Update 11/15/22: Cardholders are being offered 2% cash back for December as an apology for issues with the transition. Pretty pathetic given that some cards offer 2% cash back or more all the time.
Original post: The Bank of America AAA credit card was purchased by Comenity. The new bank backing will begin in October 2022, along with an entirely new rewards structure which includes 5% on Gas.
The new card will be called the AAA Travel Advantage Visa Card. Points from the old card will automatically carry over to the new one when the transition takes place on October 9th.
- You can find the landing page for the new card here, the FAQs here, and the AAA Travel Advantage Rewards Program Terms here.
Card earns the following rewards:
- 5% cashback on gas and electric-vehicle charging, up to $350 cashback per calendar year (1% afterward)
- 3% cashback on grocery, restaurant, travel, and AAA purchases
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
The 5% Gas rate and the 3% cashback on Grocery, Restaurant, and Travel is pretty interesting for a no-fee card. The main downside is that it’s no longer part of the Bank of America rewards program which allows supercharging rewards by 75% for top-tier relationship clients.
Another notable negative with the transition is when redeeming at AAA participating clubs – redemptions will no longer have an additional value of 10%-40%, now it’ll just be 5% additional value. Also note that, per the terms, Cash Back will expire after 5 years.
Hat tip to readers Michael, mahesh, and Julian
I had a credit card account that Comenity Bank bought. This was years ago, and I finally let the card go inactive is was such a mess dealing with them. Finally they cancelled the card and I applied for a Capital One card and have lived happily ever after.
I had had this card since forever! Then after the switch, Comenity closed our account without cause. I don’t even know who to tell, because Comenity won’t even pick up the phone! My husband (also was on the card) had tried to purchase an airplane ticket. Not only did they randomly deny the charge (because I was swimming and I didn’t pick up my cellphone to confirm the purchase… it was in my locker at the Y at the time), but when I tried to call back an hour later, they cancelled my card just because I couldn’t tell them the last payment. My husband pays the card! The lady said the card wasn’t canceled, only temporarily frozen, but instead, the last bill arrived, confirming that she just canceled it instead of freezing it. Once they cancel a card, you can’t even call, because you aren’t a customer anymore! If you type in your card number, they tell you it’s paid off but won’t transfer you. They hang up! You can’t get past the automated part!
@Donna, You should be grateful that you no longer have to deal with this SCAM of a so called bank.
Be careful if you try to cash out your cashback bonus from Comenity. The requested amount was reduced by 2 decimal points (i.e. $100 request and deduction from Cashback balance ends up with a $1 deposit). This was over a month ago and it is affecting multiple people. They changed their reply from “should be fixed by the end of the week” to “resolution expected within the next few weeks”. It is only the cash back feature, but this is a bank. How can they not have this fixed by now? Are they stockpiling this cash for themselves in case of a problem in the near future?
Why did Bank of America sold it to Comenity Bank? AAA is one of the top auto insurance companies because of it’s coverage.
B of A dropped all their affinity cards and focused on BankAmericard. Unfortunately, Comenity probably had best deal for AAA. Gold mine for Comenity. Nightmare for card holders as seen by comments. There are different AAA regions across the country. Some went with better companies than Comenity. One region received so many complaints they dropped Comenity. Unfortunately, SoCal AAA members stuck. Had card since 1993. Don’t dare use the Comenity card and ruin my credit from payment issues.
The BBB has given Comenity Bank an F Rating. The BBB has written to Comenity about all the complaints but, Comenity nevers responds back. Plus if you look on the BBB website. You will see that they have 3 alerts regarding Comenity Bank.
AAA insurance: I dumped years ago after getting a citation was with them for 20 years.but I kept thir credit card till now but I cut it up today after 30 years.comminty bank is the worst on planet earth they try to strong arm you for the payment after they never sent a bill but under their rules it’s your fault I guess you should call everyday to see if you have a bill.and never mind calling the idiots in India that answer the phone.unless you have hooked on phonics.The clown in charge of AAA will be replaced when they lose enough members.
This has been a horrible rollout from the previous Bank of America gas rewards visa to this new one. Who ever heard of Commenity? Still having problems as they are charging me late fees and finance charges that I disputed until they could prove the transaction actually took place, not a “bread crumb” transaction that posted from Ohio when I live in California. I’ve not used their card yet while waiting for this to resolve. Good luck actually talking to someone. SHAME ON COMMENITY AND SHAME ON AAA for no advance warnings.
I have talked to the bank employee ahead of my trip to Spain to have a travel notice attached to the account. Was told all the information are recorded and I should have no problem using this card during my trip. At the first attempt to use the card in Madrid, paying for my hotel, the card was blocked.
By far the worst credit card company I have ever dealt with. AAA has done great disservice to members by not giving any option on credit card switchover.
This has been a disaster. My card ceased to work. I have now cut up the old card, and as soon as my final payment posts, I will cancel the card
There is also a AAA credit card issued through US Bank(what I have), didn’t know about the BoA one. Confusing.
me also, they put my account in the credit bureau, never heard of this company or for that manner Bread. I will not be using this card.