MBNA cash-back card does not recognize Aldi as supermarket

thizzby

Just been checking my October MBNA statement and rang the helpline because the cashback awarded on the statement did not match my calculation. Guess what!! - I was informed that MBNA do not recognise Aldi as a supermarket so you only get 0.5%. The reason is in the T & Cs. However their website says :-

'MBNA Visa Credit Card with cash back
The card offers unlimited cash back at 1.25% on supermarket and fuel purchases and 0.5% on all other card purchases.'

- when it should say 'MOST supermarket' shopping. I think this is unfair and wondered if it contravened any legislation? Another example of the little hurdles these companies trip us up on?

noelphobic

I thought Aldi only took debit cards?

YorkshireBoy

Your anger at MBNA may be misdirected?

I understand the merchant category codes are assigned to the businesses by Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, not the card providers themselves.

However, I do concede the 'advertising' is a little misleading. Maybe if they'd said...

"The card offers unlimited cash back at 1.5% on purchases at most major supermarkets and petrol stations and 0.75% on all other card purchases."

...like they do for the MBNA Amex cashback card, you wouldn't be complaining? But after all, as you realise, it's the T&Cs that govern your relationship with the card provider, not their advertising bumph.

YorkshireBoy

noelphobic wrote: »

I thought Aldi only took debit cards?

Scottish, and some Welsh, Aldi stores accept credit cards.

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/service/20867.htm

meer53

My Aldi only takes Debit cards.

thizzby

I wonder how many other shoppers are aware of this? If they aren't including a leading supermarket such as Aldi they shouldn't make such claims - I've been shopping at Oban Aldi for over a year now assuming I was getting 1.25% (its a VISA card). They accept credit cards at Oban - may be something to do with Liddl being just down the road. Of course strictly speaking they are correct in legal terms but morally they are wrong not to be more open about the fact.

dalesrider

thizzby wrote: »

If they aren't including a leading supermarket such as Aldi they shouldn't make such claims -

Would hardly say they are a leading supermarket...

thizzby wrote: »

I've been shopping at Oban Aldi for over a year now assuming I was getting 1.25% (its a VISA card).

Why did you not notice before?

thizzby wrote: »

Of course strictly speaking they are correct in legal terms but morally they are wrong not to be more open about the fact.

MBNA. Are not doing anything wrong. Like the santander 123 card. These work on retailer catsic codes. If the retailer is reporting themselves using the wrong code. Then the issuse is with the retailer/merchant back who set it up.
To get it changed would require contact with their head office and for them to get it changed by their merchant bank.

thizzby

This is the 2nd time I've posted to these consumer forums, with what I think is an altruistic motive to inform others of my experience. There always appears a nit picking comment which is unhelpful and, in my opinion, not in the spirit of these consumer focused forums. The collective use of thousands of consumers' experiences and knowledge is a powerful weapon in my daily struggle to avoid penury. Whose side are you on Dalesrider?

meer53

OP, you're missing the point. The point is that people post their opinions and advice. Just like you.

What's "nitpicking" about Dalesriders comments ?

Think about it logically, not all Aldi stores take CC's. This is probably why MBNA decided not to include them in their list of supermarkets for cashback.

Wheres_My_Cashback

thizzby wrote: »

Just been checking my October MBNA statement and rang the helpline because the cashback awarded on the statement did not match my calculation. Guess what!! - I was informed that MBNA do not recognise Aldi as a supermarket so you only get 0.5%. The reason is in the T & Cs. However their website says :-

'MBNA Visa Credit Card with cash back
The card offers unlimited cash back at 1.25% on supermarket and fuel purchases and 0.5% on all other card purchases.'

- when it should say 'MOST supermarket' shopping. I think this is unfair and wondered if it contravened any legislation? Another example of the little hurdles these companies trip us up on?

If you don't like it shop elsewhere! Alternatively complain to Aldi your MP, MEP, or whoever else will entertain you without laughing. Ttttttttt

molerat

Tesco, Lidl, Asda "5411 Grocery Stores, Supermarkets"
Aldi "5399 Miscellaneous General Merchandise"

So all the fault of Aldi and / or their card facilities provider.