Mrbinns
Brooklyn,#2Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 13, 2008
In the interest of full disclosure, I am a travel agent, so I look at this from a different point of view. I was on a Carnival Cruiise, saw the kiosk advertising the card. "Wow...2 pct for buying Carnival cruises...I can deal with that." However, in order to cash in, you have to use THEIR (Sea Miles) travel agency, which takes my clients away from me. Not good. Not good for any business to send clientele to a place that directs the next sale away from them. Imagine a supermarket where coupons could only be used at a competitor. However, if you spend get 5000 points and buy an airline ticket ANYWHERE, you can get a $25.00 check. That is 1pct on Carnival, not 2pct, and 1/2 of 1pct on other expenses. Not a good deal. Personally, I want 1pct or more, and cash is always the best reward. (SHOW ME THE MONEY !) Last thing. There were posts about foreign purchases being charged a percentage. Master Card and Visa charge 1pct, and your bank may tack on more. AmEx is 3Pct.... ! However, this can be controlled. One bank in particular, does not charge. I may get scribbled but it is Capitol One. But do not use that card in an ATM because you are back to 3pct. Some banks do not charge for ATM usage. Once again, scribble...but TD Bank (aka Commerce Bank or TD Banknorth) does not charge, worldwide. But do not use that Debit card for other purchases. Like everything else in life, you have to learn the ropes. Mrbinns Brooklyn, New York