For over five years I was an avid user of Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card. I used my card every time I had a chance – shopping, vacations, restaurants, groceries, utility bills, subscriptions. My spending habits used to generate me $400 – $500 in cash back rewards. Every time I had cash rolling into my Bank of America checking account I would get an additional 10% bump.
I Used To Be Happy With Bank of America
At that time I worked at BofA’s Rates and Derivatives group and it was encouraged by my employer to use bank’s products. I had my checking account, credit card, mortgage and Merrill Lynch investments with Bank of America. I loved how simple it was to use bank’s products with mobile app. I traveled quite a bit for my work so I always had to set my travel notifications online.
Fraud Alert
This is where my troubles started. Even after I set my travel notifications, occasionally I would have my card declined at the register. After talking to multiple representatives and spending on hold 20 minutes I was advised that my transaction was flagged as fraudulent. I verified my identity and voila, I could use my card again. Nobody cared about the frustration and embarrassment it caused me. Another time it happened at the airport when I tried to change my ticket for a flight back from LA to New York. Timing was of the essence and lucky me, I had my back up Citi credit card. Few months later, right around Thanksgiving I was buying a couple of suits at Brooks Brothers when it happened again. I called, got on-hold and after 30 minutes confirmed that, yes it’s me and yes, I am trying to use the card (as it’s designed) to make a purchase at the store. That was the last straw that broke my patience. That same night I went online and applied for Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card since I heard lots of great feedback about it.
Happy Camper With Chase Sapphire
It’s been several years since I became Chase credit card holder and not one single time I had to deal with card being declined due to possible fraud. The rewards are great and Chase’s rewards site is easy to navigate and use my rewards for hotels, rental cars or airplane tickets. The best thing is this credit card is like some kind of magic card compare to my old one. I swipe it and it works every time and all the time.
