Providian cards

Hi Saar...I tried like heck to get a grace period but they would not give it to me. I have been an exellent customer for 3 years. They said to try in a few months. I did get the APR lowered to 16.9 and the fee waived. That was the best I could get. Have any tricks I could use?

 

Well if you plan to carry a balance for a period of time, a lower interest rate would in fact save more money than a grace period, unless you are really lucky and get both

 

I too have asked for a grace period a number of times. They say it is not possible with my account. Whatever that means. I have been with Providian for 5 years. Not only am I never over the credit limit, but I am never close to it either ($8,000), but used the card frequently. I am also never late on my bill (paying 2 to 3 times per month). I don't understand it. I have written a formal complaint letter to the corporate office. They have not responded yet. I am so disappointed that I am seriously considering closing my account. I now have a Chase and Bank of America account and they still want to keep me in the subprime basement. I have since transferred my balance. Their account management is beyond me.

 

A GRACE PERIOD

A GRACE PERIOD is not that big of a deal unless you pay in full every month, or have large purchases every month and don't totally pay it off.

 

Re: A GRACE PERIOD

I agree with you George. However, I often pay my balances in full at times. Just the fact that they won't give me a grace period peeves me the most. I have been a very lucrative and responsible customer. I DESERVE it! Especially since new customers are receiving grace periods. It just doesn't seem quite fair on their part. Know what I mean?

 

Re: A GRACE PERIOD

Today, I was approved for a Providian Gold Visa, 23.99 APR and a 25 day grace period. I was surprised because most people say they don't have the grace period. I received a 1K limit, which shocked me! I thought for sure they would give me a $250.00 limit on the basic Visa.

The rep told me I would probably receive an increase in 3 months. He told me don't go over the limit, make sure I pay my bill online 5 days before its due to ensure proper credit.

I have heard good things about Providian, time will tell.

 

Re: A GRACE PERIOD

Miles,

Like you I have tried constantly for the last month and a half to get a grace
period on the account. I also got the "not available for your type of an account"
response two days ago. This rep was friendly and actually told me without any
shame that Providian puts its customers into certain "categories" and the
specific category determines what offers a person can receive.

I told him that Providian was stupid to risk losing a responsible and lucrative
customer who already had a zero balance on the account over a "category" of
"subprime account" and that a grace period was no real concession in terms of
things the company can do to attract and keep customers. He told me that
I needed to understand that type of account I had was strictly for "rebuilding
credit" and that I shouldn't expect Providian to meet the terms of my other
issuers (which I had described to him). I told him that was a ridiculous way of
maintaining a good customer base. He agreed but said there was nothing he
could do.

Anyway, I had already written a scathing letter via PFB last week over this grace
period issue and have yet to hear from the corporate office. If they call me I will
give them a piece of my mind.

Marci

 

Re: A GRACE PERIOD

Marci, I'm glad I am not alone (not that I'm happy you're going thru this). Please let me know what response (if any) you receive from Providian. I'm not going to play games anymore. I am tired and I am definately prepared to close my account. This is ridiculous! :-I