National Geographic Platinum MasterCard® Reviews

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National Geographic Platinum MasterCard®
Issued by First USA

Total Posts: 5

Average Rating: 1.9

Category: Regular

Showing 1 - 5 of a total of 5 Commentaries

1-5

"This company is not your friend."

I've had the National Geographic Platinum Mastercard for almost 2 years now. I currently have 2 other credit cards (A Visa card with Digital Federal Credit Union, and a Mastercard with Capital One) with APR's of 11.75% and 11.49%. (as well as 2 additional cards which are store-specific and have higher rates)

My APR on the National Geographic card, which used to be around 12% is now at 29.24%. The first time I asked about a month back, they told me it was because I went over my limit twice about 7 or 8 months ago. Both times I immediately called them to explain, and immediately paid the outstanding balance.

The other night night I called them again and asked again what my rate is. They told me 29.24%. I again asked why, and this time they informed me that they received a notification from a credit reporting agency that one or more of my other credit cards was over 50% of the limit, and they told me they sent me notice that this constitutes a risk and that they were raising my limit. I never received this notification, or if I did, it was hidden in some kind of fine print where I was not able to find it. They also mentioned the issue about going over my credit limit as I mentioned before.

Interesting how they find me to be a credit risk based on the above explanation, but regardless, they sent me a letter at the end of July notifying me that they voluntarily increased my credit limit by $1000. Suuure. This guy is too risky... let's lend him more money.

I told them that I am in a position to transfer my balance, and by increasing my rate to 29+%, they are telling me they do not want my business. Of course their reply was that they DO want my business, but are unable to offer a lower rate on this account. I asked to speak to a supervisor, who basically told me the same thing. I asked the supervisor for someone who has the authority to lower my account and potentially keep a good customer who went through a tough financial period, and they gave me a fax number for the corporate office where I can send a written request.

Last night, I initiated an online payment to pay off the balance, which is scheduled to go through today. Since then, a rather large payment from a utility company posted to my account (earlier than I had expected). The balance on my credit card shows that I am AGAIN over my limit by about $200, because the new charge posted, but somehow my payment magically did not. The payment, for over $1,000 will more than cover this amount. I'm sure they will process it at 11:59pm or something, hoping that I'll charge something else in the meantime. Oh yeah, and they charged me another $35 over limit fee.

Needless to say, the fax I am about to send to their corporate office is not going to request a lower rate, but rather is going to explain that in a few days I will no longer their customer because of their dirty, manipulative, predatorial tactics, and that I will never again apply for another credit card, or a bank account, for that matter, with Chase bank.

Most attractive feature: Online bill pay by bank debit. Opportunity to support National Geographic.

Least attractive feature: Will use any excuse in the book to raise your rate. No regard for financial difficulty.

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Posted by: Bobby

Date: 11/8/2006

Recommend?

This person does not recommend this card.

"Predatory Lending"

I have done business with this company for nine years. Recently, without notice the company raised my interest rate from 7% to 25%. They said they pulled a credit report and based on other debts?? that I was a credit risk!! I have maintained over 700 credit score my entire credit life and am not late on any payments ever. A credit card company that makes decisions not based on credit score and entirely on their gut feeling is FOS! This is the worst company or card you could do business with. They should be turned in to the BBB!!!

Most attractive feature: None

Least attractive feature: Customer Service and Interest Rate

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Posted by: Bosco

Date: 1/10/2004

Recommend?

This person does not recommend this card.

"Jacked "

After slipping on ice this winter, I added medical bills to my credit cards. All five are close to their maximum balances, but I have always paid (for years) on time, and the payments are not a financial burden. I've had FUSA's National Geographic Visa for over two years at 12.99% interest. Overnight, without notification, they raised the interest rate to 24.99%. Calls to customer service only led to claims of sending notification (I did not receive anything) and instructions to call Experion. I finally sent in a letter to FUSA's complaint department, to which I received a form letter saying that this was the lowest APR they could offer me, and don't forget my travel benefits. Needless to say, I closed my account that day.

I would avoid First USA and their new owner Bank One at all costs. I feel that they prey on people who are momentarily down without regard to individual situations. If Mr. Grosvnor at National Geographic knew how they are taking advantage of people in order to make a buck, he would severe his affiliation immediately.

Most attractive feature: National Geographic affiliation

Least attractive feature: High APR - without notification

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Posted by: Audrey

Date: 9/16/2003

Recommend?

This person does not recommend this card.

"Payments due in less than 2 weeks!"

Nice to be able to support National Geographic, but this card will be a problem if you travel or expect a 20 grace period for payment, as the issuer advertises.

Although I live near a major metropolitan area with typically good mail service, I have received 2 statments less than 14 days before payment was due; the issuer states that a grace period of at least 20 days will be allowed.

If you travel far from a computer or expect 20 day billing cycles, think twice before ordering this card.

Most attractive feature: Insurance coverage, friendly customer service

Least attractive feature: Statements arrive less than two weeks before due date

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Posted by: Mike

Date: 8/4/2003

Recommend?

This person does not recommend this card.

"This is an excellent card!"

I ordered this card 2 years ago after searchng all over for cards. This card is wonderful. The APR has stayed low and everyone who sees it oohs and ahhs at the National Geographic pic on the front.

Most attractive feature: Ir has a low APR and is a beutiful card!

Least attractive feature: It only had the 0% APR for 9 mos.

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