For the past five years I have had a charge card with Capital One which when I used it at a T.J. Max, Marshalls, HomeGoods or A.J. Wright store I received 5% credit and periodically I received a ten dollar certificate which I could use at any of the afore mentioned stores. That worked out very well for me since I am a TJX and Marshalls shopper.
About a month ago I received a letter from Capital One informing me that they will be phasing out the TJX Visa Card effective January 31, 2007.
As of February 1, 2007 I will be automatically enrolled in a Capital One No Hassle Cash Visa program where I will earn cash back rewards
The other day I received a new charge card from Capital One with my existing account number with instructions to call their 800 number to activate this card, and they reminded me to destroy my old card.
I called the 800 number and after being put on hold for some time. You know how that goes, you wait, you wait and then you finally get numbers to press. I had a question, wanted to talk to a live person and finally I succeeded.
My question was, "with this new set-up, what rewards will I receive?"
According to the person I spoke to my understanding is that I will get 1% rewards on my purchases. My invoice will show how much I have earned each month and when I SEE that I have received $25.00 in rewards, I HAVE TO GET IN TOUCH with the company and then they will send me a rewards certificate or I can use it to credit my account.
Now, I don't know whether the person I spoke with knew what she was talking about or if this is really the way it will work. Perhaps the company is counting on the customer neglecting to keep watch of their rewards.
Ok, so I'm not happy losing my 5% rewards program and I'm not happy with the new rewards plan but listen to this!
As I mentioned earlier when I received the new card I followed the instructions, called to activate the card and did what they reminded me to do, "I destroyed the old card."
The next day I went to the supermarket, did some food shopping and used my NEW CARD. Well, what do you know, "card NOT AUTHORIZED."
I tried it several times but it was not accepted!! I did not have enough cash to pay for my purchases but I ALWAYS have a life saver in the trunk of my car. My husband always keep extra cash in the trunk, just in case!
Aaron, you saved me again!!