Thread: Help finding Visa/Mastercard

Currently I have 2 Chase Mastercards that I am looking to replace.

reason being, both have no perks, and Chase has this thing where they can fluctuate your APR as they see fit.

my AMEX Blue Cash, has a set APR and does not fluctuate, and provides cash back on everyday purchases. Are there any Visa/Mastercards out there that can provide the same?

the Chase Freedom has 5% back in rotating categories, the other I believe is 1% back.

for example let's say it is doing home improvement, drug stores, movies and restaurants. once you sign up you get 5% in these categories, if you were to go to champs or the gap you would get 1% cashback.

not all that familiar with Bank of America I would imagine they have a cash back card.

BUT...

i have 2 Chase cards currently, and upon contacting their customer service once a year to check up on my interest rate, they state they cannot lower my interest rate as it fluctuates due to market. additionally they periodically run credit checks on my person to further adjust interest rate higher if they see fit. if suddenly i look high risk but have not have any issues with repayment, but carry many high balances and loans' they will jack up my interest rate.

they have told me this numerous occasions, which is why i am asking this question. i want a legitimate credit card that DOES NOT RUN RANDOM credit checks against my person as they see fit and at their own vice jack up my interest rate to whatever rate they see fit. even if i do not hold a high balance on their card.

there is a reason why i've used my american express platinum as my sole card 95% of the time. amex blue cash the remainder and if they don't accept amex, then i'll use my mastercard/visa chase cards if i absolutely must.

i'm literally tired of reading every single cards fine print to determine if they have the same business practices as Chase does. or simply is that just the way Visa/Mastercard cards operate these days?

I would take a look at Bank of America, see what they offer. I don't have any of their cards, I'm not sure if they do random checks on your personal file. But I believe they do have a cash back card, when you get a chance you should stop off at there branch and ask them some questions. Wells Fargo has some nice cards not sure if there cash back.

I think the card you are looking for is a Citibank card, it's either the Dividend or select platinum. I believe they have a 5% rotating category. you also might want to stop off at your bank and ask some questions.

Originally Posted by hachiroku

Currently I have 2 Chase Mastercards that I am looking to replace.

reason being, both have no perks, and Chase has this thing where they can fluctuate your APR as they see fit.

my AMEX Blue Cash, has a set APR and does not fluctuate, and provides cash back on everyday purchases. Are there any Visa/Mastercards out there that can provide the same?

ANY bank or credit union can change the APR on your account as they see fit (provided they inform you in advance per CARD Act laws).

Your best bet would be to look into a credit union like Navy FCU or Pentagon FCU (PenFed) as they offer cash back cards and credit unions generally do not fluctuate APR's like banks do. Now, I have had fantastic luck with BofA in that my Visa card that I opened in 2001 still has 9.9% fixed APR (I hope I didnt jinx myself...). But virtually every other credit card that I have ever opened has changed my APR at some point.

Another observation I will make is that reward cards are notorious for having higher APR's because, well, that helps the bank pay the reward. So, if you are really hell bent on having a reward card, it is best not to carry a balance and therefore, the APR is really not relevant. You should instead look for a basic card with a low APR (again best from a credit union) that you can keep around in case you need to carry a balance.

I agree with CC D, they all change the APR and review your account for more ways and means to nickel and dime you. However i have to say Chase is notorious for your above experience that is why i longer like using chase product unless i plan on paying in full.

The card i really like and will always keep is FLEX by US Bank. This bank is consistent, will review your account for CLI (2500 increase this year) and flood you with balance transfer offers.

Originally Posted by ooxs

The card i really like and will always keep is FLEX by US Bank. This bank is consistent, will review your account for CLI (2500 increase this year) and flood you with balance transfer offers.

I have to agree with you about US Bank. I have had an account with them for years. I recently linked my checking account with my FlexPerks Cash Rewards Visa. This gives me 1.25% cash back (standard 1% with a 25% bonus). Unlike some other cards the bonus is credited every month and not once a year.