Just wondering had anyone had the similar experience. I booked an accommodation in Japan on airbnb through paypal which linked to my coles reward mastercard. Instead of a normal credit card purchase, I was charged as a cash advance. Because it is a cash advance, I was charged cash advance fee, interest,and international transaction fee. I called CM, they said they charged what was requested. I called paypal, the person I talked to had no ideal, didn't even know the difference between purchase and cash advance on a credit card. Called airbnb, they confirmed the amount was put through as purchase not cash advance, and willing to sent me a written statement as a proof. Called paypal again and ask them is it possible for them to check for me, and could they issue a statement to confirm that it was a purchase not cash advance like airbnb. However, paypal is like a broken record, "all you can see on your account is what we can provide". After spending 15 minutes with someone in call centre and 10 minutes with her supervisor, still the same answer. Talked to CM again, and there was nothing they could do, but as a good gesture, they offered me $7 refund to my account. Does anyone have any idea what could happen? Thanks in advance.
The way their system works is odd. I had a positive balance and drew out cash but still got charged the 3% fee. Also had a refund to the card from a purchase that wasn't even made with card and they deducted the value of the flybuys points.