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Is it cheaper to shop online or at store?

Why does my credit card only allow "extra points" when I shop online vs. going to the same store in person?

  • I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card that allows me to effectively multiply the number of points from a store if I use it online. For example: If I go to Bloomingdales.com, I can take my purchase amount and multiply it by 4x (therefore, a $100 purchase becomes 400 points). But if I go to Bloomingdales in person, I do not get the same benefit. I'd rather go in person and support my local store. What is the reason behind making the points multiplier only work in online? I feel that we're beyond the point where people are afraid to shop online, so what is the reason?

  • Answer:

    Some credit card companies have a shopping portal site where they get commission as part of an affiliate program.  They try to pass on that commission to you in the form of extra rewards.

Adrian Chu at Quora Visit the source

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Other answers

The card not present transactions(telephone order,mail order, internet purchases etc.) will give more revenue(interchange) to issuer than card present transactions The extra points you are earning from tha bank (which is getting extra revenue). Its like a like a kickback from bank to you .

Subrahmanyam Kota

Three major factors make the difference: 1. As pointed out in other answers, there could be affiliate sale program. Or something similar like commissioning involved. 2. Credit risk to the issuer is reduced. You are now completely traceable (though your IP), you have used a more secure system to make a purchase, you have avoided the PIN/CHIP route etc. 3. The card has negotiated with the vendor for a greater cut in fees or other rebate for channelling sales on their website. This benefits both the vendor (who eliminates the associated cost of a brick and mortar store) and the issuer who get something out of the vendor by encouraging you to purchase online with extra points.

Baqir Rizvi

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