Credit Tips: Rebates from Credit Cards

Posted On: October 1, 2005

Author: milavant
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 3:52 pm
Post subject: Citi Shell Mastercard

Ira, sorry my first message did not post correctly.

I asked if you get screwed by Citibank when they calculate your rebate. Do they deduct the previous month’s rebate paidfrom your purchases for the following month so that you do not get a rebate on the full amount of purchases, thus giving you something less than the 5% (or 1% for nongas purchases)?

Someone wrote that they do this. You are a big Shell Mastercard supporter.

Is this true?

Author: Ira
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 10:55 pm
Post subject: Rebates from Credit Cards

Ah! That explains the seemingly nonsensical first message. Thanks.

In answer to your real question, I have no idea how Citibank figures the rebate. I often think they pull their figures out of the air. Often they give me a rebate that’s MORE than it should be!

Example: Here are my figures from a recent Citibank Shell Card statement. Shell gasoline purchases: $88.00. Non-gas purchases: $108.61.

Ok, do the math with me. $88.00 x 5% = $4.40. $108.61 x 1% = $1.09. Total rebate: $5.49. Sound correct so far? Good!

So how come the actual rebate on my statement was - are you ready for this??? - $6.74!!!

I cannot explain this and it isn’t worth calling customer service, but I’ll take it! Hope this answers your question and doesn’t confuse you too much.