Hide the Deals

You expect to run into lots of advertising on web sites run by for-profit companies. Still I was surprised to learn that Bank of America allows online vendors to promote themselves while you are reviewing your banking transactions. (Is no area free from commercials?) The above screen capture shows an example. Directly under the entry for my credit-card purchase from the Orvis Company is a message to shop at Sports Authority and earn 10 percent cash back.

Bank of America benefits of course. First they probably charge the vendor to post the message. Second the offer is only good if you use a BOA credit or debit card. You learn this if you click the offer to get the details. In fairness to the banking giant, you can opt out of learning about additional ways to spend money by clicking the “Hide Deals” link. But I wonder which way the screen was set by default. I’m not sure how long these “helpful” messages have been there. The Orvis/Sports Authority deal is the first one I have noticed.