I found this example in an email I received.
RE: the Chase Marriott Card
“1 30,000 Bonus Points: You will qualify and receive your bonus after your first purchase/first use of the card. First purchase/first use includes purchases, balance transfers, or any checks that are used to access your account, and excludes cash advances. After qualifying, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for bonus points to post to your Marriott Rewards account. This one-time bonus offer is valid only for first time Marriott Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Previous and existing Marriott Rewards Credit Card Cardmembers are not eligible for this bonus offer. If your account is not open for at least 6 months, Marriott and Chase reserve the right to deduct the bonus points from your Marriott Rewards account. ”
I’ve highlighted the sentence of concern. I have seen a similar statement elsewhere, but this is my first opportunity to put it in print.
This is a legitimate term and condition of their offer for this card and its signup bonus. Will they enforce it? I don’t know. Have you had it happen?
Suppose they give you the points, you use the points and then cancel within 6 months? Will your Marriott account show a negative 30,000 points? I don’t know. I doubt it. But I don’t know.
Card applicants are having an effect (affect) on card sign up bonuses. The evidence is clear. Is it too hard to hold onto this card for six months? Obviously not, but they now have it in writing and you have been warned.
If you can comment on other cards where you have seen this restriction, it may be helpful to others.
