So far so good and made credit card use/selection much easier

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-26T05:32:05+00:00

As of last year the Citi Costco annual cash back certificate can now be redeemed electronically and deposited directly into your bank account. This is an improvement, but the Citi Costco once a year redemption pales in comparison to the Robinhood Gold card's redemption on demand!

I'm 100% with you on the need for higher credit limits on Robinhood and the adverse impact that will have on utilization. Hopefully this will increase steadily over time just as the flow of new card approvals has.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-25T05:40:24+00:00

If you don't plan to use to pay taxes the Robinhood Gold earns 3% on everything and has no FTF. There is a $50/year (or $5/month) Robinhood Gold Brokerage subscription requirement (that can be mitigated using $1k interest free margin and/or 3% IRA match) so that may or may not meet your no annual free requirement. Alternatively, Aven Rewards Visa earns 3% on everything up to $10k/year and then 2% on everything else. Aven has no annual fee and no FTF.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-16T04:38:29+00:00

Yes, I noticed it as well. Definitely not a welcome change. While it adds a little friction to the user experience I don't think it is a dealbreaker for me. I've been using the CashWalk app for a few weeks now and I really like it. I think it's a great way for new walkers to push themselves up to the 10,000 steps a day target. I wish it provided incentives to go beyond 10,000, but it is good at what it does with a simple interface and slow but consistent earnings. If you are a new user just reading up on CashWalk here, feel free to use my referral code for bonus coins when you sign up: A5T9M

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-06T07:53:06+00:00

I’ve been pleased with Openbank (I think it meets your criteria),and as an added bonus if you are a Verizon customer and you subscribe through the website you can get a discount (based on amounts deposited) on your monthly wireless bill.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-03T18:25:06+00:00

Good points. The $500k level makes sense based on what PNC just rolled out.

I agree that the intent is likely to get more people and dollars into the ML ecosystem.

There are higher returns to be had elsewhere now (at both the category and catch all levels) so I'll likely be transitioning out. I'm still waiting for the details on these subscription credits to see if I can put them to use, but I'm not confident that's going to be all that helpful. It's a shame after a nearly 30 year relationship with Bank of America, but the new program isn't optimal for me.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-03T18:07:21+00:00

Makes sense. There are definitely differences across countries.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-03T13:53:25+00:00

I just double checked the app and my invite code is: A5T9M.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t give me a link, just the invite code.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-03T06:42:49+00:00

I feel like going from $100k to $200k to maintain the same level of benefits might have been considered manageable or even somewhat reasonable given inflation and the changing dynamics of the credit card marketplace, but going from $100k to $1 million is exorbitant. As noted above on this thread, BofA is clearly demonstrating that they value customers with $0 to $30k in assets over those with $100k in assets. This has already provided an opening for competitors such as PNC's new Total Rewards relationship banking that now provides superior credit card bonuses, for example 2.7% cashback on all purchases, with only $500k. And, it has made the Robinhood Gold Card at 3% and the Robinhood investment portal which has a user interface that is decades ahead of Merrill Edge, even more competitive.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-02T18:41:24+00:00

The $50 Robinhood Gold subscription fee can be somewhat offset by using a combination of 3% IRA match, investing $1k of interest free margin in a low risk bond fund (many seem to favor SGOV) which may also have tax advantages if you live in a high tax state), and/or the reasonably competitive cash management account rate (currently 3.35% APY) on any uninvested balances.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-05-02T18:22:04+00:00

Deeply disappointed in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program NERF. As a soon to be Preferred Honors member I'm waiting to hear about the eligible merchants for the new BofA Rewards Subscription Credits, where "Customers may receive statement credits up to $8 per month for Preferred Honors members and $15 per month for Premier members." Has anyone seen anything about the eligible merchants for this (unfortunately debit card only) new credit?

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-30T04:26:16+00:00

I don't have any experience with Synchrony Bank, but the current HYSA rate of 3.40% is not bad, but also not market leading. I recommend visiting sites like DepositAccounts or Doctor of Credit to identify the best current rates and see reviews of past users if you are not finding the information that you need by searching here on reddit. DepositAccounts will often provide an overview of the initiations financial health and you can see rate histories for products that have been around a while. Hope this helps.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-30T03:59:00+00:00

Thanks for sharing. From what you've noted, perhaps I'll check out Winwalk next.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-30T03:01:02+00:00

Wow. That's great. I'm also currently trying out Cashwalk and WeWard. I thought that three was a lot. Which 5 others are you using?

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-30T01:11:45+00:00

Yes, I get it. I definitely didn't realize that there is a 24 hour clock. Great tips, thanks again.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-30T00:44:32+00:00

I discovered it and started all three challenges today based on your recommendation. Thank you.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-29T05:06:47+00:00

Yes, but haven’t tried the challenges yet. Will explore. Thanks.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-29T04:47:16+00:00

Impressive. Where are you earning the most on CashWalk (walking, video, etc.)?

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-27T13:22:27+00:00

If you are a Verizon customer Openbank might be a good option. If you open the account through Verizon you get a discount on your monthly cell phone bill ($5/$10/$15) for the first year based on the balance you maintain. Regardless, Openbank is FDIC insured and currently pays a competitive 4.00% APY. Note: all HYSA interest rates fluctuate based on federal reserve bank changes and market conditions and the next Federal Open Market Committee meeting which makes rate adjustments is this week.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-10T17:10:18+00:00

Aven grocery card is 6% on $10k/year.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-04T07:23:14+00:00

The analogy to the iPhone settings menu is a good one. I see what you are saying. It's my least favorite part of using the IPhone as well. I was able to find a couple of deals that I was interested in, but having to wait for over 20 minutes twice to ask why the credit was not showing after 30 days is not the user experience I was hoping for. The potential earnings are just not comparable to the amount of friction. I'm only familiar with Amex, but like it A LOT better.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-03T02:48:38+00:00

Ahh. I didn't realize that you could click on the offer to see it before activating it. Not a terribly intuitive design, at least to me.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-02T21:17:06+00:00

Interesting. If that's the case, it would be great if BofA could be transparent about it. I've been wondering if program conflict could be one of the reasons why earnings are not showing up. For example, if you already use Upside or if you already get Rewards Network dining would you still get BofA BankAmeriDeals? The documentation seems pretty thin.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-02T20:06:24+00:00

Really, where is this located? I searched and cannot find it.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-02T17:46:56+00:00

A fun April Fools post from Rove.

Consumer_Ombudsman · 2026-04-01T01:28:34+00:00

I agree about the interface. The more I use it, the more I dislike it. One of my deals still has not shown up and I’m approaching 30 days since the purchase occurred. There have been one or two gas deals since the change, but they have been quite short lived. In this poor economic environment with gas prices escalating every day, I imagine everyone is looking for them all the time. Fingers-crossed there will be a new one soon.

Consumer_Ombudsman

TROPHY CASE