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Old Fidelity 529 MC now offers distributions to non-529 Fidelity accounts in: Subjects › Credit

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This FIA/MBNA/BofA branded card is discussed here . New applications were discontinued in December 2006, but many FWF members still carry the card to this day, including its 2% cash reward.

In last month's statement, we received an insert explaining that we now could log on to our account at ibsnetaccess.com and change the target account for direct deposits to virtually any Fido account. Sure enough, we made the switch, and the direct deposit hit our taxable brokerage account like clockwork yesterday.


Related question. Unlike the new fido and schwab cards discussed here , these cards had a "rolling" rewards cap of $75,000 in spending / $1,500 in bonuses. I wonder if the cap it still in place now that other Fido 2% rewards card offer no cap? Reports from CSRs on this welcome of course, but I'd be especially interested if anyone holding this card has received rewards over that cap. TIA.


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I called two months ago about making a large purchase (+20K) and asked about the spending / bonus limit and was told it was still 75K.


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Thanks Aitchly, green for the data point.

If they'd remove the cap, I can't see any reason why we grandfathered 529 cardholders would want to switch. And in this climate, it's best for folks who already have substantial credit exposure with BofA to not draw any credit ninja attention unless absolutely necessary.


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I had switched all my usage to the Schwab 2% card in order to get more control of the cash. So never received the insert. Interesting options now.

But, one stupid question. I found the webpage you referred to and can see the linkage to the existing 529 account, but I must be having a "Senior Moment" as I cannot see how to add another Fidelity account. (I do see how to edit the existing account)

What am I missing?


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ellory, my understanding is that the tab only shows the elligible Fido accounts you already have open. So the procedure would be to open a free Fido account that shares the same profile as your 529, then go back to that tab and make the switch.


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Hmmm. I have a Fidelity account that is my spouse's name and this card is in my name.

Perhaps I have to call them to see


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DaveHanson said:If they'd remove the cap, I can't see any reason why we grandfathered 529 cardholders would want to switchThe Schwab card seems to have much better benefits than the 529 card


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Thanks for the helpful link and the scanning work ellory.

What benefits were you thinking of specifically? All these cards are administered by FIA. The 529 card has purchase protection, price protection, concierge, etc.

I wonder if FIA would entertain a "product trade" from one Fido/schwab card to another. Not that I'd advise requesting this given their heightened scrutiny of late...


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thanks for the heads up Dave

although I still will be using this for the 529, it is nice to know if I decide I want the rewards elsewhere


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Sure thing gp. I was happy to discover that you can do a partial or full transfer out from a fido 529 plan with no fee (which I did). So if you like their 529 plan OK, you forgo little by parking it there for now, then transferring when you see fit.

For those who don't know, you pay tax plus a 10% penalty on EARNINGS ONLY if the distributions are "non-qualified", that is, not used for higher ed expenses. But if you have no investments earnings (cc reward contributions don't count), then this worry is moot. Moreover, as with IRAs or HSAs, you can roll over indirect withdrawls to another 529 plan once a year and not pay the penalty.


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DaveHanson said:Sure thing gp. I was happy to discover that you can do a partial or full transfer out from a fido 529 plan with no fee (which I did). So if you like their 529 plan OK, you forgo little by parking it there for now, then transferring when you see fit.

For those who don't know, you pay tax plus a 10% penalty on EARNINGS ONLY if the distributions are "non-qualified", that is, not used for higher ed expenses. But if you have no investments earnings (cc reward contributions don't count), then this worry is moot. Moreover, as with IRAs or HSAs, you can roll over indirect withdrawls to another 529 plan once a year and not pay the penalty.

that's a good point considering most 529 plans would be in the red right now
now would be a good time to clear them out
I still have a ten to fifteen year time horizon on the one I have


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DaveHanson said:Sure enough, we made the switch, and the direct deposit hit our taxable brokerage account like clockwork yesterday ... ellory, my understanding is that the tab only shows the elligible Fido accounts you already have openI did not see anything that lists eligible Fido destinations. I had to Edit, type in a destination account number, and Save.

Message edited by: xoneinax on 2009-08-06 12:28:07 CDT
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Stupid me -there is an Add Account button -blue - at the bottom of the home page in the Rewards Center

Message edited by: ellory on 2009-08-06 12:41:33 CDT
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DaveHanson said:Thanks for the helpful link and the scanning work ellory.

What benefits were you thinking of specifically? All these cards are administered by FIA. The 529 card has purchase protection, price protection, concierge, etc.

I wonder if FIA would entertain a "product trade" from one Fido/schwab card to another. Not that I'd advise requesting this given their heightened scrutiny of late...
Of the benefits, the ones that are the most valuable to me are doubled warranty and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver. Plus Schwab has no foreign exchange fee. And, I discovered the Schwab card is a signature card, so occasionally there are other benefits like buy 1 get 1 fee movie tickets - and free wine tastings in Napa valley.

Not sure about a product trade but I do know the CSRs have visibility and control of both cards. When I applied I called before they fully processed my application because I had a high CL on the 529 card - and I was concerned that could cause a rejection.

Covered all the numbers with the CSR and then he went away to talk with his manager. Sure enough he came back saying they were uncomfortable in adding to my credit limit but would I be willing to reallocate some. I was fine with that so we roughly split it. Which leaves me way more than I ever would spend in a month - so there were no issues

- Purchase Replacement for damaged lost or stolen items within   90 days
- Price Protection coverage                                      60 days
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver                            15 days US, 31 days international
- Warranty Manager                                               Doubles the warranty up to 1 year
- Lost luggage reimbursement                                     $3000 per trip maximum                                 
- Common Traveler Accident Insurance                             $1M (accidental loss of life/limb)
- Concierge Services                                             Locate tickets, flowers, etc
- Identity Theft Protection                                      Contacts the credit bureaus for you
- Travel and Emergency Assistance                                Assistance reboooking flights, getting meds, etc
- Roadside Dispatch                                              Calls tow truck, lock smith, etc
- Visa Signature Dining                                          Zagat ratings access, access to special Fine Wine and Food events

Message edited by: ellory on 2009-08-06 12:55:33 CDT
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ellroy, here's a full PDF of my 529 card's "World Mastercard Benefits", circa 2006. It's possible they've modified some of these, and I missed the memo. It does have extended warranty and rental car provisions, tho I'm not sure they're equivalent. FWIW.

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Dave, thanks, I don't recall my 529 having those provisions. I'll have to see what I can dig out


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Don't all Platinum Plus Mastercard have these benefits?


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Moosy said:Don't all Platinum Plus Mastercard have these benefits?That's my understanding. (Or at least, they all did circa 2006)


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Maybe the difference is just me. I never did the World Master Card conversion - as I was in Australia and doing anything and everything was complicated from Down Under


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