Apparently if you have the old Aria classic card (now getsmart) there is no grace period. I know all of this stuff is in the disclosures, but I thought I would share with those who don't make it past the monthly fees while reading the disclosures. I guess the NEW getsmart classic does have a 25 day grace period. So if your account was issued by Aria you might want to check into it. Here's what i did. I PFB'd them saying I was outraged and was thinking of closing my account. I got a call back in 2 days from this wonderful lady (Lydia) she said cause I'm valued Blah Blah Blah, she will give me a 25 day grace period as well as lower my rate to 16.99%. I was shocked I never asked for the rate cut, in fact last month I PFB'd them about the rate and they lowered it to 19.99 from 23.99. I only buy small things with this acct, but I always keep a balance. Again just thought I'd share, in case there is someone else out there like me.
getsmart.com indicates that the getsmart classic card does not have a grace period. so I guess you were lucky. I think I'll try it. If it doesn't work, I may close the account, can always balance transfer to Bank of America Plat. Visa........
Thats what I said to the woman is online it says no grace period and she checked both my accounts she said the one with aria DOESN't have a grace (which she gave me) and my newer one by getsmart does. <shrugs> kellie
KHM, glad you posted on this. I've been trying for months and months to add a grace period to the card. The "card benefits" department just added the grace period (25 days). The guy on the main customer service number told me no way, that they couldn't do that, so I asked to speak with someone about closing the account. The lady asked if I wanted to close and I said, not really, but the terms, specifically the grace period are not desirable (the interest rate is 16.9%). She then added the grace period. Go figure. Anyway, thanks for the post.
MT just thought I'd also mention, in case they didn't, the grace period doesn't go into affect unless your account balance is zero. I know doesn't make sense. You would think any "new" purchases, but thats not the case. Also if you have a zero balance already you have to wait for it to take affect your NEXT billing cycle. Screwy games they play. Kellie
I was told via a letter from Providian Executive Offices that I did not have a grace period on my card but they would be happy to give me one...after I pay off my balance. What a crock! My balance is a little high right now and I can't pay it off immediately, but not like it matters...I'm making huge strides in cleaning up my credit and will be balance transferring to AMEX soon (when I apply and hopefully get in March) and then bye-bye to Providian, forever! I HATE THEM!
The definition of a grace period is that you pay your balance in full and incur no new finance charges. They weren't out of line if they told you this.
RIGHT! I think the reason why you need to have a 0 balance when you start to get the "new" grace period is so they can differentiate the new purchases and the old. I'm not trying to make excuses for them. I hate them, but they were the only ones who would give me a card with a score lower than 600. They have been very good with my CL increases and lowering my interest rates. I wish I could transfer balances to another card, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
