Emerge MasterCard rip-off! You think your account is paid off, but they'll be tacking on late fees. Here's a couple recomendations to help free you from their evil clutches. Atlanta Georgia

I am taking a moment to warn those who are now falling victim to Emerge Mastercards highly unethical practices and a couple recomendations to help free you from their evil clutches.

First off, I was a happy member of Providian for some time and quite happy with their service. This ended the day I was sold to Emerge Mastercard. As so many know, your account is closed if holding for any extended period a high balance. Even if your credit is absolutely perfect. Mine was in this state. I had obtained a high balance due to school bills but were easily making my payments on time. This was irrelevant. The company apparently has strange critieria and closes your account for any reason they deem fit. With no reasonable explaination. This is a good enough reason alone to "never" use them.

Now for the advice! Listen carefully and take note!

First off, you cannot contact Atlanta ops directly. You are sent to customer support outsourced in India. They have little info and follow strict rules in offering minimal help for liability reasons. They also know little of the credit rules. What can you expect, they're in India. It's not their fault.

1 - If you need detailed info, don't hold your breath. You will never get it. This is reality.

2 - If you have not been closed yet - CLOSE NOW on your own. This looks good on your credit report. Don't let them have the thrill of hurting you. You are nothing but a number!

3 - Try to pay off the bill ASAP! Get a loan somewhere if necessary and do it! They are out to eat you with the interest. Common sense. Don't pay the money to them - pay someone else!

4 - MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL! When you go for payoff. Overpay the amount by the calculated amount of interest and late fees for some nominal period (1-2 weeks) WHY - You ask? Simple, according to their interpretation of credit rules, they don't have to give you any payoff balance that is good for any extended period. In other words, the payoff amount is good for that moment alone! The interest occured over the period of cashing the check or mailing time IS NOT INCLUDED! So even though you thought you paid it off, you didn't! Their charging interest for all the time till check clearing. This becomes your new balance. If you ignore your statement and think it is paid off, you get a late fee ontop of that. Yes Damit - they can and will do that!

IF you overpay, they will keep some of that money. But, you go to a zero balance and they have to send you a refunmd check! That's the law. Take thrill in demanding it. It costs them money in logistics. It's the only way to get free of them.

One last thing, if you are verbally savvy enough, they can transfer you to a rep in Atlanta. This is where you can get more knowledgeable info. Good Luck!

M
Lakewood, California
U.S.A.