Real world experiences with Fidelity Rewards Card?

[NYCaviator]

It looks like as of Sept 1 there are no longer foreign transactions fees, which is great.

1. do you pay the card from the Fidelity website? I've seen mention of Elan's website and app being pretty awful and bares bones. I'm not sure if that matters for the Fidelity card or not.

2. have they worked out the fraud monitoring? There were older threads where people's cards were locked when they tried to use them overseas or somewhere they didn't normally shop.

3. how's Elan customer service? Do you get US based reps? How are hold times? Can the reps actually solve problems, or do they just follow scripts?

4. the website also says "no preset spending limits" much like the Amex charge cards. How does that work for an actual credit card that is not a charge card? How is it reported on your credit report?

[flyingaway]

I have been using the Fidelity credit card for many years and have no problem with it. It's my default card for domestic purchase. But I have not used it outside the U.S. yet.

[inverter]

My experience is that Elan is definitely a tier 2 issuer. It's no AmEx or Chase, but probably on par with Bank of America and Citi. Essentially, buyer beware on their dispute resolution and fraud.

Answering your questions specifically:

1. I use my bank's bill pay so no experience.

2. I've never had true fraud on the card, but as an example, they blocked a purchase that I made every week at a specific gas station. Finally had to switch cards so I didn't have to deal with calling their 800 numbers.

3. Meh reps, but I think mostly US-based.

4. I've never spent over my credit limit but my experience has been it is a regular credit card.

[backpacker61]

It looks like as of Sept 1 there are no longer foreign transactions fees, which is great.

1. do you pay the card from the Fidelity website? I've seen mention of Elan's website and app being pretty awful and bares bones. I'm not sure if that matters for the Fidelity card or not.

I used to pay from the Elan web site, and didn't have a problem with it. I did a long distance on-foot backpack trip a few years ago, and set up my credit card to auto-draft from my bank account while I was out on foot. I never changed it back to manual pay.

2. have they worked out the fraud monitoring? There were older threads where people's cards were locked when they tried to use them overseas or somewhere they didn't normally shop.

I don't know; they have a mechanism on the web site to notify them if you will be using the card outside your normal area. I did an international trip recently, but I did notify them in advance of it. I haven't had a problem with having the card locked during domestic trips (that I did without notifying them).

3. how's Elan customer service? Do you get US based reps? How are hold times? Can the reps actually solve problems, or do they just follow scripts?

I did have one fraudulent charge, and they sent me a replacement card quickly. I believe the rep was US-based. I was satisfied with the service.

4. the website also says "no preset spending limits" much like the Amex charge cards. How does that work for an actual credit card that is not a charge card? How is it reported on your credit report?

Not sure what is meant by this; no experience.

The Fidelity Rewards card is my only credit card.

[CashConfessions]

My perspective, in bold, below.

1. do you pay the card from the Fidelity website? I've seen mention of Elan's website and app being pretty awful and bares bones. I'm not sure if that matters for the Fidelity card or not.

Yes, paying from the Fidelity website is fine and it offers features like autopay.

2. have they worked out the fraud monitoring? There were older threads where people's cards were locked when they tried to use them overseas or somewhere they didn't normally shop.

Haven't experienced any fraud alerts, despite it being my main card for 2+ years.

3. how's Elan customer service? Do you get US based reps? How are hold times? Can the reps actually solve problems, or do they just follow scripts?

Only had to use them once, and they were US-based, with zero hold time.

4. the website also says "no preset spending limits" much like the Amex charge cards. How does that work for an actual credit card that is not a charge card? How is it reported on your credit report?

No idea. My account still shows a credit limit.

[JoMoney]

I like Fidelity's Reward card, it's a good basic 2% rebate on everything card (if you have other accounts with Fidelity.) I like that I don't need any other logins or "apps" to access the card features. I would probably consolidate to using just that card if it offered some form of car rental CDW. It used to, but they dropped it, and it's something offered by other cards - many of which have category rewards that work better for my spending habits than 2% on everything.
I haven't had any issues with fraud or the card being locked. The only issue I've had was the card getting slightly warped over time and called to get a replacement card, no issues with that.
I'm not sure what the "no preset spending limits" is about. The card very clearly tells me my credit limit, and that amount shows as 'available credit' on my credit report. Providing a 'travel notice' is easily done on the web site, domestic travel notification isn't needed, only international.

[tibbitts]

I do find the integration with the Fidelity website and my other Fidelity accounts (brokerage) a little awkward, but it's not bad. Currently I believe it's paying 2.4% on up to $5k spending; I don't know if that was a targeted promotion but I signed up for it. I did call customer service once because I couldn't find "change statement date" or something like that on the website, and they were helpful, easy to understand, and did the change for me (and remembered to change the autopay date as well.)

[mrb09]

1. Have it set to autopay

2. Haven’t noticed an issue. I’ve had it a few years, issuer has always been Elan, heard of problems with the issuer before them.

3.Never contacted them.

4. My account shows credit limit on my credit report. I have a $25k limit, and that’s what the credit report shows.

One thing you didn’t ask:

5. Can you set up a feed to the credit card transactions for something like Mint, YNAB or Tiller without linking to the Fidelity account? Yes, you can access it via the Elan “myaccountaccess” website, this will give access to the credit card transactions but not Fidelity investments.

[stoptothink]

1. Have it set to autopay

2. Haven’t noticed an issue. I’ve had it a few years, issuer has always been Elan, heard of problems with the issuer before them.

3.Never contacted them.

4. My account shows credit limit on my credit report. I have a $25k limit, and that’s what the credit report shows.

Same, except I have a higher limit (question #4). It's my primary card for normal day-to-day use, unless I'm churning another card or have a card with higher rewards in a specific category. Integrated fine with my Fidelity account and I've never had to contact customer service in 5+ years.

[BrownEyedGirl_27]

My perspective, in bold, below.

1. do you pay the card from the Fidelity website? I've seen mention of Elan's website and app being pretty awful and bares bones. I'm not sure if that matters for the Fidelity card or not.

Yes, paying from the Fidelity website is fine and it offers features like autopay.

2. have they worked out the fraud monitoring? There were older threads where people's cards were locked when they tried to use them overseas or somewhere they didn't normally shop.

Haven't experienced any fraud alerts, despite it being my main card for 2+ years.

3. how's Elan customer service? Do you get US based reps? How are hold times? Can the reps actually solve problems, or do they just follow scripts?

Only had to use them once, and they were US-based, with zero hold time.

4. the website also says "no preset spending limits" much like the Amex charge cards. How does that work for an actual credit card that is not a charge card? How is it reported on your credit report?

No idea. My account still shows a credit limit.

I have similar experiences to CashConfessions. We’ve called to set up ApplePay on our devices and that was a breeze. CS rep sounded American on the phone. I pay using their desktop or mobile site on the Fidelity website. I do like that they have switched to zero foreign transaction fees; it’s our default card.

[lazynovice]

1. We pay from our bank’s bill pay.
2. Have never had the card locked since we got it in 2020. We have not used it overseas.
3. We disputed a charge a few months ago. US rep and very responsive.
4. We have always had a limit. When we did some renovations, we asked for an increase and easily got it.

It’s our primary card, but we use another one for dining out that has a higher reward.

[bluebolt]

There was a period of a few years where I had to get my card replaced 1-3 times a year because of fraud. It was really annoying and the only card of mine which had this issue. It seems to have gotten better in the last year, but time will tell.

[abner kravitz]

I have never had any problems with customer servce, fraud, or disputes. The rewards hit my account like clockwork. I will say that the physical card is not the best. I occasionally need to pull out another card when it doesn't work; mostly happens at Walmart but sometimes other places.

[Andymoler58]

I’ve been using it for 4-5 years and I track my rewards that I reinvest , I’m at $6,200 right now

[JoMoney]

... I will say that the physical card is not the best. I occasionally need to pull out another card when it doesn't work; mostly happens at Walmart but sometimes other places.

While I've never had an issue with it not working, I have to agree with poor card quality/construction. I had one that got a bit warped with a curve in it so I ordered a replacement, and the replacement card fell apart right out of the envelope, like the front and back of the card weren't glued together, requiring me to get another replacement immediately.

[rtt22]

I had 3 fraudulent charges in succession in 2021. Elan sent me a new card but for many weeks, they sent me numerous emails & a text messages reminding me that they were still INVESTIGATING these charges:

"We wanted to let you to know we're continuing to research your fraud claim #C-xxxyyy on your Fidelity® account ending xxxx.
If we need any additional information, we'll let you know either by mail or phone. In the meantime, just a reminder that the charges for this claim have been credited back to your account while we continue to research."

I found these messages aggravating - other credit card companies don't do that.

[rivendell]

It is my primary card.
It has been trouble free for about 6 years now for me. I lost it once and replacement arrived promptly. They blocked one fraudulent transaction and called me about it. Having the 2% reward go straight into my fidelity account has been happening as advertised.
All good so far; I can recommend it.

[Opinika]

I've used the Fidelity Rewards card for about 4 years.

Auto-pay works fine. I receive emails before, during and after the debiting from my Fidelity account.

On one occasion I received an email from them because of a suspected fraudulent billing. I contacted them by phone, no problem, they said they would overnight new credit cards, they did, and that was that.

I like the 2% cash back. Just noticed that they paid me $1050 last year. Wish I could put my income and property tax payments on my Fidelity Rewards Card.

Why would I pay for a credit card when this company pays me/

[kaseg]

Wish I could put my income and property tax payments on my Fidelity Rewards Card.

You can pay your Federal taxes with a credit card: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-t ... redit-card

There is a service fee. Its less than 2%, but not so much that its particularly profitable to pay taxes that way.

In order to take maximum advantage of this payment option, you'd need to set any payroll withholding to zero and make quarterly estimated tax payments instead.

[NYCaviator]

Wish I could put my income and property tax payments on my Fidelity Rewards Card.

You can pay your Federal taxes with a credit card: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-t ... redit-card

There is a service fee. Its less than 2%, but not so much that its particularly profitable to pay taxes that way.

In order to take maximum advantage of this payment option, you'd need to set any payroll withholding to zero and make quarterly estimated tax payments instead.

Looks like the service fee is 1.87% so your "net" is only about .13%. So on 100k in estimated taxes, you're only getting $130. Seems pretty pointless. I wonder why anyone pays their taxes via cc?

[kaseg]

Its not something I do personally. I can think of a couple reasons why one might, though:

1) If you have to make quarterly estimated payments anyways, might as well do it via credit card if your rewards are higher than the service fee.

2) If you are churning card sign up bonuses (which can be significant), its a relatively easy way to get a lot of spend.

[pizzy]

Wish I could put my income and property tax payments on my Fidelity Rewards Card.

You can pay your Federal taxes with a credit card: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-t ... redit-card

There is a service fee. Its less than 2%, but not so much that its particularly profitable to pay taxes that way.

In order to take maximum advantage of this payment option, you'd need to set any payroll withholding to zero and make quarterly estimated tax payments instead.

Looks like the service fee is 1.87% so your "net" is only about .13%. So on 100k in estimated taxes, you're only getting $130. Seems pretty pointless. I wonder why anyone pays their taxes via cc?

Because it’s cheaper than paying with ACH/check and you have better control of the process.

[stoptothink]

Wish I could put my income and property tax payments on my Fidelity Rewards Card.

You can pay your Federal taxes with a credit card: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-t ... redit-card

There is a service fee. Its less than 2%, but not so much that its particularly profitable to pay taxes that way.

In order to take maximum advantage of this payment option, you'd need to set any payroll withholding to zero and make quarterly estimated tax payments instead.

Looks like the service fee is 1.87% so your "net" is only about .13%. So on 100k in estimated taxes, you're only getting $130. Seems pretty pointless. I wonder why anyone pays their taxes via cc?

Because it’s cheaper than paying with ACH/check and you have better control of the process.

Ummm...it's cheaper, easier, you have better control over the process, you have a grace period, and the delta may be greater than .13% (ie. this specific card is currently paying 2.4% through the end of the year, you could have a sign-on bonus or 0% APR offer ). The benefits of paying taxes with ACH or a check are? A more logical statement would be "I wonder why anyone pays their taxes via ACH or check"?

I believe it was a different poster, but in another thread someone asked why they would pay their property taxes with CC when there was a fee (even though the fee was less than cashback) when they could get cashback other ways...huh I don't make a habit out of turning down extra money, but apparently some people do.

[pizzy]

Wish I could put my income and property tax payments on my Fidelity Rewards Card.

You can pay your Federal taxes with a credit card: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-t ... redit-card

There is a service fee. Its less than 2%, but not so much that its particularly profitable to pay taxes that way.

In order to take maximum advantage of this payment option, you'd need to set any payroll withholding to zero and make quarterly estimated tax payments instead.

Looks like the service fee is 1.87% so your "net" is only about .13%. So on 100k in estimated taxes, you're only getting $130. Seems pretty pointless. I wonder why anyone pays their taxes via cc?

Because it’s cheaper than paying with ACH/check and you have better control of the process.

Ummm...it's cheaper, easier, you have better control over the process, you have a grace period, and the delta may be greater than .13% (ie. this specific card is currently paying 2.4% through the end of the year, you could have a sign-on bonus or 0% APR offer ). The benefits of paying taxes with ACH or a check are? A more logical statement would be "I wonder why anyone pays their taxes via ACH or check"?

I believe it was a different poster, but in another thread someone asked why they would pay their property taxes with CC when there was a fee (even though the fee was less than cashback) when they could get cashback other ways...huh I don't make a habit out of turning down extra money, but apparently some people do.

Using the same 1.87% fee and 2% cash back card….

The net cost of a $1,000 tax payment made with credit card is $998.33

The net cost of a $1,000 tax payment made with ACH/check is $1,000

[JBTX]

It looks like as of Sept 1 there are no longer foreign transactions fees, which is great.

1. do you pay the card from the Fidelity website? I've seen mention of Elan's website and app being pretty awful and bares bones. I'm not sure if that matters for the Fidelity card or not.

2. have they worked out the fraud monitoring? There were older threads where people's cards were locked when they tried to use them overseas or somewhere they didn't normally shop.

3. how's Elan customer service? Do you get US based reps? How are hold times? Can the reps actually solve problems, or do they just follow scripts?

4. the website also says "no preset spending limits" much like the Amex charge cards. How does that work for an actual credit card that is not a charge card? How is it reported on your credit report?

Had these cards for many years and no particular issues. We did get his with some fraud instances but that’s likely due to heavy use. As to customer service I have no idea as I rarely have a need to call customer service. We set them up on autopay.

[Backroads4Me]

One thing you didn’t ask:

5. Can you set up a feed to the credit card transactions for something like Mint, YNAB or Tiller without linking to the Fidelity account? Yes, you can access it via the Elan “myaccountaccess” website, this will give access to the credit card transactions but not Fidelity investments.

Re. #5 Is this still working for you? I haven't been able to get the “myaccountaccess” to work, or any other method, with YNAB since Fidelity made the change recently.

[Chuckles960]

I did once attempt a charge that happened to exceed my limit, and the charge was declined (but the account was not frozen so it wasn't on suspicion of fraud). If they advertise that there is no preset limit, this is BS.

[JoMoney]

I did once attempt a charge that happened to exceed my limit, and the charge was declined (but the account was not frozen so it wasn't on suspicion of fraud). If they advertise that there is no preset limit, this is BS.

I'm not sure if the Fidelity Rewards Visa says that. "No Preset Spending Limit" is more common of AMEX cards, which Fidelity used to offer, so I wonder if maybe its confusion from that old offering. Regardless, even with the AMEX cards that feature "No Preset Spending Limit" it doesn't mean there isn't a limit, it just means they're evaluating some flexible range for you, that's still possible to exceed.

EDIT:
I found where they do make that claim:

https://www.fidelityrewards.com/credit/benefits.do
...
No preset spending limit ⁴
...
⁴ No preset spending limit does not mean unlimited spending. Individual transactions are authorized by card issuer based on factors such as account history, credit record, and payment resources. Card issuer will preset an upper limit for revolving balances and cash advances.

[TJHOFF]

I had a dispute with an online merchant last year where they double shipped and charged an online order. Merchant refused to pay shipping back to them for their mistake. Disputed w/ Elan, given provisional credit, 3 months later after periodic updates they are still working on it I get a letter stating provisional credit is permanent and no requirement for me to ship product back to merchant.

[Thranduil]

I like Fidelity's Reward card, it's a good basic 2% rebate on everything card (if you have other accounts with Fidelity.) I like that I don't need any other logins or "apps" to access the card features. I would probably consolidate to using just that card if it offered some form of car rental CDW. It used to, but they dropped it, and it's something offered by other cards - many of which have category rewards that work better for my spending habits than 2% on everything.
I haven't had any issues with fraud or the card being locked. The only issue I've had was the card getting slightly warped over time and called to get a replacement card, no issues with that.
I'm not sure what the "no preset spending limits" is about. The card very clearly tells me my credit limit, and that amount shows as 'available credit' on my credit report. Providing a 'travel notice' is easily done on the web site, domestic travel notification isn't needed, only international.

This describes my experience as well. My wife and I use the card for all purchases other than Amazon and Whole Foods, where we use the 5% cash back Chase card. I have used the Fidelity card internationally and never had any issues -- Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Malta.

Yes, the Elan website is not the best, but I set up auto pay a long while ago and never have to use the website.

[tibbitts]

Ummm...it's cheaper, easier, you have better control over the process, you have a grace period, and the delta may be greater than .13% (ie. this specific card is currently paying 2.4% through the end of the year, you could have a sign-on bonus or 0% APR offer ). The benefits of paying taxes with ACH or a check are? A more logical statement would be "I wonder why anyone pays their taxes via ACH or check"?

Although I mentioned the 2.4% earlier we have to qualify that it's only up to a maximum of... I forget, something like $20 extra during the entire period.

I just paid my taxes with ACH because while I could have gotten 2.4%, the fee is exactly 2.4%, and it would have used up enough of my $20 that I wouldn't get 2.4% on other items I can charge with no transaction fee. In theory I might have been able to use Paypal billpay to get 5% but these taxes have no provision for making multiple payments, and to get 5% I would have had to split the transaction into two separate payments on separate cards. And again I would lose the 5% on other transactions I've already made using Paypal due to overflowing the bonus limit.

[mrb09]

One thing you didn’t ask:

5. Can you set up a feed to the credit card transactions for something like Mint, YNAB or Tiller without linking to the Fidelity account? Yes, you can access it via the Elan “myaccountaccess” website, this will give access to the credit card transactions but not Fidelity investments.

Re. #5 Is this still working for you? I haven't been able to get the “myaccountaccess” to work, or any other method, with YNAB since Fidelity made the change recently.

I switched to Tiller, that’s still working with “myaccountaccess”. My understanding of the Fidelity changes were that it was specifically for investment accounts, and didn’t impact Elan.

[BogleMelon]

My experience is that Elan is definitely a tier 2 issuer. It's no AmEx or Chase, but probably on par with Bank of America and Citi. Essentially, buyer beware on their dispute resolution and fraud.

Answering your questions specifically:

1. I use my bank's bill pay so no experience.

2. I've never had true fraud on the card, but as an example, they blocked a purchase that I made every week at a specific gas station. Finally had to switch cards so I didn't have to deal with calling their 800 numbers.

3. Meh reps, but I think mostly US-based.

4. I've never spent over my credit limit but my experience has been it is a regular credit card.

My experience is completely different.
I once had my Fidelity CMA bounce 2 payments despite having over $6K as a balance.
The payments themselves were voluntarily on my side before even any of the cards issued the monthly statements. The payments bounce resulted in extra fees for both Amex and Elan.
I called Amex (annual fee card), explained to the rep that I even wasn’t required to make that payment and the bouncing was due to tech issue in my checking account. The very nice friendly rep seemed very understanding, she put me on hold to get an approval, then came back to me declining my request to waive the fee.
Elan rep on the other hand approved my request without even putting me on hold or going back to her supervisor.

Another instance where I needed to dispute a fee before with an international airline, and Elan was very easy, and understanding to deal with. They disputed the charges in my favor the next day.

[BogleMelon]

One thing you didn’t ask:

5. Can you set up a feed to the credit card transactions for something like Mint, YNAB or Tiller without linking to the Fidelity account? Yes, you can access it via the Elan “myaccountaccess” website, this will give access to the credit card transactions but not Fidelity investments.

Re. #5 Is this still working for you? I haven't been able to get the “myaccountaccess” to work, or any other method, with YNAB since Fidelity made the change recently.

I get it linked to Ynab (called Fidelity card not myaccountaccess though). Every couple of days I may need to re authorize the linkage to work again

[Coastfical]

Have had it for over 20 years - originally set up with direction of rewards to my kids 529 account. Now I auto redeem to my Fidelity brokerage account. I use overseas and also use Fidelity atm debit card overseas - no issues no foreign transaction fees (pay in local currency not US dollars to get best rate). Set it up to autopay from my fidelity brokerage. No issues ( but don’t make last minute changes to autopay - there can be a little lag and once I double paid my account but they refunded back to me immediately when I called). I had one nightmare of car rental overcharge - it took a while to resolve but during dispute process they removed the charges right away from my bill and they did all the arguing with car company. I have other cards for mileage / travel hacking but more amd more just using this for everything to get the cash back.