Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 5:01 pm

Post subject: Any 1.99% - 3.99 % APR BT Card for Life

Is there any card offering 1.99% or 3.99% for life for BT?

Author: Ira

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 10:57 pm

Post subject:

tons & tons of them. Chase constantly offers it, I get BT checks with my Citibank statements, and I’m sure there are others out there. Just look around. I bought my current car on a credit card BT offer of 3.99% for the life of the loan.

Author: Board Monitor

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:11 am

Post subject: Low APR on a Balance Transfer Credit Card

All the major card issuers have them. Sometimes they only solicit existing cardholders, though. Good place to start is here:

http://www.cardratings.com/lowratebalancetransfercreditcards.html

Also, check your mail. Good luck!

_________________

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Curtis Arnold

Board Monitor

http://www.CardRatings.com

20K+ Credit Card Reviews

Author: TomfromCT

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:14 pm

Post subject: Juniper 6 Month mark…

OK….

I am three days away from my 6 month mark w/ Juniper.

This is when they decide what my APR will be.

Its also a CL review mark. (they do it every 6 months)

So,

We’ll see how much ‘luv’ Junny has for me…

I’ll keep ya posted.

Author: maddybeagle

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 8:59 pm

Post subject:

Oh boy, we are all sitting on the edge of our seats

Author: jlrdc909

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:06 am

Post subject: Juniper Bank Credit Card Tips

I have been with them since July 2005, they gave me a fairly high limit and low APR, but as with any card issuer, you might get gold or a lump of coal

Author: TomfromCT

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:47 am

Post subject: Juniper Bank Credit Card Tips

[quote="jlrdc909"]I have been with them since July 2005, they gave me a fairly high limit and low APR, but as with any card issuer, you might get gold or a lump of coal [/quote]

Considering I have been on the long road to credit recovery…..I’d be happy with coal. Anything, but going backwards will be an accomplishment.

But it would be super duper cool if they bumped me up to a quadruple digit CL. I don’t care about the int rate as I don’t need to carry any balances.

We are now down to 2 days…

Author: silk

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 4:52 am

Post subject: amex blue

Does amex blue ever offer 0% bt after initial opening of account?

Author: rapjunkie

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:50 pm

Post subject:

I don’t think so… I believe it’s just 3.99% for the life of the balance on BTs made when the account is opened.

Author: bullwinkle29

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 11:45 pm

Post subject: Re: amex blue

[quote="silk"]Does amex blue ever offer 0% bt after initial opening of account?[/quote]

they used to about 3 years ago

Author: multiplierx

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 2:49 am

Post subject:

I haven’t got any 0% offers after the initial.

Author: cameron

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:21 am

Post subject:

Amex Blue offers 0% for purchases, not balance transfers. Does anyone know if you can get checks or something and do a balance transfer instead?

Author: spjoink

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 4:32 pm

Post subject: 25000 miles from aa for signing up!!!

I just found this offer yesterday!!

Aadvantage are celebrating their 25th anniv. therefor they are giving you a total of 25000 miles for signing up with their citi aadvantage card from mastercard, i already have one but i thought i let you guys know…thats a free airline ticket just for signing up!! Great card by the way!

spjoink

Author: beyond platinum

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 8:18 pm

Post subject:

Here is the link that was left out of the previous post:

AA credit card

You get the bonus miles after spending $250

_________________

“Believe not everything, but only what is approved: the former is foolish, the latter the act of a sensible man.” –Democritus

Author: Board Monitor

Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 5:33 pm

Post subject:

Great deal..thanks for posting! The only obvious drawback is the $85 annual fee. I assume you get charged the annual fee on your first billing statement.

_________________

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Curtis Arnold

Board Monitor

http://www.CardRatings.com

20K+ Credit Card Reviews

Author: Kajjers

Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:15 pm

Post subject: Aadvantage Credit Card Miles For Signing Up For Credit Card

I was wondering what the catch was. I just got an AAdvantage card and was upset that I didn’t get the deal. They’re typical deal is 15k miles & annual fee waived the first yr.., which is still avail. on Citi’s site.

Author: jlrdc909

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:09 am

Post subject: Aadvantage Credit Card Miles For Signing Up For Credit Card

Ok, I am not a big fan at all with airline cards.

I think the drawback is spending an annual fee of between $85.00-$100.00, generally the APR’s are higher.

This card might be a good one for the first year, but do the math of the annual fee, plus spending $25000.00 for a “ticket” that you can get on expedia for less than $350.00, and you will see why I stick with cash back cards.

Author: txQT

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:01 pm

Post subject: Gas Cards

Hi I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the regular gas cards are hard to get? Gas prices are ridicoulous these days and I want to try for a card but not sure what my scores need to be…can anyone give any direction? Thanks

Author: quiznut1

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:52 pm

Post subject: Gas Credit Card Review

I would get either the Citi Dividend Platinum Select, or Chase Rewards Plus. Both offer 5% cash back on all gas purchases, not just specific to a particular brand of gas. (like Shell, Marathon, Mobil, etc…). Once you accrue $50 in cash back for the Citi and $100 cash back with the Chase, you can cash out in the form of a check mailed to you.

These cards do have limits, Chase is $750 per calendar year ($600 cash, $150 gift cards, etc…), Citi Dividend is $300 per calendar year.

Both these cards aren’t too hard to get, at least they weren’t for me and I was just starting my credit 1 1/2 years ago.

Author: txQT

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:25 pm

Post subject:

[quote="quiznut1"]I would get either the Citi Dividend Platinum Select, or Chase Rewards Plus. Both offer 5% cash back on all gas purchases, not just specific to a particular brand of gas. (like Shell, Marathon, Mobil, etc…). Once you accrue $50 in cash back for the Citi and $100 cash back with the Chase, you can cash out in the form of a check mailed to you.

These cards do have limits, Chase is $750 per calendar year ($600 cash, $150 gift cards, etc…), Citi Dividend is $300 per calendar year.

Both these cards aren’t too hard to get, at least they weren’t for me and I was just starting my credit 1 1/2 years ago.[/quote]

thanks for the reply but im actually just looking for a “gas card” most of those cards your fico has to be ATLEAST a 680 and I don’t have that, so that’s why I wanted to know if the “regular” gas cards were a bit more lienuient(SP?)

Author: txQT

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:26 pm

Post subject: Gas Credit Card Review

[quote="quiznut1"]I would get either the Citi Dividend Platinum Select, or Chase Rewards Plus. Both offer 5% cash back on all gas purchases, not just specific to a particular brand of gas. (like Shell, Marathon, Mobil, etc…). Once you accrue $50 in cash back for the Citi and $100 cash back with the Chase, you can cash out in the form of a check mailed to you.

These cards do have limits, Chase is $750 per calendar year ($600 cash, $150 gift cards, etc…), Citi Dividend is $300 per calendar year.

Both these cards aren’t too hard to get, at least they weren’t for me and I was just starting my credit 1 1/2 years ago.[/quote]

Author: jlrdc909

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:01 pm

Post subject: How does a credit card get to be a credit card?

Ok, dumb question, but does anyone really know the process for a credit card. Once an account is approved, do they send that information to the card maker and they send it out??? always wondered about the evolution of the actual plastic card, from its conception in the computer, to the birth and mailing out.

Author: Ira

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:32 pm

Post subject:

Quote:

Once an account is approved, do they send that information to the card maker and they send it out???

Probably.

Author: Polonius

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:40 pm

Post subject: Evolution of a Credit Card

After you account is approved, the computers instruct workers in Singapore to create the card. They have letters and numbers on little punches in a rotating lazy susan and a ruler to guide them for accuracy. They insert the blank card in a vise, attach the ruler guide, then punch out each letter or number neatly as needed. (Usually they’re illiterate women, chained to desks, allowed only bathroom breaks.)

The cards are then inserted in pouches around the necks of carrier pigeons, where they are delivered overnight, have their magnetic information stored by a rabbi as part of the blessing to make it kosher, and then an inspector slaps a sticky “Call for Activation” label on the card when it reads properly in both manual and electronic readers. The underside of the label is printed with the inspector’s ID. Number 11 does great work, number 4 is only adequate, the others are mostly OK. Hope you get Number 11!

Elves then stuff advertising literature and terms in large envelopes, sealing them with giant sponges moistened by slobbering golden retrievers. The envelopes then enter the mail stream.

It takes a while.

Author: jlrdc909

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:01 pm

Post subject: How does a credit card get to be a credit card?

Ok, dumb question, but does anyone really know the process for a credit card. Once an account is approved, do they send that information to the card maker and they send it out??? always wondered about the evolution of the actual plastic card, from its conception in the computer, to the birth and mailing out.

Author: Ira

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:32 pm

Post subject:

Quote:

Once an account is approved, do they send that information to the card maker and they send it out???

Probably.

Author: Polonius

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:40 pm

Post subject: Evolution of a Credit Card

After you account is approved, the computers instruct workers in Singapore to create the card. They have letters and numbers on little punches in a rotating lazy susan and a ruler to guide them for accuracy. They insert the blank card in a vise, attach the ruler guide, then punch out each letter or number neatly as needed. (Usually they’re illiterate women, chained to desks, allowed only bathroom breaks.)

The cards are then inserted in pouches around the necks of carrier pigeons, where they are delivered overnight, have their magnetic information stored by a rabbi as part of the blessing to make it kosher, and then an inspector slaps a sticky “Call for Activation” label on the card when it reads properly in both manual and electronic readers. The underside of the label is printed with the inspector’s ID. Number 11 does great work, number 4 is only adequate, the others are mostly OK. Hope you get Number 11!

Elves then stuff advertising literature and terms in large envelopes, sealing them with giant sponges moistened by slobbering golden retrievers. The envelopes then enter the mail stream.

It takes a while.

Author: TomfromCT

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:17 pm

Post subject: CitiBank - are they hard to get?

Is Citibank a hard place to get a card??

I read on the credit app sticky that it was…a comment made by a couple of people.

I applied online the other day and got instantly approved. And I have gotten 4 card in the last 5 months AND I have a chargeoff on my history still AND a judgement. My last 56 are perfect credit wise and my balances are low low low<5% useage low. My fico’s averages about 709.

So is Citi really not that hard or am I lucky?

(they only gave me a grand in credit - real bummer with the 0% BT offer with card)

_________________

Humor free posting since June, 2006

Author: moniqueclaire

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:44 pm

Post subject: Citibank

Hi!

I hear many different things about Citibank. I believe they are easy to get as a College Student as I got one with a 1K limit to start.

However that sprouted into a Visa 6mos later with a 1500 limit.

Eventually the MC I received first climbed up to 3300 and life as it is

got into trouble and eventually had the Visa charged off, eventually paid the MC in a settlement. It took about 5yrs after I paid off the MC when they invited me back on a preapp for a AT&T Universal card, was approved for 4800 and then received another preapp for a Dividend card

and a Cash rewards together. I decided to go for it and picked the dividend app to reply to. Well I received a call from a Credit Analyst and they told me that I was eligible for the CitiBusiness as well. I could have just the Dividend or both. I accepted both and found out that I would receive 4800 split 2 ways 3k/Business and 1.8K/Dividend..

That was in April 05.

have a good week

Author: guessindigo

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:33 pm

Post subject: Are Citibank Credit Cards Hard to Get?

Citi is middle of the road. Not too tough, but not the easiest either. I would rate MBNA as the toughest one to get approved for.

Author: WellManicuredMan

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:42 pm

Post subject: Are Citibank Credit Cards Hard to Get?

It was fairly easy for me to get my Citi card (Dividend Platinum Select MC). I had practically no credit history and all they needed was proof of a utility bill. Gave me a very low limit to start with, $1100, but now only 6 months later my limit is up to $6000 (could probably be a lot higher if I ask for it).

Author: ameron

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:01 pm

Post subject: Can’t afford balance transfer minimum pay from HELOC

If I move all $80,000 of my equity line using a 0% balance transfer, I believe the minimum payment will be 2% per month, or $1600. This is way more than my current minimum on my HELOC. Conceivably I could pay what I can and make up the difference form my newly zeroed HELOC. But I would incur the interest rate of the HELOC. Is there some other way to make this work???

Author: fire3000

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:43 pm

Post subject: $80,000 BT

If you are lucky enough to receive a BT offer for the full $80,000 at 0%, how can you not accept that offer? You would be charged HELOC interest only on the payments you make to the card which would total to much less than the $80,000 assuming a short term BT. Of course if you do take out a BT for that large amount, you must not increase your total debt level much so you can payoff the card when the low rate period ends (the rate will then jump to way over the HELOC rate). Your credit score will also drop due to the high unsecured card debt, but the money you would save will make it worthwhile.

Author: cameron

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:49 pm

Post subject: Credit Card Balance Transfer From HELOC

I agree even if I use the HELOC i will go for it, but I was wondering if there are creative strategies where you pay the minimum amount in a cheaper way than drawing on home equity, maybe drawing on that same 0% card or another one?

Author: Ira

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 1:04 am

Post subject: Credit Card Balance Transfer From HELOC

The 0% rate, if you could get an $80,000.00 credit limit, would only be for a year. What are you thinking of doing in month 13 when the interest rate will take a quantum leap, probably to 18% or more? Might you be better off with one of the 3.99% balance transfer offers which are good for the life of the loan?

Author: mathew

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 3:23 pm

Post subject: Balance transfer of an auto loan

Hi ,

I curretly have a auto loan with a credit union ($7500 @ 6.95% for 3 yrs) . I have got an offer from Amex blue credit card for a BT ( CL: 8000) at 3.99% for the life of the balance .

Now is it a good decesion to transfer the loan to a credit card. Will this affect my credit score/report. Current score is about 695.

Appreciate your advice.

Author: Board Monitor

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 5:56 pm

Post subject:

I would do it. Then again I’m more interested in saving money than a temporary hit to my credit score.

Let us know how things turn out!

_________________

Regards,

Curtis Arnold

Board Monitor

http://www.CardRatings.com

20K+ Credit Card Reviews

Author: rapjunkie

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 9:02 pm

Post subject:

Absolutely… you’ll not only save money on interest, but will also convert that secured debt into unsecured debt - i.e. no more lien on the car. That may also allow you to carry reduced auto insurance coverage as well, if you decide to do so, since you wouldn’t be restricted to the credit union’s restrictions on what level of insurance you have to carry.

Author: TomfromCT

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 9:27 pm

Post subject: Transfering a Car Loan to a Credit Card

[quote="rapjunkie"]Absolutely… you’ll not only save money on interest, but will also convert that secured debt into unsecured debt - i.e. no more lien on the car. That may also allow you to carry reduced auto insurance coverage as well, if you decide to do so, since you wouldn’t be restricted to the credit union’s restrictions on what level of insurance you have to carry.[/quote]

rappy is righty.

Yea, your score will drop a bit… and you care why?????

It will bounce back.

WE did something similiar. We bought the truck on the cc. We got a 2.00 for the life offer. Don;t live your life simply by the credit score……FICO doesnt pay your bills!

Author: beyond platinum

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 9:33 pm

Post subject: Transfering a Car Loan to a Credit Card

If you decide to take the offer which I recommend, ask American Express for a limit increase so that you are not close to being maxed out otherwise your score will suffer from high utilization. Also, 3.99% and 6.95% are not that far apart.

Author: ahnold300

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 2:47 am

Post subject: Same company offers CC after BK

Hello All,

I filed Chapter 7 BK seven years ago. My FICO is now ~740, but I have been receiving pre-approved credit card offers from two same companies that discharged about $10k each.

Question is - I like their offer and APR, but is it safe to re-do business with them? assuming they cannot re-load the previous debt - correct?

If I apply and they do not approve my “pre-approved” application because of history, then I have a hit against my score.

Opinions? thanks in advance, Ah

Author: JaneiR36

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 10:29 am

Post subject: Credit Cards After Bankruptcy

I don’t remember where I heard it, but apparently certain companies are more eager to do business with post-bk customers. They know you’ve been in trouble before and are likely to get into it again. Then they can milk you for late fees, high interest rates, etc. Having done a bk before it may not be so easy for you to do another one (I’m assuming) and so bk customers can actually be pretty good for some companies.

Other than the bk issue, there’s a risk of being approved or denied regardless of who you’re applying with. The hit to your credit score is from the hard inquiry, NOT from whether or not you’re approved.

Author: Polonius

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 10:56 am

Post subject:

If your FICO is around 740 now and your bankruptcy was 7 years ago, I doubt that bankruptcy would have any significant effect on a decision today about your credit worthiness. Obviously it isn’t affecting your FICO score much, if at all, today.

Everybody’s score diminishes a bit after a hard inquiry. It’s usually 3-7 points on the FICO scores per hard inquiry (for the first dozen or so inquiries in the last six months). It’s really nothing to worry about.

_________________

Polonius

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

Author: jlrdc909

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 3:29 pm

Post subject: Credit Cards After Bankruptcy

I agree with JaneiR36. Most companies realize that going thru BK once most people wont go thru it again (or want to). I would read the fine print to make sure that they wont tack on a previous bad debt. Keep in mind that some companies keep a “black list” on past customers who have skipped out on debt.

Author: Board Monitor

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 10:34 am

Post subject: Diner’s Club Card Reveiw

This message posted by e-mail request from one of the visitors to our site:

Trying to find info on Diners Club Card, but can’t find anything on this site.

_________________

Regards,

Curtis Arnold

Board Monitor

http://www.CardRatings.com

20K+ Credit Card Reviews

Author: rapjunkie

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:35 am

Post subject:

That’s old school… does anyone still have one of those?

Author: beyond platinum

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:46 am

Post subject: dc

Diners Club is managed by Citibank and carries the MasterCard logo, they have both the credit and charge version:

http://www.dinersclubus.com/dce_content/personalcards/cardcomparisonmatrix

_________________

“Believe not everything, but only what is approved: the former is foolish, the latter the act of a sensible man.” –Democritus

Author: jlrdc909

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 3:25 pm

Post subject:Diners Club Credit Card Review

I respect the good ole DC as it was the first charge card out on the market, however with the $95.00 fee, I really dont think people are going in droves to sign up for DC anymore. The card had a lot more customers when the DC was the govt credit card, but then the feds switched to AMEX and now MC/Visa.

I have a friend who uses Diners faithfully and loves the card and customer service and doesnt mind paying the annual fee.

I think if you have had it once, you dont want to get rid of it, and if you never had you can live with or without it.

Author: quiznut1

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 9:24 pm

Post subject: New use for Citi Dividend, Chase Cash Plus/Reward Plus Card

Chances are your local grocery store or drugstore sells gift cards to various merchants around your area.

My local Walgreens and Family Fare sell gift cards for Alltel, Applebees, Linen and Things, TGI Fridays, Best Western, Borders, Starbucks, and many more.

What I didn’t realize till now was that I could utilize the 5% cash back I already get for drug store and grocery store purchases with these cards to pay for the gift cards, essentially a 5% discount. Does anyone else do this consistently?

Author: bullwinkle29

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 11:15 pm

Post subject:

that’s what i said in earlier thread that i started

Author: quiznut1

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 8:03 am

Post subject: 5 % Discount for Buying Gift Cards on Credit Card

Quote:

that’s what i said in earlier thread that i started

I apologize bullwinkle29. With all due respect, please post the link to the thread you started, and with that maybe Curtis will close this thread. Thanks.

Author: Board Monitor

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 11:50 am

Post subject: 5 % Discount for Buying Gift Cards on Credit Card

No problem. Would like someone to confirm that this actually works. Should work in theory, but would just like to make sure!

_________________

Regards,

Curtis Arnold

Board Monitor

http://www.CardRatings.com

Author: Khurram

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 1:25 pm

Post subject: New to the credit world need some advice!

Hi everyone,

great boards you have here… couple q’s but first some background on myself.

I just graduated from dental school abroad, and am now starting at NYU grad school in august. I moved to manhattan in september 2005 and got my frist credit card which was a BOA secure card with a 500 dollar limit.

I did that cuz i didn’t have any history and wanted to start building.

Anyways, now I have:

1. BOA secure card (500 limit)

2. Amex Blue Student Card (3000)

3. Amex Gold (no pre-set limit)

4. just got approved for a chase Visa Signature Card ( dont know what the limit is yet, does anyone know?)

5. Is the visa signature higher up on the card list than a visa platinum?

I checked my credit score and it’s showing 727 (experian)

My question is, do you think that for me to continue to build my credit history I should just use these 4 cards?

1. should I apply for more cards? (does that help my score?) Or should I wait a while?

2. does it make a difference if I use all the cards all the time or does just having the accounts open contribute to my score? (i’d like to just use my amex or visa signature)

Any other advice you guys could give me to help me continue building my history would be much appreciated:)!

I’m never late on my payments and never carry a balance.

hope that’s enuf info! sorry for the rambling…

thanks in advance

khurram

Author: quiznut1

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 2:48 pm

Post subject: Re: New to the credit world need some advice!

Quote:

I moved to manhattan in september 2005 and got my frist credit card which was a BOA secure card with a 500 dollar limit.

I did that cuz i didn’t have any history and wanted to start building.

Anyways, now I have:

1. BOA secure card (500 limit)

2. Amex Blue Student Card (3000)

3. Amex Gold (no pre-set limit)

4. just got approved for a chase Visa Signature Card ( dont know what the limit is yet, does anyone know?)

5. Is the visa signature higher up on the card list than a visa platinum?

My question is, do you think that for me to continue to build my credit history I should just use these 4 cards?

If you got your BOA in September 2005 when you graduated, and you now have 4 cards, that is 4 inquiries in 8 months. It is not good for your credit score to have a lot of inquiries in a short period of time.

Quote:

1. should I apply for more cards? (does that help my score?) Or should I wait a while?

A new inquiry temporarily hurts your score by a few points, since 10% of your total credit score is new credit. I suggest you wait a while if you got your BOA card (which you said was your first card) in September 2005.

Quote:

2. does it make a difference if I use all the cards all the time or does just having the accounts open contribute to my score? (i’d like to just use my amex or visa signature). Any other advice you guys could give me to help me continue building my history would be much appreciated:)!

I’m never late on my payments and never carry a balance.

30% of your credit score is your credit/debt ratio. Let’s say you take your cards above, which right now would be a $3,500 limit, pending your visa signature. If you use all your credit limit (the $3,500) from month to month, that hurts your score. If you use only 10-20% of it from month to month, this improves your credit score. Basically the smaller your credit/debt ratio, the better your score.

Also, 35% of your credit score is your payment history. If you pay on time and are not late, this improves your score.

Quote:

I’m never late on my payments and never carry a balance. Any other advice you guys could give me to help me continue building my history would be much appreciated:)!

Since you have never been late on a payment or carried a balance, you will probably benefit greatly by carrying a good cash back credit card. Membership Rewards from AMEX is okay, but not great.

I would suggest the Citi Dividend Platinum Select card, which gives 5% cash back on gas, grocery and drugstore purchases, and 1% on everything else, up to $300 in calendar year rebates. Another good card is the Chase Rewards Plus Card, which is also a 5% cash back card on gas, grocery, drugstore, 1% on everything else, up to $750 in calendar year rebates ($600 cash, $150 gift cards, etc…)

Hope I answered all your questions.

Author: Khurram

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 8:48 pm

Post subject: New to Credit Cards and Need Some Tips

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it.

Author: Khurram

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 8:49 pm

Post subject: New to Credit Cards and Need Some Tips

One more question,

so apparently my amex gold has no “pre set limit”…so how do I know how much I can spend on it before it maxes out?

Author: rapjunkie

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 11:24 pm

Post subject: New to Credit Cards and Need Some Tips

I think it’s pretty flexible, and will depemd a lot on your history with Amex, how big of purchases you tend to make, etc. You can also give them a call prior to an expected large purchase, in order to see whether it will go through okay.

Author: J.G.S.

Psted: Sat May 13, 2006 11:25 am

Post subject: Suggestions on BT of $7500/25.9 APR!

My balance varied between 7500 and 7000 for cpl yrs. Bad financial spell and missed payments - climbed over $8500. (Limit was $7500 so huge fees accrued) Became delinquent. I then followed procedure and got out of delinquency. Currently @ $7200. APR is 25.9%. Bank wouldn’t lower interest rate b/c my account is “restricted” - Want to transfer balance…and should be able to maintain about $200 in monthly payments (as opposed to the difficult to maintain current payment of around $230 - try to pay $250).

I have no other credit card debt, but my credit is not good (not the worst, but not good).

I heard Citi Platinum Select MasterCard is good. 0% APR on BT - 12 mos and NO BT fee during the intro period. No annual fee. No way I’ll be able to pay balance w/in 12 mos…so what should I look out for?

Any suggestions or feedback on this offer?

Thanks for whatever assistance you can give me!

Author: creditbuilder

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:44 pm

Post subject:

I doubt that you’d be approved for a 0%bt as is, but you might if you shuffle your balances around on your current cards. If you can do bt’s to your other cards, so that no one card is over 50% utilization, or even better, 35%; then you should be able to get a 0% bt after a month or two, when all new balances are reporting.

See if your other cards will offer you a low bt rate. A lot of times you will get offers for around 4-6%.

Author: Polonius

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 2:22 pm

Post subject:

You’re paying 25.9%? Focus on paying less, period. You say you have no other credit card debt–but do you have other credit cards? Odds are you can get balance transfers from those under 25.9%!

No harm applying for new credit, but I have no way to judge if you’ll be approved for that particular card. If you’re declined, see if Citibank will make you another offer. Don’t sneer at a 12.99% card or an 18% card when you’re paying 25.9%. Take what you can get that’s better than what you have. And keep looking for even better deals.

Polonius

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

Author: J.G.S.

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 4:53 pm

Post subject: Balance Transfering Because of High Inerest Rate

Thanks for your responses.

Believe me, I would be happy with 12.99% - I’d be happy with anything under 20% really.

However, I said I don’t have any other credit card debt because I have no other credit cards — therefore, I can’t transfer to any existing accounts…none exist. I should have been more specific - sorry!

So…I guess all I can do is apply and see what offer they give me.

If anybody has anything else to contribute…bring it on!

Author: GamingVE

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 8:12 pm

Post subject: New Help

My credit started about 3 days ago. And I wanted to get a credit card. I am starting college in augest but I am 17 right now. Is there a way I can get one?

Author: beyond platinum

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 8:45 pm

Post subject:

How exactly did your credit start 3 days ago? Minors generally cannot enter into contracts especially with a credit card company. You could however ask your parents if they could add you as an authorized user to one of their credit cards.

“Believe not everything, but only what is approved: the former is foolish, the latter the act of a sensible man.” –Democritus

Author: quiznut1

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 9:00 pm

Post subject: Re: New Help

Quote:

My credit started about 3 days ago. And I wanted to get a credit card. I am starting college in augest but I am 17 right now. Is there a way I can get one?

Unfortunately, you will need to have a cosigner because you are 17. If you are turning 18 before you get to college in August I would recommend waiting to apply for a card until then. When you do decide to apply for a card, I will give you my personal recommendation, the Citi MtvU Visa.

Here are the details:

5 points per dollar spent at restaurants, bookstores, record stores, movie theaters, and video rental stores

1 point per dollar on everything else

25 bonus points per month when you pay your bill on time and don’t go over your credit limit

Also, twice a year you can fax in your college grades to Citibank and they will reward you with bonus points based on your GPA each semester.

GPA Points

2.5-2.99 250

3.0-3.49 500

3.5-3.99 750

4.0 2,000

Redeem 5,000 points for a $50 gift card to various merchants and other various rewards available via the Thank You Redemption Network. Check it out.

Bottom line, this card is geared towards college students just starting to build their credit history, and I like the way this card rewards you for being responsible with your card (referring to the 25 point monthly bonus for paying on time and not going over your limit). You don’t need a cosigner for this card, just be 18 years old and an enrolled college student (even if you haven’t gotten to school yet, if you have enrolled for fall classes already, you are considered enrolled).

Hope this helps.

Author: GamingVE

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 9:11 pm

Post subject: Credit Without a Cosigner Before 18?

ok for one i dont live with my parents so cant ask them. and credit started 3 days ago because got adelphia power link and they started it up. your credit can start up at any age as long as a company does it. but also I am enrolled into college for the fall but will be 18 in july (before college) Also I did check credit score and my credit is active right now.

Author: beyond platinum

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 9:48 am

Post subject:

We are well aware that a credit file can be opened at any age but Adelphia is not a credit card company and I will repeat that most creditors regrettably will not extend you credit until you reach 18.

The only conceivable way is if you lie about your birth date on the credit application but I don’t recommend that.

Author: Board Monitor

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 12:10 pm

Post subject: credit card purchase check advice

This message posted by e-mail request from one of the visitors to our site:

Hello, I discovered your website from “My3Cents.com”. I have a very stressful problem with Capital One Credit, that all started 1 year ago, today. I attempted to purchase my wife a Hot Tub for Mother’s Day, on Sunday, May 2, 2005. I paid $2700 for the tub, using one of the many, Purchase Checks that Capital One sends me every month with my statement. The agreement was for the tub to be delivered and set-up, the following Saturday, the day before Mother’s Day. But, later Sunday evening, after checking out the quality and service reputation of the Hot Tub company, which included the B.B.B., I decided that I had made a poor judgment call in my purchase. So, first thing Monday morning, I contact Capital One Customer Service and inform them of my hot tub purchase and that I decided to cancel the order, and I want to put “Stop Payment” on that Purchase Check. The Service Rep said that is not a problem, she entered the Stop Payment, and asked if I needed anything e lse. I asked her for confirmation, what would happen if for some reason, I’m not able to contact the merchant before he has a chance to take my check to the bank and cash it? She said, when the bank teller enters your check info into her bank’s computer to verify account number and balance authorization, she will receive a message that your check has had a Stop Payment Order” issued against that check, and it will not be cashed. I said, Good, that’s what I wanted to hear. I then made numerous attempts to contact the Sales Rep and his Installers, but only received their answering machines. So, I finally decided to leave both of them a message, informing them that I had decided to cancel my hot tub order and I have issued a “Stop Payment” against the check that I gave him, instructing him to tear-up the check or mail it back to me. If you have any questions or concerns about my cancellation, give me a call at my home or office. Well, I never received any phone calls, an d they didn’t try and deliver the hot tub, the following Saturday, so I assumed the deal was cancelled and he had tore-up my check.

Well, I received my monthly statement 20 days later, and discover that he had deposited and cashed my $2700 Capital One Purchase Check, for which I received nothing. I quickly called Capital One Customer Service and informed them of their failure to Stop Payment on my check, and I wanted them to take the $2700 charge off of my account, informing them, that is now Capital One’s debt, not mine. Obviously they didn’t agree with my statement, indicating to me, that the use of those Purchase Checks is a “Cash Transaction” and they are not responsible for Cash Transactions. Well, we went around and around concerning how Stupid I thought that statement was! I promise, I didn’t start my disagreement in a Shouting manner, but they were masters at bringing it out of me. It all fell to deaf ears though. So did the three formal written “Dispute of Ch arges” that I submitted to their Dispute Department, as well as the letter that I sent to the “Capital One Fraud Operations” department. Since they admitted that I had cancelled my Hot Tub order, by not ever trying to deliver it, they made a fraudulent charge to my credit card account when they cashed my check. Capital One’s National TV commercial with David Spade, claims if your Purchase Checks are stolen and used to make fraudulent charges to your account, You Will Have ZERO Liability. They refused me any credit for that lie too. The Consumer Affairs Office in Nashville, TN, sat on my Complaint of these Erroneous Charges and Piss-Poor Display of Mismanaged Banking Practices, for over three months, informing me that the Hot Tub store never responded to their Letter of Inquiry concerning my charges against them?

My beef is with Capital One, not the merchant. Had they Stopped Payment on that check as I was told had been done, we wouldn’t be having this conversation righ t now, and my wife and I would be relaxing in her new hot tub. But right now, I can’t afford to pay for Two Hot Tubs, and here comes Mother’s Day again, but still no Hot Tub. I’m having to pay for the one that Capital One allowed to be charged to my account, due to their failure to Stop Payment of that Purchase Check.

Sorry for being so long winded, but this has been the worst financial transaction of my life. I have maintained an Excellent Credit Record for more than 30 years, and now, I have to regretfully say, Capital One has ruined my faith in the Banking and Financial Industry, and the value of maintaining it to such a high standard, only to be railroaded by them. If you have any thoughts or ideas, or past experiences with a similar situation, I would like to hear it. I realize I could and will probably have to hire an attorney to correct the wrong that they created, but my resources are limited and they are a Financial Giant to go up against in court.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I also want to thank you for your website, I found it to be very informative and an interesting resource tool concerning the subject at hand.

Regards,

Curtis Arnold

Board Monitor

http://www.CardRatings.com

20K+ Credit Card Reviews

Author: jlrdc909

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 1:33 pm

Post subject:

With so many problems with Cap One, my question is “Why do people continue to do business with them”. For the most part the limits are small, and the customer service is severly lacking.

Author: Polonius

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 6:33 pm

Post subject: Credit Card Purchase Checks Review

Quote:

With so many problems with Cap One, my question is “Why do people continue to do business with them”. For the most part the limits are small, and the customer service is severly lacking.

Don’t judge a company based on isolated complaints. Cap1’s been very good to me and I’m pleased with its limits and service. It has many millions of customers who seem pleased too. It used to have bad customer service when it was handling subprime accounts, but it’s really improved its service and reputation in the last decade or so.

This poster’s complaint, by the way, is directed against the bank instead of against the firm that cashed his check and never refunded the money or delivered the goods. His check wasn’t stolen; his signature wasn’t forged. I don’t know if stop payments on purchase checks are even possible, and if he got a bum steer from a CSR I’m sorry, but there are dumb/ignorant CSRs. He should have tried to recover from the merchant. Is Cap1 at fault here? We’re hearing only one side…and it may or may not be totally accurate. Note that, as usual, these diatribes are from people who can’t even figure out how to register and post on this board—not a difficult thing to do! Nor do they ever respond to any questions asked…

Author: maddybeagle

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 7:02 pm

Post subject: Credit Card Purchase Checks Review

If he didnt get the goods, he can always dispute the charge since as I understand, these purchase checks are like any other cc transaction. Should be easy enough. OP, if you are reading this, keep the dispute to the facts and dont complain about the dumb CSR

Author: pferd06

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 2:15 pm

Post subject: High Limit Balance Transfer techniques?

Hoping some of you true credit gurus can weigh in here with some tips…

I have very high income, zero negative credit events, 10+ yrs history with Citi and Chase, but very high credit line utilization. I’ve made a practice of rolling 90%+ balances from card to card as transfer offers are received and I don’t ever really use the cards for purchases (the balances function as cheap financing for my investments). So far I have:

$25K from Citi

$25K from Juniper

$20K from Chase

$20K from BofA

$11K from USB

$9K from Discover

$5K from Amex

$3K from HSBC

The low limit cards are recent so I haven’t requested increases yet.

In order to borrow more and continue to attract balance transfer offers is it better to request increases from the higher limit or lower limit cards?

Is there a credit limit ceiling with any of these issuers I should avoid to continue getting balance transfer offers?

Are any issuers not named known to offer very high limits and balance transfers? Any standard cap on my total available credit from all issuers combined?

Any issuers known for consistently issuing balance transfer checks(makes my rolling process much easier)?

Thanks for suggestions

Author: quiznut1

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 3:05 pm

Post subject: Re: High Limit Balance Transfer techniques?

Hmm…it’s hard to predict what goes into the pre-approval process for any balance transfer offer you receive. There are a lot of criteria that the credit card companies look at when selecting who to give the offer to. There are a couple cards that have good balance transfer offers and are available for everyone pending approval of course.

Citi Platinum Select Mastercard, 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, no balance transfer fee for initial transfers. The only exception is you can’t transfer your balance from another Citi card unto this one.

Citi Driver’s Edge Platinum Select, same as above.

Also the Discover Miles card, same offer as above.

I do have a question for you though, are you able to pay off all these debts right away? A good thing to do with a 0% offer on balance transfers is to pay the minimum payment from month to month, and hold all your funds in a high yield savings account or CD earning interest (Emigrant Direct is 4.5% right now for MM Savings). On the last month of the 0% balance transfer offer, pay the card down as much as you can before transfering it to another card, or if you decide to keep it on there, paying it down will of course accrue a lot less interest.

I don’t know if this helps any, but this is the best I can give you.

Author: rapjunkie

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 10:08 pm

Post subject: High Balance Limit Transfers on Credit Cards

Pferd06,

Just out of curiosity, what do you do for a living? I’m always curious what fields people are in that have very high incomes… you know… like when you see a guy driving in a Ferrari or SL65 AMG, and just wonder what he does for a living.

Author: fire3000

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 2:00 pm

Post subject: High Balance Limit Transfers on Credit Cards

I play the BT game also. I currently have over $120,000 of low rate credit card debt that is invested in liquid safe investments such as short term bank CDs. This is nearly twice my salary as a federal employee for the Navy. My secret to obtaining high credit card limits is to obtain at least one card from all of the major issurers, take advantage of their balance transfer offers even if the rate is only slightly less that what you are now paying or what the going CD rate is, do not be afraid to BT up to 90% of your available credit, paying a little more than the minimum payment to show the creditors that you can easily handle the payments, and paying off the cards in a lump sum before the end of the low rate periods. I frequently get an instant credit line increase when I call the customer reps after I receive a balance transfer offer and I have another card that has a balance higher than the limit on the card with the offer. I achieved a limit of $75,000 on my MBNA card by asking them to combine limits on three cards and close two. HSBC does not like people like me who carry hefty balances and they closed my unused card with only a $5,000 limit, so do not be surprised if they close yours too.

Author: TomfromCT

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 1:53 pm

Post subject: My Spree is OVA

OK…..

7 months and 6 cards later… my app spreee is over.

I had Cap 1

I added

Citi Plat MC

Home Despot

BOA

Juniper

Discover

and NOW…..

Citi Amex !

My wallet is comlete. I have a card in each slot and cards for all the purposes I want.

Yeaaaaa baby.

I like having good credit again.

_________________

Humor free posting since June, 2006

Avg FICO 738

2 reports full of perfection

1 report with 1 derog.

Author: Board Monitor

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 5:23 pm

Post subject:

Sweet! Party time Tom! My place at 9 tonight. BYOB!

_________________

Regards,

Curtis Arnold

Board Monitor

http://www.CardRatings.com

20K+ Credit Card Reviews

Author: davidfronue

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:58 am

Post subject: Recently Approved for Credit Cards

you never said how much your limit was on your citi amex

Author: moniqueclaire

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 1:19 pm

Post subject: Recently Approved for Credit Cards

Hi:

Congrats on your AMEX approval…Maybe you might want to try for the MBNA AMEX on your next app spree…

Have a good week