Advanta Credit Card jump to 22.74%

[itchibahn]

Got the Advanta credit card bill 2 days after the due date. We've had some crazy mail delivery problem in this city. Immediately went online and made payment, then called their rep and explained that mail just arrived. She said she would take care of it, unfortunately, I will have to wait and call back during next billing cycle. When I received next bill, with huge late fee and finance charge, I was reminded to call again. And with another rep, he refused to remove the late/finance charges.

Do you think Advanta is scamming? Providing promotional rate, then send out late statement to collect on fees? I've had bills arrive late before and others were nice enough to forgive, but not Advanta. 3.9% promo rate was great deal for consolidating, but it turned out to over $500 in late/finance charge due to late mail arrival.

The Advanta rep also lied to me that they had automatic payment system. I always paid their bills online, and I know for fact they didn't have automatic payment feature. If they did, I would of used it.

I've had Advanta MC for near 7 years, and I used it occasionally on promo rates to consolidate. And I can’t remember being late on a payment once. If I ever been late, it could be years ago when I was traveling overseas. Because I remember being late for Bank of America payment when I returned.

Since I got no result with their rep, I sent them an email, fax, and snail mail, requesting a waiver. I'll post here when I'll get a reply.

[Rachael24]

Please keep us updated...Sounds absolutely unacceptable

[itchibahn]

Didn't get anywhere. Couple of days ago, received a generic letter saying "thank you for your input" and "dropped $100 off from the finance charge" and lowered to 17%. What a joke. That 3.9% special turned into 17%+ interest and $400+ fees.

Made transfer couple of days ago, and the money should be in the bank by Tomorrow to pay Advanta off. Then I'm calling them to take their card and shove it.

[runningbull1]

Found article by New York Times by Saul Hansell on "fighting back credit cards." It specifically has ADVANTA as subject of their focus! Guess they have been doing this crap to people since at least 1997 from the article.

Just google "fighting credit cards Advanta" and the article should come up. It also lists who to file a complaint with in dealing with these credit card crooks!


Anyone out there, please let me know if there is anyone else we could write to in addition to what the article outlines. TIME FOR WAR!