I have a question, not really specific to Providian, but in general I guess..... i have an account with providian, the interest rate is outrageous considering how rates have dropped recently. I called them this morning and was told they could not reduce the rate because it is a fixed rate. Immediately I got extremely angry with that as you can imagine. So, I called back a few minutes later and asked to speak with a manager and requested again that the rate be dropped or transfer my card to another card they have with a lower interest rate and no annual fee. I was told that he could drop the rate from 23.99% down to 19% (still too high, but better than 23.99 so I'll take it) but could not eliminate the annual fee or transfer the account into one that is more acceptable to me. He went on to say that in order to do this, I would have to pay this card off, then re-apply for another with them with those terms....Yea, OK.....like that is ever going to happen! My question is this.....If I request this card account to be closed, how bad is that looked upon as far as my score and with other creditors? I can't stand this company....they don't work with me at all and my other cards will. Now, I see why they are having such problems.
Best to let the account stay open and "age". But I'd try to get a different card (not related to Providian whatsoever), with a low rate balance transfer offer and move the money to the better account.
Also Rutheena, keep an eye out when the mail comes in. I can't vouch for Providian, but most credit card companies will match the offer of the rate they're offering, assuming it's the same type of card. In other words, if Providian sends you an offer in the mail (Has to have your name on it - it can't be a generic offer that comes enclosed with a magazine, music club, etc.) then call them up with the offer in hand. Usually they'll ask for a code that appears on the offer somewhere and viola - lower rate. Hope that helps GT
