Chase Sapphire
Posted on: July 6, 2010
You've probably heard the commercials, “I'm free to do what I want…at any old time.” For the last several months now, Chase has been spending millions of dollars in ad-buys on their new Chase Freedom Card. From all of the discussion online, it seems that many people are now using it as their primary card. The question remains, does the new Chase Freedom card live up to the hype and make-up for it's excessive use of a classic Rolling Stones song? The short answer is no, it's just another credit card with a fancy ad-campaign.
The only feature the card has that most major credit cards do not is that cardholders can choose what form their rewards come in. They can either have cash back, rewards points, or airline miles. The rewards themselves are passable, but nothing to write home about. You'll get a paltry 1% cash back should you chose that rewards option. If you move over to points, you can get about 3% back if you redeem them at the right place. Fortunately you can get gift certificates to Amazon.com with the card, which is about as close to cash as any rewards come.
The card it self is a Visa, so it'll be accepted just about everywhere, that's definitely a plus. It features a 20 day grace period which is fairly standard in the industry these days, but there are longer grace periods to be had if you do the looking. If you decide to carry a balance, you're going to be paying a lot more in interest compared to some of the competitor's cards. The best interest rate available on the card is 14.24% variable, which less than fantastic. That means if you have a credit score of 800, you'll still be paying 14.24% on your credit card. If you have less than perfect credit, you're likely to be paying even higher on the card.
At the end of the day, the card's just not worth pursuing, especially if you ever carry a balance. If you're just looking for the rewards and don't care about the interest rate because you don't carry a balance, there are still a lot better places to put your charges. If you're looking for a good credit card, take a look at Citi's Driver's Edge Platinum select. You can use this card to easily get 3% or 4% back in rewards if you have any sort of commute at all.
Chase Sapphire
Posted on: July 5, 2010
I've recently had the misfortune of dealing with JP Morgan Chase, as a result of my credit card company, Washington Mutual, being bought out by them. I've had a credit card with Washington Mutual for more than seven years and never had a problem with it. Not until I've had to deal with JP Morgan Chase. If you are thinking of getting a credit card through JP Morgan Chase, think again. Really.
JP Morgan Chase Has Terrible Customer Service – JP Morgan Chase has to have the worst customer service of any company I have ever dealt with. A month ago, my credit card was suddenly declined when I tried to use it in Bangkok. So, I called JP Morgan Chase and was told, “Sorry, because you used it in Thailand it was blocked. But, no problem, it will be unblocked and a note will be made on your account that you're in Thailand.” Perfect, you would think? Wrong. A week later, my credit card was blocked again. I called JP Morgan Chase again and was told the same thing. A week later, my card was blocked again. In the last month, I have called JP Morgan Chase customer service five times. Five times my credit card has been 'unblocked', only to be blocked again a few days later. Honestly, does JP Morgan Chase only hire idiots? They must do, because every person I've spoken to there has told me there will be no problem in the future, but there always is. Every person at JP Morgan Chase has also told me there IS a notation on my account that I'm in Thailand, but the next time I call I'm informed there is no such notation. What do they use to make the notation? Invisible ink that disappears as soon as the computer screen changes?
JP Morgan Chase Has Too Many Steps To Go Through To Get Anything Done – The last time I called to get my card unblocked, the customer service representative told me it was unblocked but that I would also have to speak to another department to make sure that the unblocking went through. This, after I've entered all my card information on the telephone three times, then waited to talk to a customer service rep, and then spoken to a supervisor. Ridiculous, that I should have to speak to three people to get one minor problem solved.
JP Morgan Chase's Website Is Often Down – I pay my JP Morgan Chase credit card bill online. Several times a month when I go to try to pay, their website is inaccessible. Or they're updating their site (which they seem to do every few days!).
JP Morgan Chase Website Blocking Also Occurs – The last time I tried to pay my bill online, I went to the JP Morgan Chase website only to find my account had been blocked. I called them (again!), to be told there was a suspicious charge on my card and that somebody else had tried to log into my account. The 'suspicious charge' turned out to be a charge for $2 that had been put through when I opened a new blogging account and, yes, I had authorized it. The 'somebody else trying to log into my account' proved to be untrue.
I've only had the 'pleasure' of having a credit card through JP Morgan Chase for about two months and it's been the worst two months in the 25 years I've had credit cards. Yesterday, I called them because my card was blocked again. Their customer service rep absolutely promised me it was unblocked with a note put on my account that I was currently in Thailand. I tried to use the card today and, you guessed it, it's blocked again. Then, when I called to complain and get it unblocked I was informed their entire computer system was down so they couldn't help me.
Honestly, if this is how credit card companies in the US are run, no wonder so many of them are going bankrupt. As it stands right now, I will be cancelling this credit card today as soon as their JP Morgan Chase' computer system is back up and running. You couldn't pay me to have a credit card with JP Morgan Chase – not when I have two other companies who process my credit card needs with 100% excellent service.
Chase Sapphire
Posted on: July 5, 2010
We applied for Chase Credit Card through Amazon.com. At the time we were looking at a couple of pricey mushroom books. Instead of paying $60 for the books, we were able to get them for $30 because of Amazon's great deal for new applicant applying for Chase credit card, a savings of $30. How awesome was that? I thought what a cool card and continued to use it for almost everything and everywhere Visa is accepted. This went on for about a year.
For the year we purchased and paid our bills on time religiously and never accrued any finance charge until recently, when I decided to use the card to pay for a lottery subscription. The second time I used it to buy another lottery subscription was the turning point. I was charged a $10 cash advance fee, which is 20 percent of the purchased price. They told me my state charges the fee, yet the state's website stated that they process credit card transaction as a normal credit card sale. Chase told me a code allow the fee to take place, but they did not disclose the code which is managed by Visa and Mastercard Association. I will have to do more research about this later. My disagreement prompted me to call customer service. They were not helpful at all and I hung up the phone with great disappointment. We paid the fee and our balance anyway and decided to close the account as well. We received a letter confirming the account's closure within a week. But it wasn't over until the fat lady sings.
Arrived with the days mail lo and behold was an envelope that looked like Chase credit card statement. It didn't look good at all. I tore open the envelope and confirm that it was indeed another statement listing a finance charge including the $10 cash advance fee, which we already paid on time. In addition to the fee they added a $1 “residual fee” because of the last purchase and because our credit card balance was so small. On top of that we now have $1 balance left which will be charged an APR of 258.77 percent for any unpaid balance. When I talked to Chase card Customer service supervisor he apologizes, “Sorry you feel that way.” I'm like yeah right that's what they all say. I called again and my account was eventually credit the dollar which means we now have zero balance, but come to think of it our savings of $30 for buying books is not worth the stress. You tell me.
If you're interested in credit cards we recommend a Sears or Discover card. We are happy with them at least for the time being.
Sources:
personal experience
Chase Sapphire
Posted on: July 5, 2010
We applied for Chase Credit Card through Amazon.com. At the time we were looking at a couple of pricey mushroom books. Instead of paying $60 for the books, we were able to get them for $30 because of Amazon's great deal for new applicant applying for Chase credit card, a savings of $30. How awesome was that? I thought what a cool card and continued to use it for almost everything and everywhere Visa is accepted. This went on for about a year.
For the year we purchased and paid our bills on time religiously and never accrued any finance charge until recently, when I decided to use the card to pay for a lottery subscription. The second time I used it to buy another lottery subscription was the turning point. I was charged a $10 cash advance fee, which is 20 percent of the purchased price. They told me my state charges the fee, yet the state's website stated that they process credit card transaction as a normal credit card sale. Chase told me a code allow the fee to take place, but they did not disclose the code which is managed by Visa and Mastercard Association. I will have to do more research about this later. My disagreement prompted me to call customer service. They were not helpful at all and I hung up the phone with great disappointment. We paid the fee and our balance anyway and decided to close the account as well. We received a letter confirming the account's closure within a week. But it wasn't over until the fat lady sings.
Arrived with the days mail lo and behold was an envelope that looked like Chase credit card statement. It didn't look good at all. I tore open the envelope and confirm that it was indeed another statement listing a finance charge including the $10 cash advance fee, which we already paid on time. In addition to the fee they added a $1 “residual fee” because of the last purchase and because our credit card balance was so small. On top of that we now have $1 balance left which will be charged an APR of 258.77 percent for any unpaid balance. When I talked to Chase card Customer service supervisor he apologizes, “Sorry you feel that way.” I'm like yeah right that's what they all say. I called again and my account was eventually credit the dollar which means we now have zero balance, but come to think of it our savings of $30 for buying books is not worth the stress. You tell me.
If you're interested in credit cards we recommend a Sears or Discover card. We are happy with them at least for the time being.
Sources:
personal experience
Chase Sapphire
Posted on: July 5, 2010
Maybe the banks that are receiving those Wall Street bailouts should be charged 30 percent interest when (if) they pay back the money to taxpayers, because the banks are charging credit card holders with these types of interest rates.
All you have to do is miss one credit card payment – or to have the credit card payment recorded late, in a mysteriously slow manner – and the banks will hit you up even bigger than in the past.
Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and American Express all have sent letters to credit card customers.
JPMorgan Chase isn't among the bailed out institutions, but its managers have sprung a new idea beyond interest rates. JPMorgan Chase credit card holders are assessed a $10 monthly fee if their balances are considered too large.
Banks argue that their credit card default rates are rising, which causes them to take greater risks. However, consumer advocates note that the banks also are trying to recover the money they blew on the bad mortgages that led to the Wall Street bailout in the first place.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd complained last week that the banks are “gouging” their credit card customers, who just happen to be the same people who are paying as taxpayers for the Wall Street bailout. However, Chris Dodd and other politicians seem to have little muscle to back their fighting words. It's sort of like trying to limit executive compensation.
On option for Congress is to pass the so-called Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights (H.R. 5244), introduced by Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York, chairwoman of the House Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee
“A credit card agreement is supposed to be a contract, but in recent years cardholders have lost the ability to say no to unfair interest rate hikes and fees,” Maloney says.
The Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights does not strive to cap rates or fees, because such a provision could be torn down in court. Insaid, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights aims to fight against unfair penalties, due date gimmicks and misleading contract language.
The Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights won't help you pay the bills, but it could help prevent you from getting jacked up by unfair bank practices.
SOURCES
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-lazarus15-2009feb15,0,6708971.column?page=2
http://maloney.house.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1569&Itemid=61
Chase Sapphire
Posted on: July 5, 2010
Having mentioned there are 12 Chase credit card categories, we should name those basic categories. The categories are: general purpose cards, rebate cards, entertainment cards, travel cards, auto and gas cards, retail cards, student cards, military cards, sports cards, business cards, college and university alumni cards, and cards to support organizations. It is a credit card category line-up that is hard to beat.
To further our overview of these Chase credit card categories, we shall describe what each category of card is designed, basically to do, and though this article is not meant to be comprehensive, it will open the world of Chase card categories for your further research. So, let us start with the Chase Bank 11 general purpose cards. The Chase general purpose card delivers great rates, superior service and purchasing power by offering features such as, triple points for eligible purchases, no annual fee, and a rewards program that allows you to switch from redeemable points to cash. There are 24 rebate cards offering as much as 3% cash rebate, with no annual fee and a rewards program that allows you to switch from cash to redeemable points. Rebate cards earn cash rewards on daily purchases at your favorite retailers. Want to feel like a VIP? Try the 20 Chase entertainment cards with points redeemable for rewards at great entertainment facilities like Disney, Universal and Six Flags.
It is time for us to travel with 19 Chase cards, like the Chase AAA Rewards Visa Card, which allows you to earn 5 points for every $1 spent on gasoline, at a fueling station pump; points which you can redeem, through AAA, for travel to the destination of your choice. For the Auto and Gas category, there are 16 cards like the Bp card which has the buying power of visa, rebates on gasoline, travel and dining purchases, plus you can earn double rebates. With the 30 Retail cards from Chase, like the Amazon Platinum Visa Card you will receive points and discounts redeemable for shopping certificates, free products and entertainment.
Are you a college student? If you are, there are 41 great Chase cards to choose from including the Chase + 1SM card. This card lets you buy your clothes, gear and other college related items while you reward yourself. You will also save money by getting low credit card interest rates, great card member benefits, and at the same time you will be establishing your credit history. Still remember the good ole days of college? Well, now you can support your alma mater with one of 43 College and University Alumni Cards. Every time you make a purchase, your Alumni card will be supporting your former college or university. And, though many credit card holders will not want to support a college or university, they may want to support a favorite charity or organization. You can do that with one of 39 Chase Cards to Support Organizations. You can show the world you care by saving children, supporting the handicapped, or giving support to another charitable organization by using your support organizations credit card.
We live in a great country and our country needs the support of the military, so Chase has designed 5 great armed forces cards. These cards are designed for current and former military personnel; however, if you feel you would like to show your support for our military, you are invited to apply for a military card also. Are you wondering how many sports cards there are? Well, there are 17 sports cards that allow you to give support to your favorite sport teams whether they are baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer organizations. And finally, let us not forget about the business sector of our grand society. Chase offers 20 powerhouse business credit cards to give you effective ways to command low interest rates, organize your expenses, and receive super rewards just for making purchases with your credit card.
There they are, over 250 exciting Chase credit cards, designed to meet your every credit card demand. Upon further research of these cards you will find that Chase truly offers some of the better credit card deals and services available anywhere on the planet. If you are a credit card user, who knows, maybe one day soon you will be the proud owner of an exceptional and powerful Chase credit card. For more information on credit cards visit http://www.eshopperworld.com.
Chase Sapphire
Posted on: July 5, 2010
The Chase Freedom Credit Card has a lot of cool features for individuals looking for a new line of credit; benefits such as $50 cash back on your first purchase, no annual fee and up to 3% cash back from there, depending on whether these purchases are in line with what you typically purchase with your credit card or not. That all sounds very good, upon further examination you are first considered for their Chase Freedom Visa® Signature card, and then automatically be in the running for their Chase Freedom Visa® Platinum card (if you are not approved for the prior card), before you get the Chase Freedom Credit Card.
Seeing that your credit is pulled for two different cards in this application we figured we'd take a look at the terms of those two different cards and see how they compare in order to inform customers of what they were getting themselves into. The Chase Freedom Visa Signature card can have an APR up to 31.24% variable, though the interest rates for other transactions such as balance transfers and cash advances were definitely a bit lower than that. Your grace period is 20 days, your transaction fee for balance transfers is generally 3% but cannot exceed $99. One clear advantage of the Signature card over the Platinum card is that there is no over the limit credit fee. This is information we pulled from the Rate, Fee and Other Cost Information from the First Usa website that is promoting the card.
With the Signature card the Bonus Rebate of the initial $50 is applied after 6 to 8 weeks; the 3% works out to a 1% base rebate for each dollar of additional purchase and a 2% bonus for $1 of eligible purchases gleaned from those 3 categories of which you shop the most. Outside of that, you can get a maximum of $12 a month on $600 of net purchases. Once you are actually a card member with them though those terms can change, which are outlined in information they mail to you at that time.
“Okay that is good and all but what about the Platinum card that they say I may be eligible for if I cannot secure the Signature card”, is what you are probably wondering about at this point. That was the card I wasn't able to get information on; if you look at the Chase website you find a lot of promotional information about the idea of the Freedom card in general, without a lot of differentiation as to what the differences between the two cards are or any benefit of getting one card over the other. Logic would dictate that if you cannot get the Signature card, you certainly would not be able to get a Platinum card, though we found similar verbage at this website which suggests that other card is just a plain old Chase Platinum Visa Card.
This time the over the credit limit fee is $39 and their is no rebate plan whatsoever. As far as balance transfers; no more than $75. So it's still a bit hazy as to whether or not an application for the Chase Freedom Credit Card isn't a slick way to direct consumers towards their regular Chase Platinum Visa Card, which does have some benefits that are negligible but certainly not as enticing as their rebates. Either way, consumers are paying a lot in interest once that grace of being a new customer wears thin and there aren't any clear indications as to what the credit limit would be for either card as well …
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Posted on: July 4, 2010
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Chase Sapphire - Zero APR Credit Card 