Now with Free Rewards, Quantum Is a Smart Choice
Written: Dec 04 '01 (Updated Feb 14 '02)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Customer Service: |
 |
|
| Web Site Experience: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Concierge service, premium travel benefits, free rewards, over-the-limit protection, no annual fee
Cons: Missing some perks that should adorn any super-premium card
The Bottom Line: Outstanding service, free rewards and extensive travel benefits combine to make Quantum one of the best fee-free cards available.
|
|
|
| benjaminyoung's Full Review: Quantum (MBNA) |
My Platinum Plus account was upgraded to Quantum when the product was first introduced. The card is in reality MBNA's own version of a World MasterCard or Visa Signature product. It comes with an impressive array of benefits and services, and does not charge an annual fee. And, don't forget MBNA's customer support is second to none.
VISA SIGNATURE & WORLD MASTERCARD ALL OVER AGAIN...
No Pre-Set Spending Limit?
Well, not quite. Although Quantum cards are not "no preset spending limit" accounts, there is an "over-the-limit protection" feature, which basically allows cardmembers to go over their credit line in the same way they would with a no preset spending limit card.
Concierge Service
VISA Signature and MasterCard World cards boast a concierge service, and MBNA counters with one of its own. Use it to obtain hard to get tickets, make reservations, or for anything else. The representatives are just as helpful as those provided by VISA Signature, Amex Platinum, etc.
Travel Insurance
Highest benefits MasterCard and VISA offer, with added lost luggage and auto rental coverage.
NOT QUITE IDENTICAL TO OTHER SUPER-PREMIUM CARDS...
THE GOOD:
Rewards Program Without the Added Cost
Yes, VISA Signature, World MasterCard, Amex Platinum and Carte Blanc all offer great rewards programs -- they are part of the justification for high annual membership fees. And, yes, the Quantum Rewards program was initially offered as an option, for a $75 annual fee.
However, MBNA just introduced a free rewards program with all the benefits of its costly predecessor. One point is earned per dollar spent, and points can be redeemed for free travel, hotel stays, merchandise and more.
[Note: the rewards program is also available on Platinum Plus cards.]
Trip Interruption Benefits
The Travel Protection Plan includes trip interruption and cancellation insurance with benefits far superior to VISA Signature and World MasterCard, at no extra cost... but with a catch: the trip must have been booked through Quantum Travel Services.
Other Features & Benefits
- Cash advances up to your entire credit line.
- Credit Guardian - free membership. Also offered on Platinum Plus card, this is an invaluable feature that provides lost wallet and many other services.
- The best customer service around.
- A rather nice looking card (yes, that's really important!)
Great Online Features
The MBNA NetAccess site allows customers to view account information and make service-related requests online. There is also extensive information on your specific card's benefits and some nice shopping discounts (such as 7% off at BarnesAndNoble.com).
Another FANTASTIC feature: MBNA ShopSafe. This service, modeled on American Express' Private Payments (only BETTER), allows you to generate unique card numbers for one-time-only use. This way, customers do not give out their real card number. The customization of this service goes way beyond American Express'. For example, I can set up a number that will be valid for only 2 months and will not accept a charge over $75. I use the feature whenever I deal with an unknown merchant.
THE BAD:
Needless to say, MBNA's decision to offer its own private super-premium card means it does not benefit from VISA and MasterCard's deals reserved exclusively for their own super-premium products. Thus, Quantum does not offer room or flight upgrades. Nor does it provide an airport parking guarantee or membership in rental, hotel or airline premium programs. In this category, I would recommend a Visa Signature product (which has the largest array of exclusive benefits) or possibly a World MasterCard. Thos willing to pay high annual fees might check out the American Express Platinum or Centurion.
This is about the only flaw I can think of with this card, and who's to complain with no membership fee (although I have a couple of VISA Signature cards and a World MasterCard that do not charge an annual fee and they offer the aforementioned perks -- but this is rather unusual)? The Quantum product description promises "free upgrades and exclusive offers" but I have seen more of the latter than the former.
IN CONCLUSION...
All in all, Quantum is an exceptional value and adds some very nice benefits in addition to those provided by Platinum Plus cards. For those who would rarely make use of room upgrades or other features offered by a Visa Signature or Amex Platinum card, this is perhaps the ideal choice. Even for those who do use these perks, the Quantum card remains a great product with no membership fees and stellar customer service.
PLEASE NOTE: As with all my credit card reviews, I am interested only in the benefits and services NOT related to interest rates and finance charges.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
benjaminyoung
|
|
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 2 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.