topic Re: Billshark - What does it code as? in Credit Cards

Billshark - What does it code as?

psm — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:52:40 GMT

I used a service through Nerdwallet called Billshark to lower my cable bill. They charge a fee and I am trying to find out what they code as to decide what card to use. Has anyone used them before?

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:04:50 GMT

Tried searching for "Billshark" and "Keen Group" (their corporate name) and found nothing. I've been meaning to create an MCC wiki online so if you do figure it out, post an update and I'll make it the first entry, lol.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

psm — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:46:38 GMT

I searched the Visa supplier site and did not find anything at their listed addresses. I'll take a chance and pay with my Chase Ink Cash and see what happens. Worst case is I lose the 1% difference i wodl have gotten by using the Fidelity Rewards.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:02:44 GMT

Please report back! I just set up an MCC database and am going over my own credit card logins to see which banks actually report a category code. I know US Bank does (you have to download a CSV spreadsheet though, **bleep**) and I assume Amex does but I don't see anything on Discover yet other than the generic "Category" in the transactions list, which I guess is good enough.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Dalmus — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 19:35:01 GMT

@psm wrote:
I used a service through Nerdwallet called Billshark to lower my cable bill. They charge a fee and I am trying to find out what they code as to decide what card to use. Has anyone used them before?

I just used a similar service (Trim) that managed to get me a monthly $55 credit on my DTV bill for 12 months. Believe me, I called several times before this and they wouldn't do anything except offer a $5 monthly credit and new equipment (which comes with a 24 month contract).

You might want to look into Trim, first, as they only charge you 25% of your savings, vs Billshark's 40%.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

psm — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 21:01:49 GMT

I had already used Billshark when I posted. But I’ll try trim when I do my cell contract next maybe. Thanks for the tip.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Dalmus — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 15:35:13 GMT

Anything that saves money is okay in my book. You're still saving overall!

I haven't tried my cell phone contract yet... But that's do up soon, and I'd prefer not to change carriers, but don't need a new phone. So it should be interesting to see what it can do for me...

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 03:39:24 GMT

Mine was coded "Professional Services"

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

AverageJoesCredit — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:38:30 GMT

Codes as his first name

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 13:10:23 GMT

Which credit card codes it as that?

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Anonymous — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 05:17:03 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Which credit card codes it as that?

Capital One.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

DaveInAZ — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 22:46:58 GMT

@Dalmus wrote:
@psm wrote:
I used a service through Nerdwallet called Billshark to lower my cable bill. They charge a fee and I am trying to find out what they code as to decide what card to use. Has anyone used them before?
I just used a similar service (Trim) that managed to get me a monthly $55 credit on my DTV bill for 12 months. Believe me, I called several times before this and they wouldn't do anything except offer a $5 monthly credit and new equipment (which comes with a 24 month contract).

You might want to look into Trim, first, as they only charge you 25% of your savings, vs Billshark's 40%.

I just heard about Trim recently through my Facebook feed. Sounded interesting so I signed up - they wanted me to upload a PDF of a CC statement. Um, no thanks. But then I don't have really have any service contracts except for internet, and I use a company that only does interent, not a cable/phone company. I use antenna for free broadcast TV supplemented by a month sub now & then for Sling, like for ESPN for the college football bowl games. I use Tracfone pre-paid for cell phone, as I'm fond of saying talking is the least thing I use my cell phone for, I use it much more on wi-fi.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Dalmus — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 14:13:56 GMT

Interesting... They wanted me to upload an image of the DirecTV bill, but since they negotiate on your behalf, that makes sense.

They never asked for a credit card statement image. You can link a credit card and have them monitor it the same way Prism Mint does, though.

Re: Billshark - What does it code as?

Revelate — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 15:33:50 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Please report back! I just set up an MCC database and am going over my own credit card logins to see which banks actually report a category code. I know US Bank does (you have to download a CSV spreadsheet though, **bleep**) and I assume Amex does but I don't see anything on Discover yet other than the generic "Category" in the transactions list, which I guess is good enough.

Not sure which but I think you need 4ish seperate fields as Visa and MC code differently, and Amex does a third, and quite likely Discover a 4th.

Also not all stores in a chain code the same (Walmart / Target with grocery MCC or not)... it's really silly and awkward but I do appreciate your trying to put something together to help sort through the madness.