Visa Classic (Providian Bank)

Pros: Offers "help" to those with no credit, or credit difficulties in the past
Cons: Take advantage

Many years ago following a problematic divorce, and ending up a single parent receiving erratic child support payments, and reticence from the other parent about fulfilling his obligations regarding medical bills, orthodontia, and the like, I ended up...

Pros: Generous credit increases after about a year
Cons: Untrustworthy? Good salesman/customer service?

If only I were more assertive...
I have a Providian Visa Classic and have retained it for well over 4 years. Providian seems to have locked me into keeping this card and for some ungodly reason, I just can't seem to escape.

Here's my...

Pros: A good start with financial recovery from debt
Cons: Poor customer service skills, very high interest rates

Can't they at least get their stories straight when they are supposedly giving out information to you? I spoke to three (3) people a few days ago on the phone when I called, just trying to get a straight answer! This is clearly a case of the right foot...

Pros: Will give most anyone credit, excellent customer service!
Cons: Rates are a bit high and fees can be costly!

Since there is so much talk lately about the credit cards that Providian offers, I thought that it was time to give you my take on this card. I deal with Providian on a regular basis because I've been a member for over two years now so I feel that I'm...

Pros: Willing to take chances on high risk consumers
Cons: Poor Customer Service; high interest rates

How much of a risk do you want to run to establish a good credit history? Well, the following review talks directly to millions of people who, for one reason or another, have to put up with a company such as Providian to put their big toe in the...

Pros: Offers credit to those who can't get it
Cons: Expensive, Poor customer service, Outrageous rates

Note: This review originally appeared under another Providian category when the original site was in existence. Here it is, in the proper category and fully Y2001 compliant.

Yes, I was one of those suckers who received a credit card...

Pros: No fee, decent interest, recognizes improving credit situations
Cons: Slow service, trailer-park image

The Story So Far

Providian is the last holdout from the days when I had no credit, and would take a card from anyone who offered me one. All the rest are gone, canceled, long since replaced with better credit cards, but I've still got...

Pros: It's Visa Card.
Cons: No grace period.

HOW I GOT VISA GOLD CARD BY PROVIDIAN

I hate to trip back and forth to my bank to get cash, a widely accepted credit card is a must for my life. I have been a Discover Card holder for a while. Discover Card is good, but, as you know, it...

Pros: Great customer service, no irate calls.
Cons: high interest rate.

This covers both the Visa Classic, and the Visa Gold card offered by Providian. As far as I can tell, the only real difference between the two (in our case) is the credit line.

Four years ago, we had to file for bankruptcy, which totally wiped...

Pros: easy qualifications
Cons: I could go on and on

While trying to build myself a credit history I applied and received a card for Providian, their Aria visa. I was very happy to have a bank let me build credit with them, and even though I never had a credit history, they gave me a chance.

Of...

Pros: Generally available for $49.00
Cons: Racketeers of the worst sort--you'll bow to "add on" pressure and regret the day!

In an ideal world, all of us would have perfect credit and receive unsecured cards with low interests. Unfortunately, many of us through our own weaknesses or through pure circumstance encounter difficult financial stretches in our life.
...

Pros: Toll-free number, customer service, ease of use
Cons: High APR and other miscellaneous fees

Building credit can seem like a Catch-22 situation. No one wants to extend credit to you or give you a loan if you don't have a well-established credit history. But how are you supposed to have a credit history if no one will give you credit?!?
...

Pros: No credit history required
Cons: Everything else

This was my first credit card. Let me tell you...it was SUCH a mistake. Hmm...where do I begin?

To begin, the Providian Visa has some really hideous fees. Mine cost $50 to start the account, then an immediate $69 balance on the card as my...

Pros: Generous credit line increases, good internet site
Cons: High interest, high annual fee, telephone solicitations

How This Credit Card Company Has Performed

Providian has served me well over the past three years at helping me rebuild my credit. But in order for success to happen, I had to constantly read the fine print on every piece of mail I...

Pros: quick credit for bad situations, can pay and review on line, credit limit increases
Cons: Outragous Interest Rates, No Grace Period, Will "freeze" your account when traveling

I got this card in 1996 after my ex husband did a doozy on our credit. I found myself desperate for a credit card in my name ONLY and Providian was able to supply it. The fine print didn't matter at that time......21% interest rate....no grace...