Quality Service & Great L.L. Bean Benefits
Written: Sep 20 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quality Customer Service, Free LL Bean Shipping, LL Bean Points
Cons: Relatively High Interest Rate If You Don't Pay In Full
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| owenzelig's Full Review: L.L.Bean Visa (MBNA America) |
I admit it. I'm one of those stereotypical New Englanders who pretty much worships at the altar of L.L. Bean. Yes, I like their clothes. Yes, I know that I really don't fit in on the streets of L.A. No, I really don't care.
So, what's a guy to do when he spends more than he'd like to admit at this purveyor of "all things Maine?" Get himself an MBNA Platinum Plus L.L. Bean Visa, that's what!
It all comes down to three primary reasons:
1) Unless you're living in a shack in the woods of Montana, you probably have or need to have a credit card. It is simply a fact of life these days. No, you don't have to like the fact that you have to have a credit card; in fact, you have my permission to be downright angry about it. But you've got to have one.
So, if you're going to have to have a credit card, why not get it from a company that actually isn't all that bad? Why not get it from a company that actually understands the meaning of "customer service?"
MBNA has proven itself to be at the high end of the credit card servicing business. The telephone-based customer service personnel are among the most knowledgeable, courteous and helpful I've encountered (close to the level of service one receives from L.L. Bean itself, but without the same "warmth" that you can get if you happen to reach one of those really "into it" L.L. Bean reps).
MBNA also provides a well-designed, substantial and reliable web site through which you may access your account, and the automated telephone system works very well. Additionally, the few issues that I've had with my account over the past few years have been resolved very professionally and quickly. And, by the way, there is no annual fee for this card, while it provides all of the same Platinum services as many other "high-end" cards -- such as car rental insurance, travel insurance, emergency cash while traveling and double manufacturers' warranties.
2) If you like L.L. Bean stuff (and we've already established that I do), you'll really appreciate the fact that you're going to receive free standard shipping and free monogramming on every order when you use your L.L. Bean Visa. And for those of us who still remember fondly the days when EVERYTHING was shipped free from L.L. Bean, take note. . . this free shipping takes about half the time that the "old" free shipping did. FedEx is a beautiful thing.
3) Coupons. They've got coupons. For every purchase you make at L.L. Bean, 3% of the purchase price charged to this card is reimbursed to you. Likewise, 0.5% of purchases elsewhere are reimbursed to you. Once you've accumulated $10.00 worth of "reimbursements" in your account, L.L. Bean will send you a $10.00 coupon, good for a year, and redeemable at the retail or outlet stores or through mail, phone or internet order. It may not seem like a lot, but if you're the type who is willing to maximize your credit card purchases for the sake of accumulating L.L. Bean credits, it can really add up. Just as many people accumulate frequent flyer miles with their credit cards, I accumulate shirts, boots and coats with mine (with the additional distinction that all frequent flyer credit cards charge an annual fee).
That said, there are some folks for whom the MBNA Platinum Plus L.L. Bean Visa is NOT the correct card:
1) Armani, Tommy Hilfiger or Dolce & Gabbana worshipers. If you don't want to shop at L.L. Bean, this is NOT the card for you.
2) People who tend not to pay off their balance in full every month. MBNA provides superior customer service. There is no question about that. But this service comes at something of an interest rate premium. You can almost always find a lower rate elsewhere. Yes, it is a trade-off.
In short, if you're looking for a "long-term" credit card, this may be a great choice for you. Even if you aren't an L.L. Bean fan, MBNA offers plenty of other card choices with the same level of customer service. Check it out!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
owenzelig
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Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 5 members
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