Introducing Blueprint from JP Morgan Chase

Editor's Note:  This interview is the first of a three-part interview with Phil Christian, Senior Vice President of Chase Credit Card Services.

Would you consider a credit card that allows cardholders to select special financing terms for individual purchases? Yes, you read that correctly.

Chase Blueprint from JP Morgan Chase lets customers design their own plan to handle all aspects of credit card transactions. Phil Christian, Senior Vice President of Chase Credit Card Services, was asked to elaborate on this new, innovative card program.

What is Chase Blue Print and why was it initiated?

Blueprint is an industry-first set of features that dramatically improves the way Chase customers can manage their spending and borrowing. With Chase Blueprint, customers can design their own simple plan to help them control spend, pay down balances, and pay off major purchases.

As an industry first, the Blueprint concept was not developed overnight. In fact, each Blueprint feature is the product of extensive consumer research and testing conducted over the past two years. Beginning in 2007, Chase conducted a series of in-depth interviews with consumers across the country to better understand their views on credit card lending and debt. As a result, we developed features that could truly help address their needs.

What should our readers know about this program? What are the benefits to a potential client?

Blueprint's array of innovative tools helps consumers take charge of their finances. These new features are especially important because they can help consumers better manage both short- and longer-term financial needs while providing more control over card payments. Unlike other card companies that may offer tools to analyze spending, Blueprint is fully integrated into customers' accounts, enabling them to create customized payment plans and track their progress on every statement, either online or on the phone working with a Chase adviser.

Is there anything you would like to add at this time?

Once a card member establishes a Blueprint account there are no associated fees or penalties. For example, if you miss a Blueprint purchase payment, your account stays in good standing as long as you still pay your minimum payment due and keep your other promises.

Curtis Arnold, Founder of CardRatings.com, recently test drove Blueprint and is impressed. "It's great to see a card issuer think outside the box and be innovative. We hear all about the negative things card companies are doing and it's just really refreshing to hear about a positive development like this."

I too find Blueprint compelling. Be sure to watch for the follow-up articles in the next few weeks that expand on the details of just how this new card program works and can benefit you. We would love to hear your comments about these new credit card features in our active credit card forum.

Related article:  Chase Blueprint Part 2: Understanding Full Pay And Split 
Related article:  Chase Blueprint Part 3: Finish It And Track It

Important Note! The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.