Older posts:
This post was delayed because I thougtht I was axed. After my June 15 statement closed, my card was blocked from charging. I tried for a few days at different places and it was always rejected. I waited a week for a letter in the mail because I figured I was axed for going too hard on cycling and the game was over. At the end of June, tired of waiting, I called the 800 number on the back of the card and was routed to the Fraud department (I thought that was a good sign since it wasn’t an immediate ‘your account is closed.’) I asked them what was going on and they said the second level fraud team was looking into my case and would get back to me. I mean, at any other bank, I’m a goner.
So I waited week after week after week in July and nothing in the mail. I eventually called them up yesterday and once again, the fraud team said they were looking into the case. I told them it had been over a month already, but the 1st line rep just said she couldn’t help me and to just wait for 2nd level. Right after I hung up, 2nd level called me up. She told me that there were a lot of purchases from Costco and she was wondering if these were business purchases. I told her, “NO, they were personal.” She didn’t even ask me what I bought or anything. She then muttered something about that if these were business purchases, they’d have to send me to the commercial team. I don’t even think a JAL business card even exists. Anyway, I then told her my wife’s card was blocked too and if she could clear that. She then spoke to my wife for a few seconds and then told me both cards were cleared and I was good to go.
Immediately, I went and bought from Costco. Haha, I guess I’m back in business. Lesson learned – if you go hard on this card and get blocked like I did, immediately call in and escalate to the fraud team so you can clear it ASAP versus waiting a month like I did.
Addendum – I did earn 12K miles before the fraud block
Has this card started reporting to your personal credit yet?
If so, how long did it take from getting approved to when the reporting started?
tbh, I haven’t checked my credit report yet. if i have time, i’ll check and report back.
Did you happen to have chance to check if it’s reporting to your personal credit?
I just got this card too, and am starting on the same journey!
CreditKarma says it was reported to all 3 bureaus.
Thanks for checking.
Hey Vinh,
Thanks for sharing. I’ve been on the fence about going for lifetime status, but it’s so new, there’s little out there to research. I think you’re the only person posting about it!
Thanks. I’m sure someone else has done it, but they just don’t own a blog or want to talk about it in public.
Care to share what I can buy at Costco that is MS-able, either online or in person? I would be happy if I could MS just $2k a month there (and I’m already there every week)! thanks!
Hey Vinh,
Can you share a bit about the FNBO application process for the card? What did they ask for, or was it an instant approval?
Thanks,
Keith
Go back to the first post in teh series, which reminds me I’ll link to the older parts in future updates
im still debating if I should follow your steps. can we get updated info? im guessing its $155k+ by now on wife’s card and points posted from last 2 months. Also I found your blog from this specific goal search. great job and very cool blog. thanks for all you do
The first month took about 2ish to 3 months to post. And whatever month 2’s finishing number was; don’t remember off top of head.