Are credit card rewards categories irrelevant on final resort bill?

[MatzoBelle]

I have a credit card that gives higher cash-back rewards for restaurants than for hotels. If I charge meals to that card using magic band and settle bill at end of resort stay, will the restaurant charges be seen by the issuing bank as hotel charges rather than restaurant charges? If so, would you take the risk of just paying by cc at every WDW restaurant? And that question raises another question: if I do pay with cc at restaurant itself, will THAT charge show up at bank as a restaurant purchase or as some broader "WDW Resort" purchase? Many thanks for your expertise.

 

[CMNJ]

I have a credit card that gives higher cash-back rewards for restaurants than for hotels. If I charge meals to that card using magic band and settle bill at end of resort stay, will the restaurant charges be seen by the issuing bank as hotel charges rather than restaurant charges? If so, would you take the risk of just paying by cc at every WDW restaurant? And that question raises another question: if I do pay with cc at restaurant itself, will THAT charge show up at bank as a restaurant purchase or as some broader "WDW Resort" purchase? Many thanks for your expertise.

Not sure about if you charge directly at the restaurant but if you charge everything to the magic band it is itemized on your hotel bill but just 1 large charge gets posted to your credit card from the hotel (so it would definitely NOT appear as any type of restaurant charges)

 

[MatzoBelle]

Not sure about if you charge directly at the restaurant but if you charge everything to the magic band it is itemized on your hotel bill but just 1 large charge gets posted to your credit card from the hotel (so it would definitely NOT appear as any type of restaurant charges)

Thanks very much. That's what I was afraid of.

 

[erionm]

Room charges should show as 'Travel'. If you use your CC at the restaurant, it will be categorized as 'Restaurant'.

 

[MatzoBelle]

Room charges should show as 'Travel'. If you use your CC at the restaurant, it will be categorized as 'Restaurant'.

Thank you, Michael. Very helpful.

 

[staceyeileen]

If I charge meals to that card using magic band and settle bill at end of resort stay, will the restaurant charges be seen by the issuing bank as hotel charges rather than restaurant charges? If so, would you take the risk of just paying by cc at every WDW restaurant?

What is the risk?

 

[MatzoBelle]

Just theft.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Same thing applies to the Disney Visa Card. If you buy $50 or more of merchandise at a WDW retail location and use the Chase Disney Visa you get a 10% discount. If you are charging to your room, even if the final payment is to the Chase Disney Visa you do not get the 10% merchandise discount.

 

[MatzoBelle]

Interesting. It can pay not to use the magic band. Do you know whether the WDW restaurants swipe credit cards at the table vs. taking them away?

 

[patty57]

Interesting. It can pay not to use the magic band. Do you know whether the WDW restaurants swipe credit cards at the table vs. taking them away?

I don't remember them swiping at the table. What do you do with your credit card at a restaurant at home? If you use it there, why not at WDW?

 

[JacknSally]

I don't remember them swiping at the table. What do you do with your credit card at a restaurant at home? If you use it there, why not at WDW?

I second the above sentiment. Not saying to just throw your card around willy-nilly, but to my knowledge there's no reason to be anymore concerned/suspicious/hesitant about card safety at WDW than anywhere in the real world. The nice thing about using a credit card vs. a debit card is that even if theft or fraud does occur, it's much easier to dispute and get your money back with a credit card. I wouldn't worry about it so much, and just make sure I keep an eye on my account and address any suspicious charges (if there even are any at all) immediately.

 

[MatzoBelle]

I don't remember them swiping at the table. What do you do with your credit card at a restaurant at home? If you use it there, why not at WDW?

It's just that there is a lot of cc fraud in FL, and magic bands help to cut down on it. I have been a victim of it twice myself in FL, as have many people on these boards. While it's less likely to happen than not, I don't want to take unnecessary chances. Will use online check-in, RFID protector for cards, etc. Am leaning against using cc at restaurants.

ETA: I do realize that I am being especially cautious, and even a little paranoid. Not trying to imply that there is some grave danger to all of us, and I do appreciate the advice not to worry, as even the worst-case scenario isn't that terrible. But I intend to play it safe and thwart any would-be thieves. Thanks for your kind input, everyone.

 

[Networth]

I just had my CC stolen in DC it isn't just FL my friend...Point being it can and does happen everywhere. No reason not to use the card. Chase overnighted me a new card, refunded all charges and is looking for the culprits their the ones that called me before I even got a chance to look at my statement online.

 

[kaetra]

Thanks for this post, it reminded me to make sure I take advantage of my CC's cashback for restaurants in April while I'm at WDW! You just saved me a nice chunk o' change!

Can I buy you a beer or maybe a Matzo?

 

[Richard M Nixon]

Categories are based on the MCC reported by the POS at which the charge is processed. If you bill everything to your resort using a magicband or room key, it will be processed by the resort and show as their MCC. It will only be processed by the restaurant (or shop or whatever) if you have them process the charge at the time of service. I assume you're trying to get rewards bonuses, which I was also looking into in another thread. Some restaurants may be classified as resort/tour, so be cautious and don't assume anything.

 

[bsbrady]

First off you shouldn't go anywhere without an ID or a form of payment other than the magic bands. What if the system is not working, then you wont be able to pay. Since you have your CC with you just use it, if the rewards are worth it to you , then do it?