AOPA / MBNA credit card problems

wrote:
snip
I'm going to be composing a letter to AOPA, letting them know of my
difficulties, and suggesting that they switch providers, dumping MBNA
for a more
reputable company. I'm also considering canceling the card, and
probably would
have already were it not for the FBO rebate program (which seems to
have plenty
of its own problems, but that's another story...)

You can do what you want, but I think you're wasting your time.
This has to be about the 10th time I've seen someone complaining about
the AOPA MNBA card in the last few months (with all the others saying
they were going to complain to AOPA).

The short of it is that MNBA contracts with AOPA for this card, not
because it's supposed to benefit you as a member, but because MBNA is
willing to pay AOPA the most money for their customer (uhh,,I mean
"member") list.

AOPA is a great organization when it comes to performing their core
mission. Just don't confuse the side businesses that they use to make
money with that mission. They are not there to give you the best deal
as a "member". They are there because the banks and insurance
companies that you'll ultimately deal with are hoping you'll choose
them automatically because they have the AOPA name (that you trust) on
them. To them you are not a member, you are just another customer.

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)

wrote:

AOPA is a great organization when it comes to performing their core
mission. Just don't confuse the side businesses that they use to make
money with that mission. They are not there to give you the best deal
as a "member".

Yep, that's my expereience with just about every AOPA-endorsed service
I've tried to use. Don't get me started about the bozos in MBNA's
aircraft loan servicing department. I finally just paid off the stupid
thing early to resolve their ongoing stupidity.