published a pre-release article about the program for customers.
BofA has published a website detailing the 3% categories.
On a calendar monthly basis, a customer can choose a category from a pre-determined list to receive 3% cash rewards. If you do not change the category in a given calendar month, it will stay with what you picked the previous calendar month (or gas if none was ever chosen). You must make the change before the purchase happens (the term "future purchases" is used) because bonus rewards are calculated immediately when transactions post (unlike AmEx, but similar to Chase and Barclays). It seems possible that you could split the month among two categories if you leave the previous calendar month category and then change it later in the new month.
Category selection happens on mobile app or Online Banking website (not by phone call or chat).
Currently, that list is:
Gas (this will be the default if a choice is not selected)
-Pay at the pump (automated fuel dispensers including Costco Gas, Sam's Club and gas stations at grocery stores that categorize as fuel dispensers)
-Pay inside (when the convenience store is categorized as a service station)
-5172 Petroleum and Petroleum Products (*unique to BofA*)
-5541 Service Stations (includes many 7-11s for example)
-5542 Automated Fuel Dispensers (almost all pay at the pump classifies as this one regardless of brand or retailer)
-5983 Fuel Dealers (*unique to BofA*)
This is confirmed from the 3% category choice explanation website.
Gas and fuel merchants include merchants whose primary line of business is the sale of automotive gasoline that can be purchased inside the service station or at the automated fuel pump and gasoline purchased at boat marinas, as well as fuel dealers whose primary line of business is the sale of heating oil, propane and other fuels, such as kerosene.
This category is actually the most restrictive of all the new choices. In general, a purchase made "online" via website or mobile should count. However, if the merchant is categorized as a service, it will likely not count. Paypal DOES pass along the MCC of the underlying merchant seller. If you are buying physical goods, it should be okay, but if you are buying any virtual item (gift cards, etc.), be aware that it probably will not count.
It appears that BofA did a NOT to include for this category and selected as many services that will not count (including tuition, taxes, healthcare bills, insurance, memberships). It also appears that BofA did NOT exclude any travel merchants where you make the purchase online (OTA/direct airlines/prepaid hotels?). So, it is an overlap of Travel.
MCCs that have confirmed to work (with Online Transaction flag as Y):
-4722 Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
-5300 Wholesale Clubs
-5399 General Merchandise/Misc
-5732 Electronics Stores
-5912 Drug Stores and Pharmacies
-5992 Florists
-8675 Automobile Associations
Paypal okay via online transaction if underlying merchant is in an allowed category.
Any major gift card use such as BHN (common charge prefix for Blackhawk), Cashstar (back-end for many retailer direct online gift card purchases) has been manually removed/deactivated so that they do not pay the 3% part.
Dining
Includes:
-5812 Eating Places and Restaurants
-5813 Drinking Places/Bars
-5814 Fast Food Restaurants
Not likely:
-5462 Bakeries (this is a fixed 2% category with grocery stores noted below )
-5811 Caterers
This is confirmed from the 3% category choice explanation website.
From another BofA card reference:
Travel and Dining Category: Dining includes Restaurants, including Fast Food, and Drinking Establishments, such as Bars or Taverns. [..]
BofA went further than all other BofA cards with travel categories for this card:
Airlines, Air Carriers, Airports, Airport Terminals, Flying Fields Amusement Parks, Carnivals, Circuses, Fortune Tellers Aquariums, Dolphinariums, Zoos and Seaquariums Art Dealers and Galleries Boat Leases and Boat Rentals Bus Lines Campgrounds and Trailer Parks Car Rental Agencies Cruise Lines Direct Marketing — Travel-Related Arrangements Services Hotels, Motels, Resorts Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rental Package Tour Operators (for use in Germany only) Parking Lots and Garages Real Estate Agents and Managers (Rentals) Recreation Services (not elsewhere classified) Suburban and Local Commuter Passenger Travel, including Ferries Taxicabs and Limousines Timeshares Truck and Trailer Utility Rentals Passenger Railways Toll and Bridge Fees Tourist Attractions and Exhibits Transportation Services (not elsewhere classified) Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
Another BofA card that defines travel purchases indicates the following categories
This information needs to be verified (likely through card experience):
a) Airlines, Air Carriers (MCC Codes 3000-3299, 4511); (b) Lodging-Hotels, Motels, Resorts (MCC codes 3501-3999, 7011); (c) Car Rental Agencies (MCC codes 3351-3441, 7512, 4121); (d) Cruise Lines (MCC code 4411); Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (MCC codes 4722, 4416, 4417); (e) Passenger Railways (MCC code 4112); (f) Transportation-Suburban and Local Commuter Passenger, including Ferries (MCC Code 4111); (g) Bus Lines (MCC codes 4131, 4722); (h) Transportation Services-not elsewhere classified (MCC code 4789); (i) Real Estate Agents and Managers-Rentals (MCC code 6513); (j) Timeshares (MCC code 7012); (k) Campgrounds and Trailer Parks (MCC Code 7033); (l) Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rental (MCC Code 7519); (m) Tourist Attractions and Exhibits (MCC Code 7991, 5971); (n) Amusement Parks, Carnivals, Circuses, Fortune Tellers (MCC Code 7996); (o) Aquariums, Dolphinariums, Zoos, and Seaquariums (MCC Code 7998); (p) Boat Leases and Boat Rentals (MCC Code 4457); or (q) Recreation Services-not elsewhere classified (MCC Code 7999)
Another list for a different program indicates (looks like it overlaps with the above list):
How Your Travel Credit Works: A travel credit is applied as a statement credit to your account to offset travel purchases from qualifying merchants in these travel-related categories: airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, trailer parks, motor home and recreational vehicle rentals, campgrounds, car rental agencies, truck and trailer rental, cruise lines, travel agencies, tour operators and real estate agents, operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, boat rentals, parking lots and garages, tolls and bridge fees, tourist attractions and exhibits like art galleries, amusement parks, carnivals, circuses, aquariums, zoos and the like. Purchases from some merchants that provide travel-related goods and services will not be eligible for a travel credit, like in-flight goods and services, and duty-free airport purchases.
-5912 (Drug Stores and Pharmacies)
-5122 (Drug Proprietors and Drug Sundries) (*unique to BofA*)
This is confirmed from the 3% category choice explanation website.
Home Improvement/Furnishings
Very broad list of MCCs.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repair Shops Antique Shops for Sales, Repairs and Restoration Services Architectural, Engineering and Surveying Services Building Materials, Lumber Stores, Carpentry Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Contractors, Concrete Crystal and Glassware Stores Drapery, Upholstery and Window Coverings Stores Electrical Contractors Electrical Parts and Equipment Equipment, Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores (except Appliances) Equipment, Tool, Furniture and Appliance Rental and Leasing Fireplace, Fireplace Screens and Accessories Stores Floor Covering Stores Florist Suppliers, Nursery Stock and Flowers Furniture Reupholstering, Repair and Refinishing General Contractor/Residential Building Glass, Paint, Wallpaper Stores Hardware Equipment and Supplies Hardware Stores Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning Contractors Home Supply Warehouse Stores Household Appliance Stores Landscaping and Horticultural Services Lawn and Garden Supply Stores Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting, Plastering, Insulation Contractors Miscellaneous House Furnishing Specialty Shops Office and Commercial Furniture Paints, Varnishes and Supplies Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Roof, Siding and Sheet Metal Work Contractors Special Trade Contractor (not elsewhere classified)
Fixed 2% grocery stores and wholesales clubs
Purchases made at eligible grocery store merchants and wholesale clubs, which include supermarkets, freezer/meat lockers, candy, nut or confection stores, dairy product stores, and bakeries. Excluded from this Bonus Category are superstores and smaller stores (like drug stores and convenience stores) that sell groceries and other products.
BofA does list the relevant matching description of the merchant for the MCC on the website transactions, but does not expose the actual MCC code.
The card will continue to earn 1% elsewhere and that is not included in the $2500 per quarter spend limit.
There does not appear to be any limitation on location of merchants worldwide to earn rewards as long as the merchant is properly categorized (unlike AmEx). Those customers who had the old Schwab 2% Invest First Visa issued by a BofA affiliate that did not otherwise cancel or proactively change the card when it was discontinued may have received a BofA Cash Rewards card thats does not have an added FTF (beyond Visa's embedded FTF rate) which is different than the card currently offered to customers. This version of the card offers international reward benefits for those customers.
There is a limit of $2500 in 2% or 3% category spending per quarter that will receive the bonus rate. Rewards can be redeemed at face value for any amount at any time. As long as account is in good standing, rewards do not expire. The only reason to hold rewards would be if you plan to qualify for Preferred Rewards and wish to get the relationship bonus rate for older spending when you do redeem the balance.
BofA customer bonuses:
All BofA deposit customers can receive at least a 10% bonus when they earn their reward if their total banking relationship indicates that they have a BofA checking or savings account. This is usually associated by having a BofA online account which has both the deposit and Cash Rewards card on the same login.
Customers who have signed up for Preferred Rewards that requires a deposit relationship balance can currently receive a 25% to 75% redemption bonus. This can tremendously increase the value of the 3% and 2% categories when compared to other cards.
Information on the thresholds for that program are located here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/preferred-rewards/
Bank of America Cash Rewards - 3% category qualifying options
Apr 18, 2019, 3:55 pm
#78
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 2
My experience is different.
My online travel purchases have been counting for online shopping. I would imagine if you had used the PayPal checkout option on southwest.com, it would have worked. What is the downside of using that?
I admit the PayPal wrapper helps flip the Y flag which is one of the requirements. I have just recently tested some mobile and online food ordering and will report back how those post. On one I used Visa checkout.
My online travel purchases have been counting for online shopping. I would imagine if you had used the PayPal checkout option on southwest.com, it would have worked. What is the downside of using that?
I admit the PayPal wrapper helps flip the Y flag which is one of the requirements. I have just recently tested some mobile and online food ordering and will report back how those post. On one I used Visa checkout.
Netflix and Hulu also did not code for 3 percent.
May 6, 2019, 10:26 am
#81
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: FL, USA
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,666
I just changed my category to travel, since it seemed pretty broad with tolls and all. What has been others experience? I am also going to us it for daily getaways today and see if that codes.
May 6, 2019, 1:17 pm
#82
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 35
I was signed up for Dining for the 3% back. I just signed up for AA dining rewards on the same card (1-3 miles per dollar spent on eligible restaurants, which are not very many), will it work or will I only be able to get one or the other?
May 6, 2019, 2:10 pm
#83
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
As long as the category matches with the list, it should credit fine with Travel list. I have been able to get the 3% bonus with overseas vendors recently too (booking.com, etc.), but this was via the Online Shopping category for now. I happen to have a 3-2-1 version that has no FTF (from Schwab 2% days).
May 8, 2019, 8:57 am
#84
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, UA Gold
Posts: 609
Okay folks, we really need to start doing some data gathering on the Online Shopping category. Unless BofA releases any specifics on this category, the best case assumption is to use the Online Transaction flag. I am going to give some examples of merchant processors, merchants or categories that we can use the collective help from users of BofA cards prior to the launch to see if they might count.
The flag again is called Online Transaction and you have to click on the transaction on the mobile app or open the arrow on the online banking portal to see if this flag is Y or N. You can post the information if you see something that has not already been determine OR if you have something useful to add for this flag use.
Any BofA card that has these examples are okay AND Visa/MC, doesn't matter. Also, use of the three digit security code on the back of the card for the online transaction is not a mandatory thing as some online retailers don't ask for it, but it might impact the flag result.
Here is the example list to look for example BofA transactions:
Amazon (both marketplace and direct Amazon.com items sold, they have different merchant descriptions sometimes)
Ebay (both the new direct card payment and Paypal option)
Paypal - online (stores that have the option at checkout)
Paypal - in-store (using a linked BofA card)
Paypal - Samsung Pay connected
Samsung Pay (in-store) (does not qualify)
Google Pay/Android Pay (both online and in-store use)
Apple Pay (both online and in-store use)
itunes
Play Store (Android)
Walmart Pay (both online and in-store QR use)
walmart.com
Best Buy online
Groupon/Living Social/Travelzoo
Theme park tickets online (Undercover Tourist, other sites)
Masterpass online (remember, Masterpass takes non-MC cards)
Visa checkout online
Cable/Utility/Phone Bill online (both automatic pay setup online AND one-time pay)
Taxes paid online with service fee (Heartland or others)
Government services online with no service fee (DMV, court fees, etc.)
School tuition paid online (universities, college, secondary/elementary schools)
Direct airline ticket bought online
Online travel agencies (all kinds prepaid, travel activities, OTA is shown as merchant, airline is shown as merchant)
App-based payments (Caviar, Postmates, Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft, Starbucks, Dunkin)
Online hotels, train/rental cars/shuttle services (prepaid, deposit and pay at end, but only when you never provide the physical card to the merchant ever, even at check-in/pick-up or end of use and only entered the card online)
Google Express
Instacart
Pizza services (pizzahut.com/dominos online or app)
Netflix/Sling/Hulu/Spotify/etc. (mostly reoccurring transaction)
Restaurants direct pay online or app (Revel online order, BJs app)
Insurances paid online (home, car, life, etc. both one-time and automatic setup online)
Direct restaurants paid in app for pick-up or delivery (Wendys, McDonalds, Taco Bell, CFA, etc.)
Online donations/charity both one-time and setup online reoccurring
HomeDepot/Lowes online orders (both delivery and for pick-up)
Movie tickets - Atom, Fandango, AMC direct, Regal direct, others (both app and website examples)
Recharge travel pass (toll pass or mass transit pass where transaction for recharge only setup online)
Tickemaster/theater/concerts/axs/stubhub/others bought only online (can be paper or e-ticket)
Costco.com/samsclub.com/bjs.com
Useful overseas examples of online transactions on BofA cards welcomed (train companies, regional airlines, online ticket purchases, taxi apps).
I am a bit worried about reoccurring charges versus single-pay online ones, but I need data to know that answer.
The flag again is called Online Transaction and you have to click on the transaction on the mobile app or open the arrow on the online banking portal to see if this flag is Y or N. You can post the information if you see something that has not already been determine OR if you have something useful to add for this flag use.
Any BofA card that has these examples are okay AND Visa/MC, doesn't matter. Also, use of the three digit security code on the back of the card for the online transaction is not a mandatory thing as some online retailers don't ask for it, but it might impact the flag result.
Here is the example list to look for example BofA transactions:
Amazon (both marketplace and direct Amazon.com items sold, they have different merchant descriptions sometimes)
Ebay (both the new direct card payment and Paypal option)
Paypal - online (stores that have the option at checkout)
Paypal - in-store (using a linked BofA card)
Paypal - Samsung Pay connected
Google Pay/Android Pay (both online and in-store use)
Apple Pay (both online and in-store use)
itunes
Play Store (Android)
Walmart Pay (both online and in-store QR use)
walmart.com
Best Buy online
Groupon/Living Social/Travelzoo
Theme park tickets online (Undercover Tourist, other sites)
Masterpass online (remember, Masterpass takes non-MC cards)
Visa checkout online
Government services online with no service fee (DMV, court fees, etc.)
School tuition paid online (universities, college, secondary/elementary schools)
Direct airline ticket bought online
Online travel agencies (all kinds prepaid, travel activities, OTA is shown as merchant, airline is shown as merchant)
App-based payments (Caviar, Postmates, Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft, Starbucks, Dunkin)
Online hotels, train/rental cars/shuttle services (prepaid, deposit and pay at end, but only when you never provide the physical card to the merchant ever, even at check-in/pick-up or end of use and only entered the card online)
Google Express
Instacart
Pizza services (pizzahut.com/dominos online or app)
Netflix/Sling/Hulu/Spotify/etc. (mostly reoccurring transaction)
Restaurants direct pay online or app (Revel online order, BJs app)
Direct restaurants paid in app for pick-up or delivery (Wendys, McDonalds, Taco Bell, CFA, etc.)
Online donations/charity both one-time and setup online reoccurring
HomeDepot/Lowes online orders (both delivery and for pick-up)
Movie tickets - Atom, Fandango, AMC direct, Regal direct, others (both app and website examples)
Recharge travel pass (toll pass or mass transit pass where transaction for recharge only setup online)
Tickemaster/theater/concerts/axs/stubhub/others bought only online (can be paper or e-ticket)
Costco.com/samsclub.com/bjs.com
Useful overseas examples of online transactions on BofA cards welcomed (train companies, regional airlines, online ticket purchases, taxi apps).
I am a bit worried about reoccurring charges versus single-pay online ones, but I need data to know that answer.
May 10, 2019, 10:39 am
#85
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BAY AREA
Posts: 1,125
May 11, 2019, 10:17 am
#86
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: AMEX Business Centurion
Posts: 418
It would be much appreciated if they gave you a simple way (yes I know you can try to piece it together) to know how much you have left to go before reaching the $2,500 per quarter threshold. Or better yet do that and enable a setting to email/notify the cardholder when the threshold has been reached. I went well over it by accident one time and regretted it badly on a large purchase which was in my 3% category but instead earned a measly 1%.
May 11, 2019, 10:38 am
#87
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, UA Gold
Posts: 609
May 14, 2019, 10:33 am
#88
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Western US
Programs: Costco Executive Member, Amazon Optimus Prime
Posts: 1,251
It would be much appreciated if they gave you a simple way (yes I know you can try to piece it together) to know how much you have left to go before reaching the $2,500 per quarter threshold. Or better yet do that and enable a setting to email/notify the cardholder when the threshold has been reached. I went well over it by accident one time and regretted it badly on a large purchase which was in my 3% category but instead earned a measly 1%.
May 14, 2019, 2:24 pm
#89
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
I disagree on the cap issue intention by BofA. If they really wanted to hide that information, bonus information transaction would not it visible when the transaction posts and would only show at statement end or at some point in the future. It is just that people probably didn't really test the limits with gas and groceries before so it was not an issue.
I know BofA has gotten plenty of calls about it, but I am unsure if there website team is planning anything. At the moment, I just have to keep checking the BONUS line is 2x the main rebate line or one can add up the transactions. I find it easier to add them up on the Rewards page than the transaction page, but you still have to actually read the BONUS amount because you get a bonus on 1% items too if you have a banking relationship.
I know BofA has gotten plenty of calls about it, but I am unsure if there website team is planning anything. At the moment, I just have to keep checking the BONUS line is 2x the main rebate line or one can add up the transactions. I find it easier to add them up on the Rewards page than the transaction page, but you still have to actually read the BONUS amount because you get a bonus on 1% items too if you have a banking relationship.
May 20, 2019, 12:06 pm
#90
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: AMEX Business Centurion
Posts: 418
The simplest way I have found to check whether you’re over the cap or not is to go to the page where you can choose your 3% category and use those totals by month (you have to select “this month”, “last month”, etc) to total it up. Clunky but easier than trying to look at it by line item.
I do think the B of A web team has been making a lot of improvements in the past couple years, mostly all appreciated and for our benefit. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is on their radar, but yes, let’s all request a dead simple way to find out where we are relative to the cap- and even a notification once it’s been reached. It will help, is my guess.
I do think the B of A web team has been making a lot of improvements in the past couple years, mostly all appreciated and for our benefit. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is on their radar, but yes, let’s all request a dead simple way to find out where we are relative to the cap- and even a notification once it’s been reached. It will help, is my guess.