Advanta’s earns a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews, showing that the majority of customers are exceptionally satisfied with financial services.
- All
- Reviews only
- Complaints only
- Resolved
- Unresolved
- Replied by the business
- Unreplied
- With attachments
How to STOP their calls
Here is how to STOP Advanta.
First, understand that they don't bother following the law. Second, understand that they really have no power over you other than harrassment and dinging your credit if you don't pay. The wost they can legally do is send you threatening calls and letters and finally do a charge off on the debt on your credit if you don't cave in to their tactics.
If you're finally in a postion where your credit score is no longer an issue you can worry about (you're just trying to survive and letting some bills go unpaid), include them in the unpaid stack. They will send you a couple of letters and then send their phone dogs after you. They are not supposed to call you more than twice a day at the most because that is considered harrassment.
Legally you can send any creditor a certified letter to instruct them to no longer contact you by phone. (Do a search for an example.) The law is clear. They must abide by that. However, Advanta will insist that it doesn't apply to them but only to third party collectors and since they are the account owner they can ignore it. Interestingly, all other lenders in primary position DO honor the law and stop calling.
You could go through all kind of hassles to compalin to the State Attorney General, but it won't do any good. They'll keep calling. Now's the time to take matters into you own hands and fight fire with fire. This is what I did.
I have caller ID. When I noticed it was Advanta, I began by not answering. When the calls reached 3 or 4 times a day, I opened the phone line and let it sit. Sometimes I opened the phone line and smacked the microphone against the table top rapidly several times to explode the callers ear. Sometimes I flushed the toilet and put the phone near the water so they could hear the flush. I considered it all a game. After all, I wasn't working and couldn't pay them. My credit was shot anyway.
They continued, but changed to a different line that listed a phone number but no name. These I began answering. I sent the letter to them and when I got the return receipt I told the caller about it. They insisted it didn't apply to them. I asked to speak to a supervisor. He said the same thing. I asked nicely to stop calling and he insisted they would until deadbeats like me paid our bills.
I decided ti fight fire with fire. The next time they called I answered and hung up as soon as I knew who it was. Now I had their phone number. I I hit return dial and got one of their callers. I proceeded to tell them all about how they had just called me and I was returning the favor. I asked to speak to a supervisor and got handed up. I didn't discuss anything, I just told him the same thing and said goodbye.
Now the fun began. I redialed and went through the same thing again - over and over and over again. They proceed each answering with a statement of the call being recorded. So what? It's not illegal to call them. Just be pleasent and don't swear. If you get flustered, just hang up and call again. Each time I asked to speak to a supervisor. They started by passing me up. However, after about 6 calls they tried to block me by asking me my account number, address, name, etc. I told them it was a personal matter and they only needed my name which I gave them. After about 15 calls I began getting the same people over again. A couple of times they hung up on me, but remember their recording is showing me being pleasant while they are being rude and hanging up. That only happened a few times. They finally began to immediately passed me up to the senior supervisor, Ed McFadden. He's good. He'll wait quietly until you begin to speak and them begin immediately cutting you off, telling you how much of a jerk you are, asking for their money, anything to try to keep you from getting a word in edgewise. His job is to get you mad. Keep smiling. You're winning. It didn't matter. I just kept telling him I was returning their calls as they had originally asked and would continue since I wasn't working and had nothing better to do than play games on my computer while calling them. I let him know I would continue to keep this up until they finally stopped calling me.
Of course he insisted that it didn't bother him or his work and I was wasting my time. By the way, this conversation took over 10 calls to complete because as soon as I said one line and he jumped in I nicely said. "Goodbye." and hung up. He tried to tell me all about how I was going to lose my house, bank accounts, have wages garnished, etc. I called his bluff because I know he can't do any of those things. He threatened to send it on to their attorneys. I applauded him and asked him to please do it. That would stop the calls. He backed off saying he had to follow protocol. I laughed at him on that one.
Interestingly, this activity took about 1 hour which I viewed as a game instead of irritation. I was "returning the favor" of calling them. That was last week. I don't know why, but I haven't had my phone ring from them in over a week. Can anyone please tell me how I can get them to start their friendly calls again. I feel left out and unloved!
Sincerely,
MIserable and along waiting for a call.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
unethical fincancial managment
I have a successful business and good credit signed up for Advanta as a premier business card for my buinsess in 2007. My intial interest rate was 15%, last year my rate was hiked to 35% with no explanation. The real crime here is the small business owners like that are respobsible and successful got stuck with no time to transfer or move funds before the interest reate hike. With the higher interest rate no progress is made on the balance. They claim to have sent a notice about the rate hike in august? Worse small business owners that had accounts with Advanta now have no accesses to available funds. I have worked hard to establish my credit as a reputable business, Advanta hurts responsible successful business owners that form the building blocks of this country. This should be handled with the upmost care and efficiency to restore respobsibility and ethics to business credit. What happens to american when small reputable business are forced to pay the mistakes of a big business? This should be illegal.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
credit card rate increase
Advanta Bank has jumped firmly on the greed and scam wagon! It is good to see that I am not the only one in this situation. Perhaps we can take them down. Anyone up for a class action lawsuit?
About a years and a half ago, they were going to raise my rate significantly. The option was that they were going to close the account and with that agreement, they PLEDGED to keep my rate at 7.9% fixed for the life of the balance. That was a promise.
During the interim, I paid on time, and generally slightly more than required. I was “late” twice because they didn't credit my account on the due date, even though it was paid on the internet site. It seems that they also use the trick of not-posting you weekend payments immediately. IT IS GOOD FOR THEM, HOWEVER: zing! $39.00.
Another trick they use is to vary the Due Date monthly. That way you are more likely to screw-up and pay late, having the bill sneak-up on you unsuspectingly. ZING! $39.00.
However, the real mistake they made with me last month was changing my pledged rate of 7.9% for the balance of the loan, to an unprecedented 30+% rate. Here is how I discovered it had happened:
When I was without the money to pay on the random Due Date they had imposed, I called them, and we discussed the matter, and they mentioned that they would work with me and not charge a late fee. Three weeks later, when the money finally was available (self-employed), I was getting calls daily from them, and their India-based agent informed me that my $114.00 minimum payments was now over $$300.00 to bring the account current. I asked “How much?” I then pointed out to them that twice $114.00 is less than the $300-something they mentioned. Their reply: “$132.00 is interest for the month.”
I guess you can imagine what I said next. After biting my tongue, I calmly informed them that I had been pledged 7.9% for the balance, they said that they could not lower the rate.
I then informed them that I will NOT pay mafia rates for interest, and allow them to literally STEAL all of my monthly payment in interest charges. Therefore, I resolve to pay ZERO toward the balance until I get an official letter from their executives promising to reduce the rate to that pledged, and that I am fully willing to walk on the entire balance if they refuse to comply.
Being the fair and reasonable person I am, I also added, I also want all of the late fees removed, and demanded that they repair the reporting to the credit agency regarding this matter. I was late through NO FAULT of my own. I was late because of the economy, not careless disregard for what I owe.
However, I feel that it is an important matter of principle that we hold those we do business to the same standard that we give. If they do not keep their word to me, I will no longer allow them to steal my scarce funds, by making me a permanent debtor with their theft. Before, I was reducing the debt every month. With their new theft, I am (paying the minimum) getting more accrued debt monthly!
It is the economy, stupid! Advanta has no right to place further burdens on the backs of us who are struggling to keep our financial heads afloat monthly! Since they have chosen this unethical path, I say it is time for a class action lawsuit!
Anyone else?
By the way, Advanta NO LONGER exists! So, does anyone know who the attorney in FL works for that is actually attempting to sue me in the name of "Advanta" ? It seems to me that this is a third party debt collector without a contract.
Does the FDIC attempt such collections through contract attorneys?
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I have paid 100 dollars every month, they changed my rate without notification. Now they call me and threaten me that if you think 100, is going to save you from legal action your are wrong. They call my work, home, cell phone, all hours midnight, 6:00am on Sunday.
I will join your class action law suit. moorefarm2@bellsouth.net
It appears this complaint has become common with Advanta. I have a small painting business. Advanta just raised my rate from 6.9% to 34.99% and told me they informed me it was going to change, but I only found out by my most recent statement when my payment jumped $160. These business practices, if nothing else, are unethical.
Add me to the list of ANGRY customers. Advanta is definitely a rip off. I also have excellent credit... never been late on a payment... but regardless, Advanta changed my interest rate from 7.99% to 31%. I am liquidating assets, paying them off, and then closing my account. I hope they get JUST WHAT THEY DESERVE. Take my advice, DO NOT USE ADVANTA credit card.
I have just opened my statement today and almost fainted. My interest rate went up from 20% to 37%! I have always paid on time, and have never gone over my limit. I called and the person on the phone could not give me any particular reason for the hike. I suggest anyone in the same circumstance call and complain to Advanta. I cancelled my card with them even though it may turn against me on my credit score.
This place needs to be reported to the Banking Commission...they raised their rates seven-fold, they contract call centers with illiterates to contact customers, and they are crooks.
Here is the next scam thought of by Advanta Bank Corp. First they fatfinger something on your name or address. Next the Post Office sends it back due to no such person/address. Then you make your payment late due to Advanta's mistake. And here's the kicker. Your interest rate goes from whatever rate you have to your default rate due to your being late on a payment that was their fault. And who says you can't print money?
I am just amazed at Congress. They try to keep the consumer in a dark hole. They pass a law and then Slimballs like Advanta over 8 months to raise interest rates to over 35% and take away credit lines. Unbelievable!
I had the same problem as 1000's of others but called this company called Comdata. They issue cards in a very timely manner and at 0% interest. It was easy.
Comdata helped me too!
I just got my advanta statement and when I opened it I noticed the interest rate went from 8.99 to 27.99. I have never been late, always paid more then the amount due. So after 10 years of being a loyal customer they told me sorry too bad. So I canceled the card. Picked up my line of credit check book that is currently at 2.99 % and will overnight this check to these ### tomorrow. Before I got off the phone with customer service I said hope you have a job in a week because karma is a ###.
Jump in interest rate from 2.99 percent to 34.99 percent
I have never been late with Advanta and I sent a payment in on August 29 or 30th and Advanta customer service states they did not get my payment in time. I also, made a payment by phone for the same billing period and Advanta took both payments added them to late payment charges and hiked my interest rate up from 2.99% to 34.99%.
I spoke to customer service and they said there is nothing they could do about this. I also, asked to speak to the supervisor and they would not let me, stating the supervisor would say the same thing . They gave me a number to call Apprisen Financial Advocates.
I sent my payment in on time, plus made another payment by phone.
THESE ARE FRAUDULENT PEOPLE AND RUINING GOOD PAYING CUSTOMERS. I PLAN TO CONTACT CONGRESS, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND MY LOCAL NEWS MEDIA.
KANSAS CITY, MO
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
ADVANTA, should be more like AdVampa!
DO NOT GET THIS CARD! THIS COMPANY WOULD PULL THE PLUG ON ITS OWN MOTHER IN ORDER TO GET AT HER ASSETS. And while she was gasping for air and pegging them to put turn the machine back on, their only response would be I understand, but they would not put the plug back in. Thats Advanta.
They promote a great interest rate, around 5 to 7%, but if you are late even once, even by a day, then the trap is sprung and you are caught in a pitfall of charges and interest increases that can not be reversed. Do you really want to pay 31% interest on a credit card. The only person who should apply for this card is someone who has no responsibility with a lousy credit rating who does not plan on paying it back, those are the clients this Gosa company deserves, not the hard working responsible ones like us.
ADVANTA Credit Cards, DO NOT GET IT, DO NOT GET IT AND DO NOT GET IT!
Advanta is the lowest of the lows. They epitimize the troubles with unregulated corporate banking today. They have jacked my interest rate from 0% to 9.99% to 24% to 37.5%. I too have had no late payments from any creditor EVER and they gave me no explanation either. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I am in the position to pay that interest rate back in which case they will eat this! I feel bad, but not that bad. If a company wants to put the screws to its clients, they should get ready to eat a lot of bad debt.
steveinvestments@aol.com
This bank is worst then the worst loan shark. In fact I doubt if I would be ripped off with a real loan shark! They raised my interested just because they could, and my minimum payment nearly doubled. It continues to go up even though my balance goes down. It seems odd that the interest calculated each month increases as the balance goes down. I'm not sure how to figure that out.
I would advise no one to ever do business with them, and for everyone to close thier accounts, and don't use thier card... ever, and warn all others about this bank.
The Advanta corp. seems to have a slick game it likes to play. I mailed in a payment in the month of February. For some reason, they related to me a check mailed Feb. 4th, arrived February 16th, late. I was called on the 18th, informed my payment was late, none had been received, and if I made a payment over the phone at that time a 39.00 dollar late fee would be waived only if I made a payment right then and there. Assuming the check was lost I complied. A week later I received a mailed statement. Clearly applied is the late fee, not having been removed. I call to ask what is going on. At this point I find out that they had cashed the mailed check on the 16th, 2 days before calling me and telling me no payment was received. They basically extorted an additional payment from me, and tacked on a late fee for giggles & grins. They refused to remove the late fee and said it was not possible. The attendant falsified his name by telling me he was Jack Smith. When I called and asked for Jack Smith and gave his ID the women taking my call had no knowledge of a Jack Smith, or the ID he gave me. Smells pretty bad doesn't it?
This is the 3rd time I have received harassing phone calls from customer service agents at Advanta small business cards. I have always paid my bills on time, but to no fault of my own they have wrongly credited payments that have been submitted to them. The first time after several attempts from my bank and I contacting them I received a weak apology from a female supposed manager that they were mistaken and credited the $500.00 plus late fees $39 back to my account. the next incident went about the same but an even weaker apology came with excuses of "computer errors". I am now in a battle this 3rd time after sending them $15, 000.00 last month the harassing phone calls started immediately. I contacted my bank and they say they sent the money on the 15th and it shows they received the $600.00 on the 15th of July. The payment was due the 20th. It shows on the account summary website they received the $600.00 on the 15th then on the 21st they charge me a late fee 0f $39 for not sending them a payment that was due the 20th. I tried to speak to a manager, told they do not speak to you write them at this address. I asked for e-mail and fax numbers was blown off. they have blown off my bank who insists they received the money. I was told after calling 3 times and in the final call getting very upset that I am a liar and I am harassing them. I am harassing them. Unbelievable. No wonder they are on the verge of going under. They are seeking another bank sponsor for their accounts. I hope no other bank enters into business with this company, some companies should be allowed to fail due to their poor business practices. NO BAILOUTS! What happened to customer service?
I am a member with Advata credit Master Card. These people are charging me an astronomical interest rate of 37.899 percent interest rate. I have never in my life had an interest rate this high. My husband is in the construction business and as you know we are right in the eye of this financial storm that may cause this country to fail. We may lose our home. I had to sell the little jewelry I had a while back just to pay this bill. These credit card pimps, Wall Street and the greedy CEO’s are hurting this country financially worse than the terrorist attacked on 911. They are the reason why the economy is all jacked up!
Think about it. Here we are working hard trying to make a decent living, and people are loosing their jobs, and we have all these greedy people ripping off the customers sitting at a table brainstorming ways to get more money for themselves, and on top of this they know this country is at the brink of a financial melt down and they continue to raise interest rate because they feel like it so they can line their pockets for more money. As far as I’m concerned, they are worse than the terrorist because they to are casing people to panic, steal, and even kill themselves and others. The question I like to know is, how can they sleep at night, How?
The only people who are enjoying what is happening now to this country are the people who are making outrageous profits and the terrorist. But you know what? For every action, there will be a reaction. This Country is in serious trouble because of greed and self-indulgence and when or if it gets worse, it will be like the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and each and every one of us will have to pay the ultimate price, and when I say price I’m not talking about money.
It make me downright sick!
I made all my payments on time on my 0% interest card. I made my payments on line, but once the payment wasn't processed and I couldn't get a confirmation number. I called to check if the payment was processed and couldn't get through to any one. I called again and my payment was confirmed, but one day late! I was told that the late charge would be reversed which it was, but there was a small finance charge of $1.54.
I continued to make payments on time, but I was now being charged interest of 22%. When I called to complain I was told I lost the 0% interst rate because I made a late payment! I closed the account and encounterd even more charges and problems. What can be done?
No need to talk about Advanta (More like Advantage). We all know that they are thieves. I called on one of my other credit card companies, got them to increase my limit, do a balance transfer to pay off the thieves and was given a reduced transfer fee with a 5% interest rate for a year without incurred accumulated interest at the end of the term. (Just start incurring and paying regular interest if not paid off in a year) Now that is a company worth Discovering and doing business with. Advanta you seem to have forgotten the power of the internet.
I logged onto the account to find that you had cancelled my refund check for .17. I called in March to ask for the final payoff and the rep told me the amount for which I sent immediately while he was online with me. He evidently gave me the wrong amount and I ended up with a small credit balance.
I just spoke with a rep who told me that Advanta would not send a credit check for under a dollar and I asked that I speak with his supervisor. After several minutes on hold he came back on to tell me that on the next statement I would find a zero balance/credit. Wow! Blatant stealing from customers/ex-customers now.
What a scam! The first rep in March gave me the wrong amount. Now you refuse to send the credit back! I am going to forward this on to multiple attorneys and let them run with it. I am sure there are others who have been scammed by Advanta in this manner.
I will not settle for a company who requests more money than what is actually due! And yes, I am willing to spend much more than 17 cents for the cause!
John Hayes
After becoming an Advanta customer through balance transfer. They raised my rates for no reason, They jumped from 13.8% to 36.31 % in less than 6 months of being with them, I called and complained and all they said was your account was in good standing but your balance is a risk . I said that is crap, i have never been late on any payments and they said well we sent you a notice stating you can opt out. I never got that notice and closed the account which is allowing me to pay the balance off at a rate of 18.74 %& 24.74% this is a scam, EVERYONE BEWARE OF ADVANTA
refund
On May 26 I received an email saying that Advanta was going out of the credit card business and I could charge nothing after May 30. I set about replacing the ONLY credit card I have. I could not get on the website and I could not get through by phone. There was a continuous busy signal. I transfered a $300 balance to Discover. (my new card) This was an over payment because I could not determine what had actually gone on the card. When I was able to get through by phone, I was told the check was being mailed out that day, and I should get it in 7 to 10 days. I have been told that 3 times now. Most recently today. I wait 10 days between calls even though I am sure the mail is not going pony express... I believe I am being told the "worlds oldest lie."
Dorothy Kalaveras
[protected]@gmail.com
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Loan Shark Interest Rates
HOW TO BEAT ADVANTA: IF everyone with a Credit card from advanta JOINS ME IN my quest to just SAY NO! and DO NOT PAY YOUR BILL (My interest was raised to 34.99% and a curtosy check is at (((46.99%)) Advanta has sold there accounts to investors who are looking to capitolize on this MEGA interest and use THREATS Of credit reporting, THIS IT like the days of loan sharking BUT if EVERYONE SAID NO and DO NOT SEND ANY PAYMENTS, everyone should call advanta NOW ( keep in mind there 1-800 BILL WILL BE HUGE (YAY) and say the folloing with out letting them get in one word about CONTRACTS ETC. SAY: HI I will only pay 9% if they reply NO say I will only pay 9% alter my bill now. IF everyone said this the investors would take notice BECAUSE the investors would then force ADVANTA to take back the accounts and advanta will GO BANKRUPT then THEY CAN PUT US on there bankruptsy filings and NOT USE putting advanta on ours.
One ant is helpless 10's of thousands and youve got STRENGTH.
anyone in...
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
williany da silva fernandes, williany show recibie suas mensagens mim informando que ganhei 1.000.000.00 de dolares, estou enviando meu numero para voçes entrarem em contatos comigo, [protected]/[protected] estou aguardando a resposta.
Canceled my credit card
Advanta Mastercard has canceled my credit line as of April 21, 2009. Not because I missed payment, because I never had a balance from month to month.
Advanta Mastercard sent me an email and a letter (which I haven't received yet) stating that they have canceled my card due to my low activity. My low activity was about $500 to $3, 000 a month in charges but I always paid my balance off each month.
They have the right to do what they please with their credit lines, BUT! They should have given me proper notice. My wife was purchasing her contact lenses and the card was declined making her greatly embarrased at the time of her purchase.
I guess Advanta Mastercard wants SLAVES as cardholders! If you are responsible and only spend what you can pay for when the bill comes due they ABSOLUTELY HATE YOU!
Let's all pay off all of our bills and let these CREDIT SLAVES DIE AWAY...
http://www.therealdebtsolution.com
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Have you tried Comdata? You should call them they can help you get another card and quickly.
Advanta cancelled over 210, 000 inactive or low usage accounts last fall. It is a real shame.
Did the same thing to me - canceled my card because I didn't use it enough and always paid off the balance!
This hurts your credit score because it looks like they canceled you for some other reason. They should be prohibited from doing this. Suppose your mortgage lender did that - canceled your mortgage even though you paid on time - people would be out in the street.
Predatory Lending Practices
Like everyone else here, I was victim of Advanta's predatory lending practices. My rates were 2.99%, and then 7.99%, for the longest, and recently, just like everyone else, the rate went up to 32%! They gave me the same lies they are giving everyone else, that something changed on my credit report, and there are a variety of factors leading to the change. All of this is bull, and nothing has changed.
I paid the balance off, and then they renegotiated the interest rates to 15.99%. They said that I could call back in 60 days to try to reduce the rate further, (I do not use the card anymore)
I am reading everyone's stories, and doing my research on Advanta, and their predatory lending practices apparently date back to the 90s.
I've decided that I am going to sue them under breach, since the contract that I signed, says, "for the life of the account" and NOTHING on my credit report has changed. I can see that in the past, there is how Advanta lost most of its cases, under breach. Not only that, but they lied and said they mailed out a letter. Everytime I call, I get hung up on. I asked them to resend the letter they sent, I still have not received it. This behavior, in addition to their history, I think I have enough to at least bring up the claim.
I looked them up on the BBB, and they only have one complaint and there is no information about it, so the BBB is on their side.
For now, I am gathering all my information, and every week I call Advanta for an update. I plan on going to the FTC, the States Attorney General, etc. I am going to sue them for the amount of interest that was charged over and beyond, and that was breach of contract. I am also suing them for my court costs.
I read somewhere else that a poster was able to get a claim through on the BBB, and then Advanta agreed to lower the interest rate, if the person closed the account.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
larceny at it's worst
I too... have been totally "had" by Advanta and it's businesss practices. from 9.9% to 20.99% then to... 37.58%! Never late. No late fees. credit score in the mid 7's. this is sick... Way to help people out in this economy. Does anyone know what they get to borrow money at currently? below 1%. what the F$*! I hope this bank goes down. bad. and all the employees with it. it is one of the most egregious blantent thievery i have ever seen - let alone be a target of it. I am all over a class action suit with anyone that has the time to undertake it. i can be reached at [protected]@yahoo.com I also think that the big business networks ie: Fox CNN etc... expose them - especially when they are talking about banks. do you think anyone could come up with a strategy that might help the economic woes that are plaguing this country...? how about having the banks take some of the billions they just got for below 1% - ask them to lower the interest rate by - oh, say 50% of what ever they are charging the consumers... thereby allowing them to pay instead of defaulting. Let that same customer gain some sanity back and well being - maybe they will have learned a lesson, cut back and "spend" more wisely - but spend. isn't that what the goverment wants us to do... spend? cant do it if we are paying Advanta 37.58% interest profit. The name of the VP of client services at Advanta (as of 12/08) is Anne Howley. but good luck getting a hold of her. I am trying again right now... good luck everyone - and FIGHT!
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Fraud and scam
I have signed up for Advanta Small Business credit card online where they had an offer for 0% apr for 15 month. They stated no transaction fees. I transferred maximum I was given and awaited my first bill.
To my surprise, the first bill came 2 month late along with late fee, over limit fee, and transaction fee. I have called in and they stated since I already transferred maximum that I was charged for over limit. After talking to them, they agreed to give me $50 credit, which I was happy with because it was more than I expected.
After paying double the minimum, I though the headache was over. On my next bill I have found a .15 finance charge for the transaction fee they charged since it was not part of the balance transfer (since they apply your payment to lower rates balances first, there is no way to stop this until full amount is paid off), but since minimum finance charge is $1, they slapped in another dollar to my bill.
I must say this is a total rip off, I have paid the whole bill to get rid of the headaches with dealing with such a nasty company, if I didn't pay it off, they would add finance charge over and over and I can imagine by 15 month at end of offer I would have over $100 in extra fees. Do not get fooled by this company's scam, and other like it they make. Avoid Advanta no matter how tempting their offers are, they always have a catch they will never tell you about until they make you pay extra buck.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Unauthorized charges
Crooked!The same day I received my 37 percent Christmas present increase from Advanta I also received a account verification which I had not opened from Take Charge America a so called credit counseling company.When I called them the first question was what is your interest on your Advanta card and great they work well with us.They always drop the rate to 0 percent.Backed in a corner is what I call it.Gee surrender your cards and pay all the money back twice a month any cards above 9 percent they say they can have them lowered.But Advanta they can have down to 0 percent.I did not just fall off the boat, my grandparents may have but gee I am not stupid.Yes lets all get a hold of the attorney in N.Y. and fight this.### hard as times are.I am a self employed single parent with five pets I have rescued.Please this is totally unacceptable. If you have any additional information that will help.Please call 301... Thanks and don't for get what comes around goes around and to all of you that are doing the dirty work for Advanta shame shame on you!Now go in peace and this to shall pass.Misery likes company and the evil crooked are in misery in themselves.CEOs ect.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Same story here: Advanta offered a low APR and we made timely payments (usually above the minimum) for more than a year. This month I noticed they had jacked the APR to 36.31%. When I contacted them they gave me the "we review accounts periodically" BS. My finances haven't gotten worse since I took out the card...so maybe its Advanta thats crashing/burning so they "evaluate" the accounts periodically to figure out how to rip off consumers so they can save their own sorry ###. Told them to close the account...now lets see if they follow-through...
I have paid ALWAYS on time ---never late----noticed they hiked my rate to 32% ---i asked them to lower it...NO, they say. I did not pay last payment (now 12 days late). I just received a threatening ltr from them! "They are taking actions against me and my business--via Section 11? further...they say, trust us, you don't want us to go there". Now here's a letter where they reference action via section 11 and they do not even get me info on it! Just the threat---that i do want them to go there! Whewwww...unbelievable.
I received my first Advanta credit card just short of a year ago with a very reasonable interest rate of 7.99%. After only FIVE months they raised my interest rate to 29.00% - I called them and they said they had reviewed my credit history and therefore increased the rate. My history had not changed much since they issued the initial rate. I paid off this balance and close my account.
This is rather long...but you really should read it all...
I too have had severe "angry" conversations with these people. Be very, very careful. If you default or are late on a payment, they will increase your interest to the max. 32.99%, then, each time you make a payment, they will lower your credit limit below the next month principal/interest amount and hit you with a $39.00 over limit fee as well. After 90 days they will close your account and expect you to continue paying off the exorbitant charges and late fees and interest. You will continue to fall behind until they dump your contract off to a bottom feeder collection agent. They will usually dump you onto EVAN'S LAW FIRM. This person does not collect but he allows other unscrupulous bottom feeders to use his name. They will file a local judgement suit using a corrupt judge and a local attorney to file against you. You can expect the judgement to be 2 to 3 times your current balance if you do not hire an attorney to represent you.
Now here's the rub. Even if you hire an attorney to fight this law suit abuse, the judge will receive his $250.00 filing fee and your attorney will get his/her $800.00 representative fee and the judge will dismiss or charge the suit based on your ability to pay, however, if the judge dismisses for lack of funds to pay, the collection agency will simply sell your contract to a partner firm for a few dollars and they will contact the local attorney who will file a suit again with the same judge. This can and does go on and on every 90 days for ever. Even after the statute of limitations has expired on the account, you will have to hire a local attorney to appear before the judge to have it dismissed at a cost of $800.00 every 90 days or until you pay off the debt or file for chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. Unfortunately, I was forced into Chapter 13 Bankruptcy by these bottom feeders.
I know! Bankruptcy is an admission of failure! ”###!” I didn’t ask to be laid off and I didn’t ask to get behind, and I didn’t continue to use my credit cards after being laid off from work. All I asked was for some fair play and a level playing field. I lived in a dumpster and paid in every penny I earned for 8 years to NO AVAIL! BANKRUPTCY IS THE ONLY PROTECTION YOU CAN GET TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE UNSCRUPULOUS LENDERS AND COLLECTORS. I originally owed $12, 000.00 on all my cards combined with an annual income of $67, 000.00 on 9/11/01 (terrorist day) and was LAID OFF ON 9/21/01. AFTER DESTROYING MY CREDIT CARDS AND NEVER CHARGING AGAIN, by the end of 8 years of trying to pay them off, being lied to and ripped off by collection agencies and receiving NO help anywhere, my total debt was $72, 000.00 of which I had paid $56, 000.00 over the 8 years in an attempt to satisfy my creditors. They promised to settle for smaller amounts if I paid today. I would pay them and they would keep the money and sell my contract to another associate who would then start the process all over again.
EXAMPLE: ORIGINAL DEBT: $2, 369.00. PAID OFF FOR ½ ELECTRONICALLY. $1173.00. BILLED NEXT MONTH BY DIFFERENT COLLECTION AGENCY $4, 569.00. AFTER 8 YEARS $9, 899.00. The lawyer on this particular suit was asking the judge for a judgement of $23, 869.18 for a $2369.00 original debt.
No one would help me. I complained to the Consumer Credit Council, U.S. Government, State Attorney Generals Office, Senators, Congressmen, and local attorneys, to no avail. I was always brushed off with the same response and attitude. "Well you dead beat! You should pay your bills and you won't have these problems!
I was left with NO OPTION but to file for Chapter 13 to protect myself and my family from these terrorists. My credit score actually increased by 79 points upon my filing Chapter 13. The bottom feeders will now get a total of $14.00 each over a 3 year period of time.
I can only hope that the credit card companies and the collection agencies "get hemorrhoids and live to be a thousand!"
I did have the same experience with advanta, I called and spoke with a supervisor and she was very rude and I told her, I have a perfect Credit report score Just Because i have alots of outstanding credit(mostly Bussniess and i pay my bills on time never late) she didn, t even want to listen, So I closed my account. After one year of never being late.
Interest rate scam
I opened my Advanta small business credit card account in January and after nine months of regular, on-time payments, my interest rate was just raised from 7.99% to 25.8%. When I called and asked why, they said there were no late payments, but the rate increase was based on "a complicated formula of a variety of risk factors including credit history, other credit card payments, mortgages, car loans, etc., and that I was a high risk". They refused to tell me specifically what caused me to be "high risk".
I immediately checked my credit score, which is 777 - rated as "great" and only a 2% risk. We have no car loans, and have paid the mortgage off in full.
I suspect that this is a standard ploy of Advanta's, offering a low "come on" rate and then raising it, and has nothing to do with credit ratings.
According to several consumer credit card websites, Advanta is very popular... which I suspect will change if they continue this business practice. Too bad, because I actually liked the company, and I tend to be a loyal consumer.
Advanta Business card # 8187. Business cards discontinued. Interest was raised to 32.99% some time ago. I requested a hardship reduction but was declined. Now my situation is desperate. I can't afford the high payments and will contempolete bankruptcy, but would like not to, if possible. My interest before was 9.99%. Please help.
They SUCK, , Don't apply, Rates went up from 7.99 to 37.18.
I had an advanta card for almost two years. I got a first 0% interest on the first year which is great because I opened a bussiness and needed the money.
After a year I looked at my statement a couple of months ago and they are charging me a 33% APR interest! My minimum payment doubled from $300 for a $9000 dollars debt to almost $700 dollars.
I called them several times and today was the last one, they said somebody will call me but nobody did. So I finally called again today and an "Indian" customer service man talked to me and said he couldn't do anything! I was so pissed so I said I wanted to talk to a Manager.
After 10-15 minutes waiting on the phone a women with an american accent answered and said that because I paid a couple days late a couple of times they couldn't help me, , , , I can't belive it! these people should go bankrupt!
I don't think they will anyway because they are charging everybody these absurd interest rates. So now, what's next? I have a business and economy is tight so I am not going to be able to pay my CC next month.
Advanta is the worst when it comes to bait and switch tactics! They lured me with a 9% APR and in less than a year bumped me to over 30% APR. I pay my bills reguarly, I even pay more than the minimum. This is plain FRAUD!
People, please check the facts BEFORE signing up with ADVANTA and not AFTER, like I did.
My letter to the Senator (Florida) !
Senator Nelson,
I wrote last week to you via email regarding your position on the CARD ACT, Credit card reform proposed by Senator Chris Dodd, not the bail out. I agree with your position on the bail out and support it.
Chris Dodd proposed the CARD ACT 2008 which regulates credit card companies’ ability to charge excessive interest rates, high fees, Prevents issuers from changing the terms of a credit card contract for the length of the card agreement (ban on unilateral changes to card agreements); Apply Interest Rate Increases Only to Future Debt, Prohibit Interest on Fees, Prevents credit card issuers from increasing interest rates on cardholders in good standing for reasons unrelated to the cardholder’s behavior with respect to that card (universal default ban);Require Prompt and Fair Crediting of Cardholder Payments
ADVANTA CORP credit card raised my interest rate from 7.99% FIXED to 26.31%. When I called to find out why my interest had gone up so drastically they blamed it on the ECONOMY. I closed this account immediately. What is worse is that there is no law to prevent the credit card companies from doing this to us (the consumer). ADVANTA and other credit cards do not consider consumers that have MODERATE interest rates and pay on time PROFITABLE. The mortgage crisis is carrying over to the credit cards, and credit card companies are increasing our interest rates substantially to "squeeze" as much money as possible from us to make a PROFIT. Credit Cards are taking advantage of the financial crisis we are facing and the deregulation that exists in the financial market to raise interest rates. ADVANTA is a business credit card and their increase in interest rates is contributing to individuals and small businesses filing for bankruptcy and leaving others drowning in debt. Credit Cards increase in interest rates is hurting the ECONOMY tremendously; people are unable to pay down their debts with these high interest rates placing ADVANTA and other credit card companies in a predicament where people are not going to be able to make their minimum payments. The middle and low class are going to be paying more FEES for defaulting on their payments. People will be paying more money to the credit card companies and will have more debt instead of less because all the money is going to pay the high interest rates and not the principal. People will be left with less spending money, slowing down the already hurting economy.
This practice is unjust and unethical and their should be laws to protect consumers from this kind of abuse.
Do you support the CARD ACT? Is there a better Credit Card Reform in your opinion? How can I effectively support a legislation that aims to reform credit card industry abuses?
I understand the CARD Act is not the solution to all the problems with credit cards but I believe it to be a step in the right direction.
http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/4401
Another Credit Card Reform Proposed by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
http://maloney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_issues&task=view_issue&issue=298&Itemid=35
Thank you.
Additional information:
I paid half of my ADVANTA debt and transferred the rest to Capital One at a 0% interest rate for 12 months at a cost of 3% one time fee.
I hope this link helps. (Be cautious in playing the credit card game)
http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2007/02/27/how-to-profit-from-0-balance-transfer-credit-card-offers/
We are less than 30 days away from elections. And our VOTE is our most powerful tool right now. Take the time to visit each candidate’s website to learn the issues that affect us and let’s fight back with our vote! Only one candidate addressed Predatory Credit Card Practices.
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/#credit-cards
Vote for the candidate that will PROTECT us from these predatory lenders!
Advanta Reviews 0
If you represent Advanta, take charge of your business profile by claiming it and stay informed about any new reviews or complaints submitted.
Overview of Advanta complaint handling
-
Advanta Contacts
-
Advanta phone numbers+1 (800) 705-7255+1 (800) 705-7255Click up if you have successfully reached Advanta by calling +1 (800) 705-7255 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Advanta by calling +1 (800) 705-7255 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Advanta by calling +1 (800) 705-7255 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Advanta by calling +1 (800) 705-7255 phone number
-
Advanta addressP.O. Box 9217, Old Bethpage, New York, 11804-9217, United States
-
Advanta social media
-
Checked and verified by Andrew This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn moreMay 24, 2024
Recent comments about Advanta company
How to STOP their callsOur Commitment
We make sure all complaints and reviews are from real people sharing genuine experiences.
We offer easy tools for businesses and reviewers to solve issues together. Learn how it works.
We support and promote the right for reviewers to express their opinions and ideas freely without censorship or restrictions, as long as it's respectful and within our Terms and Conditions, of course ;)
Our rating system is open and honest, ensuring unbiased evaluations for all businesses on the platform. Learn more.
Personal details of reviewers are strictly confidential and hidden from everyone.
Our website is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and absolutely free for everyone to use.
Your advice is ###ed, and serves no purpose other than to perpetuate the cycle of bad credit which you seem to be in. Your advice is flawed, and does not include the legal backlash which can happen to you. Yes, you can tell any third party bill collector to stop contacting you, but if Advanta is a first party, they are not bound by the FDCPA. If they are third party, you can write a cease and desist, however that only stops them from contacting you. They can still proceed with collections, and then you get lovely little judgments against you.
Know your rights - look up the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, then do the following:
1. Get a recording device and put the next conversation on speaker.
2. Before they start their tirade, ask if you can record the conversation (required if your state requires it, otherwise, record away).
3. Have them start from the beginning, say what they need to say, and you ask what you should ask (you should know the FDCPA to know what to ask for).
4. Count the violations.
5. Profit - it's $1, 000 per infraction, so they have now paid you for your time.
Use this money to pay off your debt and learn from your mistakes - pay your bills and stop living beyond your means. Anyone who takes the advice of the OP is just asking for 7 years (from the last account activity) of bad credit.