Alaska PC/downgrade: unbelievable!

[PointLager]

Called BofA to switch my Alaska Visa to a no- AF card so I can SD it.

Rep said that if i switch it to ANY other product, the original $75 AF will follow.    The only way to get a free product is to separately app, and CL transfers invoke a HP (I knew that already).

But the AF following you to another (what should be free) product is news to me.  

[jamesdwi]

never heard of such a thing, I would call them back and get a differet CSR, and see if the answer remains the same. If so talk to a manager or the customer retention deptartment.  

[PointLager]

thanks @jamesdwi

The kid also told me that if i use the card after the AF posts that i accept the "terms" and that the AF is non-refundable, even if closing the account.   

I figure that I should call in the morning and get their A team. 

[FinStar]

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@PointLager wrote:

@Anonymous @jamesdwi

The kid also told me that if i use the card after the AF posts that i accept the "terms" and that the AF is non-refundable, even if closing the account.   

I figure that I should call in the morning and get their A team. 

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The reason the AF remains is because you technically (by BoA standards) still have the original product that you applied for and some of the terms carry throughout the life of it.  The PC option allows the reward structure to be changed but not the pricing, unfortunately.  They kinda clamped down on the PC process during late last year since anymore these days it's somewhat of a challenge to PC some BoA products, namely some affinity cards and BBR.  You might have some luck in talking to another individual or escalating it to the EO, but YEMV.

[Kenny]

Wow. That's insane. Learn stuff here every day.

[NRB525]

Sorry to hear that OP. Good info here about PC inheritance of terms.

The AK card is interesting, but the 3% FTF on top of the AF leaves a sour taste. I'll just continue to use my Diners Club to generate some AK miles.

I'm hoping to PC my BofA MC to the Travel Rewards VISA later this year, definitely won't be trying to get the AK card.

[bada_bing]

If you can use it, the yearly companion fare coupon is worth more than the annual fee. You might consider it worthwhile to SD it even with the AF. 

I have never been impressed by BoA. The Alaska mileage program is a good one though, at least right now.

[PointLager]

Using SPG Amex is a better way to earn Alaska miles since SPG is effectively 1.25x. as far as FTF are concerned i have Amex platinum, Barclays arrival Plus, and united club card. Last year in Europe I found the chase card has a better fx spread so that's my preferred card abroad.


Thanks @bada_bing. I haven't used the companion pass last year so not much use of it this year. The main reason I am in the program is for partner redemptions.