Is the Affinity rewards card going to get worse in the near future?

[PullingMeSoftly]

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@FireMedic1 wrote:

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@ptatohed wrote:

Every time I see that picture I wonder two things.  What the heck is she looking at?  And, where is the gas pump??

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@ptatohedJust checking how high gas prices are going.

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@FireMedic1 Yes, but oddly finding joy in skyrocketing inflation

[unsungivy]

I think the "rumor" of them being nerfed is due to 1) until recently, they referred to these extra bonus categories as the "Hi-5", but seem to have done away with that wording... this led to much consternation and speculation that the program was being killed off along with its name, and 2) this quarter they reeeeeally pushed it to almost the last possible minute on announcing what the Q3 categories would be, so this, coupled with #1, reinforced the rumor.

However, we still did get 5% on Q3 bonus categories, even if they're not calling it the Hi-5 anymore, so it's hanging in there.

[M_Smart007]

The Affinity Cash Rewards is their "Cash Cow" for bringing in reigning in NEW members!

They are highly focused on "Growth"  !!..

So I highly doubt that this is going away anytime soon.  ..JMHO

[ptatohed]

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@M_Smart007 wrote:

The Affinity Cash Rewards is their "Cash Cow" for bringing in reigning in NEW members!

They are highly focused on "Growth"  !!..

So I highly doubt that this is going away anytime soon.  ..JMHO

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I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you.  But I have to wonder if they want to reign in the new members, why the obscurity with the extra quarterly bonus categories?  If I didn't know better (from this site) and I just went to Affinity's product page, I'd have absolutely no idea that the card was any better than the very clearly advertised 5/2/2/1% structure.  I already get 5% at  Amazon and I already have a 3% everything card so I would otherwise move right along if I didn't know better. 

Of course, now that I know better, I want one!   

https://www.affinityfcu.com/Credit-Cards/Cashback-Rewards-Visa-Signature.aspx 

[M_Smart007]

Update:

I just got off the phone with a well seasoned Affinity rep. (She has been in the banking industry Her whole life)

I called about setting up overdraft from SmartStart Savings to Checking, but had a good 20-25 Min. chat.

Her Words;

"Affinity's CashBack Rewards are not changing in the near future"  ... She said that with very strong conviction.

Had She not been as well versed as She was, I woulda taken that with a grain of Salt.

I did ask what was the "MAX" limit on the card, while She did not give me a direct answer, She said .. "Has seen them UP THERE".

I had to ask $100K? .. Her answer, not quite that high ...I was fishing. >> "Enquiring minds want to know??"

She said;  "Limits are mostly Score and Profile driven." also said something about "Ability to Repay"  ...

That is about it, in a nutshell.

[craigm1]

I'm at $37,500 I have the card for over 2 years and used it frequently with no credit limit raises.

CRM

[MrDisco99]

Yeah they gave me $25K SL.  They can be pretty generous.

Any word on next quarter's categories?  They usually do Amazon for Q4.

[LawStudentCivilis]

Someone just posted Q4 categories so it's looks like they're back to being on time.  I eyed this card for some time before I applied and it is my impression the bonus/rotating categories have always been somewhat hidden.

[Anonymous]

My question via secure email:

"Good afternoon - just curious if the first quarter 2023 bonus categories for credit cards has been decided yet.
Thanks!"

Their reply:

"For next quarter the bonus points are earned based on how much is spent with your card, there are no longer any spending categories. Bonus points are earned as follows: Affinity Cash Rewards Visa Signature: In addition to the standard points, cardholders will earn 3,000 points when spending $2,000; 6,500 points when spending $5,000; 11,500 points when spending $7,500 during the promotional period of January 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. To qualify and receive the additional bonus points, the required spend amount in purchases must be met."

My reply:

"

Is this on top of the 5% at Bookstores and 2% at Supermarkets, Restaurants, Gas Stations? In addition to the 1% spent on general spend?
Is there still a $3500 per cap per month at Amazon?

Or are you saying the 5% / 2% / 1% are just now completely gone?

Thank you"

Will post the reply as soon as it arrives.

[Anonymous]

If the original 5/2/1% still exist, then that would mean (I'm not that smart, so correct my math if it's wrong)

Amazon spend would get 5%+1.5% from $2000-$5000, 5%+1.3% from $5000-$7500, and 5%+1.53% from 7500+

Supermarket, Restaurant, Gas Station spend would get 2%+1.5% from $2000-$5000, 2%+1.3% from $5000-$7500, and 2%+1.53% from 7500+

General Spend would get 1%+1.5% from $2000-$5000, 2%+1.3% from $5000-$7500, and 2%+1.53% from 7500+

Who knows.