Apparently I have missed a change of my due date or something has gone wrong. I do not know what has happened. Suddenly I THINK I am declared in default and that is why my interest rate is increased to 38% or higher. I really don't know what has happened to me.
To my knowledge, in the history of my gold card, I have never been late and I have never missed a payment. Often I have sent more than the required minimum payment due.
I received a letter but I cannot interpret the letter to my satisfaction because I am not a financial attorney, etc. I have called Providian's 800 number and that is a joke.
NOBODY will explain in English what has happened to me. The CUSTOMER SERVICE folks read a printed script to you no matter what question you ask. Then they ask if you want to speak to a manager, but the manager will only tell me the same thing. I have been informed that there is no HUMAN person within the corporate structure of Providian who can talk to me about my account. I will only have the same script read to me over and over and over until I slam down the phone in total frustration.
I have been told that if I want the interest rate lowered, I have to close the account. Also, on my husband's account, because of the "credit status on his account at the time he received his Visa card, it is impossible to lower his interest rate."
Diane
Kalona, Iowa