What classifies as a supermarket with the BCE?
I'm thinking about applying but from what I've read they don't seem to award full credit for stores like Wal-Mart and Target, which is where I do the bulk of my grocery shopping. I also shop at stores like Central Market but not as frequently as WM and Target.
Starting Score: 760
It all depends on how the merchant identifies themself to AmEx. They have merchant category codes.
You are correct, WalMart and Target will not get you the grocery rewards. If you have a Target Red Card you can do better than BCE for the groceries (5%) though I'm not sure if their groceries are overpriced to begin with.
I have a BCP and almost had a heart attack when the Commissary at my Air Force base showed up on the AmEx website transactions as general merchandise, since that is where I do most of my grocery shopping. But when I looked at my monthly statement it does indeed show up as groceries and I got the 6% cashback I was expecting.
Sad day. I may just skip the BCE for now because I prefer to shop at WM/Target because of convenience and low price. I may just get the WM card. I've heard mixed reviews about the Target card.
@frogfan12 wrote:Sad day. I may just skip the BCE for now because I prefer to shop at WM/Target because of convenience and low price. I may just get the WM card. I've heard mixed reviews about the Target card.
The thing I like about the Target card is that they take the 5% off right at the register. You can get approved for the card at the store too, and I think they approve just about anyone with a pulse. With your score I'd expect a $2,500 limit. The downside - don't hold your breath for a CLI.
@Anonymous wrote:Does the Walmart card earn you anything cash back when used at Walmart?
The regular WalMart card doesn't. The Walmart Discover has "up to 1%" on all purchases everywhere - it is tiered below $3k/yr. They both have 5 cents a gallon off for fuel at WalMart pumps. The main thing the WalMart card has going for it is the monthly FICO they give you.
Target's 5% off sounds nice but I could only use the card at Target. That's what made the BCE appealing. Even if I just used the card for gas, it'd still give some sort of benefit. The WM card is looking better with the gas discount and free monthly TU score. Do you get the TU score immediately upon receipt of the card? Or does the first statement have to cut for you to select the online statements?