Aspire Visa
Dishonest fraudulent billing breach of contract continuously lied to by customerservice reps

Originally I had a Visa card through Providian. I held this account in good standing for approximately five years. I never missed a payment and usually paid the entire balance.

Approximately three months ago I was notified by Providian that my account along with many others had been sold to Aspire. Neither company could or would tell me why. I was also notified that if I used my Providian Card or the soon to arrive Aspire Card I would be bound by the new terms and conditions set forth by Aspire. These new terms and conditions were outrageous charges for on-line payments, late fees, etc. The most disturbing thing was the new interest rate. The Providian Visa was 12.99% and the Aspire Visa was 24.99%. My only recourse was to cancel the new Aspire account, which I did having not made any purchases.

When I cancelled this account over the phone with customer service rep. Marvin on 08/26/03 he assured me that all of the terms and conditions of my Providian Visa would remain in affect. I called back later that same day and spoke with customer service rep. Alejandro and requested a written verification of the cancelled account; as of 12/08/03 it has yet to arrive.

On 09/08/03 I realized that I never received a statement from Aspire. I called again and after being on hold for over 30 minutes waiting for a customer service rep. I was taken off hold and immediately hung up on. I called back and was placed on hold for 20 minutes and finally I was able to speak to Manoj? Who took my phone payment and did not charge me the $15.00 phone payment charge.

My first statement arrived on 10/12/03 I received this statement very late. Having recently moved I changed my address with Aspire via their website. Viewing this first statement I realized my interest rate was increased to 15.99% I first ignored this due to a phrase on my statement "Cash Advance Fees will case the APR for Cash Advances to appear overstated."

On 11/08/03 I received my second statement; still without the correct address. I realized Aspire is slowly changing my due date, making my payment due earlier than the terms of Providian. Since I received the bill late and seeing that it was now due on 11/11/03 I immediately sent a payment. I was told at the Post Office that 11/11/03 is a national holiday and my mailing may not arrive until 11/12/03. I called customer service rep. Aree (R-E) on the 8th and explained the situation. He informed me that they were open on the holiday and if my payment was not received by that date I would have a late fee and my terms and conditions would change to the higher interest rate. He suggested that I make a minimum payment by phone and pay the $15.00 service charge for doing so. I opted to do this however Aree would not wait for me to get my check book and told me to call back; he added that I did not need to speak to him further. Moments later I called back and spent approximately 15 minutes waiting for the option to "Pay by Phone" only once the "Pay by Phone" was completed and verified did the recording tell me that it would take a minimum of two business days to post to my account. Outraged I wanted to contact Aspire again however; it was too late in the evening.

The next morning I contacted a customer service rep. Who no matter how many times I asked for her name I was met with an incomprehensible gurgling noise that was supposed to pass for her name. I briefly explained what I had been put through by Aree the day before and her only rude response was that I would have to pay a late fee and the outrageous Aspire terms. I asked to speak to her supervisor and she said "well our supervisor is very busy and I don't know how quickly he can get to you." I told her I would wait. She put me on hold and after 30 minutes no one ever picked up; I eventually hung up and called back. I called back and spoke to Maria who told me both of the previous customer service reps. Were wrong and all phone payments are posted to the account retroactively to the date they were made. Although she too was incorrect both my minimum payment and my $300.00 payment were both posted to my account on the due date of 11/11/03.

The latest statement arrived on time to the correct address and the due date is on 12/12/03, which is relatively close to the Providian due date. The new problem is that my interest rate has now changed to 15.99% on $436.00 for purchases, which were never made and 19.99% for a cash advance of $2,033.73, which is the remainder of the balance purchased from Providian. I called customer service and spoke to Marticia, who told me I am only paying 15.99% on $436.00 and she did not show anything else on my account. I asked her why my statement showed the additional rate. She said she didn't know. I asked her what my balance was and asked why my statement showed two balances and two interest rates. She said she didn't have that information. I asked to speak to her supervisor. She informed me that her supervisor was very busy and she didn't know how quickly he could get to my call. I told her I would wait knowing full well that I would be put on hold indefinitely. After 35 minutes I hung up.

I didn't ask for this and tried to get out as fast as possible when it first began.

Christopher
sparks, Nevada
U.S.A.

Company: Aspire Visa
Country: USA
State: Georgia
City: Atlanta
Phone: 8667053607
Site: www.aspirecard.com

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