In I applied for the Aria Visa Card. About a year or so later, I was "upgraded" to the Get Smart Visa card. My interest rate stated about the same, so there was no problem.in the 3 years I have had the card, I have never made a late payment. About 9 months ago, I received a letter and was informed my interest rate would be increased to 29.99%.
I had two choices, I could close the account or basically suck it up and deal with the new interest rate. I was given a certain date to reply by or they would automatically change my interest rate. I received the letter AFTER the date deadline given.
I called the Customer Service Line and was told I had no choice since I responded after the deadline. I asked them, "How could I respond if I didn't get the letter until after the deadline?" She said, "We sent the letter out way in advance of the deadline, so there should be no problem." I continued to argue with her to no avail.
I opted to not close the account because they would not promise that it wouldn't reflect bad on my credit report. I waited for a few months and tried again to call Customer Service to ask for a lower interest rate. At that time, I was told they do not handle those type of "requests" on the phone and I would have to submit a letter in writing of what I wanted and why.
I am going to write them a letter and I'm anxious to see the response. Providian has been sued before and I participated in the lawsuit. I received a whopping settlement of $1.19 and Providian was nice enough to put it on my bill as a credit.
I would just like to have my money back that I've paid in interest alone to Providian since they have jacked up the interest rate. After finding this website, I realized I wasn't the only one and it makes me physically ill to think of all the money that Providian is making ripping people off.
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