I signed up for an Aria Visa card in 1999. The first problem reared it's head after my first anniversary. They send me a note saying my credit line will be increased. And, if I would like an even better increase I can pay X amount to get it. HUH? Did I miss something? I thought companies gave out credit cause they thought you were responsible enough to handle it. So, I didn't take it. Well, that's when the telemarketing calls started. They had noticed I didn't buy the extra credit. So, I was hounded for about 3 months about 3 times a week.

Then, for no reason, they give me another credit limit raise. Well, this time I call. "Why don't you give me a gold card instead of increasing my credit limit. Obviously, you think I am responsible with my credit, otherwise you wouldn't keep increasing my limit."

The guy on the phone says, "We don't have a gold card. We just have the one card. But, you can keep getting credit line increases. Why Don't you call Providian Bank, and ask them for a Gold Card."

Ok, I'm going to skip to a new subject for just a minute, cause the two tie into each other. So, Aria sends me out a notice saying they've switched from "Aria" to "Getsmart."
Well, that's fine. I've had the "Getsmart" Visa since August. So, I get a note saying that since I have the most basic of cards, I will now be charged an annual fee. HUH?
The guy on the phone told me they only had one card. And,I went with Aria cause there was no annual fee.

So, off to their website I go. Interestingly enough, there are 4 different Getsmart Visa's, and I qualify for 3 of them. And, the website says there are no annual fees for any of them. Oh, really? Well, I have not been able to get a hold of customer service for 2 days.

But, on the bright side, Sears sent me a note saying that they wanted to upgrade me from a store card to a Sears Gold Mastercard. It has an APR that is 7% less than Getsmart. Plus, there is no annual fee. And, it is a gold card. So, as soon as, I get it in the mail, Getsmart and Providian can kiss this customer good-bye..

Update: It's now 10:30 am, 7 hours after the original review, and I've gotten a hold of Customer Service. The lady was nice enough to explain that I was assessed an annual fee at the time of application due to my credit record. Interesting, I got this card in 1999, but, I'm just now being charged an annual fee. My credit, according to 2 of the 3 credit reporting agencies, is 7.4. Which, I was told by the bank, was excellent. I could have anything I wanted. Hmmmm? I have to wonder, if it is standard procedure to assess an annual fee, why does the website say, "No Annual Fees?" I was, also, told that, at the time of request, I did not qualify for an upgrade in my card status. So, they have consistently increased my credit line from $1,000 to $3,300, but I can't get an upgrade. 2 of the other cards start at a $1,000 credit limit. And, I have paid my bills on time. And, more than the minimum due.

Recommended: No