Disney Visa, keeping just for the pins and discounts

[ShellyLynn3630]

I am starting to believe that in the near future the only "perk" of having the Disney Visa is being able to get pins and discounts for packages or being able to book them earlier than the general public. And I do suppose that would be worth keeping it, if for just that. But this past week I went to pay two of our bills and now they are starting to charge a percentage just to use the card. It seems as this is becoming the norm. When places start charging to use your card, you really can't add up the rewards without really paying for them. I used to think that cash and checks were soon going to being obsolete but now I am thinking otherwise. I just had to vent.

 

[FSUSammy]

Are you talking about an annual fee to use the card or are you talking about them actually charging you an interest rate like other credit cards?

 

[falling2infinity319]

Are you saying you're 0% APR for the first year expired? No card will ever let you be interest free for the entire duration of the card. The fact that they gave me a year was awesome.

Plus, if you book a Disney trip with your card, they give you 6 months with 0 interest to pay it off, which is also nice.

ALSO, they give you rewards back. I've gotten 200 free dollars for being a Disney Card holder in the year I've had it. That paid for two dinners while I was in Disney. Can't complain.

I'm yet to take advantage of the free picture they give you though.

 

[kshearer]

I too found out it would cost an additional 5.00 to pay my gas and electric bill with my VISA.. Guess I stick to paper checks a little longer.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

I too found out it would cost an additional 5.00 to pay my gas and electric bill with my VISA.. Guess I stick to paper checks a little longer.

This is what I am talking about. Sorry if I confused anyone. We can rack up aroung $500 or more for our trips to Disney, but the way things seem to be going I am afraid that this perk will soon disappear with more retailors charging you a percentage of your purchase. It just won't make sense to pay more just to use you card.

 

[Sandisw]

I too am noticing that places are now charging a fee to use the card. Last year, I was able to pay my children's school tuition (high school) using my card. This year, the company (FACTS) is adding a 2.5% charge for the service. That negates the 1% Disney Rewards (and then some) that I got for doing it.

I will be back to just having them do direct debit from my checking.

 

[FSUSammy]

I too found out it would cost an additional 5.00 to pay my gas and electric bill with my VISA.. Guess I stick to paper checks a little longer.

Is this because the place where you are buying your gas or paying your electric bill is charging an extra fee to use a credit card? I just find it weird that this would only be happening with the Disney Visa.

 

[snykymom]

Both VISA and Mastercard consider it a violation of their contracts with vendors for the vendors to charge a fee to use the cards. (We have various gas stations around us who "discount" for paying cash; that's a violation, too.)

If you are concerned, then report these vendors/businesses to VISA or Mastercard and let them know of the charges. They generally are quick to take action to stop it.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

Both VISA and Mastercard consider it a violation of their contracts with vendors for the vendors to charge a fee to use the cards. (We have various gas stations around us who "discount" for paying cash; that's a violation, too.)

If you are concerned, then report these vendors/businesses to VISA or Mastercard and let them know of the charges. They generally are quick to take action to stop it.

I may just give Visa a call today and check up on it. But you would think since SO many places are starting to charge for it, it would'nt be a violation of anything, (especially our city governments) the waterbills, powerbills, the recreation department ect.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I think they get around this by saying it's not a fee to use the card - but a service fee. You can pay your taxes (IRS) with a credit card, but they charge a service fee. That would have been a great way to pay for my Disney trip!

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

I think they get around this by saying it's not a fee to use the card - but a service fee. You can pay your taxes (IRS) with a credit card, but they charge a service fee. That would have been a great way to pay for my Disney trip!

Thats a great point. Thats probably what they will say. It sucks though. I really do think though that cash and checks may have a little more life left for them if every single place starts charging for this service.

 

[FSUSammy]

Ok but you guys are being told ahead of time that there is going to be an additional fee for using that specific card right? It's not a surprise when you get the bill?

 

[Sandisw]

Yes, the company has it listed on the paperwork that they will now be charing a 2.5% service fee if I want to pay using my credit card, thus the reason why I am choosing direct debit for next year.

It is just too bad for me since those tuition bills gave me a lot of extra Disney reward dollars!!!!!

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

Ok but you guys are being told ahead of time that there is going to be an additional fee for using that specific card right? It's not a surprise when you get the bill?

Ya, we know ahead of time, but the reason of using the Disney Visa is to get Disney rewards back. If you are going to be charged 2% to 3% the use the card, it dose'nt justify the 1% you get back.

 

[FSUSammy]

Gotcha ok makes total sense to not even bother with your Disney Visa at that point. So far I haven't run into any places thare are doing that by me, but who knows never say never!

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

Gotcha ok makes total sense to not even bother with your Disney Visa at that point. So far I haven't run into any places thare are doing that by me, but who knows never say never!

Thats good for now. Maybe you won't.

 

[Aerorea]

I think the thing to keep in mind is that these "service charges" would apply to using any credit card for these particular bills, not just the Disney Visa. One could make the same argument for any type of rewards card (like AmEx, etc.).

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

I think the thing to keep in mind is that these "service charges" would apply to using any credit card for these particular bills, not just the Disney Visa. One could make the same argument for any type of rewards card (like AmEx, etc.).

Oh, yes, thats true. Its not just the Disney Visa, its any Visa, Mastercard or such.