Guest: mspman22 Post subject: Credit Card For Business Traveler Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:13 pm
Hi all. I am in the process of looking for a new CC. I currently have a Worldperks Signature Visa (NWA Miles card). But I have aquired more miles than I can use at the moment. 500K. I earn miles when I fly so I will still keep earning miles.
I spend about $40K a year on the card. Mostly NWA, Marriott, and Hertz, with a spackling of misc gas stations and restraunts around the country.
So I just bought a home and also love electronics. Trying to find some type of home depot, lowes, sony, etc. card that has decent rewards.
Also sorry for the world's longest post. Thanks for the help.
Guest: Board Monitor Post subject: Credit Card For Business Traveler Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:03 am
mspman22,
Greetings and welcome to the board! 500K miles! WOW! Wish I had that problem. I would suggest searching through our "Card Reports" section here:
http://www.cardratings.com/cardrepfr.html
Have you considered the Marriott Rewards Visa® Signature card? I believe they are currently offering 15K bonus points.
Out of curiosity, how did you find out about our website? Best Regards, Curtis Arnold Board Monitor http://www.cardratings.com (501) 663-0314
Guest: mspman22 Post subject: Credit Card For Business Traveler Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 3:02 pm
I just found it by searching on the yahoo for best credit card rewards!
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: Credit Card For Business Traveler Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 11:41 am
Citi has a Hilton Signature Card....dunno about rewards though. I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: Daniel Post subject: Credit Card For Business Traveler Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:38 am
Finding a reward card is always about what you want to get out of it. Depending on your ambition perhaps take a look at the stores listed in dealpass you may be able to combine a rewards card with their program for a bonus.
Home Depot last month offered 10% off. When you combine this with another rewards card the deal becomes sweet.
Discover offers a 5% Platinum cashback card that works at Home Depot, Lowes and others. http://www.discovercard.com/discover/data/cashback/
Guest: Darrell Post subject: Credit Card For Business Traveler Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 5:41 pm
With the Bank of America Power Rewards Visa Platinum Card, you earn points that are redeemable for not only airlines rewards, but also name brand merchandise (including electronics) as well as gift certificates for hundreds of nationwide (and local) merchants. I've also been told that if there is a rewards option not currently listed, call the redemption center and they can see if it can be worked out.
Guest: Eric5 Post subject: Two Citibank Credit Cards Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:32 pm
When I applied for my citibank dividend card they sent me two identical cards with 3k limits. This was before I found this board. I closed one the day I activated the other. Does this hurt my credit in anyway for closing that one rather than activating it. I called citibank to apply for another card and they even brought up that I closed an account with them. Shouldnt I be able to get this deleted off my credit reports. They sent me a letter a week later saying that the account that I had closed had been done at my request and not be the grantor. I am just trying to build history as good as possible and wondered if I should try to get this off or if it will hurt me in the future, especially with citibank.
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: Two Citibank Credit Cards Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:36 pm
YOU CAN'T GET IT DELETED!!!
You may want to ask if you can re-open it and keep for a year or two and maybe combine the credit limits and close one.
Guest: Eric5 Post subject: Two Citibank Credit Cards Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:46 pm
They wanted to pull all three bureaus again to reopen it. Would you do that? I mean will it look better that it is reopened? It has been a almost 2 months since it has been closed. Will it show the gap then on my credit report. I guess I dont know which way is the best to go.
Guest: milavant Post subject: Two Citibank Credit Cards Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 2:46 pm
Actually, you are better off with two of these cards,IF they are considered separate accounts.
Then you can max out on a $300 rebate on EACH card annually, for a total rebate of $600, instead of just $300.
Call them back, tell them you made a mistake, and want the closed account reopened.
In six months or so, call them and ask for a credit line increase on ONE of the two cards.
It seems you were the lucky recipient of a mistake on Citi's part. Take advantage of it !
Guest: Daniel Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 5:41 pm
http://www.myfico.com
Equifax also has some programs that will monitor your score and packages that include your score. http://www.equifax.com
Guest: rubyburns Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 12:03 am
At myfico.com if you choose to purchase only one credit report and fico score, is there a difference between the 3 available...is one better than the other?
I had a copy of my credit report in 2000 from Experian but it didn't include my fico score. I am curious as to what it is!
Too bad a person can't find out for free - I think it should be free.
Thanks, Ruby
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 2:03 am
Scores are different with all three. If you just want a rough estimate of your score, then get privacyguard...www.privacyguard.com, but if you are going to apply for a mortgage then buying the real reports is worth it! I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: Board Monitor Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 7:55 am
I agree. We are lucky to be able to get our credit reports for free now, though. Best Regards, Curtis Arnold Board Monitor http://www.cardratings.com (501) 663-0314
Guest: nixuzer Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 11:21 pm
What about getting a free annual credit report online, see http://www.annualcreditreport.com/. Can any of you 'old timers' of this forum comment on this site, it seems legit? Waiting until it is available in my state.
Guest: Board Monitor Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:42 am
Totally legit. That is the official site set up by the Feds to allow consumers to get their free credit reports with no strings. I think June 1st is the first day that Texans will be able get their reports...correct? Best Regards, Curtis Arnold Board Monitor http://www.cardratings.com (501) 663-0314
Guest: nixuzer Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:46 am
Yep, the day is coming soon
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 9:23 am
CreditCardGuru wrote: Scores are different with all three. If you just want a rough estimate of your score, then get privacyguard...www.privacyguard.com, but if you are going to apply for a mortgage then buying the real reports is worth it!
+/- 111
PG/MCK are FACO scores
I do have MCK though to watch accounts
$9.95 1 pull per day ALL 3 (first month free)
Guest: yurarse Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 10:38 am
Well after pull PG and MYFico today, the scores are different: PG EXF is the lower score but MYFICO EXF is the over 620. PG shows EQ is over 620 but Fico shows it a low score, TU is just 10 points apart. I guess the OC looks at the points first and then see how much lates and CO you have.
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:27 pm
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 11:07 pm
I finally said screw it and I'll just go with myfico from now on...PG and MKC are just too off and screwy anymore....besides they no longer work for bumpage! I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:46 am
Documented FACT or OPINION
Guest: creditnewbie Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 6:13 am
They DO work, actually. Citi pulled 3 reports for 1 application. The original one was in Feb,05 then they sent a letter requesting too much info. After I sent them what they wanted, they sent me a card with only $1,500 limit. So I called them before I activated the card to find out wether that was a mistake cuz it was too little. They took banking info, but didn't tell me they were gonna pull 2 more reports. Anyway, they granted me the limit I wanted, but left 3 inq. on my reports. I enrolled in MCK so that I could pull 2 reports a day. I had 2 monitoring services..so I kept pulling 2 reports everyday until I thought they wouldn't work but yesterday, the first inq in feb disappeard from my report and my score is 5 points higher with Equifax. I cancelled one service last week but it's still working and I'm still pulling more reports everyday..what I figured out was: the number of soft inq you need to pull has to be at least 100 to see the results
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 2:30 pm
100 soft inquiries....man that would take too long...I prefer just disputing them, because I swear they just delete them...at least Experian and Equifax do...TransUnion won't let you dispute them without a letter from the creditor, so the reason I care for bumpage is because of TU, but luckily you won't see many TU inquiries living down here...unless you go to the bad credit auto center....LOL. I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:54 pm
The risk is too high for me!!!
Many have ended up with a FRAUD ALERT on their credit reports and the account closed because of inferred FRAUD...
ALL BECAUSE THEY DISPUTED SOME HARD INQUIRES!!!
Guest: yurarse Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:01 am
Guess MYCK works and bumped most of TU and left me 3 inq in 12 months period. I gained 4inq on eq so I going to wait until June and give them call to disputed them off.
Guest: lawyer2be371 Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 9:11 am
I have way over 100 soft inqs on my equifax and no bumpage.... And I have been trying since JAN, pulling on average three credit pulls
Guest: yurarse Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 9:45 am
lawyer2be371: You should give equifax a call and do 5 at a time and they deleted the next day
Guest: creditnewbie Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 3:46 pm
lawyer, did you pull "new" reports everyday? when I first got this monitoring service, for the first month, I was pulling the same copy and it seemed like my report wouldn't change a bit until they explained to me that I was just viewing the first report over and over. This bumpage works--at least on the personal report you pull online cuz before I found out about the bumpage, I used to pull a report every week or so and when I bought myfico, I didn't see some of the inqueries..then one day, all inq. disappeared until I applied for a mastercard in feb. Experian inqueries showed up again on my report but not equifax and now, I bumped 1 inq from feb on equifax
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: FICO Scores Information Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 7:18 pm
I usually don't dispute inquiries if the bank name is clear, but Chase comes up under First USA and all you have to do is play dumb if anything were to happen and say "I didn't know Chase used First USA and I thought it might be attempted ID theft again." I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 10:38 am
Yesterday I received three letters from Chase. Each was for a different account, and each contained four balance transfer checks. On each, the first of the four checks was made out already, filled in with my name as the payee and my credit card limit as the amount.
Gosh, how generous of Chase! The interest rate on each check is fixed at 4.99% for life of loan. Not bad. And I had no balance on one of the accounts. My credit limit is $23,000, so the check was made out for $23,000. I could even deposit it in my own checking account!
Problem is, there's a fee for each check (maximum $75). So if I just deposited the check, I'd be charged $23,000 for the check and $75 for the fee, for a total of $23,075. Presto! I'm overlimit! I've violated Chase's rules! Chase can put me in the default category, raise my interest rate, ruin my credit score! And all because I simply deposited a check it sent to me!
Guest: fenster Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 12:58 pm
Thanks for the heads up Polonius. On a different note, and since you’re familiar with Chase, do you know when Bank One cardholders will start receiving Chase cards? I’m leaving the country soon and wouldn’t want my Bank One card to quit in mid trip and while the exchange is taking place. Is the merger consumated yet? Thanks again.
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 2:20 pm
The BankOne site is still separate from the Chase site online. My BankOne card hasn't changed. Here's what's posted on the BankOne site:
Quote: Q: Will the company I’m doing business with be changing its name? A: Yes. Bank One will eventually adopt the Chase brand. Our cardmembers will be kept informed of those changes.
Q: How will I be informed of any changes? A: We’ll keep you informed. You’ll always find the latest merger news on this site, and if any changes to your account are planned, we’ll contact you regarding the details. You can also reach us by phone at any time just by calling the number on the back of your credit card.
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 5:00 pm
Ira, have you received a replacement card with the Chase logo on it? Can you access the account online from the Chase Web site?
Guest: guessindigo Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 6:27 pm
I never use the full limit b/c the fee will put you over the limit and all ***** breaks loose.
I do however use it as leverage for a CLI. In this case, I would call and say I want to use 23K you preprinted for me, but could you raise my line to 30K to give me some breathing room?
If your 6 months since your last CLI, Chase is good about handing out the CLI to accomodate your request.
Guest: guessindigo Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 6:28 pm
PS The replacement cards for Chase platinum are ugly as sin. I hate the new design.
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 3:41 pm
Are you talking about the new ones that are silver and have just the Chase logo as opposed to the see-through ones?!
Guest: guessindigo Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 7:19 pm
Yes.
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 2:13 am
I don't think they look that bad, but I was pissed when they changed it....they look okay, but the see-through ones were really cool.....I even called them and asked if I could get a see-through...LOL.
Guest: Ira SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:35 pm
Polonius, I seldom use credit card websites, prefering to make all payments directly from my checking account. It's a lot easier to do all of my banking from one site.
That being said, I did try to access my Circuit City Bank One account from the Chase site. Here's the message I got:
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 2:05 am
I also have a previous Bank One account....they apparently aren't changing the name because my card says BANK ONE on the back and I just received a new one. As far as logging in you go through www.firstusa.com which to those of you who don't know Bank One bought out First USA and has been using that name for a while....because sometimes when you apply through Bank One, and now Chase, FIrst USA will show up on your credit report as it did for mine.
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 2:06 am
Here's the exact login http://online.firstusa.com/bolHome.aspx?partner=cmsfi I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:50 am
OK--so you're confirming what I said: that the merger hasn't gone through completely yet. When it does, the BankOne site will disappear and everything will be under the Chase name.
I love these so-called "mergers"--they're not mergers but are buy-outs. One firm disappears. BankOne bought out FirstUSA; now Chase has bought out BankOne. Chase did that with Chemical Bank some years ago; it took a while for my ChemBank credit card to show up on the Chase site, but now there's no hint that Chemical ever existed online at the Chase site.
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: Chase Balance Transfer Checks Tricks Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 12:09 am
Some mergers never change names like the AOL TIme Warner merger, they went to AOL Time Warner but then split back up into two different names because it was cheaper that way. I find it hard to believe Chase buying out Bank One, they are both big banks, also amazed the FTC/FCC approved the merger/buy out. I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: mannella Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 2:13 pm
I just got a letter from amex blue, which I have a limit of $6100, telling me that if I do balance transfers or use the checks they sent me with the letter that they will be at 3.99% fixed for the life of the balance and that they " when you make new purchases using the enclosed checks or tranfer balances we'll raise your credit line dollar for dollar". I think is great anybody out there got this offer too, any down side to it ?
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 2:17 pm
Sounds great to me! So they're saying if you do a balance transfer for $6000 your new credit limit will be $12,100? There's got to be some limit/fine print in the offer! If you used those checks to purchase 10 Plasma TVs for $40,000, would your limit go up $40,000?
Guest: HeMissedOut Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 2:22 pm
If you do the BT, don't use the card for regular purchases anymore. Any payments made will go toward the BT first because the rate is lower.
Also, after 6 months (sometimes before) Amex gives CLI every 30 days via the request CLI link on the website or the automated system when calling the number on the back of your card.
Guest: mannella Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 2:24 pm
ok ok I am reading it closely you are right it says to a max of $11,100, I have a cl of $6,100 now so I guess that is still pretty good that is 90% of my current cl. Thanks for the remark
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 3:28 pm
Those kinds of offers are deceiving sometimes. I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: karen46 Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 4:50 am
Chase offered me something similar to this. The catch is they only raise your credit line up to double what it currently is. Example: I have a $2000 CL, if I do a BT of $3500 my new limit is $3500. So add the BT fee and Im over the limit and in default of the terms and conditions. Has anyone else done this or heard about it?
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 8:39 am
Send in $100 more than you owe to Chase so you have a credit balance of $100 when you do the balance transfer. Then you won't be over limit when the transfer posts...
Guest: creditbuilder Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 7:11 pm
I just got a similar offer from cap1. If I make a bt, they say they'll increase my cl by the amount of the bt up to 2,000. My current limit is only 200. It is a fixed apr of 2.99% with a 3% bt fee not to exceed $50.
I'd do it if it weren't for the 3% bt fee. I'm not going to pay them $50 to raise my cl.
Guest: Daniel Post subject: AMEX Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 6:12 pm
Mannela, It is a nice deal and a great way to raise your credit line in short order. I have received $ for $ offers from Amex in the past. I believe it was based on my existing credit line.
Creditbuilder I agree the $50 fee makes it a tough choice But you might consider that an $1800 increase would pay dividends up the road with other creditors and probably help your FICO score if it improves your utilization.
Guest: driver286 Post subject: VISA Credit Cards and Online Payments Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:50 pm
The Rewards 660 VISA card offered by Meta Bank and the TOTAL VISA card offered by Plains Commerce Bank will hold online payments from your bank for 14 days before releasing available credit to cardholders!
I was told by both institutions that online payments from my bank are not a form of "guaranteed payment," because the items could essentially be returned as NSF, etc.
It really was somewhat of a surprise to me, because my bank told me that online payments are considered "guaranteed funds" by most payees.
Both of the credit card companies suggested that I purchase a money order or cashiers check, as both would be considered "guaranteed funds."
Both said they would release available credit the day the money order or cashiers check is received and posts to the account. They also said I could send payments via Western Union and it would post the same day received.
Thought I would share this info with anyone looking to rebuild their credit with either of these "guaranteed-approval" cards.
Guest: Ira SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: VISA Credit Cards and Online Payments Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:00 pm
Are these secured cards? That's the only reason I can think of for such nonsense. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is just that - electronic. There's no delay in transfering the funds. Your bank is not going to do the transfer unless there are sufficient funds in your account. Anything else wouldn't make sense. The second the money leaves your checking account the receiving bank has it. I wonder if it's even legal for them to hold a card holder's money in that fashion. You can check that out with your state banking commission, or perhaps the state banking commission of the home state for the card issuer.
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: VISA Credit Cards and Online Payments Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:25 pm
No, it's perfectly legal. The key here is that your payments are credited on day of receipt (if they arrive early in the day--next day if otherwise)--it's just that you're not allowed to draw on the payment for a new cash advance or purchase until a certain number of days have elapsed. Citibank does the same thing--I have to wait 11 business days after a payment to draw the money out if the payment is over $5,000--even if the payment provably has cleared because I can see it was paid by the other bank online. After all, any check submitted in payment can be stopped or be returned unpaid because of uncollected or insufficient funds. For Citibank, there's a shorter hold (3 days?) for payments under $5,000. Cash deposited as payment at a branch can be drawn on at once.
Remember, you're not hurt by this--you don't pay any interest or fees because of the delay; you just can't take the money out again until the payment clears.
And it isn't the cardholder's money, Ira--it's the bank's money! The withdrawal that's being delayed is a loan from the bank--it's not your own money!
Guest: driver286 Post subject: VISA Credit Cards and Online Payments Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 3:52 am
No. Neither card is secured. I guess neither of them have ever heard of "Check 21!"
Guest: Ira SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: VISA Credit Cards and Online Payments Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:58 am
Polonius, we must be dealing with two different Citibanks. In my case funds received electronically into my account are instantly available. I just transfered $25,000.00 from ING into my Citibank checking account to pay off an expiring 0% balance transfer and the money was, as I said, instantly available. Good thing too, because anything else would have caused me major grief.
Guest: Polonius Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: VISA Credit Cards and Online Payments Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:07 pm
Ira, you're right--a transfer from ING to your Citibank checking account is regarded as cash. You can transfer that to a linked account to pay off that 0% balance transfer at once, as you say. But the question wasn't about a checking account. It was about a payment sent to a credit card and when that credit card would show that the payment was available to be used again as a cash advance or for a purchase. How long that takes varies all over the place.
My comments were based on more than 40 years of experience with Citibank N. A. in the NY Metro Area. Over there I have a ReadyCredit and a Checking Plus account, as well as Drivers' Edge and AAdvantage Citibank MasterCards, all linked to my checking account. When I transfer a payment from checking to ReadyCredit, it's credited at once--but the funds aren't available for use for 11 business days if the amount transferred is more than $5,000. I think it's 5 business days for smaller amounts. That's also true if I mail a check to the NJ PO Box used for ReadyCredit payments, or if I have WellsFargo in CA transfer the money to Citibank using the WellsFargo billpay service.
I moved to CA a dozen years ago and got a HELOC from Citibank in January. That was set up locally as part of Citibank (West), FSB in CA. I wanted to link it to my NY accounts--and I couldn't. So I had to set up a separate regular checking account in CA and link it there. I can't link the NY accounts to the CA accounts or vice versa! The system doesn't allow it. It's real confusing. The check clearance terms and availability terms are much different. So in a sense the answer to your question is YES--we are dealing with different Citibanks. In fact, the rules for deposit availability changed on April 29th. See this link: https://web.da-us.citibank.com/popups/ao/client_agreement.html (that's a secured link--I think you have to be logged on as a Citibank client to get to it).
My ReadyCredit account online shows this: Quote: Ready Credit: XXXXX366
$ 0.00 amount you owe
$ 3,300.00 available now
$ 0.00 minimum payment
$ 17,000.00 latest payment amount
latest payment date 05-02-2005
That account has a CL of $20,300. I owed $17,000 when I mailed a $17,000 HELOC check in payment on April 29th (California to NJ) which got credited Monday. Even though it's a Citibank HELOC and the funds are obviously available, it's going to take a while for it to become available again. I'll keep track.
The only way I've found around this problem is to go to a Citibank branch. I make a HELOC check out to cash and a ReadyCredit deposit for the same amount as the HELOC withdrawal. Then it's considered cash and the funds are available the next day. For me, that's a PITA because the nearest Citibank branch is a 45-minute drive for me.
I've had similar availability problems with payments from Citibank BillPay to Chase and balance transfer checks from Chase to Citibank accounts. Chase usually makes me wait 5 business days to make the funds available. Surprisingly, CapitalOne makes all the funds available to me as soon as it gets any payment I make, no matter what method I choose. Go figure.
On the other hand, Citibank regards the ReadyCredit usage as a 0% loan if it's repaid by the statement closing date. So I do this each month. I keep about $17,000 (about 85% of my limit) outstanding roughly 3 weeks of every 4, or 9 months overall. It's like a 0% loan for 9 months...reducing the 5.75% interest I'd normally be paying on that amount in my HELOC (Prime went up to 6% today...)
Just a brief follow-up to the above...
The $17,000 check I used to pay off that ReadyCredit account was posted on May 2nd in the account (in NYC), cleared my Citibank West account on May 3rd. Yesterday, May 11th, $1,000 of the deposited funds became available. Today all of the funds are available. So Citibank took 8 business days to make all the funds available for use again, even though the check used for payment was drawn on a Citibank branch and cleared overnight.
Your bank's terms may vary of course--it's just another thing to be careful about. It does vary from region to region and account type to account type even within Citibank.
Post subject: Trading AMEX For MasterCard or Visa Guest: ucanbankonit71 Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 5:27 pm
Hey, I work for a firm that is always looking for winners or lossers in the credit card field. We are looking for issues, Pro and Con, about people using American Express or even certain banks changing over their high end cards too Visa or MasterCard. Well share our findings with you! Any help is appreciated!
Guest: guessindigo Post subject: Trading AMEX For MasterCard or Visa Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 7:03 pm
Not sure what your asking. AMEX is not a bank, it is a payment network. MBNA did change their MC Quantum users to AMEX branded cards. Citi will launch later this year.
I am happy with my amex, visa, and mastercard.
The losers are going to be merchants as far as I am concerned.
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: Trading AMEX For MasterCard or Visa Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 10:09 pm
SOME QUANTUM CARDHOLDERS
I still have my MBNA QUANTUM M/C and I would have no use for an AMEX CO-BRANDED MBNA card since I have $100,000+ of the real thing (AMEX) DELTA...HILTON...STARWOOD...BLUE CASH
Guest: ucanbankonit71 Post subject: Trading AMEX For MasterCard or Visa Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 6:01 pm
Maybe this is a better question.
We know that MBNA, Citi and UBS are going to, or already have, started offering AMEX to their customers. Does anyone know of any rumors of other banks doing this?
guessindigo -- your right. the merchants will have to pay more per transaction!
Guest: legitimate user Post subject: Trading AMEX For MasterCard or Visa Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 7:22 pm
No, not specifically, but they should be able to upon their own decisions.
Guest: Alexis Rios Post subject: Trading AMEX For MasterCard or Visa Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 12:40 pm
In my case is the exactly the opposite , AMEX are already have an agreement with Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (BPPR) ,to include some credit card . Even a zero annual fee credit card, but still more difficult to apply for a credit card here in Puerto Rico , rather than USA specially MBNA , Bank One & Citibank
Post subject: Good Credit Cards For Students Guest: aurovon Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 12:22 pm
hello people. i did a google search on 'credit card forum' and walla look what i found forums are a gods gift no? anyways lets cut to the chase currently i live at home, parents pay for everything. no work for me. i need to get a credit card though to build a good credit history. currently im looking into:
Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Card for College Students
seems like a good/popular card for someone in my shoes, if you have any other suggestions/advice/whatever feel free.
also quick question: im guessing they will mail me a bill every month and one would have to send a check on that specific amount right? so can my father write a check to them for me? im sorta confused about how this would work, thanks again for the help guys.
I do have a discover credit card but they dont accept that everywhere and it (deleted) me off
but its under my dads account, so i dont think its doing anything for my credit history.
Guest: legitimate user Post subject: Good Credit Cards For Students Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 7:20 pm
Citi's student cards are great, I'll testify to that--and this site's reviews confirm it. This dividend card has extremely competitive cash back incentives.
As a new college student, Citi gave me a card when other companies wouldn't. They've made a customer for life this way.
Here's a tip you might not hear often: Card companies will accept payment from A-N-Y-O-N-E. If your dog can write a check that clears, they'll take it as payment to your account. Just make sure this person knows which account to have Citi append payment to.
Guest: angie Post subject: Good Credit Cards For Students Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 5:34 pm
You are on the right track in thinking that starting to build credit is a good idea. However, don't forget that whatever you charge you will have to pay back. If you are not employed right now, you might want to think about waiting to establish credit until you have a job. If you look at this forum you will find lots of people who are in a whole lot of trouble because they started out with the same intentions you have and it is ending badly. If you have no income, you have no way of paying these things back. Pretty soon a $200 balance becomes $600 and that becomes $6000. It's really easy to spend, and really hard to pay back. I'm only telling you this because I wish someone had told me. Good luck
Post subject: Minimum Finance Charge on Credit Card Guest: kimkimkim Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 12:55 pm
If a card says that it has a minimum finance charge of 50 cents, does that mean they charge you the 50 cents even if you pay off your balance in full each month? Or is it only charged if you maintain a balance?
I saw this mentioned with the Blue Cash from American Express card.
Guest: mannella Post subject: Minimum Finance Charge on Credit Card Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 12:59 pm
I saw this mentioned with the Blue Cash from American Express card.
Not at all, you don't have to pay this amount if you pay your full balance by the due date, only if you carry a small balance that the calculated finance charge is less than .50 c then that is what they would charge you, at least .50 c.
Guest: kimkimkim Post subject: Minimum Finance Charge on Credit Card Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 9:30 am
Thanks for explaining this!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: Minimum Finance Charge on Credit Card Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 5:00 pm
IT WOULD REALLY HURT "IF" IT WAS $1.50 or $2.00 MINIMUM
Post subject: Getting A Credit Card With Little Credit History Guest: boardwalkdream27 Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:55 pm
Here is my credit history (I am only 18 yrs old).
- One department store credit card (Filene's) - $400 credit limit - I have had the card for 11 months - I have requested 2 credit increases, and was granted the increases both times
I have never had a late payment, and at the present time I am using 20% of my available credit.
I want to apply for another credit card. I am so afraid of rejection though and don't want it to hurt my score.
*** I have also just moved to California 2 months ago. I still have my previous state's driver's license and I have not yet gotten a California license. For this reason, should I wait until I get a California license before applying for any cards?
Guest: Alexis Rios Post subject: Getting A Credit Card With Little Credit History Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 4:45 pm
Hi , did you will attend college this year? If so , wait until your next semester and request and Student credit card
I will give you some card names:
Citi® Upromise® Platinum Select® MasterCard® Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Card for College Students Discover Classic for Students Chase Student Card
Guest: legitimate user Post subject: Getting A Credit Card With Little Credit History Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:17 pm
Unless you're applying for a big loan within the next year you really don't need to worry about that score drop. It's pretty minimal and there are steps you could take to try aggressively to bring up your score again even if it happened. Like Alex said, get a student card (Citi dividend) if you are a student. The address change shouldn't matter.
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: Getting A Credit Card With Little Credit History Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 10:48 pm
You should probably be fine to get a card, if you are in school or plan on attending college try applying for a student card. Look for ones that specialize in helping build a credit history. I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Post subject: Cards To Rebuild Your Credit Guest: sisflomi Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2003 10:57 pm
I have spelled your name wrong here. Here is a list of credit that can help to rebuild your credit. It is not just for Bk or public records. Anyone with bad credit should be able to benefit from some of this. It was started by NanaC. I have enhanced and added to it over the last few weeks. It might be good to wait till your discharge is past 6 months.
BK FRIENDLY CREDITORS Clarifications: Listings based on earliest receipt of credit. Occasionally, something may appear to be listed twice. This results from the credit being somehow different, for example, secured and unsecured, credit limits, etc.
STARTER BK CARDS: score bad Household - Unsecured $300 - 5 mos score about 545 www.householdbank.com/hb/CustomerCare?cmd_Redirect=HomePage Cap1 - Secured and Unsecured www.capitalone.com Orchard - Secured - $300 www.orchardbank.com/care/CustomerCare?cmd_Redirect=HomePage American Online - Secured Visa www.apbank.com/021_scc.html
6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s Cap1 - Unsecured gold $500 www.capitalone.com Orchard - Unsecured $500 www.orchardbank.com/care/CustomerCare?cmd_Redirect=HomePage Target Guest Card- Unsecured 200 Target First Premier - $200 www.credit-cards-s.com/premier.asp
2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s AT&T Wireless - No deposit AT&T Cap1 Platinum - $5000. Started w/regular cc, negotiated cl to platinum www.capitalone.com Cross Country Bank Visa - $300 then $600 then $1250 over time www.crosscountrybank.com * Cross Country Bank MC - unsecured - $350 www.crosscountrybank.com * Dillard’s - unsecured - $500 www.dillards.com/cca/CreditCardApplication.jsp Circuit City – unsecured -$2000 Circuit City Western Security Bank – secured www.westernsecuritybank.com Direct Merchants Bank $1001 Semi-secured www.directmerchantsbank.com Sprint PCS - $200 Assigned Spending Limit www.sprintpcs.com Newport News/Spiegel’s/Eddie Bauer www.spiegals.com/home.asp
2+ Years Rebuilding: score low to mid 600's Aspire - unsecured - $500 www.compucredit.com/pdcts.html Voicestream - No deposit www.voicestream.com Bank One Checking Account with Debit Card after 5 months usage www.bankone.com Mortgage Received No specific name as more than one loan was found by those reporting receipt of mortgage loan Nordstrom - suggest not applying on-line www.nordstrom.nordstrom.com First N.A. Nat. Bank - 3 years Citibank MC- will consider post BK -7 years www.citibank.com Nextel - must be 7 years post BK, no dep www.nextel.com Exxon - 4 years www.exxon.com Home Depot - 4 years www.homedepot.com ** Bloomingdales - 3 years www.bloomingdales.com Verizon - no deposit www.verizonwireless.com Washington Mutual Visa secured card by Citibank N.A. South Dakota www.washingtonmutual.com Mervyn's www.mervyns.com ** Generations 6 years Post BK - $1000 www.genscu.com Target Visa - mid 600's required www.target.com Lowe’s - 3+ years www.lowes.com Washington Mutual Mortgage - 3+ years www.wamuhomeloans.com Nordstrom - 5+ years www.nordstrom.com Wescom Credit Union - 5+ years www.wescom.org First Nationwide Mortgage - 5 years www.firstnationwide.com Dell - $1500 - 5+ years www.dell.com Nissan Lease - 6+ years Phillips 66 - 7.5 years www.phillips66.com Ford Credit - 5 years www.fordcredit.com Diamond Shamrock - 6.5 yrs www.valero.com Menard's Big Card (Conseco) - $3000 - 5+ years www.menards.com Capital One Auto Finance -14 % int score 650 www.capitalone.com/capitaloneplace/fa/auto.php?autotc=2&pfid=2000bann0202
Other cards To Try For 1.Union Plus 620 Union Plus Approved with pub records in dispute with equifax
[b]Special Considerations 1. Bank of America - will consider post-BK if you have established credit and can show unusual circumstances (business loss, medical, etc.) 2. Citibank MC- will consider post-BK after 7 years 3. Citibank Diners Club - will consider post-BK if you have established credit and can show unusual circumstances (business loss, medical, etc.) 4. Federated(Pres.Club Visa)-3 yrs p-BK able to override w/explanation & >680 5. Federated (Macy's)- 2 years post-BK was able to override with explanation
Rejections BK or Public Record Unfriendly 1. Lowe's (MB) 2. Home Depot (MB)** 3. Wal-Mart 4. Mervyns** 5. Exxon/Mobile** 6. Amex Green 7. Best Buy (HHBK)-Recently confirmed letter due to bk Ch13 6.5 yrs 8. Citgo 9. Amex Optima Secured 10. Home Depot 11. Citibank 12. Associates: Citgo (try manual 24 ms+, 3 good lines) 13. First USA (try manual 5+ years discharge) 14. Bank of America 15. Sears 16. Fleet 17. First USA 18. Men’s Wearhouse 19. Monogram Bank = MB** 20. Amex LOC 21. Juniper 22. Chase Manhattan 23. Target Visa 24. Corvette MasterCard 25. Target with recent BK discharge within 4 months** 26. American Honda Finance Denied 645 pub record 27. JC Penny's 28. MBNA ** Seen on approved and not approved both
Smart Suggestions 1. Open a secured loan with your bank. Pay half off before 1st payment is due. Pay another half when 2nd payment is due. Pay the rest in 4 equal payments. This is an easy way to move your score up from 20-50 points in a few months. 2. Open 2nd secured loan with different bank. Do same as above. 3. Open 3rd secured loan with different bank. Do as above 4. Try Credit Unions 5. Ford is BK friendly Scores low as 579 6. Capital One secured - sent $99 received $500CL
4-5 months post discharge 1. Orchard unsecured $1000 CL 2. Providian Platinum unsecured $2000 CL 3. Target guest card $200 CL Usually approved with score over 590 and any pub records in dispute w/cras.
Links to see what scores or cra’s creditors use to approve Card Report Who Pulled My Credit? Credit Boards Credit Search
If you know of any that have approved or not approved, or what your score was for each one, please email them to me and I will post them.
Different Store Cards Online Boscovs Dell Dillards Disney Card Home Depot Kohl's Macy's Office Max Sears Staples Wal-Mart
Guest: nativechild48 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Cards To Rebuild Your Credit Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2003 12:53 am
It is a good idea for people like that were in previous post to have this; in fact one had a FICO of 611 and wanted to know what were their options. I'll bump this up and make a suggestion to see if it could become a sticky.
Post subject: Cards To Rebuild Your Credit Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2003 8:22 am
MBNA is not friendly to post bankruptcy people as well. Credit report must be almost immaculate to get a card thru them. Says so on the online application.
Guest: broon Post subject: Cards To Rebuild Your Credit Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:15 pm
In Canada, there seem to be only two companies offering Secured credit cards.
Capital One Mastercard: www.capitalone.ca
Home-Trust Visa: www.home-trust.ca
Fees are higher than regular cards. Capital one only has a $200 credit limit vs. $10,000 at Home-trust.
Post subject: USA Credit Scam Guest: kllptrs Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 3:11 pm
Hi! I'm new to this forum - actually this is the first time I have EVER joined or posted on a forum of any kind. I want to thank you all for the info I have found here --- I have been getting calls from 800-634-6729 and don't usually answer them because they come up unavailable on CID. I searched the number and found your site and was a bit peeved to find out what this number was. I called them back and questioned them -- turned the tables a bit. I had the guy so flustered -- he couldn't follow his script! Just a note for everyone out there -- I work from home for a company called PrePaid Legal Services -- we have identity theft protection. IF you are interested, please post or email me and I will give you a link to research some info. Have a great day!!!
Guest: KoRnaCuS Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:04 pm
USACREDIT SCAM CRACKED?
Big update for everyone that got involved with USACREDIT
I signed up for it back in 2003 online, through a credit card application. As dumb as i was, i gave them ALL of my information hoping to finally get my first credit card. Come to my surprise, i go to my bank to take out money, and my account is negative $400!!!
I signed up for 2 credit companies that day, usa credit, and another one, i dont remember the name, i think it was FIRST USA or something like that. They charged me $149.99 and $249.99 or something around that area. I had banknorth at the time, and i got an overdraft fee, plus 5$ extra every day my account was negative was added on. I ended up closing my account and i still owe them the $400. I am going to have to suck it up, chalk it up as a loss and pay it, if i ever want credit/bank accounts.
Its too bad people have to do that.
Anyway, i called the number, it said to either enter my card number or my SSN, i typed a bunch of wrong numbers and it transfered me to a customer service rep. She asked me for my first and last name, and my SSN. I told her that i dont give out my SSN anywhere. She said that she had it on the computer, but i told her i dont care, i just want to know why i was charged 149$ to my account. She said she couldnt help me unless i gave her my social. I told her that i wanted to speak with her supervisor.
She transfered me, and he just asked me for the last 4 digits, which i gave him. I then proceeded to question him about the $149 that was charged to my account.
He explained to me that it was a membership fee for signing up for their credit card which gave me $12,500 credit line to buy anything from their www.usashopping(Whatever).com web site. He said that its state in the credit card application. Thats kind of funny, i never saw anything like that...maybe it was written in white LOL.
Anyway, he told me that he will send me an affidavid which i will have to fill out and fax over to them to see if i can get my $149 charge refunded to me.
Let me know what you all think about this and if i should get my hopes up on anything.
Guest: Verne SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:04 pm
USA Credit is a scam and any promise of a refund is a delaying tactic since they know there's a time limit to reverse the transaction.
The best site for help dealing with phony credit card scams and getting your money back is http://www.eyeoncredit.com/warnings/index.html
Verne
Guest: foryounow Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 8:13 am
Could someone please give me a credit card number
Guest: MyBabies Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:27 pm
I got ripped off and NOW I am overdrawn and have had to close my account and have overdraft charges. I am so upset I don't know if to cry or find them and bash them.
I called them and on the 4th try they answered and I said what am I supposed to have got for the $150.00 you charged me and first they said a free shopping card and then said to give them my SS# so they could get my information! I yelled at them and hung up the phone BUT I have no job and now no money till my bank finally (if ever) decides to investigate this!
Guest: CreditCardGuru Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 10:44 pm
USA Credit is a scam and has been forever. One thing is that when someone calls you saying anything about a credit card offer it is most likely a scam. USA Credit is another one of those scams much like the nigerian scams about getting money wired to your bank account. You need to get fraud alerts placed on your credit report for security so that your identity will not be compromised. I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Guest: MyBabies Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 12:34 pm
They did not call me. I got an email I thought was from PayPal as it looked REAL! I gave them my information as they said i HAD to so they could make sure it was really me, as their had been fraudelent activity on my account and it was going to be blacklisted. I filled out the information and it kept coming back till i FINALLY realized they wanted my ATM PIN number.
THEN I emaied paypay and was told it was a rip off scam. Then I reported it to my bank and got my ATM card closed. BUT this USA credit simply used my bank account number to charge me for NOTHING! AND my bank does not believe me!
It appears I will be out the $150.00 as well as the overdraft charges!
Guest: Ira SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:10 am
What do you have in writing from USA Credit? From PayPal? You need to submit these to your bank along with a letter outlining your complaint. The more you can document your case, the stronger your case will be. If you kept no documentation you have a very weak case, and of course your bank doesn't believe you.
Guest: Verne SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: USA Credit Scam Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:21 am
See my above post. Again, the best site for detailed information on how to dispute fraudulent bank transactions is: http://www.eyeoncredit.com/warnings/index.html
Also visit ripoffreport.com for further evidence of the USA Credit scam. You will have to play hardball with the bank, dispute the unauthorized withdrawal within 60 days, keep records, do most of your coorespondence in writing, and take this to whatever authority oversees your bank if necessary.
Your state attorney general may have a file on USA Credit too. Any evidence of the widespread nature of the scam should help you with your bank.
You should prevail if you stay composed and patiently go through the dispute process. Don't trust anything your bank, USA Credit, or Paypal says - stay focused on a written dispute. With your bank's anti-consumer position, I would keep all contact with them in writing.
Post subject: Macy's Credit Card Limit Guest: CreditRebuilder Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 10:27 pm
I got approved for a Macy's card last May. Do you have to ask them for a credit line increase or will they do it automatically? I have the red card (I know there are a few). I have made every payment on time and I have not maxed out the card. I have around 60-75% available. I figured they would increase it after 6 months or a year, but it has been a year and still nothing. Thanks for your help!
Guest: Ira SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: Macy's Credit Card Limit Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:13 am
I'm assuming you mean May, 2004. Correct? Quote: Do you have to ask them for a credit line increase or will they do it automatically?
Do I have to ask them? No, but you might want to ask Macy's yourself directly. They can give you a more accurate answer than can anyone here.
Guest: Iris Post subject: Macy's Credit Card Limit Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 1:39 pm
What would be a reasonable amount of time to wait after opening a new account before asking for a CLI?
I've also got a Macy's card with a pathetically low limit.
Guest: yurarse Post subject: Macy's Credit Card Limit Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 3:42 pm
My Macy CL they gave is soo low that Miss Meow and Cuss Cuss might as well go shopping for her Fiskers Cat food. However, Bloomingdales gave CLI after I got approved
