I read everyone's success today getting RNB/Target credit increases, so I thought I'd do it with my Providian. I've had the thing for almost two years, started at $500 at 18.9%, now I'm at $3000 at 29.9% (they raised my rate about two months ago for who knows what reasons) So I called and asked for credit services, who in turn said that they only deal with accounts past due, and since mine was in good standing, they transferred me back to customer service. I spoke with them, threatening that I got a MBNA offer for 0% BT and $5000 limit and was going to close my Providian account. Her response was "it is Providian's policy not to take credit limit increases or interest rate decrease requests over the phone. That all accts were reviewed monthly, and I would get a letter in the mail if I qualify for either of those" I've had a perfect record with them, only 55% utilization, and always pay at least $150 or more each month. Anyone have any luck with Providian? How did you do it?
I attempted to talk with a customer rep a little over a month ago about lowering my APR, but I got the same song and dance about recieving a letter. I called them again today and they said it was not there practice to lower APR rates for there standard Visa cards. When I told her that I wanted to pay off the entire balance with a check over the phone($3900), she stated that she would get ahold of a customer service supervior and call me back. I have not heard from anyone in the past hour and paid the balance online. I will let you know if they call back and offer anything. Providian was a big help in getting my credit re-established but with the high APR, I think it's time to cut them loose.
Watch Out..... I had an account with them since 1999. I was never late and always paid over the limit. I started out at $500 CL and over the years my CL was raised to $3950. Well 2 weeks ago I got a letter in the mail that they were reducing my CL to $571 ...... (Yea I know WHY $571) Anyway I Told them where they could stick thier card. Just an FYI. leencaci
All these providan posts make me nervous. My husband just got approved for a Providian Platinum with a credit limit of 2000. He has no interest for six months and then a rate of 19.9%. Has anyone had an automatic DECREASE in interest. I keep hearing INCREASES only.
I had a Providian card too...Getsmart Visa and they sent me a notice that my APR was going up to 29.9% after being a loyal customer for 2 yrs and having NO late payments and no over the limits! They said if I closed it out I could keep the 19% currently and pay it off that way. Well I closed that puppy out immediately!! I have a capital one with 9% and that is what I use normally....I would stay away from Providian if I were you! Also, Nextcard did that same thing to me too!
I truly think that if you are with Providian, you will get burned sooner or later. I had a MC and VIsa with them. The MC they raised the APR to 29.9 I closed it, and they put the APR at 19.9. And I paid it off all in one lump sum. On the Visa, I paid it off all in one lump sum and when I called to cancel they said they would drop the rate to 16.9%, but I told the lady no way. The card was good when I needed the credit, but if I stayed with them I would still have the annual fee. And I refuse to pay an annual fee anymore. Plus, I had grown to hate them.
Well, I emailed a complaint with the above info to Providian via PFB. I made comparisons against my Cap1 cards and how they are much better. We'll see if it does anything. I think I'll give it two weeks.
Providian is a slime bank, I've had them for 2 years no lates, no over limits, never over 15% utilization. And today I get my statement enclosed is a note saying they are in the process of reviewing accounts. And if based on this review they believe cardholders cannot repay thier debts, they reserve the right to lower limits or close out cards. I take it as an insult that they would send these memo's out. I'm glad this card has been paid off for over a year. The only reason I keep it open is because its my oldest trade line, but I might just take the score hit and dump these animals.
my oldest TL....just waiting for these birds to Close My account...Then i will dispute it to all CRAS "Closed At Consumers Request"...... I have the Basic Blue Classic Visa..started with a $500 CL and 3.5 years later only $1400...granted i used ONLY once this year.....always got the Annual fee waived.....Apr Reduced to 16.9% about a year after holding the card...I never had a problem, but still dislike the bank....thanks Tony V. middle 700's FICO
Well you were lucky for not paying the annual fee. I had requested more than twice and never had mine reduced.
I wonder what they're up to.....Providian just raised my CL from $3,900 to $6,900. I got the fee waived last year and am certainly going to try again in January when I'm up for renewal. If nothing else, it's good for the ratios.
