BBVA Compass offers the NBA card, the main reason most people hold it is because it earns 5% on all purchases two times per year:
- During the NBA All Star Weekend
- During the two weeks of the NBA finals
Previously there was no cap on how much you could spend and receive 5% on, you were really just limited by fraud holds and issues relating to when purchases actually post. Unfortunately they have now added a cap of $5,000 in spending per 5% period (e.g you can spend a maximum of $5,000 during the all weekend and another $5,000 during the two weeks of the NBA finals).
Prior to July 1, 2016, you earn 5 points for each $1 spent on net Qualifying Purchases during the NBA All Star Weekend and the two weeks of the NBA Finals. Beginning July 1, 2016, you earn 5 points for each $1 spent for the first $5,000 of combined net Qualifying Purchases made during the NBA All Star Weekend, and 1 point for each $1 spent on net Qualifying Purchases over $5,000 during the NBA All Star Weekend. In addition, you will earn 5 points for each $1 spent for the first $5,000 of combined net Qualifying Purchases made during the two weeks of the NBA Finals, and 1 point for each $1 spent on net Qualifying Purchases over $5,000 during the two weeks of the NBA Finals
In addition to this, you can no longer apply for the BBVA Compass NBA card directly through their website. You either need to go into a branch, or apply via https://ecredable.com/ (never heard of them before, though). Unfortunately the $200 sign up bonus is no longer available as well.
It’s also worth noting the new $5,000 cap goes into effect on July 1st and the NBA final series runs from June 2–19, meaning you’ll have one more 5% period with no cap. This card used to be a fantastic option, $200 bonus and two periods of 5% with no cap? Now that the $200 bonus is gone, card is really only worth signing up for if you can max out the 5% periods. I’d probably hold off until just before the finals to see if they add a sign up bonus again but considering they’ve made it impossible to sign up directly I’m not holding out much hope.
