Cards To Avoid

[AJ]

Are there any cards consumers should avoid due to unfair practices. From What I Can Tell So Far:

Juniper/Barclays

I know they're a lot of Capital one haters here, but I have no problem with them. 10.5k limit 8.9 fixed Apr. You just have to talk to the right person

[mouse]

There are SOME who love JUNIPER

There is no one card that EVERYBODY loves.........

[Medion]

Every card company has their positives, and their quirks. Most will have a great experience, while some will catch the short end of the stick. Basically, just get a card where the terms match what you want, and as soon as the bank changes those terms, sock drawer it.

[Board Monitor]

I am interested in hearing some comments regarding the worst credit cards out there. Any takers?!?

[Alaskan Assassin]

any card with mega fees and no rewards are bad news

[Alaskan Assassin]

aspire
rewards 660
catilog credit cards
centennial credit cards
tribute credit card
new millennium

[angelo21]

From what I've read on many sites, stay away from the Dell card. It's APR is 30%. Since this is a purchase that typically is not PIF, the consequences are dire.

[rabbit]

Depends on your situation and what you want. Examples:

When I was rebuilding my credit and my score was below 500, my Cap 1 MC with the $200 CL and the $59 AF and the 24% interest was a great card because it got me started with re-establishing credit with something I could pay on every month. Now, of course, there is no way I'd want it.

I've heard that Chase is awful on upping people's APRs. We just got a Chase Freedom, though, because we'd like the rewards and we PIF. For someone who wants to carry a balance, though, this would not be a good card.

Some people think the Amex One is a bad card because it "only" has 1% cash back and has a $35 AF. This is my favorite card, though, because the reward structure is ridiculously simple AND I use the savings account for all my spare $$ because it earns 5% APY. It's really easy to link up external accounts and transfer money in.

Etc.

[jmx]

The cards that suck alot are the ones where the CL is 300 and you spend 700 a year in fees/APR for not reading the rules.





Personal responsibility is the key not too pay that much

[cowb0ysfan]

From my own personal experience...

I would stay away from the starter Cap 1 subprime cards. The limits are usually very low like $300-500. There's always an AF. The APR's are usually high. They don't report CL's so they do nothing for UT. It doesn't matter how long you've been a customer or how excellent your payment history is with them...they will NEVER graduate you into their prime credit products. The only way to do this is apply for one of their prime cards, take 3 hard pulls with it, and "hopefully" you'll get approved with a decent limit and APR. Last thing...the CSR's are horrible and they are CHEAP with CLI.

[rabbit]

Yeah, I had to close my Cap 1 rebuilder card because they wouldn't remove the AF / subprime status. I was kind of baffled by their philosophy -- isn't it better to keep a customer than to lose one? Esp. one with good payment history?

[Board Monitor]

Interesting. What do you mean by AF? Just want to make sure we are on the same page.

[rabbit]

AF = Annual Fee

[AJ]

9.9 Apr
Account set up fee $29.00
Profram Fee one time charge $95.00
Annual Fee $48.00
Participation Fee $72.00 $ 6 Billed Monthly
Credit Limit Increase Fee $25.00
Internet Access Fee $3.95


Your intial credit limit may start at $250 after all fees are taken out your available credit when the card arrives will be $72.00. That's enough for a dinner and gas to get there

[TomfromCT]

There are many bad cards and any good card can become bad with just a missed payment or two.

Juniper at least gives a FAKO score now.


Capital one is difficult in that they usually do not grow with their customers.

Chase is finnicky.

Naturally all the low CL high AF cards for bad credit people are rough to have.

[mouse]

Yeah, I had to close my Cap 1 rebuilder card because they wouldn't remove the AF / subprime status. I was kind of baffled by their philosophy -- isn't it better to keep a customer than to lose one? Esp. one with good payment history?

YEP.............

CAPITAL ONE IS SUB-PRIME

$22,500

[Medion]

I am interested in hearing some comments regarding the worst credit cards out there. Any takers?!?

Here's my experience with one card in particular.

Card: Gm Platinum card
Issued: 2003
Canceled: 2007
Story:

Initially issued by Household Bank, Nevada, HSBC bought them out. After getting the card, I noticed that after paying a bill, the card would just not "work" for a few days. I called them up, and a CSR said that the card "could" lock out for 2-14 days after processing a payment. It didn't happen every payment, but it happened regularly. Still, at 5%, it was my best rewards card, so I got a Cap1 to use for when the GM Card didn't work.

I also learned that the card simply would not work out of my zip code, and if I did use it, I'd have to call HHB/HSBC and get the card "unlocked."

I got used to and even accepted this quirk, continuing to use it as my primary when it let me, and my Cap1 when it didn't. However, I started noticing bills for "Account Secure" every month ranging from $4-$12 at a time. So, I called HSBC, and was redirected to Account Secure. They told me that they had signed me up at MY request. I asked for evidence that they I had agreed. They claimed that I gave consent over the phone, they recorded it, but could not locate the recording. They also refused to cancel the service for me, and hung up if I asked them to cancel.

After I got charged again the next month, I filed a complaint with the BBB. A BBB rep actually called me, while laughing, telling me "You've got to hear this." What I was about to hear, was the recording that Account Secure had of me "giving consent." They found the recording all right.

On the recording, you could hear me say "No" every time they offered, and begged e to reconsider. You could hear me say "No, for the last time, **** off" followed by me hanging up.

So, after the BBB contacted them back, Account Secure canceled my account with them, and refunded me half of what they stole. I called HSBC and demanded the rest back, and when they refused, I closed the card.

And with that said, I intend to avoid HSBC and their recently acquired properties until they work out the kinks from their mergers/acquisitions. Even then, I still might not touch them.

[rabbit]

Wow.

Just... wow.

[brat]

Folks we have a winner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FunpS4QXcRI

[usmsci]

Folks we have a winner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FunpS4QXcRI

how can it EVEN be legal for a maintenance fee of $10? that means even if you have a $0 balance you still owe $10 per month. how is this even legal?

also how is it legal that you are CHARGED for a CLI?? how can they get away with this? this just boggles my mind...

[AJ]

The New GM WORLD CARD (by Invitation only) and anything associated with HSBC

[Board Monitor]

Thanks for the YouTube link.

Was aware of the Contentinal Finance MasterCard by First Bank of Delaware, but wasn't aware of the $25 CLI fee!!! Yikes!

[humble2k]

Cards that charge a fee to make a payment on their website or over the phone are particularly scabby. The only fee-free way to pay your bill is through (untraceable) snail-mail. I just recently closed one.

[Verne]

From what I've read (not by experience):

Elan

Aspire

First Premier

Household Bank

any credit card with a verb or french word for a name.

Verne

[footballfan33]

Yeah, I had to close my Cap 1 rebuilder card because they wouldn't remove the AF / subprime status. I was kind of baffled by their philosophy -- isn't it better to keep a customer than to lose one? Esp. one with good payment history?

YEP.............

CAPITAL ONE IS SUB-PRIME

$22,500

[Edited by Board Monitor]. As revealed on creditboards, you got that credit limit by combining like 20 low limit **** one cards into one giant card. Anyone can do it. So it's not like you're some special customer that they granted a big credit line to.

[Board Monitor]

Ironically, one of my largest lines is from Cap One- around 30K and I didn't combine any limits.

[AJ]

I have a PNC Rewards Card that was until recently, owned by Elan that was recently owned by MBNA ( THE PNC CARD NOT ELAN) I had no problems with Elan. I was Given a generous Credit line a 0% fixed for a year, which I am still on. PNC has Now Taken over the rights to their Own Card, like that should.

[AJ]

I'm the only delaware board member so no need to worry here. The Tribute Imagine Card offered by FIrst Delaware Bank $150 Annual Fee. Starting limit $300

[NightStar]

Aspire credit card, use to get people in here in droves complaining about their service.

I had trouble with Providian when I first started, I also stress that consumers should always read the interest rate before applying you don't want to apply for any credit that is over 18% - 21% If you do get cards with this high of interest receommend not carrying a balance. Wait until you can develope the history and get a better interest rate card.

[mouse]

Yeah, I had to close my Cap 1 rebuilder card because they wouldn't remove the AF / subprime status. I was kind of baffled by their philosophy -- isn't it better to keep a customer than to lose one? Esp. one with good payment history?

YEP.............

CAPITAL ONE IS SUB-PRIME

$22,500

Such a poser, mouse. As revealed on creditboards, you got that credit limit by combining like 20 low limit **** one cards into one giant card. Anyone can do it. So it's not like you're some special customer that they granted a big credit line to.

LIE

TRY 5 INTO 1 (3 mine 2 hers)

LOWEST ONE WAS LIKE $5,000

DID I SAY THAT THEY GAVE ME $22,500 FROM THE GET GO???????????

[jmx]

At list I'm not the only one with Household Bank problems.






theeeyyyyyyyyy suck

[mouse]

Yeah, I had to close my Cap 1 rebuilder card because they wouldn't remove the AF / subprime status. I was kind of baffled by their philosophy -- isn't it better to keep a customer than to lose one? Esp. one with good payment history?

YEP.............

CAPITAL ONE IS SUB-PRIME

$22,500

Such a poser, mouse. As revealed on creditboards, you got that credit limit by combining like 20 low limit **** one cards into one giant card. Anyone can do it. So it's not like you're some special customer that they granted a big credit line to.

Why do you have to bring your ATTITUDE here too?????????

[mouse]

Yeah, I had to close my Cap 1 rebuilder card because they wouldn't remove the AF / subprime status. I was kind of baffled by their philosophy -- isn't it better to keep a customer than to lose one? Esp. one with good payment history?

YEP.............

CAPITAL ONE IS SUB-PRIME

$22,500

Such a poser, mouse. As revealed on creditboards, you got that credit limit by combining like 20 low limit **** one cards into one giant card. Anyone can do it. So it's not like you're some special customer that they granted a big credit line to.

Why do you have to bring your ATTITUDE here too?????????

You and your buddies won

I left "CB" it is all yours............

[cowb0ysfan]

Ironically, one of my largest lines is from Cap One- around 30K and I didn't combine any limits.

You definitely have Cap 1 "PRIME" with that CL...do you pay an AF, how is the APR?

[mouse]

Mine was 5.90%

They said they "NEEDED" to increase it to 10.90% because of increase of PRIME over the years

So I closed it..............

END OF STORY

[NightStar]

I had a Best Buy card, I just got the card for a computer purchase once the account was paid down I closed the account. I never had any trouble with them.

[mouse]

Ironically, one of my largest lines is from Cap One- around 30K and I didn't combine any limits.

You definitely have Cap 1 "PRIME" with that CL...do you pay an AF, how is the APR?

~$30,000 won't have an annual fee

(unless it is some kind of rewards card)

[Flxiblemetro]

Haven't any of you heard of "Credit One Bank"?

Credit One Bank(formerly First National Bank of Marin) is one of the worst card issuers. Not because of its low starting $200 credit limit in my opinion. But because this company charges me a $5.95 fee for paying my bills online. The annual fee is $69, which Credit One bills $5.75 in 12 monthly installments. The optional credit protection program is 69$ plus 69 cents for every $100 I would charge on my account. And the APR is 23.90% for both purchases and cash advances.

I have compared Credit One's cards with First Premier cards, and found out that First Premier's cards are worse than Credit One's.

Here's why:

So far, I haven't asked for a credit limit increase. The fee for CLI for Credit one cards can range from $0 to $49 base on our credit history, while I know that First Premiers charges a $25 fee for CLIs.


Cash advances:
I like the way Credit One offers cash advances to it's customers; because unlike First Premier which limits the availablility of cash advances to its new cardholders, Credit One allows its new cardholders to take out cash advances right away up to 100% of credit limit(But I woundn't do that because of the $5 fee charged).

I also compared my Credit One card with my Capital One card, and found out that my Capital One credit card is better because: no annual fee and fees to pay my bills online and get a CLI.

[mouse]

BestBuy rewards card. Recent Terms and Conditions may have changed but our assitant (Amber) got offer where the small print said that they can charge upto 50% of your CLI amount ! So, lets say you got a $500 CLI, then can charge you upto $250 !!!!

I got this offer as well in the mail a few weeks after she got her's but this clause was no longer there.

Anybody got this card? Any bad experiences ?

I have NEVER paid for a CLI

Except maybe postage

[Flxiblemetro]

BestBuy rewards card. Recent Terms and Conditions may have changed but our assitant (Amber) got offer where the small print said that they can charge upto 50% of your CLI amount ! So, lets say you got a $500 CLI, then can charge you upto $250 !!!!

I got this offer as well in the mail a few weeks after she got her's but this clause was no longer there.

Anybody got this card? Any bad experiences ?

I can see that the rewards aren't worth it, since you have to paid an annual fee for Bast buy reward mastercard cards.

[Verne]

Haven't any of you heard of "Credit One Bank"?

Credit One Bank(formerly First National Bank of Marin) is one of the worst card issuers. Not because of its low starting $200 credit limit in my opinion. But because this company charges me a $5.95 fee for paying my bills online. The annual fee is $69, which Credit One bills $5.75 in 12 monthly installments. The optional credit protection program is 69$ plus 69 cents for every $100 I would charge on my account. And the APR is 23.90% for both purchases and cash advances.

I have compared Credit One's cards with First Premier cards, and found out that First Premier's cards are worse than Credit One's.

Here's why:

So far, I haven't asked for a credit limit increase. The fee for CLI for Credit one cards can range from $0 to $49 base on our credit history, while I know that First Premiers charges a $25 fee for CLIs.


Cash advances:
I like the way Credit One offers cash advances to it's customers; because unlike First Premier which limits the availablility of cash advances to its new cardholders, Credit One allows its new cardholders to take out cash advances right away up to 100% of credit limit(But I woundn't do that because of the $5 fee charged).

I also compared my Credit One card with my Capital One card, and found out that my Capital One credit card is better because: no annual fee and fees to pay my bills online and get a CLI.

I'm surprised First Premier is even legal. If it has any value at all, it's the hope it reports to the credit bureaus. Otherwise, it's less than worthless.

Some of these carnival cards charge for credit limit increases. And yet staunch banking industry defenders say, all banks are the same.

I doubt First Premier will even be legal in a few years. There is a difference between credit card companies. And thank God for this site!

Verne

[analoguejen]

Obviously, First Premier, Cortrust and Orchard can be considered awful credit cards. There is a trick to them though. If you pay First Premier or Cortrust through your bank bill pay, there is no fee or hold time. Same with Orchard/Household. They are all okay cards to rebuild credit. I've had Cortrust and Premier since February and I was just approved for an AMEX (yay!.) I've closed all 3 of those cards now.

Orchard is by far the worst. I paid off every month and was never late and they upped my APR from 14.9% to 27.9% for no reason! Plus, they charged me $15 for a $100 CLI.

[direred]

Orchard has been known to up the rate when they suspect that you're outgrowing them.

If you PIF, who cares what the rate is?

[smallfry]

Are there any cards consumers should avoid due to unfair practices. From What I Can Tell So Far:

Juniper/Barclays Any Others?

Knock on wood no problems with my Sea Miles card yet. Still early though.

[AJ]

Any Gas Card the can only be used only at that station IE: BP Gas Card Apr 24.24%

[mouse]

Any Gas Card the can only be used only at that station IE: BP Gas Card Apr 24.24%

You must PIF or you lose the "VALUE" of the rewards

THe APR could be 72.99% it wouldn't matter

[DWFan]

Merrick Bank Visa....insane APR and some people get charged an annnual fee.

Their Hooters MC has a bit better APR (10% bettwr in my case). Their CS isn't too bad....but disputes are insane. They never accept any proof that you submit to them, and they 99.9% of the time side with the merchant! So I basically just sockdrawed them both, using them for the occasional tank of gas and pay in full.

[flamencofreak]

I am interested in hearing some comments regarding the worst credit cards out there. Any takers?!?

CHASE BANK

Chase took over several other banks. We wound up with 4 Chase accounts. We had high CL's with the other banks, and great terms. In fact, we had transfered some balances from other cards at low promotional rates (some that were fixed till the transfered amount was paid off).

Enter Chase. Changes in terms (higher interest rate). Lowered CL's, and soon we were also introduced to "Universal Default" rates. No worries. We always paid our bills and hadn't been late on any payments for many years.

Suddenly, another "Change in terms" notice. A new higher rate (19.9% or something ridiculous like that) I called. Got it back down to 9.9%. That lasted for about a year. Back to 19.9% I called again. They wouldn't even discuss it. I closed the account. Then Chase drastically cut the CL on one of my wifes Chase accounts.

About a year later, Chase quit using CheckFree for ebills, making it necessary to go to their website to pay bills online. This was an inconvenience, because I could no longer view all my bills (and due dates) in one place, basically leaving me with a manual tracking system (at least for the Chase Cards with their ever changing due dates). Finally, the inevitable happened: I missed a due date. I was late by ONE Day, because when I got online it was past the posting time for that day by the time I discovered my error. You guessed it: Our interest rates shot up to 29.9% and our payments have more than doubled. We also lost all promotional rates.

Now we have gone to a debt settlement company for help, because we were left with no other option.

These banks are totally out of control, and simply MUST be reigned in by legislative action. They are totally unscrupulous and unethical.

[TomfromCT]

These banks are totally out of control, and simply MUST be reigned in by legislative action. They are totally unscrupulous and unethical.

You are joking right>?>???


The bank, insurance and big business ARE THE GOVERNMENT RIGHT NOW!!!

And that isnt a repub or dems kinda thing.

You;re government doesn;t care about these problems.