Credit Tips: Associate National Bank Credit Card Review

Posted On: January 1, 2006

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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 11:31 pm
Post subject: Associate National Bank Credit Card Review
Ralf
Date: 3/1/2001 3:24 pm CDT

I am writing asking for an information regarding Visa card issued through Associates National Bank. I recently receive a credit card application from Associates National Bank. The card seems to be geared to college students. It claim to offer 3% cash back on all purchase which will be paid in the form of a check at the end of the year. There is a $100/yr. cap on the cash rebate. I did little bit of web search on this “bank”. On My3cents.com there were couple of posting complaining about the bad customer service and perhaps borderline illegal late fee charging practice. Companythatsucks.com also had one disgruntled customer with similar claim that the company took a long time to process the payment and then incurred late charge on the account. I also learned that Associate National Bank has recently settled with the Justice Department regarding discriminatory application underwriting practice to the Hispanic population. On the other business news, I found that Citi Bank is trying to purchase Associates National Bank.
I have GM Master Card now but with the next planed purchase of my last GM vehicle, I am considering terminating the account. With 5% rebate, it has been a good card (good customer service, good web site, good support on both telephone and web) but I don’t like the fact that I am now locked into buying GM vehicle. So, I have been looking for a new Visa/MC. I was considering Conoco Visa card which offer 3-2% rebate in the form of gasoline. I noticed that this Associates National Bank also issues the Conoco Visa.
I am bit weary of getting a card from this “bank” which is basically the credit card issuer for lots of British Petroleum group of gas stations and other small groups. Despite their claim of world leader in the credit card issuer, none of their card offers on-line support or even a web site. On-line application is nowhere to be found. You have to call them to do everything. I think financial institution that is self-claimed world leader should have some kind of on-line support. In my experience, these companies that claimed to be the world leader but no or bad support tends to be a shady companies doing “not-so-right” business. Then again what do I know? Your opinion regarding this “bank” is greatly appreciated.

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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 11:32 pm
Post subject: Associate National Bank Credit Card Review

Linda in VA
Date: 3/1/2001 11:20 pm CDT

Hi Ralf,

I have had an Associates Visa for about a year. No problems. Of course, I mail my payment the day after I receive the bill, I don’t go over the limit, etc etc. I receive the bill in plenty of time to pay via snail mail. They are in beta stage of online payment for Visa cards. You can call in and get account status over the phone. I have never had to use CS except for minor questions, so no experience to share - except that, hey, if you don’t have to call CS, nothing’s wrong!!

They also issue Shell, Amoco, and Citgo, and Texaco cards (probably more in other areas of the country) which can be paid at the checkfree site. The reason they are now issuing BP card, is that BP and Amoco have merged. Texaco and Shell are also merging.

I believe there has been a “change in control” already - C owns Associates. Their operations do not appear to have been merged at this point.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Linda
http://chesapeakeassociates.cjb.net

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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 11:33 pm
Post subject: Associate National Bank Credit Card Review

Eugene
Date: 3/1/2001 11:49 pm CDT

My opinion is that the quality of service a bank provides is one of the few most important factors to consider when applying for a card. Even though 3% cash back is a very good deal (too good?), do not apply if you are not comfortable with the bank’s reputation.

Associates is in my “no-go” list, too, by the way.