CAP credit card

[brasda91]

Does anybody know of a credit card that supports CAP?  Our squadron has been discussing a credit card and I would like to get one that helps CAP with every purchase.  There used to be ads for one when we got the newspaper, but now with the magazine, there don't seem to be as many ads.  Any chance of getting a credit card in the squadrons name, where it isn't attached to someone's personal credit?

[jeders]

Yes it is possible to get a credit card in the name of the squadron. There is the CAP credit card that they send applications around like once a year for. Wait a few months, one'll show up.

[O-Rex]

Does anybody know of a credit card that supports CAP?  Our squadron has been discussing a credit card and I would like to get one that helps CAP with every purchase.  There used to be ads for one when we got the newspaper, but now with the magazine, there don't seem to be as many ads.  Any chance of getting a credit card in the squadrons name, where it isn't attached to someone's personal credit?

Wing Banker precludes unit credit cards.

MBNA used to offer CAP-seal credit cards, a portion of which went to CAP-they were bought out by Bank of America.  I have one of those: it'll be interesting to see if I get another "CAP" card when my current one expires.

[Psicorp]

You mean you haven't been getting stuff in the mail about the CAP credit card?

Apply now and your first Vanguard purchase is on you!

[jeders]

Does anybody know of a credit card that supports CAP?  Our squadron has been discussing a credit card and I would like to get one that helps CAP with every purchase.  There used to be ads for one when we got the newspaper, but now with the magazine, there don't seem to be as many ads.  Any chance of getting a credit card in the squadrons name, where it isn't attached to someone's personal credit?

Wing Banker precludes unit credit cards.

MBNA used to offer CAP-seal credit cards, a portion of which went to CAP-they were bought out by Bank of America.  I have one of those: it'll be interesting to see if I get another "CAP" card when my current one expires.

Ok, so I just read the regs, and I didn't see anything about units not being able to use credit cards if they are on the WBP.

[a2capt]

I think the question that was asked was not about a unit credit card, but rather a credit card that supports CAP, (however that question is, supports your local, specified unit, or national).

As for "not on WBP", units are not supposed to have accts of any kind. Thats the whole point of the WBP.

[jayleswo]

Actually, in CAWG, Wing is having the bank issue each unit a Visa card, with a low credit limit, to use for necessary expenses. Unit Commanders can opt out if they want to, but the cards should be showing up soon.

John Aylesworth, Lt Col
Commander PCR-CA-151
Sacramento, CA

[James Shaw]

Yes there is a credit card that supports CAP. I received the application in the mail a few days ago and called. I will get the card in 7-10 business days. I will get the info and put it on here when I can find the number.

[LtCol Hooligan]

Actually, units should be able to get credit cards and have the statements sent directly to wing and be paid out of WBS.  Kind of defeats the purpose of the WBS crap- huh.  I mean we went from 2 signatures down to someone swiping a credit card.  Keep in mind your wing may make a reg prohibiting this, but right now, it is legal.  Units can also keep credit bearing accounts like CDs and such as well.  It is a pretty nice deal to keep some money earning interest instead of sending it all to wing and letting it sit there doing nothing.

[JohnKachenmeister]

Erik:

Use of a debit or credit card was discussed from the earliest days when the Wing Banker was discussed.  Some vendors don't recognize purchase orders and don't want to wait on the promise of a check in a week or two.

[LtCol Hooligan]

Correct- and as far as I have been told it is legal for squadrons to get credit cards.  I have been thinking about getting one for my squadron, but we have actually been able to use a wing visa/oil credit card for purchasing vehicle fuel and are working with Wing HQ on purchasing expensive items so members do not have to front the bill.  It is definitely more complicated than having a checkbook or a credit card, but it is doable.  Honestly, it just bugs me we have to resort to this with WBS.  It is just plain frustrating.

[mikeylikey]

Actually, in CAWG, Wing is having the bank issue each unit a Visa card, with a low credit limit, to use for necessary expenses. Unit Commanders can opt out if they want to, but the cards should be showing up soon.

John Aylesworth, Lt Col
Commander PCR-CA-151
Sacramento, CA

??  Sounds good to me.  Pizza and donuts every night!  As long as the card is paid off by the end of each cycle no harm no foul right??

Your kidding me!  There should be no Credit Cards issued to SQD's.  Bad things happen when there are 45+ credit cards floating around a Wing, when we can't even find the 20 that go with each airplane!

[RiverAux]

Every plane in my wing has a CAP credit card in it. 

[mikeylikey]

Every plane in my wing has a CAP credit card in it. 

You sure about that.....or is it walking around town with the Pilot?

[RiverAux]

Every plane in my wing has a CAP credit card in it. 

You sure about that.....or is it walking around town with the Pilot?

Yep, I'm sure. 

[ADCAPer]

Wing Banker precludes unit credit cards.

As for "not on WBP", units are not supposed to have accts of any kind. Thats the whole point of the WBP.

Sorry, but you're both mistaken.

CAP Regulation 173-1, 11 February 2007

10. Credit Cards. Credit card use is permitted for units. In order to use credit cards, each unit will establish, in writing, a credit card usage and approval policy. This policy must be forwarded to the wing director of finance. Credit card accounts will be issued in the name of the CAP unit. Credit cards must be used for authorized purchases only. Credit cards will not be used for cash advances. Personal expenditures are not authorized including personal proficiency flying. Lost or stolen credit cards must be reported to the credit card issuer and the region/wing commander immediately. Aggregate balances must not exceed the credit limit. All usage must be documented with receipts. All losses incurred from the use of these credit cards will be the responsibility of the unit.

[BlackKnight]

Okay that's enough. CAP should do away with regulations altogether.  It's quite obvious from this thread that almost no one bothers to read them.   But I already knew that...

[mikeylikey]

Wing Banker precludes unit credit cards.

As for "not on WBP", units are not supposed to have accts of any kind. Thats the whole point of the WBP.

Sorry, but you're both mistaken.

CAP Regulation 173-1, 11 February 2007

10. Credit Cards. Credit card use is permitted for units. In order to use credit cards, each unit will establish, in writing, a credit card usage and approval policy. This policy must be forwarded to the wing director of finance. Credit card accounts will be issued in the name of the CAP unit. Credit cards must be used for authorized purchases only. Credit cards will not be used for cash advances. Personal expenditures are not authorized including personal proficiency flying. Lost or stolen credit cards must be reported to the credit card issuer and the region/wing commander immediately. Aggregate balances must not exceed the credit limit. All usage must be documented with receipts. All losses incurred from the use of these credit cards will be the responsibility of the unit.

So we say "SQD's you can't be trusted to run your finances, but hell go get yourself a credit card".  The WBP was a slap in the face by NHQ to every decent run SQD.  I see no difference between having a credit card at SQD level or access to a bank account at SQD level.  The Bank Account at least would "RUN OUT" when overdrawn.

[BlackKnight]

The difference (and the bottom line) is that wing owns the account and ultimately contols all the funds because they have signature authority on the account.  If you use the squadron credit card for unauthorized purchases, wing has the right to decide not to pay the bill.  Then whomever's credit was used to get the card is going to get hammered, but CAP monies will be preserved. (Hopefully.)

[smj58501]

I think a new topic is needed relating to CAP Units having credit cards for conducting squadron business. The original post on this thread related to personal credit cards with CAP's name on them, and with a kickback to the CAP unit in question.

With that said, I do find it somewhat concerning that we would promote and put our names on such a card. Consumer debt is a record levels, and the last thing we should be doing is encouraging people to spend money they don't have by saying "a portion of your purchace goes back to a good cause". I am fully aware people make the choice to swipe their cards, but people also make a choice to put a cigarette in their pie hole and light it up. I would not want a CAP brand of cigarette, and for the same reason I do not want a CAP "commemorative" credit card. Yes I do know they exist already because I have shredded many of the applications (along with ones from my college and other organizations I belong to), but in light of the consumer debt crisis I think it is something our organization needs to rethink.

[jeders]

I think a new topic is needed relating to CAP Units having credit cards for conducting squadron business. The original post on this thread related to personal credit cards with CAP's name on them, and with a kickback to the CAP unit in question.

Any chance of getting a credit card in the squadrons name, where it isn't attached to someone's personal credit?

So the original topic did include a question about squadrons having credit cards for squadron business.

[arajca]

One of the reasons that credit cards are OK for units and debit cards are not is the credit card still requires a check to pay the bill, whereas the debit card comes straight out of the account. And, since two signatures are required to request a check, there is a built-in verification process.

[flyboy]

With that said, I do find it somewhat concerning that we would promote and put our names on such a card. Consumer debt is a record levels, and the last thing we should be doing is encouraging people to spend money they don't have by saying "a portion of your purchace goes back to a good cause". I am fully aware people make the choice to swipe their cards, but people also make a choice to put a cigarette in their pie hole and light it up. I would not want a CAP brand of cigarette, and for the same reason I do not want a CAP "commemorative" credit card. Yes I do know they exist already because I have shredded many of the applications (along with ones from my college and other organizations I belong to), but in light of the consumer debt crisis I think it is something our organization needs to rethink.

I completely and totally agree.  "Credit Addiction" is quite possibly one of our nation's greatest security threats.  I think it's disgraceful for CAP to partnered with the credit card loan sharks like MBNA. 

[wingnut]

I don't give a crap about an account to buy pencils and Ink, what CAWG needs are credit cards for GAS only for Squadron planes. Some guy spent over $4,000 in gas on the Fossett mission..

[Redbird Leader]

I'm one of the suckers customers who opted for an MBNA, now Bank of America, credit card with a CAP logo on it.  I use that credit card exclusively for CAP related activities so it is easier to track around tax time.    Oh yes, and I pay it off completely monthly so as to avoid the credit addiction.  (Yes, it does take a little will power, but I feel all grown up now at my age.)

[arajca]

I don't give a crap about an account to buy pencils and Ink, what CAWG needs are credit cards for GAS only for Squadron planes. Some guy spent over $4,000 in gas on the Fossett mission..

Sounds like an individual wing issue. COWG has gas cards in each vehicle and aircraft. Ours happen to be State issued fleet fuel cards. We use the card and at the beginning of the next month, we submit the reciepts with a check request, CAPF 108, or explanation (i.e. van used to support NCSA) to cover the costs of the fuel.

[smj58501]

I think a new topic is needed relating to CAP Units having credit cards for conducting squadron business. The original post on this thread related to personal credit cards with CAP's name on them, and with a kickback to the CAP unit in question.

Any chance of getting a credit card in the squadrons name, where it isn't attached to someone's personal credit?

So the original topic did include a question about squadrons having credit cards for squadron business.

Sorry... missed that sentance. I have to squeeze in my CAPTalk viewing while I sit in on boring conference calls at work. Thx for pointing it out all the same

[jeders]

I think a new topic is needed relating to CAP Units having credit cards for conducting squadron business. The original post on this thread related to personal credit cards with CAP's name on them, and with a kickback to the CAP unit in question.

Any chance of getting a credit card in the squadrons name, where it isn't attached to someone's personal credit?

So the original topic did include a question about squadrons having credit cards for squadron business.

Sorry... missed that sentance. I have to squeeze in my CAPTalk viewing while I sit in on boring conference calls at work. Thx for pointing it out all the same

I am here to help. But I thought it was standard practice to sleep through conference calls, or maybe that's just me.

[smj58501]

^The mute button is helpful if you snore

[brasda91]

The original post on this thread related to personal credit cards with CAP's name on them, and with a kickback to the CAP unit in question.

No.  The question is regarding a CAP credit card.  A "branded" CAP card as someone said.  This would be put in the squadrons name, NOT SOMEONE'S PERSONAL CREDIT.  Any purchases on said card would provide a percentage back to CAP, most likely National.  I never mentioned a percentage to a particular unit.  Our squadron has had a credit card, one that I applied for using my credit.  It had my name along with the squadrons name on it.  I am interested in a unit credit card that is applied for using CAP credit, if possible.  I don't want to use my personal credit or another members personal credit in order to get a credit card.

[thp]

CAP credit card still shown on this CAP site.
http://level2.cap.us/en/member_services/

[Capt Rivera]

I completely and totally agree.  "Credit Addiction" is quite possibly one of our nation's greatest security threats.  I think it's disgraceful for CAP to partnered with the credit card loan sharks like MBNA. 

Why is CAP "partnering" with MBNA or any credit card company bad? They put our logo on the card... [if a merchant looks at it, free advertising]

You look at it... maybe you feel good...

Some amount of money from each transaction goes to CAP National?

Credit cards are a necessary evil? Unless you can buy a house cash, I don't see you ever being able to buy one without having established credit. If you look at the way  your credit scores are calculated you will find a lot of percentage points have to do with your credit card history... [yeah you better have one]

Whats the problem?  CAP nor MBNA is forcing anyone to have a card or use it? The people who use cards irresponsibly would do so no matter what the branding/picture/company etc...

I believe it is a smart move for National to find ways to generate funds. If you investigate, you will find CAP is not the only non-profit that benefits from money generated by credit card usage...

[brasda91]

CAP credit card still shown on this CAP site.
http://level2.cap.us/en/member_services/

Thank you.  That's exactly what I was looking for.  I'll call them in a little while.

[smj58501]

I completely and totally agree.  "Credit Addiction" is quite possibly one of our nation's greatest security threats.  I think it's disgraceful for CAP to partnered with the credit card loan sharks like MBNA. 

Credit cards are a necessary evil? Unless you can buy a house cash, I don't see you ever being able to buy one without having established credit. If you look at the way  your credit scores are calculated you will find a lot of percentage points have to do with your credit card history... [yeah you better have one]

Actually, you can find a bank that does manual underwriting, and through them buy a house without a supposed "credit rating" established through consumer debt. Generally, if you have a job, 10% down, and have a good track record of paying bills (not to be confused with consumer debt payments), it can be done with this method. If you don't, well maybe it isn't a good idea to get a house in the first place. Some people balk at the 10% down, but god forbid we ever save money to get something in today's society I guess.

Many banks requiring a credit rating are the ones who will write you a mortgage in 10 minutes off your internet application... pretty scary considering a house is the biggest purchase you will ever make. Many of the same banks that offer the EZ mortgages based off a credit rating are the ones offering credit cards in the first place.... they win coming and going. They have succeeded in convincing a good portion of America that the only way to the American Dream is through debt. These are the same banks who will be happy to saddle you with a payment you really can't afford (cause they will win in that scenario too), an ARM, or some garbage product like an interest-only mortgage. The people who are being foreclosed on at record rates these days are in too many cases are the ones taking these products.... and their road to foreclosure all started with a credit card application in most instances (justified in their mind by the "I need this if I ever want to get a house" argument).

The real irony of a credit score... once you have one and you demonstrate what most would consider to be responsible use of credit by PAYING IT OFF, your score DROPS. You have to stay in debt to justify getting more debt.

[brasda91]

OK, back on topic.

I called MBNA, they still have the card for CAP, but it is a personal card, not business.  So, no you can't get this one in the squadrons name.

[SarDragon]

That's OK, one of these days they're all gonna say Bank of America on them.