Emerge, Providian ripoff - this is the thanks I get for never paying late These 2 companies (Providian & Emerge) are in the business of exploiting customers. Atlanta Georgia

I apllied for, and received both a Providian classic card and a Getsmart Internet card from Providian. Both were opened initially with a $500.00 credit limit.

Throughout the years I ALWAYS paid my bills on time which led them to increase my limits throughout the years to $4500 and $3500. All of a sudden both my accounts were sold to Emerge and the credit limit spiked to 29.97% What a rip off! I was NEVER late! Always paid at least $10 over the minimum, made numerous triple and quadruple payments.

Providian never closed out my accounts with the credit bureaus. It took me almost a YEAR to clear my credit report. It appeared as if I had 4 credit cards which shot my score down tremendously.

Emerge - where should I start? Rude, non-English speaking, condescending, unsymphathetic, nasty people. The first statement did not arrive until 3 days prior to the due date. I had to make a phone payment which included a $9 charge. I explained the situtation SEVERAL times but since the other side did not comprehend English it was a wasted effort. I even filed a formal complaint with the US Postal Service because they claim they mailed the bill on time, yet it NEVER arrived on time until after I closed the account.

I was fortunate enough to pay off one of them and I am paying off the Getsmart/Emerge balance on the other one. Funny how ever since I closed all Providian related activity my credit score has shot up more than 100 POINTS! Yes, 100 points. I have even qualified for a Platinum Card with a 14% finance charge.

I believe these 2 companies (Providian & Emerge) are in the business of exploiting customers. They make you believe your score is low therefore they are giving you a hand out by offering you a credit card that initially has a geat deal. Once they hook you, you are in it for good. Or so they think.

I am fortunate enough to have an income stream that allows me to pay off my credit cards. I really feel awful for the people that live paycheck to paycheck that have been baited and hooked into these two companies.

There should be a class action lawsuit!!

Margie
Norristown, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.