Also, I applied for a Providian, they gave me a measly $100, minus a one time fee of $39. I called and asked if they can increase, since I pay so well on my cards, they said I will be up for an increase, after 6 months, maybe another $200. i have seen tons of you get increases after 2, 3, 4 months. Do I have a higher risk card, or what? I can't imagine, getting $100, and waiting 6 months to get a crappy $200. I have the blue classic one. Anyone share their experiences with this card, and when you got increases? Anyone else start with only $100?
How long have you had the card? I heard that after 3 months or so, you're up for a review. Considering you have no lates, over the limits, etc. You can ask for the retention dept. and tell them you have a better offer from a competitor, and see if they're willing to negotiate better terms. All they can say is "no". Then if you really want (can be risky) threaten to cancel the card and see what they're willing to do to keep you. I wouldn't suggest mentioning to cancel if you really need the card. See how it goes and keep us updated =0)
I've never heard of a $100 visa limit, Thats horrible! call them up and cancel that. take your money to a respectable company like capitalone. Providian treats their customers like crap and in my eyes, are sub-sub-prime, like FCNB,orchard,net1st,first premier. That would be a total insult to get a $100 line, except from maybe macy's, because thats how they work. One nice dinner, and you'll be "DENIED".
I had the blue classic card with an initial limit of 500.00. One and a half yrs later I have a 4700. limit. They are good at increases and I have'nt had any problems with them. They have helped me rebuild a credit history.
2.5 Years Post chapter 7 they gave me $1000. (They offered) 2.5 years later I got $6000. My credit report is a mess too.
Agree Dump IT ! Call retention, tell them you are insulted by a STUPID USELESS $100 limit. If they don't give you $500 now, cancel and follow Sam's advice. Dogman
RE: Agree Dump IT ! Wow, I didn't know they did this to people! I thought their minimum was $300? Guess not... Yeah...get rid of that thing unless they raise to $300.
Hi Dogman! I'm doing great! A lot has happend... Wallet got stolen but Am/Ex took care of EVERYTHING! I guess since I've been charging steadily over $1k/mo (I know that's peanuts to some) they see me as a good customer. I have their credit card protection and all my cards (10 total) are registered with them. If my wallet is ever lost, I call ONE number and all my stuff is CANCELED! Their fraud dept. is tha bomb! They called me for info on my wallet (long story short an employee at a store stole my wallet and had friends try to use my cards) and they wanted all the information possible. They are also working w/ the POLICE! Last night they called to verify charges on my bill that just got sent out. A very nice rep spoke with me and said, "Thank you Ms. P...you may continue to use your card...have a great evening". I love it. Did I also mention that when they were sending me replacement cards (secured, corp, gold) they didn't send the gold (by mistake sent it regular mail) so the rep arranged for me to go to an Am/Ex travel office (right around the corner from my house) and they had a new gold card WAITING FOR ME! Talk about the best service ever! Now the biggest hoop-la is the Am/Ex Fidelity deal. There has been a lot of good discussion on this board regarding this (great debates from both sides) but the bottom line is this may be the closest I come to having an Am/Ex Platinum with all the benifits (which I would use by the way). There was some discussion that people shouldn't run out and do this just for the card. I believe that also, but the fact of the matter is a lot of people need a nice card to pull out when you're going to lunch w/ clients, etc. Sometimes a gold check card isn't even enough! You know folks aren't going to take you serious when you pull out that Providian Gold either! You know how it is Dog...we live in the Bay Area...I work in Silicon Valley of all places and the dang MAIL CLERKS have Am/Ex Gold cards! Crazy...it's the only place I know where the receptionist's starting salary is $40k! She also drives a JAG by the way! So, there's my Am/Ex update since I know you love to hear them. P.S. For those of you that would like a GOLD check card, sign up w/ Washington Mutual...you can get a gold checking account for $6/mo. The do run Chexsystems though....FYI....
RE: Hi Dogman! Actually, I called Providian, after seeing their TV offer. I was told I have $100, minus $39 fee, so only $61!! I called the day I got the card(2 weeks ago), I asked if they could increase my limit, since my credit with other cards was good, they said no. As I said earlier, I am trying to clean up my credit, but as far as the last year, I have been VERY good at paying. I really need the card, though. I guess I'll call, see if they will increase, thanks everyone. This board is very informative! Julie
Back to your problem... Sorry...strayed off your topic for a minute. Anyways.... I thought my credit was pretty sappy (more like finished!) and I got a pre-appproved Visa Gold offer from them THREE TIMES. First offer I dumped in the trash. Second offer I took ($300). While that offer was processing, another one came but obviously I dumped that one in the trash. Now my limit is $1k (got the card 6/00). I don't know what financial situation is but my recommendation is getting secured cards: Cap1 Secured Best case: $99 for $500 Worst case: $199 for $200 Chase Secured lowest deposit is $300. Unsecured after 18 mo. of positive pay history. Reports to CRAs. Citibank Secured Lowest deposit is $300. Unsecured after 18 mo. of positive pay history. Doesn't report until unsecured. This is based on the fact that I don't know your history. People also recomment First Consumers Nat'l Bank. I can't comment on them because I know nothing about them. I guess they give you more than 100% of your deposit as a credit line. Just remember that you can't rebuild your credit with out investing SOME money (i.e. annual fee, high interest rate, deposit, etc.). Maybe others might have better ideas???
RE: Hi Dogman! AHH - Silicon Valley - now some of those that got PLAT AMEX Cards a yr ago don't have a dime now
RE: Hi Dogman! Yep! It was (and still is sorta) BELLY FLOP TIME! At my job, we call it the Flintstone Flop! The best is when you try to pull up a web page of some new fangled dot com company and you get the "The page cannot be displayed...." blah blah blah. And let's not even talk about the stock market! My friend day trades and I thought she was going to jump out a window the other day! I guess that's what some folks do when your $100k in the hole that was took out on margin! I don't know much about stock but I know that's bad!
RE: Hi Dogman! damn those people are better off smoking crack than day trading. Same theory I've seen it done too! so sad. Gambling at its worst. Hope they get better! I hear that day trading is really addictive.
OT: Silly.com Valley, was:Hi D I used to work for a dot bomb that decided it would be a GOOD THING to move to CA from GA, oh, last April or so....LOLOLOL. This month, I heard that just about all the developers are heading back to the sunny South. Glad I decided not to go (although I DO have to say that the Bay Area is beautiful...) Cheers, Cindy
