New Credit Card Details (Comenity Capital Bank)
Jan 3, 2015, 11:13 am
#347
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 83
Cash advance fee for loading to Serve?
Has anyone used their card recently to load an AMEX Serve account? Some other issuers of Visa cards started treating the loads as cash advances and am curious if they are still showing up as purchases for the VX card.
Jan 12, 2015, 9:47 pm
#349
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
Worst Credit Card EVER
I received the Virgin America credit card in June as my daughter was starting college at SMU in Dallas and I enjoy the nonstop Virgin flight from LAX. I appreciate earning miles and therefore put every possible charge on our 3 favorite cards. Understand that we have excellent credit and pay our card balances in full every month.
This card has been such a pain that I'm seriously considering canceling the account. Rarely does even one week go by without my card being refused for "security". I can be at the same grocery market where I always shop and the card will be refused - it doesn't have to be an "unusual" transaction.
The final straw came today when I received a notice from a well-known charity that my annual donation was declined by Virgin America. While I was speaking to the customer service rep he just happened to mention, "I see 2 charges from the last couple of days which were declined…." yet he couldn't tell me what was declined. Was it a doctor? A bill for which I'll be charged a late fee? Another donation? And when was I going to learn about this latest problem?
I spoke to the most senior Virgin America employee available who was apologetic but said she cannot do anything about the “tight security”. I'm tired of being embarrassed by “suspicious” charges; my husband will not even use the Virgin America card any longer after having a workman's charge refused right after performing work for his business.
To add insult to injury, when I receive a call from the Security Center at Virgin America about the "suspicious activity” it's a robo-call informing me that I need to call the Virgin America office. I don't even have the option of speaking with someone right then and clearing the issue while I'm at the store.
The wasted time and embarrassment are not worth the miles
This card has been such a pain that I'm seriously considering canceling the account. Rarely does even one week go by without my card being refused for "security". I can be at the same grocery market where I always shop and the card will be refused - it doesn't have to be an "unusual" transaction.
The final straw came today when I received a notice from a well-known charity that my annual donation was declined by Virgin America. While I was speaking to the customer service rep he just happened to mention, "I see 2 charges from the last couple of days which were declined…." yet he couldn't tell me what was declined. Was it a doctor? A bill for which I'll be charged a late fee? Another donation? And when was I going to learn about this latest problem?
I spoke to the most senior Virgin America employee available who was apologetic but said she cannot do anything about the “tight security”. I'm tired of being embarrassed by “suspicious” charges; my husband will not even use the Virgin America card any longer after having a workman's charge refused right after performing work for his business.
To add insult to injury, when I receive a call from the Security Center at Virgin America about the "suspicious activity” it's a robo-call informing me that I need to call the Virgin America office. I don't even have the option of speaking with someone right then and clearing the issue while I'm at the store.
The wasted time and embarrassment are not worth the miles
Jan 12, 2015, 11:08 pm
#350
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: VX Gold
Posts: 427
I received the Virgin America credit card in June as my daughter was starting college at SMU in Dallas and I enjoy the nonstop Virgin flight from LAX. I appreciate earning miles and therefore put every possible charge on our 3 favorite cards. Understand that we have excellent credit and pay our card balances in full every month.
This card has been such a pain that I'm seriously considering canceling the account. Rarely does even one week go by without my card being refused for "security". I can be at the same grocery market where I always shop and the card will be refused - it doesn't have to be an "unusual" transaction.
The final straw came today when I received a notice from a well-known charity that my annual donation was declined by Virgin America. While I was speaking to the customer service rep he just happened to mention, "I see 2 charges from the last couple of days which were declined…." yet he couldn't tell me what was declined. Was it a doctor? A bill for which I'll be charged a late fee? Another donation? And when was I going to learn about this latest problem?
I spoke to the most senior Virgin America employee available who was apologetic but said she cannot do anything about the “tight security”. I'm tired of being embarrassed by “suspicious” charges; my husband will not even use the Virgin America card any longer after having a workman's charge refused right after performing work for his business.
To add insult to injury, when I receive a call from the Security Center at Virgin America about the "suspicious activity” it's a robo-call informing me that I need to call the Virgin America office. I don't even have the option of speaking with someone right then and clearing the issue while I'm at the store.
The wasted time and embarrassment are not worth the miles
This card has been such a pain that I'm seriously considering canceling the account. Rarely does even one week go by without my card being refused for "security". I can be at the same grocery market where I always shop and the card will be refused - it doesn't have to be an "unusual" transaction.
The final straw came today when I received a notice from a well-known charity that my annual donation was declined by Virgin America. While I was speaking to the customer service rep he just happened to mention, "I see 2 charges from the last couple of days which were declined…." yet he couldn't tell me what was declined. Was it a doctor? A bill for which I'll be charged a late fee? Another donation? And when was I going to learn about this latest problem?
I spoke to the most senior Virgin America employee available who was apologetic but said she cannot do anything about the “tight security”. I'm tired of being embarrassed by “suspicious” charges; my husband will not even use the Virgin America card any longer after having a workman's charge refused right after performing work for his business.
To add insult to injury, when I receive a call from the Security Center at Virgin America about the "suspicious activity” it's a robo-call informing me that I need to call the Virgin America office. I don't even have the option of speaking with someone right then and clearing the issue while I'm at the store.
The wasted time and embarrassment are not worth the miles
I agree that Virgin America perhaps could have chosen a better partner for their co-branded credit card. However, it's incorrect to state that and subsequently base anger on the fact that you "received a call from the Security Center at Virgin America" etc.
If you speak to someone employed by Virgin America, tell them that the partner they chose for the co-branded card is bad, and that it's a bad decision to continue doing business with them. Otherwise, air your grievances with the folks at Comenity, and tell them that their amateur credit service needs to improve. But it's improper to blame Virgin America (an airline) for the failure of Comenity (a creditor) to approve your purchase at a grocery store.
Jan 13, 2015, 9:35 am
#353
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,649
I received the Virgin America credit card in June as my daughter was starting college at SMU in Dallas and I enjoy the nonstop Virgin flight from LAX. I appreciate earning miles and therefore put every possible charge on our 3 favorite cards. Understand that we have excellent credit and pay our card balances in full every month.
This card has been such a pain that I'm seriously considering canceling the account. Rarely does even one week go by without my card being refused for "security". I can be at the same grocery market where I always shop and the card will be refused - it doesn't have to be an "unusual" transaction.
The final straw came today when I received a notice from a well-known charity that my annual donation was declined by Virgin America. While I was speaking to the customer service rep he just happened to mention, "I see 2 charges from the last couple of days which were declined…." yet he couldn't tell me what was declined. Was it a doctor? A bill for which I'll be charged a late fee? Another donation? And when was I going to learn about this latest problem?
I spoke to the most senior Virgin America employee available who was apologetic but said she cannot do anything about the “tight security”. I'm tired of being embarrassed by “suspicious” charges; my husband will not even use the Virgin America card any longer after having a workman's charge refused right after performing work for his business.
To add insult to injury, when I receive a call from the Security Center at Virgin America about the "suspicious activity” it's a robo-call informing me that I need to call the Virgin America office. I don't even have the option of speaking with someone right then and clearing the issue while I'm at the store.
The wasted time and embarrassment are not worth the miles
This card has been such a pain that I'm seriously considering canceling the account. Rarely does even one week go by without my card being refused for "security". I can be at the same grocery market where I always shop and the card will be refused - it doesn't have to be an "unusual" transaction.
The final straw came today when I received a notice from a well-known charity that my annual donation was declined by Virgin America. While I was speaking to the customer service rep he just happened to mention, "I see 2 charges from the last couple of days which were declined…." yet he couldn't tell me what was declined. Was it a doctor? A bill for which I'll be charged a late fee? Another donation? And when was I going to learn about this latest problem?
I spoke to the most senior Virgin America employee available who was apologetic but said she cannot do anything about the “tight security”. I'm tired of being embarrassed by “suspicious” charges; my husband will not even use the Virgin America card any longer after having a workman's charge refused right after performing work for his business.
To add insult to injury, when I receive a call from the Security Center at Virgin America about the "suspicious activity” it's a robo-call informing me that I need to call the Virgin America office. I don't even have the option of speaking with someone right then and clearing the issue while I'm at the store.
The wasted time and embarrassment are not worth the miles
Methinks this is the new normal until these companies figure out better security.
Jan 13, 2015, 11:41 am
#354
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
So, no, I don't think that what you are describing is standard at all.
Jan 13, 2015, 4:31 pm
#355
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
I've had VegasGambler's experience as well: I've had several cards freeze over the years, but usually it had to do with trips that I didn't think to notify them of. The solution was that I'd switch cards and then call the bank of the card acting up...and the card would be un-frozen within a few hours as a rule.
I have had one or two cases where I had a card get shut off due to fraud issues, but usually it was a case of them sending me a new one and having me activate it to replace the old one rather than just freezing me out.
I have had one or two cases where I had a card get shut off due to fraud issues, but usually it was a case of them sending me a new one and having me activate it to replace the old one rather than just freezing me out.
Jan 19, 2015, 9:29 pm
#356
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
Having had the card from the beginning, I've not had real difficulties with using it. I do find it is really particular about having the correct billing address when using it online. YMMV.
Jan 20, 2015, 1:21 pm
#358
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Titanium, UA Silver
Posts: 118
Has anyone upgraded from the regular to premium credit card? Am wondering whether to open a separate card and then cancel the one I have (is it considered a completely different card and therefore comes with a bonus) or do I simply upgrade the one I have. I know I can contact Comenity for this info, but wondering what others' experience has been, if any, before I do. (A recent hit for change fees helps see the value in the premium card). Thanks.
Jan 20, 2015, 2:27 pm
#359
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I haven't seen anyone really talk about churning (I've seen some people ask, but no responses).
Having said that, it can't hurt to cancel the old one and apply for the new one, rather than directly upgrading. I would not expect to get a straight answer from a CSR -- their job is not to help you abuse their system.
I'd just try it. If you get the bonus, great. If not, you haven't lost anything, since you were going to upgrade anyway. Please report back.
Having said that, it can't hurt to cancel the old one and apply for the new one, rather than directly upgrading. I would not expect to get a straight answer from a CSR -- their job is not to help you abuse their system.
I'd just try it. If you get the bonus, great. If not, you haven't lost anything, since you were going to upgrade anyway. Please report back.
Jan 20, 2015, 2:35 pm
#360
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,460
I haven't seen anyone really talk about churning (I've seen some people ask, but no responses).
Having said that, it can't hurt to cancel the old one and apply for the new one, rather than directly upgrading. I would not expect to get a straight answer from a CSR -- their job is not to help you abuse their system.
I'd just try it. If you get the bonus, great. If not, you haven't lost anything, since you were going to upgrade anyway. Please report back.
Having said that, it can't hurt to cancel the old one and apply for the new one, rather than directly upgrading. I would not expect to get a straight answer from a CSR -- their job is not to help you abuse their system.
I'd just try it. If you get the bonus, great. If not, you haven't lost anything, since you were going to upgrade anyway. Please report back.