Credit Cards

[logan_720]

Why not just go for the BofA Cash Rewards card? I'm sure your scores are high enough for approval...

[DaveSignal]

I am going to go to BoA sometime and see what they can do for me.  I can't seem to use an APO address on the online application, and this will be my only means of receiving the card.

[DaveSignal]

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heirophant wrote:

 Is this really a big deal for going to, say, Europe or Asia?

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Yes, its a big deal.  You will have to carry cash around or you might just get stuck somewhere with no way to buy transportation.  I thought the travel rewards came with an EMV chip always (it shows the chip on the online pictures).  I guess I will be sure to specify that I need a chip when I apply at BoA.

[OptimalFICO]

I just checked with Digital Federal Credit Union to see if their Secured Visa product is EMV since a secured option would be a sure thing. But sorry, no go.

[DaveSignal]

I got it!

So I broke down and drove in to a BoA branch today.   I knew more about the cards BoA offered than the banking rep, and she, in fact, approved me for a 1-2-3 cash rewards card with $4.5k CL.  I told her that this was not what I asked for.  So she had to actually then call a customer service number for BoA credit cards while I was there.  She confirmed that she could get a chip put in the cash rewards or I could product change.  According to the rep on the phone, All of the Bankamericard Travel Rewards cards have a chip.  This card also has 0% foreign transaction fee, so it was a no brainer.  Rep was finally able to switch for me.

Bankamericard Travel Rewards, $4.5k CL, 0% foreign transaction fee, $0 annual fee, rewards.  perfect!

My card arsenal is complete!

[iMacDrew]

congrats on getting approved! Hopefully youre back stateside soon, unless youre getting some sweet orders then enjoy your time overseas.

[DaveSignal]

Thanks!  I have a great assignment.

[heirophant]

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DaveSignal wrote:

According to the rep on the phone, All of the Bankamericard Travel Rewards cards have a chip.

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Post back here when you get the card and let us know if it, indeed, has a chip.  I am looking at my card and I just looked at the website to see a picture with the chip, and I can confirm that I do not have a chip in my card and it was received last Monday.

Congrats on the approval.  Was it instant?  I had to call in and they just verified my address.  As with you, my arsenal is also complete.  This is a great card to end with.  Enjoy your garden!

[DaveSignal]

I went in to the branch, but yes it was instant.  That would be awful if I got it without a chip.  Then I would have to explain what I applied for all over again with a banking representative and wait for a replacement.

But I will let you know.

EDIT:  The Travel Rewards card I applied for is not a Visa signature card, so maybe you have a different card entirely?

[heirophant]

Yes, I saw that it was in a branch.  Just wondering if you had to explain anything or if they just said yes.