If you're like me and only keep Providian around because they're your oldest TL and you don't want to ruin your score, I discovered a trick to avoid finance charges. Note that it only works if you pay off your balance every month. Providian doesn't offer a grace period. But if you pay off your entire balance before your statement cycles (i.e. have a zero balance), they don't charge interest. I charge something small on the account every month to keep activity on it and then pay it online before they issue the bill. I haven't paid interest to them in over a year. Granted, we're not talking big dollars but I think the no grace period thing is completely bogus.
Wait a sec. I was having a $20 recurring bill charged to the card, tried that, and they got me for 16 cents trailing interest. There must be a time frame to it.
Your payment posts before the statement cycles so they send you a bill for 16 cents? It costs them more to mail it then to collect it. I'm surprised that they don't hit you with the minimum finance charge. Anyway, it has always worked for me.
Hahahaha!! I now have nothing being billed to that card, just got a bill for $0.00. Think I should send them a check?? LOLOL.
Actually, I called and requested a grace period and a reduced interest rate and got both. They do offer it, just not on all accounts.
If you have the MC with the blue face, there is no grace. I've tried to get them to put a grace on it but instead was offered a lower APR 16.99 and a annual fee refund. Will drop this account in July of 2002. Best regards, Mirage
