NCL Mastercard FAQ

[djede]

In the future, you can wait until you are billed and then pay the full balance off once each month. This is the best way to get the most out of the card

 

Thanks for the help ...I will take your advice and wait until Monday to call. As for the advice above seems like I typed to quickly and type everything I should have with my last post sorry for taht

 

What I am trying to do is charge all of my weekly expenses ...ie gas in vehicles $200 or so , Groceries $150...etc and then pay them off at the end of the week . This way the money still comes out of my checking account...my fear is we will see the balance in the checking account and forget about the charges we made to teh BCL card and think we have more money to spend

 

I figure if I charge everything I can possible spend money on to the card (and pay it off so I do not carry a balance) I should be able to rack up the points before the cruise in June / July next year

 

Thanks everyone for your help I think I've got it now

Ed

[MagnoliaBlossom]

Ed - good for you for handling your credit responsibly. If paying it off weekly works for you, then go for it. Most people are not that disciplined. I pay mine off in full each month, so the poor little credit card company doesn't get to make any interest off me :D.

 

I'd wait til you get your statement then call if the points aren't there.

Enjoy your card - we've taken several free cruises on our points and our household's motto is "free is good". As others have said, it's not as good a card as it was, but it's more on less on par with others.

[Anumi]

I also signed up for this credit card after they dangled the 10,000 bonus points in my face. Was hoping to get $100.00 obc for my upcoming cruise. After several phone calls to them I finally got an answer to my questions...specifically, when could I get my points. Seems they wont give them to me for 12 weeks. In the fine print it said they'd be posted in 6 to 8 weeks. No use in arguing with them...they stood firm on the 12 weeks. Guess I'll end up taking the cash if I can. I'm very disappointed I cant get my obc in time for my cruise.

[MagnoliaBlossom]

I also signed up for this credit card after they dangled the 10,000 bonus points in my face. Was hoping to get $100.00 obc for my upcoming cruise. After several phone calls to them I finally got an answer to my questions...specifically, when could I get my points. Seems they wont give them to me for 12 weeks. In the fine print it said they'd be posted in 6 to 8 weeks. No use in arguing with them...they stood firm on the 12 weeks. Guess I'll end up taking the cash if I can. I'm very disappointed I cant get my obc in time for my cruise.

 

You are better off taking the cash. Here's why. Use your card to pay for your OBC and earn double points. Then take those points plus the 10,000 they owe you for cash to pay off the card. Makes much more sense if you think about it. You might want to check the RCCL board and see if there is a sticky there about their card and get better information that pertains to your particular card.

[sonavogel]

Okay, think I covered the big stuff - although I'm not sure I made a lot of sense. Let me know if I can help.

Hi, MagnoliaBlossom! Many thanks for all the great info about this whole MC/NCL/BoA/World Points maze. :D

 

My husband and I just got off the Jewel a week ago, had a lovely cruise to the Bahamas, and while on board I applied and was approved for an NCL MasterCard. I have the 10,000 points and the double points accrued from porting over our on board charges--they're pending right now, and I figure they'll be out of my sight until at least after the first statement has come and gone. No problem with that, but I do have a question after reading so many posters on this whole WP/bonus points/NCL topic:

 

I totally "get" that NCL purchases on the card get me 2 points for every $1 spent, and many posters emphasize that they like to keep the card pretty much for that purpose (or buy their everyday stuff and pay off the card right away, at 1 point for each $1). But I notice, on the World Points page over at Bank of America, that there are many other retailers that offer shoppers online points programs that are even better than 2 for $1: For instance, Walgreens offered 4 points for every $1 spent; Puritan's Pride (vitamins) offers 6 points for every $1.

 

I called the World Points customer service dept. this afternoon to confirm that they're talking about the same type of points NCL is talking about--that they'll all accrue in my account together and can be redeemed for, say, either a cash deposit in my checking account OR cash off my next NCL cruise. She said yes, that was true.

 

If it is in fact true, then isn't an even better points deal being offered by some of those (well-known) retailers? Being able to purchase online from them for, say, 6, 7, 8, or 9 points per $1 spent (yes, I mean in addition to using the card for NCL charges)? Will they all be able to be used for cash off my next NCL cruise? Or am I missing something essential? :confused:

 

I just spent $52 at Walgreens, ordering items my mom needs; it'll be shipped to her address for $3, I got $5 off the total using a World Points coupon that showed on the WP site, my mother will pay me back, and at 4 points/$1, I should show an additional 208 bonus points in my account at some point.

 

Sorry to ramble, but I'm new to this and want to make sure I'm not being suckered into believing something that will not pan out. Have you any experience with these other WP online vendors, who offer good points/$1 to MC holders?

 

Thanks!

 

Best, Sona

[Birdnutty]

There are many vendors that offer higher points for the MC used. From my understanding, it only counts if you make the purchase online, first going through the BOA site. If you don't access it via the BOA site, you don't get the extra points.

 

On your statement, you'll see that they only list "bonus points" with a totl. They don't tell you how many came from where (except NCL - that has a separate line.) I got 44 extra bonus points this month, and I have no idea where they came from.

 

But the points can add up - only if you remember to go thru BOA first. At least, this is my understanding.

[MagnoliaBlossom]

There are many vendors that offer higher points for the MC used. From my understanding, it only counts if you make the purchase online, first going through the BOA site. If you don't access it via the BOA site, you don't get the extra points.

 

On your statement, you'll see that they only list "bonus points" with a totl. They don't tell you how many came from where (except NCL - that has a separate line.) I got 44 extra bonus points this month, and I have no idea where they came from.

 

But the points can add up - only if you remember to go thru BOA first. At least, this is my understanding.

 

Good point. I tend to forget aboout the site catalog, but there are some good offers, if you use those products and if the shipping does wipe out any savings. I use the PetMeds and have it bookmarked in the site so it's easy to access and think I get 8X points on that. Now that I'm down to one cat, it's not too much but before my shelties had to be put down I made pretty good off the flea and heartworm meds.

[sonavogel]

Good point. I tend to forget aboout the site catalog, but there are some good offers, if you use those products and if the shipping does wipe out any savings. I use the PetMeds and have it bookmarked in the site so it's easy to access and think I get 8X points on that. Now that I'm down to one cat, it's not too much but before my shelties had to be put down I made pretty good off the flea and heartworm meds.

Hmm...I'll have to check out PetMeds; we have an English springer spaniel and two rescue cats, so you and I (and probably 3/4 of this board) share some pretty heavy animal expenses. :)

 

Well, I guess that means the WorldPoints Mall part of bonus points is legitimate and can make it even "easier" to rack up the points that will take $$$ off an NCL cruise.

 

Thank you both!

 

--Sona

[Lyman713]

Hi all Worldpoints folks!

 

I know others have mentioned this - but be sure to bring your receipts with you when you redeem Worldpoints for OBC or casino credit.

 

We got aboard our cruise on the Sun last week and the ship had no record of our OBC or casino credits. They checked with their office in Miami and got the OBC applied by Monday. The casino credits took longer, as no one knew how to handle it (no one in the casino, including the Asst Casino Manager even knew what the slot credit through Worldpoints was!). By late Wednesday night on the cruise, they figured out the casino slot play credits.

 

The PCCs seem to be doing the Worldpoints directly now, and the learning curve seems to be taking time.

 

Just a heads-up for people redeeming points for their cruise!

[sonavogel]

Hi all Worldpoints folks!

 

I know others have mentioned this - but be sure to bring your receipts with you when you redeem Worldpoints for OBC or casino credit.

 

We got aboard our cruise on the Sun last week and the ship had no record of our OBC or casino credits. They checked with their office in Miami and got the OBC applied by Monday. The casino credits took longer, as no one knew how to handle it (no one in the casino, including the Asst Casino Manager even knew what the slot credit through Worldpoints was!). By late Wednesday night on the cruise, they figured out the casino slot play credits.

 

The PCCs seem to be doing the Worldpoints directly now, and the learning curve seems to be taking time.

 

Just a heads-up for people redeeming points for their cruise!

Thanks for the heads-up! I have it at the back of my mind to apply my points --if it's allowed--up front to lower the cost of the cruise itself. At this point, I have time to research how best to do that, and to alert my PCC of my intention so she'll be ready to help me out. I'd rather have that sort of thing taken care of before I cruise than have anything upset me while I'm on vacation. If it seems to be too difficult to do that, then I might simply have the points redeemed as cash and transferred to my checking account, although I'll try to wait until they accumulate enough to end up being worth the same in cash as the OBC amount listed. :) Of course, then I'll have to confirm that there's no time frame for that (wait to long and they're expired or something).

 

--Sona

[Twelvevman]

Good point. I tend to forget aboout the site catalog, but there are some good offers, if you use those products and if the shipping does wipe out any savings. I use the PetMeds and have it bookmarked in the site so it's easy to access and think I get 8X points on that. Now that I'm down to one cat, it's not too much but before my shelties had to be put down I made pretty good off the flea and heartworm meds.

 

 

Glad you have had good luck with PetMeds. I bought a years supply of Frontline for my dog thru PetCareRX which should have received a 12 bonus points for each dollar spent but BofA is refusing to give me the bonus points saying that prescription drugs are not eligible. I argued with a supervisor that flea medication is not prescription and should not be excluded. The BofA phone center is totaly incompatent. I am seriously considering canceling my card as soon as I redeem my points on my December cruise. :mad:

[Kenns10]

Hi,

 

I am very seriously considering applying for the NCL MC, with the 10,000 bonus points. I just spoke to an agent at BOA and she informed me, that the 10,000 bonus point will be applied to my acount if I make a $50 purchase with my card within 45 days. That's no big deal at all.

 

Let's say I book a cruise for June 2011 (looking at the Boston-Bermuda on the Dawn) and I want to utilize the 10,000 points. The BOA agent told me that I have to book my cruise through WorldPoints, is this true? I prefer to book directly through NCL. If this is not true, who do I call to get my points applied?

 

Also, I am a bit confused by some previous posts. A few people mentioned that instead of using the points for OBC, use them for cash back, which can be used to pay off the card itself. How does this work?

 

Thanks,

[MagnoliaBlossom]

No, you do NOT have to book directly through WorldPoits, although they would love for you to think that. You can book direct with NCL, although I am not certain about other TA's.

 

Yes, you can use your points for a cash deposit to your checking acct. It is a 1% amount. The same as for OBCs, discount certificates, casino credit etc.

 

If you have 25,000 points, you can have a $250 deposit made to your acct. If you choose to redeem lesser amounts it is not a full 1%. You will need to check the website for the exact amounts.

[chelegirly]

Need to give kudos to NCL for something they did yesterday. I wanted to redeem some World Points for OBC for our upcoming cruise. It's 30 days out and I was a bit concerned whether we had enough time or not. The woman did it over the phone, sent me a verification email, and told me to contact my TA to verify it was attached to our reservation. I did and he wrote right back saying it's there! Amazing!! I've never seen NCL be so proficient at anything!! WOW!! WTG, NCL!

[cmitch9999]

can i ask who you called (what number) to redeem the worldpoints?? I am closing in on 20,000 points and would like to have that on my cruise for next Feb.

 

Thanks

Chris Mitchell

[chelegirly]

I called NCL. There's a dept that deals with WorldPoints. I can't remember which prompt that is but listen when you call. They did it right over the phone - amazing!! Good luck!

[mpk218]

NCL World Points redemption direct phone line .

 

866-954-4077

 

This is a NCL department that only handles World points.

 

;)

[Dannie138]

How much time before the cruise departs do you have to redeem Worldpoints? I mean, how close can you get? lol

[Lyman713]

I've done Worldpoints within 2-3 weeks from sailing. I'm guessing you can do it even sooner.

 

When I called the number on the Worldpoints site for point redemption, they found my reservation and forwarded me to my PCC, who, as he told me, was recently trained in accepting Worldpoint rewards. Just FYI - your PCC should be able to take care of redemption and get you a receipt the same day.

 

Good luck!

[MagnoliaBlossom]

Dittos to the above. In the past when I've used my WPs for discount certifictes my PCC handled it. Now days I just use them for cash ack,, since it's a better deal to my way of thinking. But PCC should be able to do it. If they can't ask them to transfer you to a supervisor.

[Animal 57]

I just wanted to through my 2 cents into the discussion. I have had this card for quite some time and even though I know they program has changed from its beginings, when you could get a free cruise with only 40,000 points. My family and I have cruise the southern Caribbean and Hawaii either for free or at substantial discounts thanks to this card. I try to use it when ever I know I can pay the balance off right away, the interest is a bit high on this one kids.

[Dannie138]

Dittos to the above. In the past when I've used my WPs for discount certifictes my PCC handled it. Now days I just use them for cash ack,, since it's a better deal to my way of thinking. But PCC should be able to do it. If they can't ask them to transfer you to a supervisor.

 

I used a travel agent...I know my last cruise, I called about a month before and my points were credited pretty quickly. If I do it a week or two before, am I cutting it too close?

[Gohogs34]

Hi, Twelvevman. I have two family members that work for a local vet. I learned this some time ago to save $$ on frontline flee meds. Now this only applies if you have a smaller dog that uses the smaller frontline a month. You buy the largest single tube through your vet. and ask what dose is used for the weight of your animal. Use a no needle syringe, the vet will give you one. We have a 22lb. dog and I get 4/5 doses out of one tube. It makes a big savings doing this, again considering you don't already have to use the large tube each month. Just FYI

 

 

Glad you have had good luck with PetMeds. I bought a years supply of Frontline for my dog thru PetCareRX which should have received a 12 bonus points for each dollar spent but BofA is refusing to give me the bonus points saying that prescription drugs are not eligible. I argued with a supervisor that flea medication is not prescription and should not be excluded. The BofA phone center is totaly incompatent. I am seriously considering canceling my card as soon as I redeem my points on my December cruise. :mad:

[Giantfan13]

I don't know if things like this have been mentioned already, but there are several cards out there right now that you can do much better than these World Points programs.

I was part of this thread way back when we had the old NCL card and we were able to get great deals on cruises for points, but it just seems ridiculous to work to get 40,000 points to get a mere $400 off a cruise.

I have been using this card from Fidelity where you get 2 points cash for every dollar spent. Capital One has basically the same thing. With that in mind, if you spend that same 40,000 points you will get $800 back.

And if you want to play around with several cards, Chase has a Freedom card that gives you 5% back on several categories that change every 3 months with no fee. This quarter it is for Department stores, grocery stores and something else. 5% back when we shop for groceries and gifts isn't too bad. Chase also has a Slate card where you earn 3% back on most purchases till the end of this year and I am hoping they will continue it into next year.

None of these cards has any annual fee with them. I just have to try and remember which card to use for which purpose.:D:D:D

Oh, and BTW, Chase WAS offering $200 cash back when you made $1000 in purchases on that Freedom card. I'm not sure if that promo is still going but I did see an ad for $125 back on one of their cards.

Things are out there, you just have to look.

 

Cheers

 

Len

[MagnoliaBlossom]

Yep, Len, you're right. I sure miss the good ol' days when 17,500 pts got you $500 certificate. (big sigh). I have a Capt One and a few airline cards but I still use my NCL cards - inertia is a powerful thing. ;)