Question
Two questions:
I received the First USA Visa card in early September, how long does it take for the 4 credits to show up on my RR statement?
The confirmation advising of my approval for the credit card indicated I would earn 1 RR credit for each 1,000 miles. I know postings referring to an increase in the requirement to 1,250. Will this increase apply to existing card holders?
Answer
Yes, according to a Southwest Rapid Rewards CSR. Funny thing is, my September statement still has the wording that $1000 = 1 credit, and there is no mention of the upcoming change to $1200 (not $1250). FUSA is getting close to the point of providing less than 60 days' notice, which in my opinion is the bare minimum that good business practice demands.
Answer
It now appears likely that existing accountholders will be grandfathered at the $1000 = 1 credit earning rate, at least for a while. Cross your fingers.
Answer
First USA sent me another card and Wecome materials. The change to the higher requirements is effective April 2003.
Answer
First USA has certainly not handled the dissemination of this news very well. The CSRs at Rapid Rewards still say that it's effective for everybody on January 1. My November bill has no info on any change. So the April date makes sense. Sixty days' notice of such a change seems like the bare minimum to me.
I am surprised that Southwest agreed to the $1200 rate when they signed the multi-year renewal with First USA earlier this year. Maybe no other bank would go with the $1000 rate.
Answer
I phoned FirstUSA today and they said the change to $1200 takes effect April 1.
Answer
April Fool !!!