Monthly invoice increased since May 2024

[MDao]

I started with PM so many years ago on a starting $40 / month, along with $2 off from auto payment = $38 + tx each month.

Along the way I have

- referred several friends and was able to verify the $1 off was applied for each one

- taken advantage of several promotions by switching to different plans but always for the same or cheaper plans

The invoice (with tax) for April 2024 was $25.99 (which I totally agree with).

However, with the introduction of the points-back system in May 2024, my invoices have been $38.42, along with the points-back of $5.7 a month (btw, I am currently on the $34 / month.)

As you can see, the invoiced amounts for pre- and post-May 2024 do not agree.

Does anyone else notice the same thing? and what do you have to do to get it fixed?

Thanks!

[Sam1414]

I received the following reply that I find it complicated and difficult to follow. My life is already full with complications and last thing I need is to add to it more headeque and stress from my mobile provider. I am shopping now around looking for another plan somewhere else. 

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Hello @Sam1414, 

Thanks for replying and providing me with the information required.
 

About your concern is important for me to let you know on May 1st all our subscribers were automatically moved to the Public Points rewards program.

Starting March 4, 2024, customers were advised (Email, SMS, and App Banner) that they will be migrated to the Public Points program on May 1, 2024.

With the new rewards program, you will be able to keep saving money:

You will keep your refer-a-friend rewards points (if you have them)

The monthly loyalty reward has changed to 10 points every year (on your anniversary date)

The $2.00 autopay reward has been replaced with the 5% back of every payment process

You also received 5 welcome points (one time)

You can redeem your Public Points whenever you want - save them up for something big or treat yourself every month. Redeeming is simple: 1 point is equal to $1 and you can redeem your points in the Public Mobile app or My Account.

To redeem your points:  

Log in to the Public Mobile app or My Account
Go to the ‘Rewards’ tab
Select ‘Go to Rewards’
Go to the ‘Catalogue’ tab to browse available rewards
Select the reward you want to redeem for
Select ‘Redeem’
Note that if you do not have enough points you will not be able to select ‘Redeem’
Select ‘Confirm’

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[MDao]

Hi Sam1414, please share the answer you get in this chat. Thanks.

[MDao]

Hi hTideGnow, true no contract so one can leave but this is a money grab that is disguised in the new point system. PM certainly does not want a bad publicity. 

[hTideGnow]

hi @Sam1414 no fraud. remember business can adjust price with sufficient notice, and as customer,  you can aleays leave. no contract here

[Sam1414]

Yes, my bill has increased from 23$ to 28$. I've just noticed this increase that happened 3 months ago I guess. This increase occured with out my Knowledge. I sent them a message asking what happened and why. I consider this action fro PM is sort of fraud. If I dont get a reasonable answer, I am going to cancell my account immediately.

[MDao]

Agree with you and Thanks for writing back Vivirl05051

[softech]

@MDao 

you might have missed the announcement back in March about the rewards system change 

PM retired the old reward system earlier (May 2024) and everyone migrated on the new Public Points system. 
https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/move-to-public-points

With this new system, you pay the full amount first (with the Available Funds on your My Account or via your credit/debit card on the system), and hence you see a higher charge now. 
After renewal, PM will give you the points to your reward account within 48 hours.  Once you collected 15 points, you can redeem $15 bill payment yourself to bring the next payment down.  Or you can also use points to buy add-ons with a discounted price

For how to earn points with Public Points,

• you will get the same friend referral, 1 point (= $1) for every referral every month.
• Instead of $2 autopay, you earn 5% back in point on your plan renewal or add-on purchases from credit card or vouchers
• Instead of loyalty rewards, you will 10 points on your Anniversary day with PM every year 
• You will still earn Give-Back rewards by participating in the Community. Everyone has a chance to earn  1/2/5/10/15/20 points depends on the overall participation of the month 

I have to admit Public Points rewards is not as good as the Legacy rewards system, but you are still saving money, just in a slower pace 

Here is more information about the rewards system migration:
https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/public-points

[Sansan · Accepted solution]

@MDao  the new system is more expensive yes 😐. Unfortunately,  nothing you can do to fix it. This is what Public Mobile has replaced it with.

And unfortunately,  not alot of options to change to a more affordable plan. But see if perhaps you can change. Sign into your account and see what's available. 

[Vivirl05051]

This new points system sucks, I am also now paying more for the same plan - my plan was down to 8$ per month and now I'm paying 20$. I contacted customer service and they were not willing to give me any of my old rewards back:/// Public mobile used to have the best deals but now they are about the same as every other phone company. 

[hTideGnow]

HI @MDao 

you were wondering where the autopay/loyalty discount/friend rewards gone?   PM has ended that old system and moved everyone to the new Public Points!!

So, now you have to pay full price first and PM will give you back points after.  Instead of loyalty rewards monthly, you get 10 points per year on your anniversary date with Public Mobile.  Instead of $2 autopay discount, you get 5% of your plan in points.  

And the points are useful to reduce the bill. After you got 15+ points, you will go to rewards site to redeem 15 points for $15 bill credit