Looks like the next phase of the Providian comeback trail is in motion. Received a letter from Providian, telling me that they are upgrading my Providian Gold to Platinum. The added benefits are, 9.99% for three months on new purchases, 25 grace (I have a current grace), and a new APR of 18.99% So here's my take, all those Platinum accounts that were sold have to be replaced. So Providian will do a little marketing in keeping their middle tier clients by 'upgrading' them. Best regards, Mirage
Hi Mirage! my account with Providian is closed - paid in full. They reported excellently to the credit bureaus accounts closed by comsumer request, paid as agreed, never late. I did manage to improve my credit - Providian sent me their visa invitation 30 days after the Chap 13 in 1996. AND, somehow, I rode herd on them enuf that I never got stuck with any of their stupid programs in their "screw the customer days". I did pay $49 for increases though. I suspect they are running very clean right now. Best regards, Dogman
dogman, how are you doing? Actually Providian has been decent to me in the last year or so. If they would only compete on the APR. Still they have really boost my credit with a high limit and these promotional APR's have helped with purchases. This promo is my second one in 7 months. I think Providian is really trying to stay in business. Best regards, Mirage
Providian is also going after customers in Wisconsin even when the website still does not accept applications from Wisconsin residents. I have been getting a pre-approved invitation in the mail every Saturday for the past six weeks! They are still coming even though I responded to the first invitation over a month ago. Tim in Wisconsin
I talked to Special Customer Service yesterday when my new card arrived with a start day that preceeded the expiry date on the old card. I figured I'd go for a lower APR. "Sorry", she tells me, "all those special offers are by mail only now. Generally, if you've had an account for two years you'll start to get offers for limit increases or lower APRs etc. However, the lower APRs are usually only when they are going to change your card type--classic to gold, or gold to platinum etc." So when I asked if there were any offers in my future, she couldn't tell me. Oh yeah, she did say that only the Platinum card accounts are going to be sold off to JP Morgan.
jonesing, I must be in that mold now as my account is approaching the 2 year mark. I noticed that my account started moving in terms of cl increases when I charged up the account and then paid off the balance a full billing cycle later. In short I am the 'perfect' Providian customer. I don't think any of us getting the Platinum upgrades will be included in the Chase transaction. Unless Providian is padding the numbers. Looks like more marketing than anything else. Best regards, mirage
