Credit Card Ratings- 17,000+: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:46 PM* 0 comments

Author: Guest
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 12:20 pm
Post subject: Huge Credit Limits

Hello! I'm new to the board and have a question I have not seen addressed in previous posts. I look at credit bureaus all day and have seen some obscenely large credit limits extended to people I wouldn't lend a nickel to. Does anyone know how any bank of credit card company determines the initial limit granted to a customer? Any 'insiders' out there perhaps?

Thank you!
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Author: creditceo
Guest
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 12:53 pm
Post subject: huge limits

First, CB's are going to look at your score. 680+ and you are in the game, primetime, meaning prime cards such as Amex, Chase, Discover, MBNA, Bank One, etc. This doesn't tell the entire story, but this is the start of the game. Then, they are going to look at what your current limits are, whether you own a home or rent, and lastly, your income. This is how it is determined. Things that go into your initial score you should already know such as utilization, total debt, payment history, mix of accounts, and inquiries. What type of limits are you looking for or curious about?

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Author: Guest
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 1:05 pm

l, a few weeks ago I saw a person with a $71,000 limit from MBNA and I thought that to be very impressive. Although the credit was very clean, I thought the revolving ratio was a little high. Then, last week, I saw a bureau where the customer just opened an MBNA account with a $25,000 limit and really had no other comparable credit of any type. I'm just curious if there is some credit criteria factor (from any bank) that would make this type of limit make a little more sense to me. I haven't opened a new credit card in a few years -- and MBNA is looking pretty good about now.

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Author: mouse
Guest
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 2:50 pm

Anonymous wrote:
Well, a few weeks ago I saw a person with a $71,000 limit from MBNA and I thought that to be very impressive. Although the credit was very clean, I thought the revolving ratio was a little high. Then, last week, I saw a bureau where the customer just opened an MBNA account with a $25,000 limit and really had no other comparable credit of any type. I'm just curious if there is some credit criteria factor (from any bank) that would make this type of limit make a little more sense to me. I haven't opened a new credit card in a few years -- and MBNA is looking pretty good about now.I have a couple of SMALLER accounts UNDER $25,000

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Author: Guest
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:02 am

MBNA offers cards up to 100K with plat plus if your income can support it. It is not YOUR decsion to decide who should or should not have large limits. I have a couple cards around 25K, so what is the big deal? IF the debt ratio was sooooo bad, the banks would take action. Just because you wouldn't lend a nickel to that person with large limits does not give you the right to criticize banks that do............

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Author: Guest
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:36 pm

The reason for my post was simple; to learn more about credit card company's initial limit approval guidelines. Guest, If you interpret that as a critical remark, you are an idiot, and should keep your retarded comments to yourself. It almost sounds like you took my post personally -- did the situation I'm speaking of sound like your own (a little overextended are we)? Have the banks already taken action against you? It is NOT my decision who receives credit, or how much credit is granted by any credit card company and I am NOT passing judgement. I'm only asking questions to learn more. Isn't that what this board is for?

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Author: Verne
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 487
Location: Midwest
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:43 pm

A lot of factors are considered when it comes to credit limits. From my experience two stand out after you've met all the other requirements: 1. Your existing credit limits 2. Your stated income (when applying for credit). Even though it often isn't verified, income plays a huge role in the establishment of the initial credit limit. When my income doubled almost overnight, I noticed a dramatic increase in starting credit limits although everything else had remained the same. What will get you a big credit limit, after you've satisfied them in other areas, is big credit limits elsewhere. Once I broke the $5,000 - $6,000 barrier, others followed suit. When I hit $10,000 with one card, others inched the limit upward and suddenly I was approved for new cards with a starting limit of $9500 or $9800. (Nobody wants to start you out with a limit that is above your highest elsewhere) But how do you prime the pump, start the feeding frenzy, or mix this many metaphors in one sentence you ask? If you want high credit limits the trick is to find a card (like GM) that is willing to give you higher limits than what you have elsewhere. After that, the whole thing snowballs and the other cards follow like lemmings.

Verne
Any agreement that can be changed at any time, for any reason, is no agreement at all.

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Author: Nathan
Joined: 09 Apr 2004
Posts: 7
Location: Arizona
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:12 pm

Thanks for the response, Verne. Your insight is truly appreciated.

There are no stupid questions -- only stupid answers.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:52 pm

Overextended? Banks taking action against me? OK, believe what you want.

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Author: troll stomper
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 2:11 pm

Anonymous wrote:
Overextended? Banks taking action against me? OK, believe what you want.

that poster really got your goat hahahaha

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 2:34 pm

When you complete the initial application for the card, it asks what your stated income is, or house hold income, depending on your answer sometimes determines what they will offer. This does not work for all creditors though, some of them want to see proof of the income claimed. Recently applying for Pulaski Bank card I learned that $20,000 income to them (verified) is only worth $2,000 credit limit combined... so if I already had $1500 with another creditor showing on the credit report - Pulaski would only extend me a credit limit of $500 - capping what I could have available. (This company also adds to their fine print, their ability to sell your account to another company should you fail to meet their standards) meaning that I don't think you can apply - then aquire more credit afterwards exceeding their cap without them no longer wanting you as a customer. Sad thing is they offer a FIXED 5.5% interest rate, and should they sell the account, you could end up with another creditor charging 18% interest.

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Author: geico
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:09 pm

Lenders and borrowers do business based on trust. If borrowers don't break the rules, lenders won't think twice to increase credit limit. You don't have to earn a lot to get high credit line. All you need to do is " Don't abuse lender's trust". OK!!!!

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Author: troll catcher
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:17 pm

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Author: AgntSmith
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 4:17 pm

Banks have their own policies in granting credit lines. If you are rich enough to own a bank, you set your own rules. Don't criticize others.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:42 pm

Anonymous wrote:
MBNA offers cards up to 100K with plat plus if your income can support it. It is not YOUR decsion to decide who should or should not have large limits. I have a couple cards around 25K, so what is the big deal? IF the debt ratio was sooooo bad, the banks would take action. Just because you wouldn't lend a nickel to that person with large limits does not give you the right to criticize banks that do............

MBNA guide for 100k line for unsecured debt
1. Established credit with similar lines
2.THI of around 500k, stocks, liquid assets around 250k and no delinquency

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 4:34 pm

Are you offering an opinion or do you work or otherwise have inside sources at MBNA to make this statement?

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Author: Charley
Guest
Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 3:05 am
Post subject: MBNA Reps

There used to be one or two MBNA people who would pop up on these boards in an unofficial capacity occasionally. If you search the old message board, you might be able to find their postings. It was good to have them around. They provided a little insight as to how MBNA worked inside. Like the criteria for a 100K credit line.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:40 PM* 0 comments

Author: vladtepes
Joined: 07 May 2004
Posts: 4
Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 9:15 am
Post subject: Harassed even though I have an arbitration decision.

On Feb 3rd of 2003 I was lucky enough to get an arbitration award in my favor from Southeast Arbitration for a credit card account I had. In may of 2003 I received a letter from Mann-Bracken LLC in Atlanta GA notifying me they would take action on behalf of that credit card company for the same account. Being the corteous person I am, I faxed them the Arbitration award and heard nothing from them by letter nor by phone until nearly a year later!! They keep leaving messages saying "Take care of this by 5 o'clock today!" so i call them up and I tell them I sent them the Arbitration Papers and the guy in their office says "Uh the papers are phoney.". Obviously that's not true but I want to know what their game is. I mean this is a YEAR after the fact for crying out loud! They're really far away so I think the chances of this going to court are exceptionally slim seeing as how I also have the arbitration award and their procrastination puts them in a bad light. But I'd like to know what your thoughts are.

Thank you.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 10:56 am

Contact FTC file complaint, and contact Attoney General for your state and state they are located in to file complaint... sure they can help you on this matter. Also should be able to contact Southeast Arbitration to report this problem see what they can do to help.

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Author: vladtepes
Joined: 07 May 2004
Posts: 4
Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 3:26 pm

Thanks Night Star Much Obliged

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:36 PM* 0 comments

Author: TVJournalist
Joined: 07 May 2004
Posts: 1
Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 2:50 pm
Post subject: Credit Card Upgrades

Hello, My name is Julie, and I'm a TV producer working on a consumer credit card story. Apparently, credit card companies offer upgrades through the mail all the time- you know from gold to platinum cards. But sometimes they used those upgrades as an opportunity to restructure your contract. THAT COULD MEAN higher fees or different terms for you. If this has happened to you and you want to help educate others about this, please reply

Thanks,
Julie

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 6:52 pm

I am not sure if you would call mine an "upgrade" but recently Capital One on K-Mart accounts, decided to switch all of their members to dues paying. So a fee of about $5.00 per month is being added to the billing statements. Since the K-Mart stores are having financial problems, they have decided to make all their customers pay more.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:33 PM* 0 comments

Author: danish
Guest
Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 9:48 pm
Post subject: which credit card pull up inquiry from wich credit beurue

how can we find that which credit card pull up inquiry from whom like chase pull up there inquire from which beaureu

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 8:06 am

whopulledbycredit

finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/whopulledmycredit/?yguid=77583757

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:19 PM* 0 comments

Author: otter
Guest
Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 1:31 am
Post subject: Trying to Cancel Credit Card

Hi all. I've had a Capitol One Visa for about 3 years up until about 2 months ago. After far too many problems than it was worth, I cancelled the card a little over a month ago today. Well I log on today to make sure that the account was closed out and find a charge from my internet provider for $21.00. This opened the account back up, interest and all. My question is this: How can Capitol One allow a charge to be applied to an account that was closed one month ago AND has a credit limit of $0 because of the cancellation? These guys are like a bad case of the crabs, I can't get them out of my life. I HATE CAPITOL ONE!!!

Thanks in advance for any insight, sorry for the venting.

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Author: Verne
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 487
Location: Midwest
Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 8:04 am

If you don't have a balance with CapOne the interest rate shouldn't matter. Just pay in full every month. That aside, be preventive and stop any recurring charges billed to that card. I had the same problem with Chase. After closing it twice, the card lived on. It says, "closed by consumer" on my credit reports yet at the same time shows I have available credit. Since I can use the available credit to boost my credit score I leave the Undead alone. I'm sure there's a better way, but you could report it lost and ask them to reissue the card with different numbers and exp. date. Then close it. (Like I said, I'm sure there's a better way but I always find the path of most resistance) You may want to reconsider closing it at all. You would lose the longevity of the account and the available credit. Unless you closed it with a balance, it may be in your best interest to keep it open.

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 714
Location: NJ
Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 11:13 pm

I've had this happen several times. All you have to do is call the provider and point out to them that the account was closed on such and such date and no new charges will be honored. They have always credited the new charge for me and credit any finance charge that happened to acccrue. This will often happen when you have reoccuring charges. I agree that it SHOULDN'T happen, but oftentimes it does. Once the card is past its scheduled expiration date no new charges will be honored no matter what.

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Ira

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 11:50 pm

I read an article once that at least some credit card issuers have two ways of closing an account - "soft" (when a new charge can reopen the account) and "hard" (when no new charges will be approved). It's amazing how they redefine simple words when they want to maximize profits, ain't it? Ask Capital One to really-REALLY close your account this time.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sat May 31, 2003 8:41 pm
Post subject: Re: Trying to Cancel Credit Card

otter wrote:
Hi all. I've had a Capitol One Visa for about 3 years up until about 2 months ago. After far too many problems than it was worth, I cancelled the card a little over a month ago today. Well I log on today to make sure that the account was closed out and find a charge from my internet provider for $21.00. This opened the account back up, interest and all. My question is this: How can Capitol One allow a charge to be applied to an account that was closed one month ago AND has a credit limit of $0 because of the cancellation? Did you call your internet provider and imform them of canceling the Capitol One Account and that they will need to charge you on another account.. If you closed the account, and if this was a recurring Monthly Charge, it would still be allowed as a charge on your account.. ALso ,Just pay the Bill in full before the due date and there will be no interest..If this is a charge that you do not have any longer.. Just use the Dispute process. These guys are like a bad case of the crabs, I can't get them out of my life. I HATE CAPITOL ONE!!! Thanks in advance for any insight, sorry for the venting.

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Author: rasca13173
Joined: 01 Jun 2003
Posts: 13
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2003 12:08 pm

is it a good idea to cancel credit cards when you don't use them........i have 2 credit cards that i got 0% on purchases for a year.....i payed them off in a year without paying a cent in interest......now should i just cancel the cards or just keep them even though i will never use them.....would my credit rport suffer? does it make a difference?

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Author: adamh
Guest
Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 7:36 pm
Post subject: same boat

I am in the same boat with capital one. I canceled my account well over a month ago. Today I received a bill with a charge to the account. Turns out I forgot about a magazine subscription that was due for renewal. I called the credit card company to ask why a charge was allowed on a canceled account. They said that legally they can still honor payments like this and charge me for them. What I want to know is if this is true. Yes, I should have remembered to cancel that magazine subscription but I don't like the idea that when I say "close this account" they get to decide whether or not to actually do it.

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 714
Location: NJ
Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 6:36 am

Always cancel cards by mail and not by phone. Whenever I cancel a card I always word it something like this: "Please cancel the above referenced account as of today, (date). Please be advised that charges to this account after today's date are not authorized by me and will not be honored."

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 8:09 am

One thing to remember when canceling credit cards - Never ever return the credit card, cut it up and dispose of it.

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Author: adamh
Guest
Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 6:09 am

I have a bill showing a 0 balance. It also has a statement that my request to close my account has been recieved and that once it reaches that 0 balance it will be closed. Is this enough to prove that this was an unauthorized transaction and get them to close the account again and return the balance to zero?

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Author: Polonius
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 19 Jan 2004
Posts: 340
Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 9:24 am

Adamh, the answer is no. It's NOT an unauthorized transaction. You gave the magazine publisher permission to renew your subscription when it expired; you failed to cancel that authorization with the publisher. (Usually the publisher will mail you a letter a few months before that's done, by the way. I just got one from Computer Shopper saying my sub will expire with the August issue and will be renewed automatically as I requested.) As far as the bank and the law are concerned, you authorized the transaction--and the bank really did you a favor in honoring it and leaving your account open. What if you had scheduled your rent payment and were faced with eviction or huge penalties because the charge wasn't honored? What if you had scheduled your mortgage payment or another credit card payment and thus failed to pay on time when it wasn't honored, resulting in late fees, penalties, a black mark on your credit record, and possibly higher interest on your debt? Look, this is not a big deal. Write to the magazine publisher and say you want a refund. It will credit your account. My policy in cancelling a card? I stop using it. I first check statements to see if there are recurring charges, like a monthly charge from my ISP. I cancel those automatic payments. If it's a no-fee card, I then do nothing. You gain nothing at all by cancelling a no-fee card--you only reduce your available credit and credit score. If it's a fee-based card, I check back to see when the annual fee kicks in, and I cancel the month before. Sometimes, like you, I see things like unremembered magazine subscriptions hitting the account. And sometimes I get hit with the annual fee because I wasn't paying attention--in that case, I've found that I can call and cancel and get the fee refunded as long as it's within a few weeks of receipt of the statement showing the fee hit.

Polonius
"Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend"

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Author: mouse
Guest
Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 12:35 pm

NightStar wrote:
One thing to remember when canceling credit cards - Never ever return the credit card, cut it up and dispose of it.I do (have for more than 20 years) that way they know I'M NOT KIDDING I also make sure that know exactly why I'm doing it in the letter CERTIFIED R/R

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:17 PM* 0 comments

Author: tuffy
Guest
Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 6:32 pm
Post subject: Credit cards companies using Experian?

New to the board. I would like to know if anyone has a list of credit cards companies that use Experian to process their applications. The reason I ask is because my score is higher with Experian than with the other 2. Just hoping one of the companies will issue me a non-secured card. I appreciate your help.

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Author: NightSta
rForum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 7:29 pm

finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/whopulledmycredit/?yguid=77583757

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:13 PM* 0 comments

Author: vladtepes
Joined: 07 May 2004
Posts: 4
Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 10:58 pm
Post subject: Help with possible lawsuits

Lawsuits may be incredibly difficult, but there's always something you can do, Fortunately each state has it's own provisions for what is called The Claim of Exemptions form. Certain monies, property, things you can use for your job or trade up to a certain value are exempt, some value in property can be exempt, clothing, books (All depends on your state). I also believe you do not have to declare bankruptcy for this form. At least with this form the CA's can't take everything you have.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:05 PM* 0 comments

Author: cathy19
Joined: 06 Apr 2004
Posts: 1
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:30 pm
Post subject: American Express Mailing Address

Does anyone have a mailing address for American Express? They are reporting an account on my credit report that I believe is too old to still be reported and I need to contact them, by mail, for verification.

Thank you

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Author: Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:46 pm
Post subject: Re: American Express Mailing Address

cathy19 wrote:
Does anyone have a mailing address for American Express? They are reporting an account on my credit report that I believe is too old to still be reported and I need to contact them, by mail, for verification. Thank you

Did you find the address? Can you please share if so?

Thank you.

Radu.

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 714
Location: NJ
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 4:45 am

I'm just curious - what did you do to try to find the address yourself? If you can get to this site you can just as easily get to the American Express web site which has all kinds of information including all the addresses and telephone numbers you could ever want. Major consumer companies such as American Express make it very easy for people to find them, but you have to put forth the effort. Mabe I'm missing something, but I'm constantly amazed at the number of people who ask this type of inane question when they can easily find the answer they want a lot quicker if they would only think about the resources available to them. BTW, it's not limited to just people on this board - it's throughout life.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:03 pm

Every bank out there has mailing addresses out there, either through customer service numbers (usually an option) or via the web at their websites under "Contact Us" Addresses for Correspondence, Payments, Disputes, Corp offices, etc.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:12 pm

American Express Company
americanexpress.com
Financial Center,
200 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10285
Tel: 212-640-2000 Fax: 212-619-9802

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Author: Guest
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 3:35 pm
Post subject: FYI Ira

The AMEX web site does NOT provide mailing address. Infact in the section titled "address and phone numbers" only phone numbers are listed. Perhaps you should take your own advise and investigate matters before you fire off a condesending ( and incorrect) message.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 4:14 pm

I agree, some of these companies try their best to not educate consumers on addresses and phone number to contact them. I cheated, for this address, I went to planetfeedback.com when through like I was going to write a letter to American Express to get in far enough to snag the address.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 4:00 PM* 0 comments

Author: parrothead86
Joined: 22 Apr 2004
Posts: 55
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 6:41 pm
Post subject: Help with collection account House hold Bank

We have an old house hold bank card ( originally $300 limit ) that has gone bad several years ago. I have some memory of paying this off three years ago but have nothing to prove it. Recently I have been given court papers issued by an LLC who some how has gotten this account and they are trying to collect over $1900 on this account. Is this possible? How high can they run this up? Is their any way If I do not have evidence that the debt is paid that I might be able to find record of that? Should I trust an LLC? Can I call HHB directly? parrothead86

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 8:15 pm

That is a hard one, you can send debt validation out to the collection agnecy, asking them to prove that the debt is yours and to show billing history on this to justify what they say is owed. It is always worth a try to go back to the creditor and dispute with them that the account had been paid. If they don't have the back records you might be out of luck, have you pulled a copy of your credit report to see what is being reported. Have you in the past pulled prior credit reports that you might have on record. Hopefully at that time they might have updated the paid status, hard to say. Very likely if you do pay, that you can get the balance reduced considerably what you would have to pay to them to settle on this matter. But try the other options of disputing first before deciding if you have to repay this debt. Note: Keep all records, oh, 2nd note, keep records organized, LOL I have no trouble with the first directive, just the 2nd one, it has been a major headache over the years I can atest to that.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 1:42 PM* 0 comments

Author: parrothead86
Joined: 22 Apr 2004
Posts: 55
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 6:52 pm
Post subject: Stillman Law LLC

Over a year ago I paid off a credit card that was placed for collections to Stillman Law LLC. I made an agreement with them in writting to pay over $800 on a $1000 collection. ( original creidt limit of $200 ). I recieved a letter from them stating the judgment was settled in full etc. yet over a year later the balance between the settlement agreement amount and the original collection amount still shows up on my credit report. Doesnt satisfied in full mean Satisfied in full? I have called the original credit granter on this several times they tell me they will take care of it. Stillman Law will no longer accept or return my calls. How do you get a break? Bad things happen to good people! Good people try to fix the trouble left in the wake. Do I have to pay the remaining balance to make this come off or should it show satisfied on my credit report just like the court documents that they sent me?

Parrothead86

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2135
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 8:22 pm

If you have the court document that shows satisfied then forward copies of this to each of the credit reporting agencies asking them to update the judgment to reflect satisfied, and update any other collection listings, original creditor listings to also show zero balance paid.

Experian
PO Box 2002
Allen Tx 75013

Equifax(need to check their site for the correct dispute address) there is a zip code look up at this site:
econsumer.equifax.com/consumer/forward.ehtml?forward=investigation

TransUnion
PO Box 1000
Chester Pa 19022

Be sure to include: Name Address Social Security Number Date of Birth Copy of Drivers License Copy of the court form showing satisfied

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 1:16 PM* 0 comments

Author: Guest
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 4:54 pm
Post subject: Facing Credit Card Bankruptcy...Please help!

I really need assistance with high income interest credit card. Debt consolidation is out - I will have to file Bankruptcy. Any tips?

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 6:08 pm

What state are you from? Will be back with more info for you soon, have to step out a minute.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 8:47 pm

Ok, moving on without knowing which state - which once you provide I can link you to your state web site for further information about process for filing, and exemptions. Anyway -

1) Need to order copy of credit report from all 3 CRAs. (order direct here and no where else) you absolutely need their version of the reports to obtain addresses - which your lawyer will need. Cost will be $9.00 per credit report. Recommend trying the phone numbers first; go through the automated system having been declined credit - you might get lucky that the system sends you a free credit report regardless of having been declined credit or not!

TransUnion transunion.com 1-800-916-8800 PO Box 1000 Chester PA, 19022
Experian experian.com 1-888-397-3742 PO Box 2104 Allen Tx, 75013
Equifax equifax.com 1-800-685-1111 PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

2) If you don't see a creditor or collection agency listed on the credit report, then you will need to obtain this for the lawyer. If you have to call the company to obtain the address, don't disclose any more information to them then you have to. If it takes promissing payment then do so, if you feel they will withhold the address otherwise. Once the bankruptcy is filed, you have 6 months before discharge to make sure everyone is included. So you might re-order the credit reports say in the 5th month just to make sure you have them all. Once the discharge goes through, it would cost additional money to re-open the case to have others included.

3) If they do call you back to harrase you over payment, then at this time inform them of the bankruptcy and the contact information for your lawyer, nothing else is needed to be said on your part, just hang up the phone on them. Not worth any further stress over what can't be changed.

4) Once the bankruptcy is filed, be sure to forward copies of the bankruptcy (schedule F papers & discharge) to all 3 of the Credit Reporting Agencies - with request to update showing Included In Bankruptcy / Zero Balance. This will help you in the long run to obtaining & rebuilding credit, just about every time - guarenteed, the creditor is not going to follow up on their obligation to update the CRAs on their end.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 1:10 PM* 0 comments

Author: Jane
Guest
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2003 12:45 pm
Post subject: WWD Direct Merchants Bank Card

This Card is ruining my Life. I pay every month twice when I can but they keep raising the interest. ( I have never been late). Does anyone know anything about this Co.

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Author: Peachkiwi
Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Posts: 39
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2003 9:59 am

I've had their Titanium credit card for about 4 years and Direct Merchants had lowered my interest over the years to about 8.4% (current).

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Author: Donna
Guest
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2003 4:38 pm
Post subject: Direct Merchants Bank

This card is without a doubt the worst I have ever seen. They don't try to help you at all. I had a limit of 6000.00 and then for some reason it was lowered to 1800.00, so they could start charging the over limit fees.

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Author: Molly
Guest
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2003 1:47 pm
Post subject: Direct Merchants

I finally paid off my balance on this card. $12,000 limit. I've had it for six years and they would only lower the apr to 17.4 from 19.99. I'm dumping this card. It's my highest interest rate.

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Author: Mocapino
Guest
Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2003 5:06 am
Post subject: They Suck

Well I have had them for over 4 years too, and they raised my interest rate from 16.9 to 19.9 % They SUCK!

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Author: Karen
Guest
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 10:36 pm
Post subject: Direct Merchants bank sucks

stay away and tell everyone you can tell the company needs to be put out of buisness. We recieved calls all hours 7 days a week always the same thing late fee and over the limit fee so made an agreement with them to settle our account for 90% (which just barely took care of the over limit fees not to mention the late fee we kept getting) anyways they agreed and we thought we would never hear from them again wrong. They sold our account knowing that we had this agreement and the new company not knowing (or so I assume) sent us a bill for the remaining balance (10% left) that is wrong but they don't care. they would call you even if you were dying they would still call all day every day DON'T USE DIRECT MERCHANTS BANK!!

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 1:02 PM* 0 comments

Author: ET
Guest
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:54 am
Post subject: Did Household Bank Buy Your Metris/Direct Merchants?

Household Bank has purchased my Direct Merchants (Metris branded) account. Too bad, too, because I just love the serene beach scene on my Metris card. Well, anyway, I wondered if anybody else got an e-mail or letter in the mail saying their DM account was purchased by Household Bank. Also, I already have an existing Household Bank account. Their policy is that a person can only have ONE account with Household. I wonder (a) why they bought my DM account if I already had a HB account, and (b) if they'll combine the two accounts into one -- a move which I prefer. I'd like to combine the two accounts ($400 limit on HB, $500 limit on DM) (18.9% on HB, 21.0% on DM) and just have one account with a $900 limit and the 18.9% interest rate, of course. I'm trying to whittle things down to just one Mastercard and one Visa before I start trying to add a Discover for use at Sam's Club, but I'll only close one account when I get a credit increase on an existing account. (Jeez, why do I ramble so?) Damaeus

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 714
Location: NJ
Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 4:43 am

Have you tried the simple route? Have you called them ans asked to have your two cards combined into one? Most banks will do that in a heart beat. Instead of asking others whether something will work, just go to the source and ask them. Saves a lot of time too.

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Author: ET
Guest
Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 9:58 am

Well, the issue wasn't really what to do about it. That was my rambling part. I was basically wondering if anybody else's DM account was bought by Household Bank and if they ever figured out why.

ET

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:04 pm

ET
1*I'm trying to whittle things down to just one Mastercard and one Visa before I start trying to add a Discover for use at Sam's Club.
2*I'll only close one account when I get a credit increase on an existing account.

1*Careful about doing this. it could lower your credit scores
2*Again this could lower your score and or increase your interest rates . It could also cause you to get stuck with a jacked rate because you don't have another CARDs to BT from.

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Author: Peachkiwi
Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Posts: 39
Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 9:25 am

Quote:
Household Bank has purchased my Direct Merchants (Metris branded) account. Too bad, too, because I just love the serene beach scene on my Metris card. Well, anyway, I wondered if anybody else got an e-mail or letter in the mail saying their DM account was purchased by Household Bank.

To answer your question, no. I've had my Direct Merchants Titanium since 1999.

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Author: oldmanmagnet
Guest
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:05 am
Post subject: Same situation

I am in the same situation. I found out that Household bought Direct Merchants Bank when I logged on to accountcentralonline.com to pay my DMB bill. I called Household to ask them if they could merge my DMB card with the Household Bank card I already had. They first said that the only thing would change would be ownership, so it would still be a DMB card and I couldn't do it. Next I got mail from Household saying that my DMB card would be replaced by a Household card after March 20th. When April rolled around and I hadn't gotten a card, I called to check. Household didn't have any info. When I called Household after getting the replacement card, the lady who answered told me that she couldn't do merge them, but she could cancel my card. (!) My account had gone into collections (online access was cut off and I did not receive a bill). So I paid the entire balance and told them that I would not be paying the $9.95 late fee, since it was their fault. It looks like they are trying to insist that they cannot merge the accounts, and I don't see why...unless it's the fact that they get twice the opportunities to charge fees when they keep them separate.

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Author: Karen
Guest
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 10:50 pm
Post subject: Direct Merchants Bank

I recently had my account sold to household bank too but they didn't know they we had an agreement with DM which was they we would agree to pay 90% of our loan and they would drop the remaining 10% (which was a hugh amount of late fees and over limit fees). but anyway we got our bill from household and it was for the remaining balance and we called household and told them what happened so I am not sure what they are going to do but we don't owe them anything DM does. DM is the worst company I have ever done business with and I would not recommend them to anyone.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 12:53 PM* 0 comments

Author: cyborg
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 14
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 5:59 pm
Post subject: Questions on rebuild credit / increase credit line

hi all i've just discovered this forum and i think its a great idea... anyways. i use to have very bad credit like 3-4 years ago. i would make miss payments, have high balances, u name it. i've never defaulted anything though. i couldnt even open up a nextel account because they wanted $500 deposit. and credit card applications, i would always be denied. i've been paying my bills ontime for the past 2 years and havent missed anything. my citibank mastercard just increased my credit line from 1500 to 5500 in the last 4 months... i have a mbna card with a limit of 5700... i tried again3 days ago i ended up on the amex site and ended up applying for an amex blue and was told i was approved for 2200. i know my credit is getting better slowly. how can i improve my credit faster and getting increased credit lines? having a limit of 2200 on my amex seems really low... im 26 years old. anytips would be greatly appreciated. btw.. how do utility bills / cell phones / payments affect credit scores? thanks.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 8:27 pm

A few things you can do here... Lates write a good will letter to the creditor requesting that they forgive the late listings and remove them from your credit report. Can use planetfeedback.com to forward to their address and key contact listed here. over the limit you didn't indicate, but I will add just in case. On these, you will want to call the creditor to see if you can get a credit limit increase by the amount that you exceeded the credit limit by. Don't dispute in your case with any of the credit reporting agencies, these accounts though negative are helping the credit just by the history established. Try what you can with persistance to get the creditors to help you from their side. On the accounts you have now, absolutely be sure to keep the utilization down as low as possible, lower then 40% at least.

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Author: cyborg
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 14
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 8:53 pm

thanks nightstar.. i appreciate all ur expertise.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 8:56 pm

I don't have a sample of a good will letter, but what makes up a good will letter:

1. Let them know you are sorry concerning the late occurance,
2. Explain a bit of the problem resulting in the late, like loss of work, illness, family crisis...
3. Point out to them that since then you have met your obligations and insured that the lates will not be a repeat occurance.
. If they can please consider forgiving the lates listings and removing these from your credit report.
5. Let them know if you are applying for any major loans, and stress the affect this is having at this time for you obtaining new credit or gaining the best possible interest rates to be had.
6. Remember to let them know you appriciate their business and look forward to further business with the.

Just something to that affect, just have to fill in your personal information on key areas to make it your own.

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Author: cyborg
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 14
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 1:12 am

i actually searched through some of your old posts and found details of good will letters. i have just sent them out and hope some will respond. i want to thank you again for all your wisdom. i was actually just looking at my credit report and noticed that i had 11 "revolving accounts". Out of the ones listed, i only actively use 6 (includes 2 student loans, and 1 for overdraft protection). The rest look like they are store cards like macys, jcpenny, zales , etc. I havent used those cards in over 3-4 years but some of them show up as "OPEN ACCOUNT". And some show "Credit Line Closed-Consumer requested - reported by subscriber. Account in good standing, Revolving charge account", etc.... Should i call these creditors and make sure the accounts are closed? Most have credit limits of like 600-800.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 6:44 am

On them I would, they don't have to update, just make sure they are closed. Department store accounts, customer service is a major pain when or if you have problems. Will be bad enough if you ever have to deal with ID Theft. I particularly hate JC Penney! Bad customer service! Every time I turned around they added insurance to my account.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 12:47 PM* 0 comments

Author: Oliver
Guest
Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 11:13 pm
Post subject: Raising Orchard Bank limits

I was reading the reviews on this site for the Orchard Bank Mastercard Classic. Here's a quick link to view the reviews:

cardoffers.com/reviews/cardholders/posted/card.asp?idmin=43

There seems to be some confusion about how to get one's limit automatically increased by Orchard/Household. Would one increase his limits the same way as someone with good credit would, or is there a special trick with Orchard Bank? I guess I'm asking if anyone here has this card, and if you managed to get auto increases from this company, how did you use the card to get the auto increase? Did you charge close to the limit and pay if off every month? Did you charge a lot, but not pay your balance completely so they could make some interest off you (and thus think that it might be good to raise you limit so you can possibly generate more interest income for them?) I should note that I do have terrible credit: that's why I have this card. My bankruptcy was discharged about a year ago. I have two secured cards, but I'd like to get this card at a decent limit so I can eventually close the other two accounts. Any advice is appreciated.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 10:17 pm

Well I checked around on your question, another person had this card 3 years, obtained a $100 increase but ended up having to pay them for the increase. Sorry about that...

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 10:24 pm

Quote:
what i do is that if my monthly payment is 15.00 i send them 50.00 that should give u more increases thats how i get mine with out paying

Here is what another person suggested - said they were able to get increases without having to pay for them.

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Author: Guest
Guest
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:32 pm
Post subject: Orchard

I had an Orchard card several years ago. I started with a $300 limit and just used the card for regular everyday stuff. I paid more than the minimum and after six months the limit was raised to $450. Then after another six months the limit was raised to $600. I never went over the limit, never late and didn't use the card for advances.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 12:43 PM* 0 comments

Author: parrothead86
Joined: 22 Apr 2004
Posts: 55
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 4:27 pm
Post subject: SOL help

Where do I go to find the SOL for my state? Does it go by the state that I live in or the state where the creditor is located. What should I do if the SOL is up, but the creditor is still calling every single day and sending letters etc. Also, I had a phone call from CAp One saying that they bought my debt with Speigal. This was a debt that was over 12 years old and I thought that I had paid it. ( thus explaining why it isnt on my credit report and why no one has called me or sent me letters for a DECADE) The lady on the phone said that I needed to give my checking account number and they would take $50 per month until this debt was paid off and if I didnt give her my checking account number, this debt was going on my credit report immediately. Now I am a new reader... and had no idea that I shouldnt do this, and I was scared ... so I did it. Can it be undone? Can they really add this old of a debt to my report? I really beleive that I paid it off YEARS AND YEARS ago,, but have no proof. I have another credit card with cap one that is in good standing..

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:37 pm

INTEREST RATE Legal: 5% Judgment: 7.162 changes semi-annually Usury limit 25% STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) Open Acct.: 6 Written Contract: 6 Sales (UCC) Contract: 4 Domestic Judgment: 10 renewable Foreign Judgment: 10 BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) Twice the amount of check-not to exceed $500. Retail Claims - Notice Requirements. GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS See federal law. COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE (RETAIL ONLY) Bond: $5,000 - $50,000 License: Yes Fee: $150 - Investigation $225 - Initial $125 - Annually Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Out-of-state collector are exempt if [1] collecting by interstate means; and [2] have no clients in the state of Michigan.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:41 pm
Post subject: Re: SOL help

parrothead86 wrote:
Where do I go to find the SOL for my state? Does it go by the state that I live in or the state where the creditor is located.It can go by either the state you reside in now, or the state where service was started. Give me the name of the 2nd state & I will pull that over for you as well.
Quote:
What should I do if the SOL is up, but the creditor is still calling every single day and sending letters etc.What you need to do is write them a letter, certified return receipt requested - telling them that you know the debt is outside of the statute of limitation, and that they are to cease and desist in contecting your further on this matter.
Quote:
Also, I had a phone call from CAp One saying that they bought my debt with Speigal. This was a debt that was over 12 years old and I thought that I had paid it. ( thus explaining why it isnt on my credit report and why no one has called me or sent me letters for a DECADE) The lady on the phone said that I needed to give my checking account number and they would take $50 per month until this debt was paid off and if I didnt give her my checking account number, this debt was going on my credit report immediately. Now I am a new reader... and had no idea that I shouldnt do this, and I was scared ... so I did it. Can it be undone? Can they really add this old of a debt to my report? I really beleive that I paid it off YEARS AND YEARS ago,, but have no proof.

Contact your bank immediately to stop payment on this transaction, you might have to open up new checking account at a different bank completely otherwise they will wipe out your account if you are not carefull. Most states only have SOL for up to 6 years at the very most. So this is long out of SOL for any state out there.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 12:30 PM* 0 comments

Author: Parmstrong
Guest
Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 10:34 pm
Post subject: Judging which CC companies will give me a CC with my score

Dont know how to best ask this but here it goes. I currently have a credit score of 671. Last week i applied for the AMEX Blue online and was denied. i need to get a CC but i dont want to keep applying for cards and get declined. i know that too many inquires can affect your credit score greatly. I know I can go with a secured CC but id rather get a regular CC with a good limit. is there any way to judge which companies will give me a regular credit card with my current credit score?

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Author: Guest
Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 10:37 pm

Oh, just to note. I dont have any current credit cards. I messed up with 2 in the past and closed them. I currently use my Citibank ATM card as my mastercard. i constantly buy things with this card and I know its not helping my credit. i am not currently in debt. i paid my car loan and student loan off earlier this year. The only thing I pay off are monthly bills such as cable, internet, cellphone & house phone, etc.

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 11:47 pm

My advise to you would be to learn as much from the AmEx rejection as possible. Look at the reasons why they rejected you in the letter that they will send you. Order the credit reports and make sure they are correct. Call the AmEx credit department and ask them some questions. You don't just need the score above a certain level to get a card, you also normally need to meet a list of requirements (income above $X, no delinquencies in the latest Y years, Z open credit card accounts in good standing etc.) Talk to them about those requirements, get them to tell you what exactly in your report ticked them off. Judging by what you told us, it would be difficult for you to get a good credit card. So, you might have to get a "bad" one. I recommend secured that reports regularly to all three credit bureaus, as opposed to an unsecured with outrageous fees.

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Author: Parmstrong
Guest
Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 11:55 pm

Thx for the Info. What do you suggest for an unsecred CC. On this site, they recommend the Orchand Bank one and also a AMEX Green (I thinkit was green or yellow) card. The Orchard one looks good, $35 annual fee, no monthly fee, etc. Is there anything else i should look at. The purchases I make are usually above $500, should I put $500 or more, like $1000. I guess I could start with $500 and work my way up. How long does this take to help my credit out? Lastly, I read that I should pay the balance off in full, that I should keep a small balance (below 30% of credit limit) and just pay on time. Does this sound right to you. Thx again!

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Author: Guest
Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 4:02 am

I started with Washington Mutual unsecured card with $500 credit limit and 21% APR but no annual fee. If you have banking relationship with Washington Mutual, ask them for credit card application. When I got my WaMu card, I had no credit history, no credit cards, nothing. Anyway, Washington Mutual helps beginners. For AMEX card, it is hard to get one with your credit score under 700( Equifax Score). Being an executive member at Costco, I was offered AMEX Costco Cash Rebate card with no annual fee. AMEX is second to none in customer service and online account management. I love AMEX. But AMEX is not welcome everywhere like Visa and Master. When my FICO score was 711, I applied AMEX gold charge card and they approved me instantly. Try to apply AMEX again when your FICO score reach 700 or above.

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 4:12 am

So, are you looking for a secured or an unsecured card? Orchard is more likely to approve you than AmEx, I think, as they issue cards for people with bad credit. You can ask AmEx credit department if you can be approved for the Green card when you talk to them, and if they can do that without pulling your credit report again. I personally don't like AmEx Green because of no flexibility to carry a balance (although it may be a good thing if you need this discipline) and because of their high annual fee. If you are interested in a secured card and your monthly purchases are about $500, then keep in mind that in order to charge all these purchases on the card without pre-payments, you need the credit line of at least twice the size. This is because of the grace period - you don't normally pay off the card immediately after the bill is generated. Plus, you should not come too close to the limit anyway. So, either request a credit line of at least a couple thousand (if you can keep that money in their collateral account), or just don't change the whole $500 to the card - keep using the debit card in addition to the credit card. The second option is not that bad, as (1) it seems like you don't like secured cards, possibly because you have to come up with the deposit, so here is the way to lower this deposit to whatever you CAN come up with, and (2) because you build credit history, no matter what your credit limit is. You should expect to use this new card for at least a year, I would say, before you can qualify for a good unsecured card.
Quote:
"Lastly, I read that I should pay the balance off in full, that I should keep a small balance (below 30% of credit limit) and just pay on time."Absolutely. And one more thing - don't jump from card to card. Choose the one you can live with, do your due diligence on their terms, then STAY PUT for as long as it takes to qualify for something better. The more actions you take, the more nervous creditors will feel about you. And of course, choose only the card that regularly reports your account to all three of the the credit bureaus.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 11:11 am

I've been researching secured cards as well and a couple good ones I found were US Bank, they require a minimum $300 deposit, $35 ann. fee and 14.49% interest. Their number is 1-800-285-8585. Another one is Bank of America, minimum $250 deposit, $29 ann. fee and 15.24% interest. Their number is 1-800-678-2632. Good luck!

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Author: Aisha
Joined: 09 May 2003
Posts: 55
Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 9:36 pm
Post subject: Bank of America

B of A is very good to go with. They are one of my personal favorites.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2003 2:01 am

Try fool cards. They offer very low APR cards. Go to fool.com/landing/card/landing.htm?source=istcclnk020111

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2003 11:36 am

Fool card is not for people with bad credit.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2003 4:04 pm
Post subject: Re: Judging which CC companies will give me a CC with my sco

Parmstrong wrote:
Dont know how to best ask this but here it goes. I currently have a credit score of 671. Last week i applied for the AMEX Blue online and was denied. i need to get a CC but i dont want to keep applying for cards and get declined. i know that too many inquires can affect your credit score greatly. I know I can go with a secured CC but id rather get a regular CC with a good limit. is there any way to judge which companies will give me a regular credit card with my current credit score?

Score is not the only thing that is looked at.. What is your age, how long have you had credit ?, any Delinquency, Are you gainfully employed, Own a Home.. Do you have positive REvolving accounts with major Credit cards that match your maturity.. You can have a score of 750, and can be declined if you do not have ability , willingness and stability.. What was the reason for denial? It most likely was because of ability, stability , and payment history..

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Author: parrothead86
Joined: 22 Apr 2004
Posts: 55
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:28 pm
Post subject: judging which cc companies will give me cc with my score.

Is 671 considered "bad credit"?

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:52 pm

No, 671 is not a bad score, there are levels here on the scoring and each creditor has a different cut off level for given types of loans. Some cater to prime rate loans, while others to sub-prime rate loans. Credit scoring generally ranges 300 - 900 (though I have never seen any one over 830) on the creditor scoring. 300 to 600 is considered bad, this means someone has either filed bankruptcy, or has a lot of collections, tax liens, judgments, or charge offs making up the credit report. 600 to 650 range - means that there are likely some collections, or they need to work in other areas to build new credit. 650 to 680 - this is an average range, think this is where I see most credit scores to be. 680 to 720 this is good, for low interest rates and likely get pre-approvals on loans. 720 and up is prime, but like earlier poster said a person with a score up over this range can still be declined, if they are over extended, or some other reasons, if they have not been employeed long enough.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 12:27 PM* 0 comments

Author: acs
Guest
Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 10:45 pm
Post subject: establishing credit

I'm 18 yrs and wish to get a credit card i have a full-time job but can't get approved since i have no credit history. What suggestion can you give on going about getting credit without me being token advantage of? please no cosigner apps

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 12:24 PM* 0 comments

Author: djr223300
Joined: 12 May 2004
Posts: 2
Location: nj
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 10:47 am
Post subject: home depot gift card?

I applied for a discover card and was supposed to get a $50.00 gift card when all terms were fullfilled when I called to do a transfer [which was part of the terms],Discover knew nothing of the $50.00 gift card offer and told me that it is separate from them?Does anyone know of this offer,I cannot find it on the internet.Has this happened to anyone else?

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 11:40 am

I am not familiar with this offer, but you should post this question in the credit card section of the board, so that more members may come across your post to answer this for you.

Thanks,

Welcome to the board.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 11:42 AM* 0 comments

Author: djr2233000
Guest
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 4:39 pm
Post subject: home depot gift card

I came across a gift card offer for my choice of home depot,etc... so I picked home depot.The offer was for discover card and once the terms were fullfilled I would recieve the card. All I needed was to do a transfer once recieving the card in the mail.So today I was ready to do the transfer as per the agreement and ,the person knew nothing about that promo and told me that the internet offers many promos.When I asked how they would be allowed to use the discover card name without discover cards permission or knowledge she just kept repeating herself over and over! Telling me that the she knew nothing of this promo! My question is,Has this happened to anyone else and who can I contact to find out who is responsible for rewarding me the giftcard once my terms are met? I have looked in many offers on the internet credit card offers page,but to no avail.

Thanks

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 11:24 AM* 0 comments

Author: candylz1
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:21 pm
Post subject: Scammed!!!!

After just pulling these emails of scams from that Lenahan Law Office, I feel really sick to my stomach and stupid at the same time!!! About a week ago, my best friend was being hounded by man who presented himself as an attorney and that said she owed $898.62. In order to clear it up, he needed to have her send in money as soon as possible. They told her she could do payments by check by phone and since she didn't have a checking account, she had asked if I could do it for her. I called and had asked to move the date up because there wouldn't be any funds available that day set up, so another gentleman said he would be able to help because so and so wasn't available. Now, another phone call occurred and I then spoke to a Michael Beasely (x5155) and said that he was offering a settlement (lower than what was offered from $898.62 to $763.5, but I told him we already had a done a check by phone earlier in the week, but he told me that they had no record of the check number or confirmation # that was given to them and given to me (which sounded funny, duh), why wouldn't they have any of those records is what I questioned them. Anyways, he confirmed by saying some mumbo-jumbo of legal things that in order to have it at that amount, that I can do 1 of 2 things: either make 1 payment in the full amount or 2 payment (1/2) w/2 separate checks, but he needed to have that information that day to process that paperwork (sounds like a familar story??) I did, and asked him about what would happen to my other check and he says that someone had taken his account and that if they tried to deposit that check, it would not go through and I told him that it will be on him and the company if it did, and guaranteed me that it wouldn't. I am so upset that I had to close my account and open a new one insisting that there might be fraud activity going on because the original check for $898.62 tried to clear my account, but luckily, it wasn't available. Is there any way to retrieve all the fees that my bank assessed me like NSF, and stop payment charges from this so-called firm? Please help or direct me to someplace where I can report this?

Thanks!

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Author: Verne
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 487
Location: Midwest
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 7:11 pm

You can dispute the attempted withdrawal with the bank since you withdrew authorization for the "check" and was told no withdrawal would be attempted. You have 60 days to file a dispute. I think it's called an R-9 or R-12 form. Perhaps, the bank will refund the fees if you say it wasn't authorized. However, many banks will fight you on this. Stay composed and insist on disputing it in writing. Report the lawyer/collection agency to the state attorney general and perhaps the state bar association. A good site for reporting scams and dealing with unauthorized withdrawals from checking accts. is:

eyeoncredit.com/warnings/index.html

Do a search for "Lenahan" on this board (cardratings) and at

creditinsiders.com

I know I've seen long discussions about Lenahan Law Office somewhere. Or google it and you may come across more info.

Verne
Any agreement that can be changed at any time, for any reason, is no agreement at all.

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 10:43 pm

Go to budhibbs.com and read what he has to say about this so-called law office and file a report with the FTC and your atty. general office!!

Good Luck!

native

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Author: meto
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 209
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 7:15 pm
Post subject: Re: Scammed!!!!

Lesson learned -Never give out your banking information .

candylz1 wrote:
After just pulling these emails of scams from that Lenahan Law Office, I feel really sick to my stomach and stupid at the same time!!! About a week ago, my best friend was being hounded by man who presented himself as an attorney and that said she owed $898.62. In order to clear it up, he needed to have her send in money as soon as possible. They told her she could do payments by check by phone and since she didn't have a checking account, she had asked if I could do it for her. I called and had asked to move the date up because there wouldn't be any funds available that day set up, so another gentleman said he would be able to help because so and so wasn't available. Now, another phone call occurred and I then spoke to a Michael Beasely (x5155) and said that he was offering a settlement (lower than what was offered from $898.62 to $763.5, but I told him we already had a done a check by phone earlier in the week, but he told me that they had no record of the check number or confirmation # that was given to them and given to me (which sounded funny, duh), why wouldn't they have any of those records is what I questioned them. Anyways, he confirmed by saying some mumbo-jumbo of legal things that in order to have it at that amount, that I can do 1 of 2 things: either make 1 payment in the full amount or 2 payment (1/2) w/2 separate checks, but he needed to have that information that day to process that paperwork (sounds like a familar story??) I did, and asked him about what would happen to my other check and he says that someone had taken his account and that if they tried to deposit that check, it would not go through and I told him that it will be on him and the company if it did, and guaranteed me that it wouldn't. I am so upset that I had to close my account and open a new one insisting that there might be fraud activity going on because the original check for $898.62 tried to clear my account, but luckily, it wasn't available. Is there any way to retrieve all the fees that my bank assessed me like NSF, and stop payment charges from this so-called firm? Please help or direct me to someplace where I can report this? Thanks!

me

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Author: Guest
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 2:20 pm

I am conducting an investigation for local Buffalo news organizations. I have someone interested in interviewing people who were harasssed by Lenanhan Law Office to present on local televison. My email is blocollectwatchdog@yahoo.com. Buffalo reporters want to crack down on Lenahan, but most the victims are from out of town.

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Author: met
oCredit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 209
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:25 pm
Post subject: Re: Scammed!!!!

since she didn't have a checking account, she had asked if I could do it for her.
candylz1

= This is a double mistake

1*Never pay someone else's bills as this can obligate you to pay the account.
2*Never give a CA your banking info or pay a ca with a personal check.

candylz1 wrote:
After just pulling these emails of scams from that Lenahan Law Office, I feel really sick to my stomach and stupid at the same time!!! About a week ago, my best friend was being hounded by man who presented himself as an attorney and that said she owed $898.62. In order to clear it up, he needed to have her send in money as soon as possible. They told her she could do payments by check by phone and since she didn't have a checking account, she had asked if I could do it for her. I called and had asked to move the date up because there wouldn't be any funds available that day set up, so another gentleman said he would be able to help because so and so wasn't available. Now, another phone call occurred and I then spoke to a Michael Beasely (x5155) and said that he was offering a settlement (lower than what was offered from $898.62 to $763.5, but I told him we already had a done a check by phone earlier in the week, but he told me that they had no record of the check number or confirmation # that was given to them and given to me (which sounded funny, duh), why wouldn't they have any of those records is what I questioned them. Anyways, he confirmed by saying some mumbo-jumbo of legal things that in order to have it at that amount, that I can do 1 of 2 things: either make 1 payment in the full amount or 2 payment (1/2) w/2 separate checks, but he needed to have that information that day to process that paperwork (sounds like a familar story??) I did, and asked him about what would happen to my other check and he says that someone had taken his account and that if they tried to deposit that check, it would not go through and I told him that it will be on him and the company if it did, and guaranteed me that it wouldn't. I am so upset that I had to close my account and open a new one insisting that there might be fraud activity going on because the original check for $898.62 tried to clear my account, but luckily, it wasn't available. Is there any way to retrieve all the fees that my bank assessed me like NSF, and stop payment charges from this so-called firm? Please help or direct me to someplace where I can report this? Thanks!

me

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Author: theresasix
Joined: 14 Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 11:04 pm

You are pretty much in the mercy of the Branch Manager, Loan Officer, Banker, or whoever else it may be that you speak with. Generally a bank does not technically have a black and white policy regarding refunds. It depends on the particular employee of the branch to decide if he/she wants wants the amount of your refund (if granted) to possibly go against their cost center. To ensure that this "loss", that may be taken by the branch is legitimate, you better believe that they will contact the CA regarding the matter. I have had situations where a customer will claim the victim from a creditor until he/she is blue in the face! You should see their expression when I tell them that I have listened to a tape that the creditor or CA has recorded with their voice on it allowing them to take a payment for ..... amount from their ..... account and the account number is ##### and I won't refund one dime to them because they lied and said "I have no idea who that is", "I never gave permission for..." well, you get the picture. In other words, be careful, but be completely honest with the bank. Don't claim "I didn't give authorization"..."I have no record of speaking with them", etc... Just be concerned and let them know that although you first thought it was a legitimate company, you believed it was in fact a scam and want to protect yourself from fraud. You should be asked to fill out an affidavit which will be researched by the appropriate fraud department and could take weeks to complete. Since they didn't actually receive the money you won't have to worry about provisional credit and all that. However you will want to make sure (if this is a legit company) that they won't tag your friend with broken promise to pay...etc...and then charge additional fees. Point blank a refund is a refund no matter what the situation is and will always go against the branch that did it. So, if you know someone, or have had a good history with a particular branch....by all means go to that one instead of calling some 800 number where no one gives a damn about you. Any reputable institution should try to protect it's customers for cases like this. Good Luck and definitely report this company about either their fraudulant practices...or their imposters. Thanks.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 11:18 AM* 0 comments

Author: catlover7
Guest
Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 2:08 pm
Post subject: deposit fee

Good afternoon. I recently became a client of Liberty Group Services. it was understood that after I paid an amount of $250.00, I would then receive my card. I noted on my recent bank statement that (2) "checks" dated for 4/16/04 and 4/23/04 for deposited for the amounts of $125.00 each. Have both amounts been taken already? I would appreciate it if I could resolve this situation. I don't recall having any other transaction taken out of my checking account for those amounts.

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Author: mouse
Guest
Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 5:15 pm
Post subject: Re: deposit fee

catlover7 wrote:
Good afternoon. I recently became a client of Liberty Group Services. it was understood that after I paid an amount of $250.00, I would then receive my card. I noted on my recent bank statement that (2) "checks" dated for 4/16/04 and 4/23/04 for deposited for the amounts of $125.00 each. Have both amounts been taken already? I would appreciate it if I could resolve this situation. I don't recall having any other transaction taken out of my checking account for those amounts.

This is NOT LIBERTY GROUP SERVICES

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Author: duck
Guest
Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 6:11 pm

Deposit to my bank account.

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Author: cyberlayde
Guest
Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 11:19 am
Post subject: Liberty Group

Why don't you call your bank to find out? They can provide you with copies of the cancelled checks. Sorry, but this company sounds like a scam to me, why would you have to pay $250 for a credit card? I hope you have some kind of agreement in writing from them.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 11:13 AM* 0 comments

Author: cataloger
Joined: 25 Apr 2004
Posts: 1
Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 8:25 pm
Post subject: 719 Score with Discharged Bankruptcy

My Chapter 13 bankruptcy was discharged last year so I assume I'm lucky to have a 719 score. Have 1 card with an $8700 limit, 1 card with a $7500 limit, and 1 card with a $5000 limit. All with $0 balances. I do use the cards but pay in full every month. I have been trying to get a credit card that gives me 1 air mile for every dollar spent (like Capitol One Miles Card). Keep getting turned down because of the bankruptcy in my past. Am I going to have to wait 7 years to get a miles card?

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 8:29 pm

webgroups.biz/creditcardperks/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1091

Pure and simple running into a lender which is not bankruptcy friendly... here is a list another person provided, but it shows what others have reported experiencing with bankruptcy. Hope link works for you, between guest & log in mode I mess this up quite a bit inner posting. That is a wonderful score by the way, would say to just use the cards you have now for the best financial advantage since your scores are already up there well enough.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:42 am

With a BK13 you won't get any prime rewards card aka miles cards. Sorry.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 11:07 AM* 0 comments

Author: cyborg
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 14
Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 9:57 am
Post subject: Recommended Amount of Credit Cards..

if anyone know if having 1 - Citi 6700 1 - MBNA 5700 1 - AMEX 2200 is too many or too little credit cards? i usually keep about 1000-1500 balance combined. i just want to raise and build my credit.. should i get more credit cards?

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 11:38 pm

If you keep a balance then do not obtain too many cards at one time. Some companies take this into consideration when they look at your use of credit.( They can and will jack your rates if you have too many and too much debt) As NightStar always say you have to have a good mix revolving, store, credit cards, equalization of the utilization of your credit, do not exceed your debt Vs income, pay down or pay more than the minimum, and aging of the accts. with no slow or lates or charge offs.

native

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Author: Guest
Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 8:37 am

i think i have pretty much all the things u have mentioned.. except for a store card. do ppl still use them? i use to use them for the intro 15-30 percent off first purchase... but now id rather use my regular cards for rewards or cash back..

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:07 am

Myself recommend staying away from the store cards if you can help it, they generally charge higher interest rates then any deals they would be offering for the card.

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Author: bubba jo
Guest
Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 10:20 am
Post subject: store cards

NightStar wrote:
Myself recommend staying away from the store cards if you can help it, they generally charge higher interest rates then any deals they would be offering for the card.

I agree with NightStar. Another reason to stay away is that dept. stores, and their outsourced billing vendors (sometimes from overseas) do a horrific job of keeping their records straight and they can really ruin your credit rating (even if you always pay on time) and make it a nightmare to correct.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 11:03 AM* 0 comments

Author: Brian
Guest
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 4:26 pm
Post subject: Second Chance with Card

Five years ago I filed for bankruptcy and included my Citibank, Amex and MBNA accounts in the filing. Yet, I now get solicitations in the mail from these same companies that I have been preapproved or pre-selected. Has anyone ever defaulted on an account and was later approved for a new account? If so, with whom and how long after the default?

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 7:20 pm

American Express definitely black lists consumers having included them prior in bankruptcy - they do keep their records. Maybe 15 - 20 years down the line, but I would not hold my breath on that one. The other two I don't know about,

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 3:09 pm

Preapproved and preselected really mean nothing. Your really just applying for the card. I can tell you this much however

1) Amex, you can forget about it, no way in ***** will you get in again unless you pay back what you owe, once you pay it back, you can get in again after 1 year.

2) MBNA, highly doubtful you'll be approved until that BK falls off. Good news however is that you can get in again, but you'll start with a low CL to start.

3) Citi, well lets say that they do definately blacklist and if your on it, don't even waste your time and the inquiry until its been about 10 years since you IIB citi.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:59 AM* 0 comments

Author: Miayfelix
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 1
Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 11:59 pm
Post subject: What card should commUNITY college students get?

I am 18 and attending a communty college. No credit, want to establish credit but student cards are ONLY FOR 4 year institutioNS. What are my options?

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Author: marlboro
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:40 am

Aspire visa. if you get one of the $300 credit line offers though, steer clear of it like an open sore covered herpes victim. (i just had to say it) seriously though any card with no annual fee or other fees will work, i would ask your bank that you use about their card personally. as long as you pay the balance every month you make a purchase the apr doesn't matter, even if its 29%. after proving you are a good customer, they will start offering credit line increases and apr reductions.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:08 am

Why don't you apply Discover student card? Some credit card companies do promotions in the campuses. It is important to establish credit during junior year.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 3:24 am

Quote:
It is important to establish credit during junior year.

Why?

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:50 AM* 0 comments

Author: Board Monitor
BOARD MONITOR-ADMINISTRATOR
Joined: 05 May 2003
Posts: 403
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 7:54 am
Post subject: Congrats Eugene-He's quoted in the May issue of Smart Money!

To All, Kudos to Eugene, a veteran board member that is always willing to pass on good advice. Eugene is quoted in the May issue of Smart Money Magazine.

The link is: http://www.smartmoney.com/mag

Unfortunatley, the link does not contain the entire article. Just an overview of the article. So, you'll just have to buy the magazine! The title of the article is: "5% Cash Back on Your Credit Card? Lotsa Luck"

I am also proud to say that CardRatings.com is mentioned twice in the article.

Eugene...please remeber us when sign your first book deal.

Best Regards,
Curtis Arnold
Board Monitor
U.S. Citizens for Fair Credit Card Terms, Inc.
http://www.cardratings.com
501-663-0314 PH 501-301-8474 FX

Last edited by Board Monitor on Wed Apr 21, 2004 8:14 am; edited 1 time in total

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 8:19 am

Congrdulations Eugene - that is pretty cool

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:09 pm

Thanks, Curtis and NightStar. It's cool to see my name in a magazine.

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:07 pm

Congrats are definitely in order for you Eugene, will have to make sure I get a copy!!

native

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:46 AM* 0 comments

Author: creditceo
Guest
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 9:59 pm
Post subject: Aspire Visa Credit Limits

What initial limits are you guys getting with Aspire, with what EFX FICO?

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Author: Guest
Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:11 am

I started with $700 EFX 667

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Author: creditceo
Guest
Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:30 am
Post subject: question

what was your highest limit on your cards before that?

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Author: marlboro
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:29 am

aspire visa has an automated system that decides credit limits and credit line increases the key to the whole deal is to keep it current the only time people have problems is when they go past due. after a year of perfect payback they will give annual line increases and depending on situation decreases apr's, penalty pricing is also subject to this. its not a great card for carrying a balance but is good for rebuilding credit and if you keep it current they will actually treat you right.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:00 am

Creditceo $500 on a cap1 visa

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:39 AM* 0 comments

Author: dtrain100
Joined: 10 Mar 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Massachusetts
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:24 pm
Post subject: Recently Engaged Combine or not to combine??

Hello, I got engaged two weeks ago and have a few questions. We are thinking of opening a miles reward card with AMEX. My fiancée just got a pre-approved letter from them and we had been talking about it the week before. The rate on the card is also better than any of the cards we currently have and the limit is higher. As of right now all our cards (me 4, her 1) are in separate names. The wedding is a year away and we figure we can get a free ticket or two from using the card over the next year and they are waving the annual fee for the first year.

My Questions:

1) If I am added to the account and we each get a card on the same account will it be reported to both our credit reports or just hers

2) Am I better off getting rid of say two of my cards that have a much lower limit and a higher interest rate

3) Are we better off with separate accounts or is combining them

OK. Thanks,

Dave

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Author: mouse
Guest
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:57 pm
Post subject: Re: Recently Engaged Combine or not to combine??

dtrain100 wrote:
Hello, I got engaged two weeks ago and have a few questions. We are thinking of opening a miles reward card with AMEX. My fiancée just got a pre-approved letter from them and we had been talking about it the week before. The rate on the card is also better than any of the cards we currently have and the limit is higher. As of right now all our cards (me 4, her 1) are in separate names. The wedding is a year away and we figure we can get a free ticket or two from using the card over the next year and they are waving the annual fee for the first year. My Questions: 1) If I am added to the account and we each get a card on the same account will it be reported to both our credit reports or just hers 2) Am I better off getting rid of say two of my cards that have a much lower limit and a higher interest rate 3) Are we better off with separate accounts or is combining them

OK. Thanks,
Dave

Try "AU" Less risk at this point.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:53 pm

You can call amex to confirm but from what I recall, they do not issue joint accounts anymore. Be an AU on the AMEX card, thats the best deal.

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Author: marlboro
Guest
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:57 am

first of all, you only received a pre-approved solicitation doesn't mean you'll get everything, check the asterisk beside that preapproval. if you do get all the features mentioned and if they do joint accounts most company's will only report about the 1st name on the card not the 2nd, if amex doesn't offer joint accounts you can always get a 2nd authorized user card with your fiancee's name on it.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:29 AM* 0 comments

Author: Cathy
Joined: 12 May 2003
Posts: 55
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 1:14 pm
Post subject: Card Payments ECHECKED

Anyone lately have any of their card payments echecked (processed electronically then instead of your bank statement showing check # such and such, it shows up as an automatic debit). More specifically, American Express and AT&T Universal Card has done this. The At&t card has started to do this with me starting with last months payment. My American Express Blue Card however is an interesting thing, because I've noticed they do it mainly when I write the check from one checking account and not the other. I understand they are trying to prevent bounced check situations (though I've never had a payment check or otherwise bounced) and I could live with not being able to get a check copy if I had to most of the time (I'm not the most consistant in keeping my statements once i'm done with them) but I don't like the idea of wasting a paper check since they can be costly (I also have online banking which I use sometimes but sometimes I like the idea of being able to get a copy of my check if I have to). Anyone else have this happen?

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 713
Location: NJ
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 8:57 pm

First you say that you could live without getting a copy of a check and then you say you like the idea of being able to get a copy of a check. Which is it? Personally I use electronic banking 100% of the time. Mabe it's my relationship with my bank, but there's no charge to me and I can make as many payments per month as necessary. Figuring 18-20 transactions per month, that's over 200 stamps I am saving each year. That's nice money! I also save on the cost of check printing. All in all I feel I win big time. I can go online any time of the day or night from anywhere and make a payment or check whether a payment has cleared. Takes just a few moments. Regarding copies, they will always furnish evidence of a transaction if needed. I also use a software package called PaperPort which allows me to scan in all my documents and file them electronically on my hard drive. I no longer keep paper bills or bank statements. I can find them in a heartbeat and if I have to send something out I simply print a copy. Of course I make very frequent backups to an external hard drive. In other words, I have become totally paper free. I love it!

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:56 pm

Once the credit card company e-processes your check it is destroyed so no one can get it. My credit union never returns checks anyway so I do not miss them. Home banking is a just a few keystrokes away so whenever I need to see clearance etc. I check and close the browser when I am done. Like Ira we print receipts or confirmation numbers when paying by computer and scan info for access. Saves on the clutter and location. I still want my statements from my banker and my creditors in case of computer or electrical problems, or malfunctions. I like saving on stamps and checks too, but prefer to send checks to some people.

native

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:21 AM* 0 comments

Author: snoopycat
Joined: 10 Jul 2003
Posts: 1
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2003 5:53 pm
Post subject: Foreign Credit Cards

Hi....I'm new here. I joined to see if anyone here might know how a U.S. citizen/resident might go about getting a foreign credit card. I will be travelling to Cuba in the fall, where credit cards issued by American banks are not accepted. I have excellent credit, but I just need to find a foreign bank that would accept my application. I visited a few websites (Barclays, etc.), but they only issue cards to UK residents. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2003 10:24 pm

Use cash, that's simpler than jumping through the hoops for a foreign card, especially if you are going for a relatively short time.

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Author: Verne
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 487
Location: Midwest
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2003 11:09 pm

It isn't legal for a US citizen to spend money in Cuba. Consult the "Trading With the Enemy Act". I suppose France will help you out. Verne

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 8:15 am

We don't know he is a U.S. citizen, Verne.

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Author: Verne
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 487
Location: Midwest
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 10:56 am

Eugene, but he said, "I joined to see if anyone here might know how a U.S. citizen/resident might go about getting a foreign credit card." (for use in Cuba) Although I'm not sure about the wisdom of the "trade with the enemy act" including Cuba. Some day Cuba may be the 53rd state.

Verne

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 12:50 pm

He could be a permanent resident, and then spending money in Cuba is not illegal. If it was not off-topic, I would have said that this law does not make sense and should be repealed. Oops, too late, I already said it.

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Author: Verne
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 487
Location: Midwest
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 7:49 pm

Eugene, I've been getting convenience checks, telemarketing calls, and whathaveyou from BOA every month. If I wait, I'm certain the offers will get better. I just don't think I will take this bait. I think a real meal will follow. $2,000 more available credit won't help that much. Verne

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 10:55 pm

Wrong thread, Verne.

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Author: tubes
Guest
Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 2:40 pm
Post subject: Re: Foreign Credit Cards

snoopycat wrote:
Hi....I'm new here. I joined to see if anyone here might know how a U.S. citizen/resident might go about getting a foreign credit card. I will be travelling to Cuba in the fall, where credit cards issued by American banks are not accepted. I have excellent credit, but I just need to find a foreign bank that would accept my application. I visited a few websites (Barclays, etc.), but they only issue cards to UK residents. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I've been twice to Cuba without, and I'd like to know if u got the foreign credit card.

Tom

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:15 AM* 0 comments

Author: Guest
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:07 am
Post subject: Citi card application

Verne, N.S, or Ira, I applied Citi Plat card and I wasn't approved instantly. They will respond my application in two weeks. How can I check the status of my application? Verne, could you tell me about your experience to Citi card application? I really want Citi card because they always denied my applications several times. You know, the harder to get approved, the more I want that card. What should I do? Thanks guys.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:40 am

Well, you could always wait two weeks like they asked you to. There are ways to check (call and ask, for instance), but all you'll find out is that your application is being processed and you'll hear within two weeks, which you already know, so why bother? As with so many things in life, you can't circumvent the process.

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Author: Verne
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 487
Location: Midwest
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 8:13 am

I applied online for Citibank Illumina and was not approved instantly. Three weeks later I received a rejection letter citing: "obligations are too high in relation to stated income". I knew I should have included my "can" money. At the time my scores were 710-735 range, 18 year credit history, and, of course, no derogs. For comparison, Bank of America approved me for their card and GM was giving me credit limit increases a couple years earlier when I was in worse shape.

Verne
Any agreement that can be changed at any time, for any reason, is no agreement at all.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:03 pm

Think I had to wait for approval by mail, but applied online. I vary on my balances, my scores where in the high 600's to low 700's range.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 3:21 pm

N.S I did exactly what you did. We will wait the response letters. I have WaMu Plat card with 7.99% APR but I want the card with Citi logo. Did you get the instant decision? I did not get the instant decision and I think I might not be approved. We'll see.

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Author: Eugene
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 14 May 2003
Posts: 265
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:14 pm

Whenever I get an itch to know if I am approved before the card comes in the mail (which is always when I apply for new credit), I call the issuer and ask over the phone. They might ask you how long ago you applied, don't go into details and just brush it off with "Oh, I don't remember exactly." If they made the decision, they will tell you.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:41 pm

Think I called in before the approval showed up in the mail. What I have is the Platinum Select 0% balance transfer till 9/2004 and after that think 9.9% interest rate. Best deal I have had yet, wish I would see the lower interest rates I keep seeing others post about. But I am still happy and have already taken advantage to move balances over. Now is just a mad race to pay what I can before the interest rate goes up, but still it is a far cry better then the 21% account that I just dumped.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 10:11 AM* 0 comments

Author: henryhalper
Joined: 13 Apr 2004
Posts: 1
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:53 pm
Post subject: Credit Freud

WARNING USA CREDIT & COMMERCIAL CREDIT ARE SCAMS DON'T GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION AT ALL JUST HANG UP ON THEM AND REPORT THEM TO THE BBB AND THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE.

Never give out your band information until you check the company out. Always ask if they are a member of the BBB and if they are ask for their membership number. If they will not give you their address and BBB information tell them you are not interested and hang up! Since you have already given out the information you can tell you bank to put a hold on all automatic drafts. If your bank will not do that close your account and open a new one. You should also call the Attorney Generals Office you can find the number in US Government section of your phone book. What they are doing is Credit Freud and is a Felony. These people need to be closed down and the will Keep on taking advantage of people if nobody reports what is going on.

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:58 pm

Thanks for the info we have seen many of their spams around here and know they are a fraud.

native

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 9:47 AM* 0 comments

Author: ET
Guest
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 3:31 am
Post subject: S&P Capital Investments, Inc.

Here's a company claiming that they have bought a Circuit City credit card debt of mine and that they expect me to pay. They're threatening me with wage garnishment, liens against property, and they're insinuating that they're going to find out if I have any checking accounts, and I presume they're going to try to take money from the accounts or something. That's kind of how they're making it sound.

The first letter I got was this one: web-recon.com/img/s-and-p-dist.gif

Then I sent them a cease communication letter recommended by Bud Hibbs. budhibbs.com/budhibbs/cease_communication.asp

Then I received two more copies of the letter at the first link.

Then I received a third letter:
web-recon.com/img/s-and-p_2003-10-30.gif

Notice how the balance is $40 higher than the first letter. Also, I checked the internic records for spcapitalinv.com and found that they're hosted by this outfit:

emenem.com
S&P Capital Investment website nameservers are at ns.emenem.com

What do you guys think?

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 713
Location: NJ
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 11:13 pm

Let's start with the most basic of all questions: do you owe the money? Depending on your answer we can decide which way to go.

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Ira

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Author: ET
Guest
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 11:26 pm

I owe money to Circuit City, not S&P Capital Investments, and not that much. Plus, Bud Hibbs of budhibbs.com has said that he's working on a case against this collection company for violating several laws. He says they're real scam artists. Now I don't mind paying money to Circuit City. But I'm not giving in to threats because in my opinion, a company that will use threats like that will probably not hold up their end of the deal.

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 713
Location: NJ
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2003 8:14 pm

Ok, if you owe money to Circuit City, then pay them. Best advice I can give you is to totally ignore S&P Capital Investments. If they happen to collect they get paid. If not, they lose. You can threaten all day long and write letters, etc., but if you pay your bill and ignore the collection agency they'll simply dry up and blow away.

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Author: ET
Guest
Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2003 7:24 am

Ira wrote:
Ok, if you owe money to Circuit City, then pay them. Best advice I can give you is to totally ignore S&P Capital Investments. If they happen to collect they get paid. If not, they lose. You can threaten all day long and write letters, etc., but if you pay your bill and ignore the collection agency they'll simply dry up and blow away.

If I pay Circuit City, could S&P happen to get a judgment to garnish my wages since (they claim) they bought the debt? One friend of mine said that it would be stupid for a company to buy an account belonging to someone who couldn't pay it. I know that collection agencies will lie about having bought the debt, but I assume it's possible for a company to buy the debt. However, once Circuit City writes off the account, isn't that it? Also, I just bought another credit report. S&P is listed with a Zero balance on the report, yet their mails to me say I owe nearly $2100. Does that mean anything?

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 713
Location: NJ
Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2003 11:30 pm

Call Circuit City and tell them you want to pay off your balance. Also, ask them to report to the CRAs that you paid off the amount direct to them. If you pay the merchant direct the collection agency has no leg to stand on. In order to get a "judgement" against you they must bring suite against you and personally serve you with a Subpoena. You would then get a chance to respond in court. If you can show evidence that you've already paid the debt, you win, they lose. Understand that they can't get a summary judgement unless you refuse to respond. I'm not a lawyer so please don't take this as legal advice.

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Ira

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Author: Guest
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 5:09 am

I imagine that most likely, I'll get a much better deal paying Circuit City than paying S&P Capital Investments. Maybe Circuit City will start me off at what I last owed unlike S&P who has been piling on interest charges for years. According to my bankruptcy papers, I owed Circuity City about $680. S&P says I owe them over $2,000.

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Author: ET
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 5:33 am

What if I start making payments to Circuit City? I can't pay them OFF right now, but I can make some progress toward that end. And what happens if I request validation from S&P? Can I still pay Circuit City instead of S&P? What if I start making payments to Circuit City and then S&P sends validation afterward?

Then what?

ET

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2003 6:47 pm
Post subject: S&PCapital

Don't send any money to them or Circuit City just yet. When you sent them the DV, did you send it certified mail return receipt requested? If you did, they still have not validated the amount of money, they claim you owe. What state do you live in? Are these people licensed to collect Debts in your state goto: lawdog.com and check out your states policy on licensing of Debt collectors, and while you are there check out the SOL for your state; see if your state has its own TILA laws. If Circuit City sold the acct. , any money you send to Circuit City will be hard to return to you. If the Sol is in effect (this is DOLA --the date of last activity by you). Remember this is a credit card and not an opened end contract. Let us know this info and we will try to help. When a lender sells your account, he has written it off as a bad debt and is going to balance his book and report this to the IRS as a loss. He sells the acct. to a bad debt buyer and still makes more profit. Check out edcombs.com and save all these letters and send him copies because under the provisions of the FDCPA a debt collector cannot threaten to sue, garnish, harrass, but he is supposed to validate the debt. Get back to us and good luck to you

Native

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2003 7:11 pm
Post subject: Do not Call collector

Don't call collectors, write them CRRR. Also do not call and ask Circuit City can you pay them as they have sold the debt. The letters from the CA's say this and they debts have been charged off and sold. Bad debt buyers do this (buy bad debts all of the time) and use threatening tactics to get many who do not know or are aware of their rights under the FDCPA to pay. If they don't validate, (not printouts) and keep threatening to sue and garnish etc., they are in violation and can be sued. Also let them know you are making a complaint to the FTC about their threats. There is another member on this website Sisflomi, goto her name and you will see letters are here there are many to choose from.

Good luck

Native

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2003 11:09 pm

I see a problem here - that first letter you show as having sent S&P is a cease communications (cease & desist) letter not the necessary debt validation letter you needed for them to process your dispute. You had a 30 day window to send S&P a dispute for them to be bound to researching the matter. When you send a Cease letter - you left them with no choice but to contact you one final time explaining what their final step would be! They should of not sent you 2 letters, but none the less you won't be hearing from them any further unless it is legal notice to appear in court. Call your court house immediately to research what is legal service of notice in your state: 1. Certified Letter 2. Public Notice (local news paper) 3. Process Servicer - personal delivery Once you know this - then ask the clerk if there is a court date set already? They will need your name - I know there is a technical term here for what exactly to ask for (but it is when the judgment is in the beginning stage, not having been filed yet). Anyway - by all means file a response and show up for court... Debt Validation will be late, but you can still point out to the judge that you did not get to properly dispute and that now you want ask for discovery. That should still protect your right to go back and accomplish debt validation.

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2003 11:36 pm

You want to find out this info and if you have not been served, you want to file an answer. You want to make sure they did'nt get a judgement without being properly served if they have tried to do this. They have your address and if they tried this you want to file a motion to set aside or overturn because you were not served. I don't think its come to this yet but check and if it has not send a proper DV, CRRR.

native

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 713
Location: NJ
Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2003 12:08 am

In some states improper service is considered fraud. This happened to me some years back here in New Jersey. A summons was left in my mailbox and a judgement obtained as a result. It was thrown out at the speed of light when I told the court I hadn't been served, and they then went after the process server. My, that was fun!

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Ira

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2003 12:27 am

Ok, if you know they mess up - I think timing is needed here to hit them just right with something like that. Want to let them complete the filing and setting of court date - then present it to the judge. A judgment can be vacated (also called vacation of judgment) or dismissed - meaning that if it had been added to the credit report - it will need to be removed. There are two ways which a judge will throw out a case one is with prejudice and without prejudice. One means that the creditor / collection agency is done - barred from filing again. Second one means that the creditor / collection agency has to start again fresh (and know they are not going to mess it up the second time around for sure). Sorry - still looking - just can't remember which is which

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Author: nativechild48
Credit Expert (100+ Posts)
Joined: 10 Nov 2003
Posts: 315
Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2003 12:31 am

The letters that the person has is proof they knew of his whereabouts and some of these CA's love to get sneaky ones so they can have this thing on you and you find out much later. Some will not get the judgement properly filed in the correct area. I know that you can find out through PACER but do not know the correct website. Nightstar help Ira glad you got it tossed out, that is not fair.

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2003 12:51 am

Found a PACER site: pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/

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Author: EvilTwin
Guest
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 6:26 pm
Post subject: About collection debt

google.com/custom?q=statue+limitations+debt+collection&cof=T%3A%23006666%3BLW%3A175%3BALC%3A%2300CCCC%3BL%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.suthlib.nsw.gov.au%2Fimages%2Flibrary_logo.jpg%3BGFNT%3A%2399CCCC%3BLC%3A%23006666%3BLH%3A80%3BBGC%3A%23FFFFFF%3BAH%3Aleft%3BVLC%3A%23009999%3BGL%3A0%3BGALT%3A%23009999%3BAWFID%3Ab018d44865ba22eb%3B&domains=suthlib.nsw.gov.au&sitesearch=

this will tell you the statue of limitations for debt collections laws by states. I had a collection agency contact me 10yrs after the fact. It is leagal for them to do so but not without reprecutions.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 9:43 AM* 0 comments

Author: sam
Guest
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:08 am
Post subject: Strategies for deleting Inquiries

Anyone want to share strategies for deleting inquiries. Recently, I went auto shopping and the dealer and banks slapped like 8 EFX inquiries on me when the dealer told me it was just going to be one, and that they would just fax the EFX report to the banks. All the banks pulled an additional EFX report the same day. Although EFX says all the auto inquiries count as one, I was denied a personal loan due to excessive inquiries shortly after. Credit Guru Deletion Strategies Please!

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:44 am

It is all trial & error when disputing inquiries. Sometimes calling in disputes will get you there, sometimes you have to mix it up with writing in dispute or disputing on line. I have not disputed inquiries with Equifax, but I have terrible luck so far with TransUnion (keep trying online) and they keep sending me a letter saying that it is just a matter of fact and that they won't investigate. Don't settle for that though, because inquiries do affect the credit scoring and if you did not authorize then dispute by all

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 9:34 AM* 0 comments

Author: david4you_4@hotmail.com
Guest
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 6:47 pm
Post subject: im looking 4 a toll free number to call captial one credit c

hello im looking 4 the toll free number to call to speak to a services worker to apply 4 the captial one credit card by home phone

if you have it please send it to me at top of my email address giving to you up below

thank you 4 your time.

if you have other numbers that would be better 4 me

thank you

david

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:58 am

800-830-7524 888-259-3021

Have these two numbers, one of them ought to get you right in to customer service if you don't press any numbers - just wait for customer service to pick up.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 9:23 AM* 0 comments

Author: philip
Guest
Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2003 5:52 pm
Post subject: advice about aspire visa accout

hi guys, today i got a letter from aspire visa letting me know that my account was closed due to inactivity. there was no balance on this account which was my first major card and was issued to me in 2001. i used it as a "stepping stone" card to in order to establish some credit since i am young. payments were always paid in full and on time. it really doesn't matter to me that the card was closed since i never planned to use it again and use my BOA visa almost exclusively, plus, i have a discover card just as a backup. my problem is, how is this going to look on my credit report? does having an account closed due to inactivity look bad? i'm not planning on making any large puchases like a home or a car anytime soon, perhaps, a new car in about a year and a half. should i call and ask what is going to be reported to the credit bureaus and also should i maybe inquire about having my account reopened just to get the $6000 limit back? from the 3 major cards i mentioned there was about a $16,000 limit total and i carry $4000 on the BOA visa so as you can see the ratio isn't looking so good. any advice would be appreciated!

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 713
Location: NJ
Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2003 11:24 pm

As far as I know your report will show account closed by card issuer, which is more negative than positive, but still not bad. I wouldn't worry about it, but next time be proactive and ask the card issuer to close the account. Your report will then show account closed by borrower which is somewhat more positive.

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Ira

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Author: Aisha
Joined: 09 May 2003
Posts: 55
Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 8:18 pm
Post subject: Closed by grantor

As long as you were never late and paid as agreed it won't hurt too bad. Better to have you close it. Why Aspire---not a very reputable place. Write a statement to the CRA's saying (if it has zero balance) you told them to close it and thought they had until you got this letter. Dispute that it was you who closed it.

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Author: philip
Guest
Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 11:12 am

thanks for your replies, ira and aisha. i'm going to order my reports online and try the dispute angle... i had planned to close the account next year. i only kept it open to have it as an established card. i just should have used it every once in a while. at least i now know what to do in the future about my cards.

cheers

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Author: karna68
Joined: 10 Oct 2003
Posts: 9
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 8:16 am

Or to keep the card active just make a small purchase on it once a month, like a tank of gas and pay it off once you get the statement.

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Author: ndalene
Guest
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 8:40 pm
Post subject: phone number for aspire???

Did you happen to get a hold of a phone number for these Aspire people - one where you can actually speak to someone?? I need to yell at them and the e-mail route is unsuccessful as they completely ignore my question! Thanks.

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Author: Guest
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 1:45 am
Post subject: Re: advice about aspire visa accout

philip wrote:
hi guys, today i got a letter from aspire visa letting me know that my account was closed due to inactivity. there was no balance on this account which was my first major card and was issued to me in 2001. i used it as a "stepping stone" card to in order to establish some credit since i am young. payments were always paid in full and on time. it really doesn't matter to me that the card was closed since i never planned to use it again and use my BOA visa almost exclusively, plus, i have a discover card just as a backup. my problem is, how is this going to look on my credit report? does having an account closed due to inactivity look bad? i'm not planning on making any large puchases like a home or a car anytime soon, perhaps, a new car in about a year and a half. should i call and ask what is going to be reported to the credit bureaus and also should i maybe inquire about having my account reopened just to get the $6000 limit back? from the 3 major cards i mentioned there was about a $16,000 limit total and i carry $4000 on the BOA visa so as you can see the ratio isn't looking so good. any advice would be appreciated!

The card was probablt idle for a few months so they closed it. Much larger banks would never do this, considering that this is compucredit, I am frankly not surprised but I wouldn't sweat it, closed by creditor is not a good thing, but will not cause you to get denied or lose many points if at all.

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Author: jettie
Guest
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 2:10 pm
Post subject: Re: phone number for aspire???

ndalene wrote:
Did you happen to get a hold of a phone number for these Aspire people - one where you can actually speak to someone?? I need to yell at them and the e-mail route is unsuccessful as they completely ignore my question! Thanks.Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:20 am Post subject: aspire visa contact info

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

this may be a little late but the phone number where you can get a live person is 1-888-790-9926, i obtained it from the georgia BBB after searching for 2 hours. when you call it press one for english, then # it should put you on hold, the helpful thing to do is to act like you dont have your acct number, they will ask for your ss#, you can make a payment by phone, if you get someone nice, the might not charge you. and if the person acts like they cannot help you, just call back and get someone else.( i had to call back twice). this is the worst company i have ever had to deal with. i havent gotten an actual bill since june 2003, and its 2/2004, they blamed the post office stating they were sending the statements back? i never have any problems with my other mail....

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 9:18 AM* 0 comments

Author: MouZZ
Guest
Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:56 pm
Post subject: Card Activation

When does the new credit card "credit line" show up on the credit history/report? When you're approved? Or when you activate the card?

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Author: mouse
Guest
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:50 am
Post subject: Re: Card Activation

MouZZ wrote:
When does the new credit card "credit line" show up on the credit history/report? When you're approved? Or when you activate the card?before you get the card when you get the card after you get the card many months after you get the card never activating the card has nothiing to do with reporting, it tells the credit card company that you got your card, that is all it does

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Author: MouZZ
Guest
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 2:50 pm

What happens if I don't activate my card for a long time? Do some companies kill the card then?

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:18 am

May very well be possible that they only give so much time to see activation then they cancel the account. What is your situation, are you sitting on one of these now, that you have been delaying activation then?

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Author: Ira
SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+)
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 713
Location: NJ
Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:54 am

If you don't activate your card within a reasonable time frame you will hear from the bank's security department. They want to make sure you actually received the card and that it wasn't stolen. If you didn't receive it they will cancel it and reissue a new one.

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*posted by CardRatings.com at 8:49 AM* 0 comments

Author: fws45
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 2Location: sc
Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 9:38 am
Post subject: GARNISHMENT OF 1099R

Although I no longer live there, I receive a monthly retirement payment from the state of Illinois from my annuityUnfortunately, I am on a fixed income from them for 3 more years and this is my only income. Can credit card companies garnish or attach any of this if I fall into arrears?

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Author: NightStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 2132
Location: Illinois
Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:34 am

I don't believe they can, but it would not hurt to contact a lawyer to confirm on this.

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