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I sit at my desk completely frustrated with Advanta. I opened up a business credit card with them 3 years ago and made a purchase of $6500 to help build my business credit for Rapid Recovery Solution, my Collection Agency. I have paid more then the minimum every month, on time. Three months ago I noticed that my interest rate seemed a little high. No where on my statement did it say the actual interest rate so I called the company. After 10 min or so I get a live rep on the line and they tell me it is 36.1%. Are they kidding, this must be a mistake. I have over a 750 score and never missed a payment. They said they sent me a notice in Aug that they are doing this due to a change in there lending methods. It turns out this is the second time this year they did this. I went from 8.99% in Jan 08 to 18.99 in Feb 08 to 36.1% in Aug 08.

Now, being in the industry for over 10 years I know that I need to watch my credit. I look for charges I didn’t make and it is tough to scam me. I have seen it all but this takes the cake. They told me I am now at a high risk for default so that is why they raised my interest rate? That doesn’t make any sense. They should lower my rate if they think I will default on my credit card. How will an increase in what you are charging me keep me from defaulting. Luckily, I have the ability to pay off this card today but I want everyone to realize that these companies have you by the short-n-curly’s. Watch your statements and lookout for this scam.

FYI, In NY, the maximum interest rate is 30%. They are charging me more then the maximum allowed in my state. I will send a letter to the BBB, the NY Attorney General, the UT Attorney General and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

As a nation we are in deep trouble. If a credit card company can just raise my rate because they feel like it I am positive that 99% of their customers are also paying 36.1%. How many other credit card companies are doing this to innocent people? We need to fight back. I am going to tell as many people as I can.

Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do except payoff the card. I was told I am a high credit risk. I paid the bill in full after I realized the rate was so high and the next month I received another bill for more finance charges for about $255. I paid that bill in full. I just received another bill in the mail for $5.65 and my rate was changed to 37.99%. Another point higher.

I had a few minutes so I called again to see why the rate went up again and they said “Sir, you have been classified as a very high credit risk and as a company we can’t risk you not paying your bill with us.” I said “I just paid my bill in full with your company, I have never had a late payment with your company in three years, I have one mortgage on my house for $290K, 25 years left at a fixed rate of 5.375% and it is worth over $500k and almost zero credit card debt personally. I am in the fastest growing industry right now, CNBC expects the debt collection industry to grow at 25% a year for the next decade. What else would I have to do to receive a better rate?” The extremely rude lady said “Sir, you would need to send a letter to Santa Clause and maybe he can help you out.”

The Government should put a maximum rate in place for the next year or so on all credit card debt. If the credit card companies are truly worried about consumers defaulting on their obligations, wouldn’t it make more sense to lower the rate so we can continue to make the payments? By raising the rate, it only makes it harder to pay and more likely that a consumer will default. The credit card companies are preying on the weak right now hoping you don’t pay so they can pound you with the highest interest rate. When you do default, they now have a higher balance to sell to a collection agency. In my eyes, this is a crime.

The Government doesn’t care either. Instead of giving the banks 350 billion dollars, They could have sent $1151.98 to each US citizen to pay towards credit card debt. The banks still get the money but we the people get a little break on our bill. The average family of four would receive $4607.92 to pay off a credit card. They reason that the banks need the money so they can lend money again to us? Are they crazy? All the banks did was raise the interest rates on our cards and pocket the money without ever having to say what the money went towards. No accountability!

Now the geniuses in Washington are considering giving billions to the auto industry so they can produce more shit cars that we can’t afford. How about giving the money to everybody with a current auto loan so we can pay for the car we already have. The money would still flow to the banks and auto makers via we the people.

Good luck America, your gonna need a miracle.

I feel better now. I was very upset prior to writing this blog. I hope everybody reading this realizes that if it can happen to me it can happen to anybody.

John Monderine Rapid Recovery Solution, Inc.

John Monderine is the President of Rapid Recovery Solution, Inc. a Debt Collection Agency. When you need help getting your Bad Debt collected visit his Collection Agency website for a no obligation free quote.

If you choose to live a debt – free life, managing your debts may not be as hard with the services the debt management is offering. Besides giving you a financial ease, not all of your earnings will go to the creditors.

With the influx of numerous programs concerning debt management, the consumer will find it hard to choose among them. To get the best company, take a good look at the programs they are offering if they will suit your needs. Ask if it is the right service provider that could alleviate your situation. These companies can be a non – profit or for – profit.

Non – profit companies charge inexpensive fees to their consumers. They help their consumers through supplementary counseling and education to live a debt – free life. Only, they have limited time and resources.

Furthermore, the company that thrives for – profit have more alternatives available for your needs. They will be happy to assist and guide you every step of the way, by spending more time dealing with your crisis. Naturally, the service rates are more expensive.

Coming up a decision on what company to choose is crucial. You have to understand that these companies may offer solutions to debt problems, but this does not happen overnight. It takes a process. To begin the process, one has to take the counseling service, before moving on to the second, which is a program to manage your debts.

The initial feat to living a debt – free life is credit counseling. The counselors will suggest of wise ways on budgeting, saving and planning your expenses. At the same time, they act as a go – between the creditor and you, to converse with how you can repay your debt. After the creditor gives his or her terms, the company will inform you of the proposals on payment reductions and payment scheme. And if it troubles you to live within a limit, the counselors can offer you ways on how to put aside unnecessary expenditures.

Debt management program is in succession with credit counseling, as the former is established based on what has been arranged during the counseling process. This time, the calculated repayment proposal is taken into account. Finally, the payable amount is staggered so that the consumer can afford it.

Making your way out of debt will become easier if you collaborate with debt management service providers. They work as hard to make every attempt to help you cope with crisis. If you want a quick and less complicated process from debt relief, these firms are your best partners.

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categories: debt management,credit services,financial services,saving,management