Providian, Credit Card Services ripoff Raise your Interest rates, Offer a settlement then come back HIGHER amount! Old Bethpage New York

I just want to let EVERYONE know that Providian (aka ARIA) is the worst Credit card company on the market today. Let me tell you my story.

In 2000 I opened an ARIA account, charged it up, paid it off, increased my limit to $2200. Well, I went out and bought a new Tractor Lawn mower at home depot and charged $1100 on the card. Wife bought some gifts on the internet etc., and I get a $2000 bill. Make my payments ON TIME via their website.

I get a letter one day that says that they are raising my interest rate from 19% to 29%! I have 30 or 60 days to pay off the money. Make more payments on the account (more than the minimum).

Next, I get a new credit card in the mail that simply says "MY CREDIT CARD". It appears that providian sold my account to these THIEVES in NY called 'Credit Card Services'. I've been making payments on this account with THEM since 2001 or so, balance is still $2200 and a lady calls the other day because I was late on last months payment and wanted to set up a check by phone. I told her that I was expecting my tax refund and wanted to try to settle this account. She offered 70% to pay it off. I told her that I was hoping I could pay it off for a little less. She submitted 65% to what ever department handles settlements, said she would contact me in a week.

Well, I get a call today (SUNDAY) saying your account is past due.. wannna do a check by phone? I tell the customer service girl "I'm waiting to get a figure for my payoff." She then tells me "Oh Yeah, they declined your offer of 65% and says that they will now only accept 85%." AN INCREASE OF 15% the first customer service rep offered me!

This same thing happened to me the year before with them. I offered one settlement and they came back with another, MUCH HIGHER and simply said too bad! The only difference this year is that the customer service rep is the one who offered me 70%! I didn't suggest it, she said she had the power to offer me 70% then once she submitted 65% the settlement dept. decided to make it 85% and now NO customer service rep. can make any settlement offers, 85% and that's it!

Sean
Southaven, Mississippi
U.S.A.