Just a quick update: many readers confirm that SVM on eBay is still posting as a cash advance.
I’m shocked that they’d send out an email indicating the issue has been fixed when it hasn’t, but that appears to be the case.
More generally, my impression is they don’t ‘get’ what’s happening, and they continue to blame Payapl thinking that Paypal is erroneously charging this as a cash transactions. More likely, they changed their merchant category code which is causing the issue. Of course, I could be wrong, but until they understand what’s going on it’ll be tough to fix.
Be sure to leave bad feedback if you feel they deserve that. It’ll help the problem get fixed too. For now, using Amex is the best option.
Made three purchases through SVM, with 3 CA fees on Feb 13.
March 9th, three credits at $20 each sent back to my card on file. Total credit was $60.
Used a Citi Double Cash card.
I had purchased Cabela’s gift cards through SVM. No CA on my Ink Cash, but no 5x. I also got no 5x at a T-Mobile store. Is something going on with Chase? Yes, I did go through PP for SVM.
SVM doesn’t code as 5x, only PPDG. T-Mobile store doesn’t seem to code at 5x for anything other than the monthly bill https://www.doctorofcredit.com/payments-workshop/
I tried with Citi AA today and it is categorized as “Nondurable goods, not elsewhere classified”. So it looks like maybe they have fixed the problem.
My Chase card also went through today. CA limit set to $20. Didn’t work last time, but worked this time, so looks like it is fixed.
Any sacrificial lambs buying SVM cards for the current sale? Specifically looking for Barclays Arrival DPs.
Within past couple days it’s still been a problem.
This is a PayPal issue, see the email received today from PayPal, they are refunding everyone:
PayPal would like to take a moment to address an issue with your recent payment to SVM LP. Between February 8 and February 13, 2017, there was an issue that may have caused buyers purchasing a gift card from SVM to be charged a cash advance fee from their credit card company.
This issue was on PayPal’s end and has been resolved. We apologize to both SVM and our mutual customers for this situation and assure you we’ll credit each customer who may have been charged the cash advance fee.
Credits will be issued directly to your credit card. The credit can take up to 30 days to reflect on your credit card statement.
Thanks for your patience.
+1
Coverages dates extended to an additional period in email I received today directly from PayPal.
NEW: “Between February 13 and February 23, 2017”
got $20 refunded to my paypal account
You guys need to read the feedback terms better. You purchased gift cards from SVM via ebay. SVM sent them out promptly. That is all they are responsible. All of your negative feedback will be removed upon their request because they fulfilled the terms of the purchase. Just because Paypal had a durp moment and changed their coding, doesn’t mean that SVM should be on the hook. It sounds like SVM is doing what they can just short of putting the cards on their own website at those deal rates (which they really should… because fkk paypal thats why : ] )
With all that said, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave neg feedback, it is a big enough bother to them that they are having to call ebay to have it removed, so keep it going till it gets fixed as a way to keep reminding them to follow up on it.
Thanks for keeping us up to date on this.
Used to buy gas cards. But only 7% discount. I can typically do better with gas Buddy instead of being stuck with going to a certain station. And no more ebay bux or cash back sites. No GCs seem worth the hassle.
I’m coming to the same conclusion. This is just too much of a headache.
Unbelievable. #boycottsvm